Understanding Spices: How to Season Like a Pro
Seasoning food can transform a simple dish into an elevated culinary experience! Herbs and spices add depth, complexity and character to everyday meals. Yet using too much or the wrong flavoring for your ingredients can spell disaster. To season like a pro, it’s essential to understand the flavor profiles of various herbs and spices, and…
Prep Like a Chef: 8 Tips for Meal Planning
Meal prep refers to making whole meals or preparing recipe ingredients ahead of schedule to save time later. Meal prepping like a chef involves efficiency, organization and the ability to create delicious meals quickly. You can adopt some of the strategies used by pros to make your home cooking experience smoother and more effective. Here…
10 Essential Kitchen Tools for the Home Cook
Cooking at home doesn’t have to be difficult! With the right tools, preparing your own meals can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Whether you’re whipping up a quick breakfast or preparing a diner classic for lunch, having the essential kitchen gadgets can enhance your efficiency in the kitchen. Here are some must-have kitchen tools…
Differences Between American and Canadian Bacon
It’s common to see bacon on the typical diner menu, from a favorite breakfast side to the classic BLT sandwich. Specifically in American cuisine, bacon has also taken several unpredictable paths, from bacon salad dressing to doughnuts and desserts. Occasionally, American diners also come across Canadian bacon, which is similar to ham and often served…
What Is Vegan Cheese?
As more people adopt a vegan diet or flexitarian lifestyle, demand has grown for meat and dairy substitutes. Vegan cheese has been around for decades and today, choices range from traditional soy to nut-based products. The taste and experience have also improved. Vegan cheese now softens for better meltability and can replicate the taste and…
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….
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…
5 Ways to Improve Your Sandwich
Sandwiches are a simple meal that you can often eat on-the-go. While it might just look like two slices of bread or a wrap layered with meat, cheese and vegetables, a sandwich has endless possibilities. Whether for taste, reduced sogginess or to achieve a new texture, upgrade your sandwich game with the following tips. 1….