Recipes
Discover 6 Fast-Food Chains with Only Freshly Cut Fries
2024-12-04
Fast food lovers often find themselves in a dilemma - the burger is delicious, but what about the fries? Well, there are some chains that don't take fries lightly. They go the extra mile to serve fresh, hand-cut potatoes that are a cut above the rest. Let's explore six such chains.

Uncover the Fast-Food Chains with Irresistible Fries

1. In-N-Out

California's In-N-Out is a beloved burger joint that prides itself on freshness. No freezers or microwaves here - the most advanced gadget is the potato slicer. In-N-Out hand-cuts its spuds in-house and fries them in 100% sunflower oil right before your eyes. While some may criticize the fries as "garbage" and the worst on the menu, regulars swear by them. Ordering them well-done and Animal Style, with melted cheese, grilled onions, and their iconic secret sauce, can turn them into a delicious treat.Another tip is to order the fries "well done" to achieve a more desirable crispness. It's not just about the taste but also the experience of watching the fries being prepared fresh.

2. Mooyah

Mooyah, a Texas-born burger chain, is committed to impressing with its fries. Using 100% Idaho potatoes, they cut them in-house daily and put them through a "24-hour six-step process" that combines science and fry meditation. The fries come out crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and are simply impossible to stop eating. Each step in the process is carefully executed to ensure the perfect texture and flavor.

3. Elevation Burger

Elevation Burger takes a healthier approach to fries. Instead of using traditional frying methods, they serve gluten-free fries cooked in heart-healthy olive oil. This makes them a great option for those who are health-conscious but still want to enjoy a delicious fry. The fries have a unique flavor and texture that sets them apart from other chains.

4. Five Guys

Five Guys is known for its polarizing fries. Some swear by their boardwalk-style spuds, while others dismiss them as an oversized, soggy mess. But the chain takes its fry process seriously. They primarily use premium Idaho potatoes, except during the two months when they are out of season and turn a little too soft. During this time, they switch to "gap potatoes" from Washington to maintain quality.Each potato is hand-cut and power-washed to remove excess starch, ensuring a non-gummy texture. The fries are then double-fried in nonhydrogenated peanut oil, which gives them a subtle buttery flavor. The first fry cooks them through, followed by a 15-minute rest. The second fry delivers that perfect crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside texture.

5. Hopdoddy Burger Bar

Since 2010, Hopdoddy Burger Bar has been on a mission to elevate the burger bar. And they do the same with their fries. Made from Chipperbec Potatoes grown by sixth-generation potato farmers specifically for chips and French fries, the fries are fresh and delicious. New batches are hand-cut every day.Last year, the chain scored extra points with health enthusiasts when it announced it was ditching seed oil in favor of cooking oil from the eco-friendly Zero Acre Farms. They also offer a variety of flavor options, ranging from truffle oil and Parmesan fries to old-school "stick-to-your-ribs" flavors like nacho cheese.

6. BurgerFi

As a relatively small and new chain, BurgerFi is getting a lot of praise for its fries. Using "fresh cut from real spuds" - Russet potatoes cooked in peanut oil, they offer a variety of flavors. The "Urban Style" fries, with Parmesan, herbs, and truffle aioli, are one of the most favored.The fries are cooked to perfection, with a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior. They complement the burgers perfectly and add an extra dimension to the dining experience.For more smart fast-food coverage and dining tips, please sign up for our free newsletters. This article was originally published on Cheapism.
How Food-Centered Holidays Teach Us to Slow Down
2024-12-04
Akira Kopec takes us on a journey through a Thanksgiving week filled with traditions, music, and the beauty of shared moments.

Discover the Magic of a Slower Thanksgiving

Gram's Ukrainian Family Recipe: Piggies

This Thanksgiving became a multi-day celebration for Akira and his family. It all began on Wednesday when Akira traveled to his Gram's home. There, he learned a generations-old Ukrainian family recipe for Halupki, affectionately called "piggies." Traditionally not a Thanksgiving food, but upon a friend's wish for them at her future wedding, Akira asked his Gram to teach him. The process of stuffing the cabbage leaves was tedious, with each leaf requiring careful attention - first with a ground turkey mixture and then with ground beef. Akira playfully remarks that if his friend wants these for her wedding, she should keep the guest list small.The time between assembling the turkey and beef piggies was filled with a break for lunch and listening to his cousin Placido practice Christmas songs on the piano. Even at a young age, Placido played with the swiftness and confidence of a seasoned performer. The conclusion of "Silent Night" was quickly followed by the opening notes of "Beauty and the Beast" from Akira's favorite Disney film, causing him to lose control of his emotions and shed a few tears.

Preparing Thanksgiving Dinner - Part Two

Later in the week, Akira went to his cousins' home to help prepare Thanksgiving dinner. The dinner wasn't until 5 that night, but they started the preparations in the late morning hours, which turned out to be a great decision. After the morning's work, Akira went on a cousin-led tour of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. They made stops at a coffee shop with a large glass window offering a view of the Christmas-lit town, an old-fashioned candy store where a cardboard box could be filled with various candies, a locally owned bookshop with the smell of old paper and vanilla, and a record store with jazz-infused background music and vintage albums. During the tour, Akira learned about his cousin Bella's obsession with pickles and his 13-year-old cousin's fascination with Anne Boleyn.After the tour, they returned to a home filled with laughter and warmth. The counters, which were empty earlier, were now filled with dozens of gluten-free dishes made by family members. This change was due to Akira's aunt's diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Instead of seeing it as a burden, the family saw it as an opportunity to create something novel and delicious. As they sat down to listen to his uncle say grace, Akira realized that this day was about the shared experiences that brought them closer.

