food history Archives

Smith Island Cake: Maryland History, One Thin Layer at a Time

Maryland looked at a normal layer cake and apparently decided it needed several more layers and an official title. Meet Smith Island Cake, the Chesapeake dessert with a surprisingly practical history behind all that...

August 26, 2026

How McDonald’s McMuffins Are Made and the History Behind Them

That perfectly round McMuffin egg has an interesting origin story. Here’s how McDonald’s makes its iconic breakfast sandwiches.

January 3, 2026

The Scandalous Tale of Carnegie Deli: Sandwiches, Secrets, and Shocking Truths

From mile-high sandwiches to sky-high scandals, discover the juicy story behind Carnegie Deli’s dramatic downfall.

January 2, 2025

Defonte’s Sandwich Shop Remains Brooklyn’s Best Kept Secret

Discover Defonte’s in Red Hook, Brooklyn—a historic sandwich shop serving iconic, flavor-packed sandwiches since 1922.

October 25, 2024

Beefing Over Hot Dogs: The History of Chestnut vs. Kobayashi

The Joey Chestnut and Takeru Kobayashi rivalry has led up to their showdown on Netflix's Unfinished Beef. How much do you know about their history?

September 2, 2024

Cliff Divers, Caves, and Chaos: The Casa Bonita Rescue Mission

The real-life Casa Bonita gets a wild revival thanks to the creators of South Park. Watch the trailer for the upcoming documentary, ¡Casa Bonita Mi Amor!

August 31, 2024

Forgotten Foods From the 1980s

Let's go waaayyy back and check out forgotten foods from the 1980s! How many of these retro dishes do you still serve?

March 26, 2024

Ketchup Wasn’t Always Ketchup (it was Fish Sauce!)

Ketchup is a staple in nearly 90% of American households. How did it become such a popular sauce, and where did it come from?

March 13, 2024

Grand Slams & Pancake Plans: The Tasty Evolution of Denny’s

From donut stand to diner dynasty, discover the delicious journey behind Denny's, America's favorite late-night restaurant chain.

March 8, 2024

How Much Do You Know About the History of Coffee?

I drink coffee pretty much every day, which is why you think I'd know a lot about its history, but I don't! Learn along with me right now.

March 6, 2024

The History of Chuck E. Cheese According to John Oliver

Chuck E. Cheese was once a kid's paradise, so what happened?! John Oliver gives his take on the restaurant's history. Watch!

February 5, 2024

Learn an Ancient French Toast Recipe… from ROME?!

Let's go back in time and learn a historical French toast recipe... from ancient ROME?! It's true! Find out more.

December 5, 2023

Chicago’s Mr. Beef: The Restaurant That Inspired The Bear

Mr. Beef inspired the FX show The Bear, and it serves the most delicious beef sandwich in Chicago. Learn more about the restaurant.

November 21, 2023

Fast Food History: Domino’s Breakfast Pizza

Breakfast sausage on a pizza?! Yes, please! Did you know Domino’s Pizza once offered breakfast pizza? Let’s travel back to the 1980s!

October 11, 2023

How Taco Bell’s Crunchwrap Supreme Got On The Menu

The Crunchwrap Supreme revolutionized the Taco Bell menu. Find out how it earned its spot as a fast food staple! My order at the local Taco Bell drive-thru always includes a Crunchwrap Supreme. It’s become a fast-food...

June 17, 2023

Why Do So Many American Diners Look the Same?

Diners all over America have so many similarities in both architecture and interior design – have you ever asked yourself why?

June 4, 2023

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