Uncover the Garbage Plate Phenomenon in Rochester
Origins at Nick Tahou Hots
The garbage plate traces its roots back to Rochester restaurant Nick Tahou Hots, which opened its doors in 1918 and has been hailed as the "home of the garbage plate." Initially known as "hots and potatoes," this dish consisted of macaroni salad, potatoes, and a hot dog topped with meat sauce. With Nick Tahou's 24-hour operation, it became a late-night hotspot, attracting a crowd of bar-goers in the early morning hours. Over time, the name evolved to "garbage plates" as customers requested a plate filled with all the "garbage" ingredients. 2: This historical significance has solidified Nick Tahou Hots' place in Rochester's culinary history. The simple yet delicious combination of flavors and textures laid the foundation for the garbage plate phenomenon that would spread to other eateries in the area.Dogtown Hots: A Garbage Plate Haven
At Dogtown Hots, a specialty hot dog restaurant in Rochester, garbage plates are always a top seller. The indulgent dish starts with a layer of macaroni salad next to a serving of potatoes, which can include tater tots, home fries, or traditional deep-fried seasoned potato nuggets. It is then covered in a meat sauce and topped with either a hamburger patty with cheese or a hot dog. The traditional finishing touches of mustard and onions add the perfect flavor balance, but customers have the option to customize their plates with other condiments. 2: Dogtown Hots' menu offers a wide variety of hot dogs and plates, allowing customers to explore different combinations. The immense hot dog menu showcases the creativity and diversity of flavors that can be combined with the classic garbage plate elements.The Palate and Appeal
The palate for garbage plates can be an acquired one, as it mixes unexpected ingredients. For skeptics, it may seem like a strange combination, but locals embrace it as a Rochester thing. As Fran Basile, president of Dogtown Corp., explains, "It's a lot of food. You can do a vegan plate. You can do hot dogs, burgers, veggie burgers, veggie dogs." The versatility of the garbage plate allows for customization and caters to a wide range of dietary preferences. 2: Despite the unconventional nature of the ingredients, the garbage plate has won over the hearts and taste buds of many. Its accessibility and deliciousness make it a must-try for both locals and visitors alike. Whether you're a fan of traditional hot dogs or looking to try something new, the garbage plate offers a unique culinary experience.Discover the Foods that Fortify Your Immune System
Red Bell Pepper: A Vitamin C Powerhouse
One raw red bell pepper contains double the daily dose of vitamin C. As Dr. Saphier pointed out, vitamin C is truly excellent for our immune system. Whether grilled or boiled, it still retains its nutritional value and other beneficial nutrients. She even slices red bell peppers and serves them to her kids almost every morning before school, emphasizing its easy incorporation into our daily diet.Blueberries: Nature's Antioxidant Powerhouse
Saphier described blueberries as a "superfood" and "nature's powerhouse." With one of the highest amounts of jam-packed, antioxidant, low-calorie, and low-sugar content among fruits and veggies, they are a great addition to our diet. Just grabbing a handful of blueberries is a simple yet effective way to nourish our bodies.Citrus: The Vitamin-Rich Delight
Oranges and lemons, as citrus fruits, provide a high amount of vitamins. However, it's important to note that citrus does have higher sugar content. For diabetic individuals, it's crucial to be cautious about the amounts. The best way to enjoy citrus is by eating it raw or adding it to a vitamin-packed juice. Dr. Saphier likes to make a green version with spinach, celery, turmeric, ginger, lemon, and other ingredients, which is filled with vitamins.Garlic: A Natural Immune Defender
Surprisingly, garlic is one of the best things for our immune system. Dr. Saphier takes liquid garlic and combines it with other ingredients like turmeric and ginger in a juice to give an extra immune boost. She emphasized that having a healthy body going into cold and flu season is the best bet for staying healthy.Walnuts: Brain and Immune Health Booster
While not specifically called out for immune support, walnuts offer great benefits for both brain and cognitive health. As Dr. Saphier mentioned, they look like a "mini brain." She keeps walnuts in her office at the hospital as they are really good for us. It's advisable to choose organic options to avoid exposure to pesticides, hormones, and other additives, although they may be a bit more expensive. We hope that one day the prices will come down and make them more affordable and accessible.For more Health articles, visit foxnews.com/health. To stay updated with the latest health news, click here to sign up for our Health Newsletter or get the Fox News App.Uncovering the Impact of Kennedy's Food Views on Public Health
On Raw Milk
Dairy milk, like many foods, can carry harmful microbes. Before 1938, it was responsible for a quarter of food-based disease outbreaks. But with the widespread adoption of pasteurization, this rate decreased significantly. Raw milk, which has not been pasteurized, is a niche product in many states. While some believe that pasteurization removes beneficial vitamins and bacteria, the amounts of Vitamin C removed are negligible, and the probiotic bacteria in raw milk may not be beneficial in sufficient quantities.
Dairy farming has been consolidated since the New Deal, and pasteurization requirements have favored larger producers. Smaller dairy producers, however, advocate for raw milk. The Delaware Legislature's Consumer Choice Milk Act allows customers to purchase raw milk directly from producers. But when Kennedy claims that raw milk "advances human health" and downplays its risks, he overlooks the potential for severe food-borne illnesses. For example, in November 2024, containers of raw milk sold by Raw Farm in Fresno tested positive for H5N1 bird flu.
On Seed Oils
Kennedy has blamed seed oils for the obesity epidemic and called for animal-based fats in cooking. Seed oils, such as canola, corn, soybean, sunflower, and safflower oils, are common and affordable. While some vegetable-based oils came under fire in the 1990s due to their association with trans fats, most sold in American grocery stores are trans fat-free. Although seed oils contain high levels of omega-6 fatty acids relative to omega-3, the American Heart Association endorses their inclusion in a healthy diet.
Kennedy promotes beef tallow as a healthy alternative to seed oils, but there is minimal evidence that seed oil use causes an increase in obesity while heart disease has decreased. Seed oils are also derived from crops that require pesticides and fertilizers, which are targets of Kennedy's policy agenda. In Sri Lanka, a shift to organic farming led to a drop in rice yields and the need to import crops.
On Food Dyes
Kennedy has attacked cereal companies for using food dyes. There are natural and synthetic food dyes, with the latter regulated by public health authorities. Critics point out that European Union regulations are stricter than in the US. The Feingold Diet blamed certain synthetic food dyes for childhood allergies and hyperactivity, but these claims have been debunked. Studies continue to explore links between childhood behavioral disorders and artificial food dyes, and California recently banned several of them.
Some synthetic dyes can cause cancer in animals and contain carcinogens, and there are no public health benefits to offset the potential downsides. When General Mills attempted to discontinue its "classic" artificially colored Trix cereal in 2015, it faced a consumer revolt and had to reintroduce it. This shows the power of consumer preferences in the food industry.