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Behind the Menu

Food

Sweetfin cooks up new warm bowls

 By Patricia Cobe on Feb. 12, 2026

Behind the Menu: The fast-casual poké concept pivoted from an all-raw menu without losing focus on flavor, scratch prep and its California-Asian pedigree.

Food

Taco Bell taps into snacking trend with Mini Taco Salad

 By Patricia Cobe on Feb. 04, 2026

Behind the Menu: The Mexican fast-food chain refreshed the format and flavor of its classic Fiesta Taco Salad to launch as part of its new Luxe Value Menu.

Beverage

A wine bar where the bottles do the talking

By Patricia Cobe on Jan. 28, 2026

Behind the Menu: Emmy Lou’s in Charlotte is half bottle shop, half restaurant, where the retail shelves work as the wine list and the food is much more than an afterthought.

Food

As Din Tai Fung expands in the U.S., the dessert selection expands, too

By Patricia Cobe on Jan. 21, 2026

Behind the Menu: The chain built on its famous soup dumplings is adding versions with sweet fillings and creating other Taiwanese-inspired desserts.

Food

Why grapes star in Moon Rabbit's Vietnamese New Year dessert

By Patricia Cobe on Jan. 14, 2026

Behind the Menu: Executive pastry chef Susan Bae infuses Vietnamese tradition, the Tet celebration and her childhood memories into the restaurant’s seasonal dessert.

Food

Bellagreen leans into anti-inflammatory foods to promote wellness this winter

By Patricia Cobe on Jan. 06, 2026

Behind the Menu: The fast casual’s Golden Glow menu is designed around nutrient-rich seasonal ingredients that “make you shine from the inside out.”

Food

A loaded 'tendy' burrito brings the late-night crowd to Saucy by KFC

By Patricia Cobe on Dec. 22, 2025

Behind the Menu: Yum Brands' chicken tender concept has added several new formats and flavors to expand eating occasions and push customization in new directions. The Kitchen Sink Grand'ito is the latest.

Food

California Fish Grill packs protein and sustainability into 5 new bowls

By Patricia Cobe on Dec. 11, 2025

Behind the Menu: Sustainable seafood and global flavors are the focus of the fast-casual’s newest items, with salmon, shrimp, beans and more providing up to 56 grams protein in each.

Food

Cooper's Hawk elevates its Life Balance menu by amping up flavor and craveability

By Patricia Cobe on Dec. 04, 2025

Behind the Menu: Chef Matt McMillin tweaked four entrees with ingredients that boost taste and richness without changing their healthy profiles. Plus low-alcohol, lower-calorie wines are now available for pairing.

Food

Cinnabon's aroma spreads holiday spirit, along with new menu items

By Patricia Cobe on Nov. 25, 2025

Behind the Menu: The quick-service chain amplifies its annual JollyBon celebration with an apple crumble bun and scented wrapping paper.

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