With newsfeeds continually inundated with headlines of political and economic uncertainty – consumers are turning to food and drink as a means or joy and escapism… even if only for dinnertime! And what screams 'joy and escapism' more than nods to nostalgia… or rather 'new-stalgia'. That's right, 'everything old is new again' as Millennials and Gen z are driving a trend towards Haute Hewstalgia.
It's all about comforting, familiar, light-hearted fare with its tongue firmly in cheek… aka #LOLfood. But satisfying your inner child doesn't just mean digging the chicken nuggets and potato waffles out of the freezer! Because a new wave of innovative, Michelin-worthy chefs are giving are reimagining nostalgic classics through a creative, fine dining lens.
Think canteen classics like fish fingers, mac n' cheese and fairy bread getting a 'cheffy' makeover – e.g. bite-sized rhubarb jelly and custard ice cream sando, anyone? Or how about retro faves and cult classics like chicken parm, battered sausage, pizza pockets and mozzarella sticks – served as appetizers in a multi-course tasting menu? And don't forget about good old breakfast cereal… everything from rice crispies to cornflakes are finding their way into the likes of tiramisu and ice cream sundaes. Sign us up for one of everything… because YOLO, right!
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