What Is a Patty Melt?
Patty melts have been a diner staple for decades. At Colony Diner, we have this grilled cheese-cheeseburger hybrid on our menu! Many people order it for nostalgia and familiarity, while savoring the combination of meat, cheese and caramelized onions. While some consider the patty melt its own sandwich and others think of it as a…
What’s the Story Behind Texas Toast?
You’ll see Texas toast on breakfast and lunch menus around the country – including at Colony Diner! The thicker shape is perfect for French toast, to build sandwiches or grilled with butter on the side of soup. Learn what makes Texas toast different from ordinary sliced bread. What Is Texas Toast? The distinctive characteristics of…
Belgian vs. Traditional Waffles: What’s the Difference?
At restaurants and grocery stores throughout the country, you’ll encounter two types of waffles: a square or round traditional waffle and the Belgian waffle. While they look similar, Belgian waffles often have a fluffier texture and deeper pockets that hold onto syrup and other toppings. Learn more about the differences in origin, appearance and preparation….
The Best Protein Sources for Vegans
Lack of protein is a common concern about vegetarian and vegan diets. Yet going meatless and dairy-free can supply your body with sufficient protein if you take a strategic and knowledgeable approach. What Is Protein? These essential nutrients are made up of 22 amino acids that support your body’s systems, help regulate blood sugar, energy…
What Is a Club Sandwich?
When you order a club sandwich, you often get a plate with stacked, toasted bread layered with turkey or ham, bacon, ham, lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise. Although ingredients can vary, the composition is both simple and recognizable. What are the origins of the club sandwich? History of the Club Sandwich Today, a myth exists about…
Common Vegan Baking Substitutes
When you make a cake or batch of cookies, the recipe typically includes eggs, milk, butter, flour and baking powder. Yet, these dairy and animal products are not part of a vegan diet. It’s possible to bake while maintaining a vegan or plant-based lifestyle! Consider these common ingredient substitutes to update your favorite dessert recipes….
Origins of the Reuben Sandwich
The Reuben sandwich is a diner and deli staple! It’s also well-known for its distinctive flavor and combination of ingredients. While restaurants started serving this sandwich at the beginning of the 20th century, its origins continue to be contested. Here’s some background on this long-time lunch favorite. What Is a Reuben Sandwich? A traditional Reuben…
How to Use Different Types of Tofu
Tofu was one of the first meat alternatives in American diets, introduced toward the middle of the 20th century. Yet this vegetarian staple, made from curdled and pressed soybean milk, has been used in Asian diets for centuries, with origins as far back as 950 A.D. in China. Today, the U.S. market includes multiple types…
Easy Substitutions for Going Vegan
You’re ready to reap the benefits of a plant-based diet but knowing where to start can pose a challenge. Rather than jumping right in to only consuming fruits and vegetables, you can limit your meat and dairy consumption with these easy vegan substitutions. Meat Substitutes Beyond long-standing tofu and soy, textured vegetable protein can replicate…
Using Tofu as an Egg Substitute
“How do you like your eggs?” Your answer to this question defines much of what you eat beyond breakfast, from salads to snacks and baked goods. Perhaps you enjoy egg salad on toast or a vegetable omelet with a side of home fries. Many vegan options serve as meat substitutes but eggs have also entered…