Say my name 🗯
About the peppery lawsuit, German efficiency, meditative recipes and the best hack to save your nest eggs.
Good morning. What a week it has been. With Trump facing criminal charges in court, more layoffs from tech companies, Passover, Easter prep, spring break and the Masters, there a probably a gazillion things to write in this introduction.
But… such has been my week that I am drawing a blank. Feel free to take this moment to think through your own chaos.
Have a good long weekend!
-Dhaval
In the food world
🌶 Burrito brawl
Sweetgreen found their burrito in a spicy situation! A slightly possessive Chipotle filed a lawsuit against them, claiming that the name of their new “chipotle-flavored chicken burrito bowl” was tad similar to their own name. They also accused Sweetgreen’s of stealing their trademarked font. Eventually, Sweetgreen learned that messing with Chipotle was like using Comic Sans on a resume and decided change the name and font of their bowl.
🤌🏼 Italy’s beef with cell beef
Italy has a beef with lab-grown meat. The government is looking to ban them and is throwing fines of up to €60,000 for anyone caught selling them. The farming lobby is popping Prosecco’s, but animal welfare groups are squealing in protest. However, this ban is as flimsy as a soggy noodle in a bowl of minestrone soup as it only covers synthetic foods produced in Italian labs. It does cover lab-grown beef from other EU countries that are imported into Italy.
👻 Deep clean
The Uber Eats app is getting a makeover! Apparently, the app has been overcrowded with the culinary equivalent of spam emails, leaving customers frustrated with repetitive menu options. So, Uber Eats is having its own Kitchen Nightmares and setting new standards for ghost kitchens (restaurants without a physical location). To make it onto the app, ghost kitchens now require at least a 4.3-star rating and a menu that's 60% different from any other ghost kitchen operating from the same location.
Aldidas
Aldi is America’s newest and most popular grocery chain. Its popularity is making Safeway feel not so safe and Costco look costly. Aldi has over 2,280 stores across the US, making it the third largest grocery store after Walmart and Kroger.
They’re still expanding across the country — faster than a rumor at a family reunion — with its value proposition of frugality and ruthless efficiency.
How are they efficient?
No free carts: Shopping at Aldi starts off with a game "finders keepers, losers weepers"! Except in this case, you're the loser if you don't have a quarter on you. Shopping carts are unlocked with a quarter, that is returned only after returning the cart to the stall area. Employees don’t have to collect and organize them.
No bagging: Instead of employees, customers are expected to bag their own items while checking out.
No glam: Aldi stores are smaller than traditional supermarkets, which reduces rent, utility costs and the chances of getting lost while trying to find the milk aisle. Stores are simple and functional, minus the Restoration Hardware fixtures.
But it’s not just all food
What is it then?: Aldi branded pullovers tracksuits joggers hats and sandals. Merch is featuring the signature Aldi blue, yellow and red colors all across it and is priced $10 or under.
Why pivot?
Stand out: Aldi has realized that it’s just a commodity store and is now looking for ways to differentiate from the rest of the competition.
Build fans: By offering thoughtful and quality apparel, Aldi hopes to leverage their value prop and efficient business model to build a legion of fans who appreciate a good bargain and a trendy outfit.
Quiz
In 1898 when Caleb Bradham launched Pepsi Co, it was originally called "Brad's Drink"? Pepsi isn't the only brand who’s guilty of a name change.
Here are some of companies that rebranded themselves to achieve greatness. Let's see if you can spot the fake throwback name:
Minute Maid: Originally named "Florida Foods" the juice brand changed its name to "Minute Maid" in 1945.
Beyond Meat: Originally named "Meatless Inc" the plant-based meat brand changed its name to "Beyond Meat" in 2013.
Dunkin' Donuts: Originally named "Open Kettle" the coffee and donut chain changed its name to "Dunkin' Donuts" in 1950.
Snickers: This chocolate bar was originally named "Marathon" when it was introduced in the UK in 1930.
*Answer at the bottom.
Kitchen tips
With egg prices at all time highs, tossing the yolks to keep things low-fat, isn’t the wisest thing. Save the egg some separation anxiety by boiling a carton of egg whites for the same silky and lighter on wallet texture.
Secret to juicy and non-sticky food? Scrunch that foil! Give it a good crumple to reduce the surface area touching the food and lock in all the tasty goodness.
Got some hard and crusty parts in your dough? A good kneading will turn that dry and dull dough into a re-hydrated hottie in no time.
Long weekend challenge (yourself) recipes
Most of the recipes we share are described as "quick," "fast," or "easy." However, with it being a long weekend, we’re changing things up. Dedicate an afternoon to make these recipes. Pour yourself a drink and savor the process!
Personally, I treat cooking these recipes like meditation, except instead of "om," I’m saying "yum.". And while not easy, these recipes aren’t overly challenging either. They’re a mini-retreat for your mental health, achieved through cooking. Enjoy!
-Tarun
Dumplings: Made with patience and simple ingredients readily available in the pantry.
Gnocchi: Tossed in a simple tomato sauce. These soft, delicate gnocchi will make a delicious dinner. A charming video recipe.
Tamales: An easy vegetarian Tamales de Rajas recipe filled with roasted poblano peppers and melted cheese!
While this simmers…
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Answer
Beyond Meat was originally named "Savage River Inc”