Food Culture

4 articles

An empty, dimly lit restaurant table with a wilting rose, symbolizing the decline of restaurant criticism and the uncertain future of food journalism.

Restaurant critics are retiring, and food journalism's future is uncertain.

In the past decade, 70% of major metropolitan newspapers have either eliminated or significantly reduced their full-time restaurant critic positions.

Ezra Kaplan·July 16, 2026

A modern kitchen with a tablet showing a plant-based recipe, alongside a delicious, accessible meal, symbolizing the fusion of technology and food culture.

The Test Kitchen

New Summer 2026 Cookbooks Showcase Tech and Food Culture Shifts

A Michelin-star chef, known for haute cuisine, is set to release a budget-friendly, plant-based cookbook for Summer 2026, according to Publisher's advance catalog.

Raffi Hovsepian·June 10, 2026

Diverse group of people joyfully sharing a communal meal outdoors at sunset, highlighting social connection and cultural impact.

Kitchen Culture

Why the Evolution of Communal Dining Matters for Cultural Impact

In 2023, roughly 1 in 4 Americans reported eating all of their meals alone the previous day, a stark 53% increase since 2003, according to World Happiness Report .

Raffi Hovsepian·June 4, 2026

A colorful and abundant display of various Indian regional dishes, representing the diverse culinary heritage and cultural identity of India.

Travel & Taste

India's Regional Cuisines: Identity and Cultural Significance

In India, a single meal can reveal a person's caste, class, family lineage, and even religious affiliation, making food a profound marker of identity far beyond mere sustenance.

Raffi Hovsepian·June 3, 2026