The Takeout's Top Food News Of The Week February 10, 2024

In which we report on new snacks, useful products, culinary celebrities, and of course, TikTok recipes.

If there's any part of the home people love to spend time in, it's their kitchen—so it makes sense that seemingly everyone is keeping track of trends in kitchen design and adding certain features to their wish list, no matter their budget. Axios reports that the National Kitchen and Bath Association has released its report on the emerging trends in 2024, and one kitchen design element tops the list: the beverage station. – Dennis Lee Read More

Whether you prefer Detroit style, New York style, Chicago style, or even heart-shaped, pizza has earned its day of celebration, and that holiday is just around the corner. February 9 is National Pizza Day, and no matter your topping preference or crust requirements, there is a pizza deal out there for you. – Angela L. Pagán Read More

So-called functional food and beverage products are all the rage these days, and the category has seen one area of major growth: THC-infused consumer packaged goods. Yep, we're talking about food that'll get you stoned. Marijuana is currently legal for recreational use in 24 states, including a couple of the most populous ones. Combine that weed availability with the upcoming Super Bowl, and you can then understand the timing behind one company's new THC-infused Buffalo wing sauce. – Dennis Lee Read More

The Applebee's promotion that was gone in 60 seconds is coming back, but this time around the chain has learned a valuable lesson: Do not piss off your fans. According to an email announcement, Applebee's Date Night Pass will once again be available for purchase until February 9. – Angela L. Pagán Read More

New Orleans is in the midst of celebrating carnival season, which culminates next Tuesday on Mardi Gras Days. But the Great Crawfish Crisis of 2024 looms over the city and Louisiana, where the mudbugs are on menus from late winter through summer. – Micheline Maynard Read More

Since it first became America's morning ritual decades ago, Starbucks has broadened its reach into categories beyond coffee, from Refreshers to potato chips to fancy casserole bites. Now, as company leadership announced in its most recent earnings call, Starbucks will try to reach customers later into the evening, too, thanks to a pilot program with Gopuff. – Angela L. Pagán Read More

People love talking about fast food on social media. Getting hyped for limited-time releases is one thing, but the discourse about fast food chains isn't always positive. Restaurant Business reports that the one chain that Reddit couldn't stop talking about in 2023 was Taco Bell—and much of the conversation was centered around one thing: its prices. – Dennis Lee Read More

In a sure sign spring is on its way (we refuse to rely on Punxsutawney Phil), McDonald's has announced a surprise drop of some seasonal treats extra early this year. Starting today, February 5, the Shamrock Shake and the Oreo Shamrock McFlurry have returned to the McDonald's menu to satiate your cravings for mildly minty and artificially green frozen dairy desserts. – Dennis Lee Read More

The Super Bowl is one of the biggest food celebrations of the year, one whose festivities involve sitting in front of the TV and eating just about everything for hours on end. So it's no wonder that millions of people prepare for these gatherings by Googling the best party recipes. – Dennis Lee Read More

For people who love Polish doughnuts, pączki (pronounced poonch-key) season starts earlier and earlier each year. Though traditionally a treat for Fat Tuesday, bakeries across the Detroit area and places with Eastern European populations begin selling pączki weeks in advance, while others are taking orders to be picked up on the day before Ash Wednesday. And this year's pączki are fancier than ever. – Micheline Maynard Read More