The Importance of Slowing Down

Akira reflects on how the beautiful moments of the week were a result of privilege in his life. In the past, holidays were often rushed due to the stress of preparation. But this past week taught him the importance of slowing down when given the chance. Food, in both its preparation and consumption, invites us to pause and be mindful. Whether it's the methodical rhythm of stuffing cabbage leaves or sitting around a table with family, these moments truly nourish our hearts and bodies.Akira Kopec is a junior majoring in integrative neuroscience. The opinions expressed in the article represent his personal views.
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Lexus khám phá ẩm thực Việt qua Sense Vietnam by Lexus
2024-12-05
Trong cuộc sống hiện đại, Lexus tại Việt Nam luôn đứng đầu trong chương trình trải nghiệm dành cho khách hàng. Nó không chỉ mang lại những chiếc ô tô sang trọng và tinh tế, mà còn tạo ra những trải nghiệm khó quên. Thông qua các hoạt động liên quan đến di sản văn hóa và ẩm thực đặc sắc của vùng miền, Lexus mang đến cho khách hàng một sự kết nối sâu sắc.

Nhịp đập cảm xúc cùng Lexus

Trong quá trình phát triển, Lexus đặt ra mục tiêu tối ưu hóa trải nghiệm thương hiệu đối với khách hàng. Nó muốn khách hàng có thể tận hưởng đầy đủ những cảm xúc độc đáo và mang lại giá trị cao cấp. Ví dụ, Lexus vừa giới thiệu “Học viện ẩm thực Maverick” - một series mới nhằm tôn vinh đam mê ẩm thực của các đầu bếp trên toàn châu Á. Trước đó, họ cũng tổ chức chuyến đi Escape to Amazing đến Margaret River (Australia) để讓 khách hàng trải nghiệm ẩm thực địa phương.Trong các mẫu xe hybrid nổi bật của Lexus như ES300h, NX350h và RX500h F SPORT Performance, khách hàng có thể cùng đi trên những con đường đẹp nhất Việt Nam. Từ vùng biển Cam Ranh đến vùng cao nguyên Lang Biang, mọi người có thể cảm nhận được sự kết hợp giữa sự êm ái và mạnh mẽ của các mẫu xe. Không gian khoang lái yên tĩnh, dễ chịu, tinh tế đến từng chi tiết thiết kế mang lại một sự kết nối trực quan giữa người lái và xe.

Khám phá ẩm thực Việt độc đáo

Giữa miền đất trời Ninh Thuận, khách hàng của Sense Vietnam by Lexus có dịp thưởng thức thực đơn đặc biệt. Chef Alain Nguyễn, người có nhiều năm kinh nghiệm tại các nhà hàng 3 sao Michelin ở Paris, thể hiện tình yêu của mình đối với các sản phẩm địa phương thông qua món gỏi sứa Ninh Chữ, ốc giác hấp sả, tôm sú nướng tỏi Phan Rang, cá mú hầm sốt đậu tương và đùi cừu Ninh Thuận.Khi lên đến cao nguyên, Chef Thảo Na và Sommelier Huy Nguyễn tạo ra thực đơn đặc sắc của Đà Lạt trong bữa tiệc tối đón chào Giáng sinh. Với chủ đề “From Garden to Gourmet”, họ mang đến cho khách hàng món cá tầm nấu nồi gang Cocotte và trứng cá tầm từ trang trại cao nguyên 25 năm tuổi. Hòa quyện nước sốt hầm Atiso với bánh Ravioli gan ngỗng và các loại rau quả Đà Lạt.Nét thẩm mỹ tinh tế trong cách bài trí món ăn dựa trên nét đẹp từ cẩm tú cầu, sen đá, thược dược,… tạo ấn tượng riêng biệt. Sommelier Huy Nguyễn cũng đóng một vai trò quan trọng trong việc giúp khách hàng trọn vẹn cảm xúc với các dòng thức uống.

Lexus - Thương hiệu mang tính cá nhân

Sense Vietnam cho thấy Lexus không chỉ là một thương hiệu ô tô cao cấp, mà còn mang lại sự thay đổi. Nó mong muốn mang đến cho từng khách hàng một trải nghiệm mang tính cá nhân thông qua 5 giá trị cốt lõi: đẳng cấp, tinh hoa, tinh thần omotenashi, đam mê và sáng tạo không giới hạn.Hành trình trải nghiệm thương hiệu Sense Vietnam by Lexus thể hiện rõ tinh thần của ông Akio Toyoda, Chủ tịch tập đoàn Toyota. “Lexus không đơn thuần tạo nên những phương tiện vận chuyển. Chúng tôi đánh thức mọi giác quan của khách hàng trong cả hành trình trải nghiệm thương hiệu”.Lexus tại Việt Nam liên tục tạo ra những giá trị độc đáo và mang lại cho khách hàng những trải nghiệm bất ngờ. Nó là một thương hiệu luôn tiến bộ và mang lại sự thách thức mới cho mọi người.
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