Welcome to Deep Dish, your weekly summary of food and entertainment happenings. Last week we covered Asahi’s cyber incident and the beer crisis.
Just a fortnight ago, Sam and I sampled every type of Starbucks’ new protein-infused cold foam for the sake of thorough journalism. It turns out, there’s a significant possibility that we may have ingested lead—according to a recent Consumer Reports analysis, which revealed that numerous protein powders and shakes contain this hazardous metal.
This week, Travis Kelce, tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs (possibly more famous as Taylor Swift’s fiancé), launched a high-end restaurant. Meanwhile, Tyra Banks took to Instagram to rave about “hot ice cream” that doesn’t melt. Additionally, in Maine, an oysterman is campaigning for a Senate seat.
Protein panic took on a completely new, opposite meaning this week. Per a Consumer Reports study, several well-known protein powders and shakes have elevated levels of lead. Before you freak out and discard your protein stash, here’s an important note: in most instances, these products were identified as unsuitable for daily consumption. While lead in any consumable is undeniably concerning, the findings raise broader questions about society’s protein product overconsumption. “Even those with the highest lead levels are significantly below the concentration needed to cause immediate harm,” the report states. “Nevertheless, since most individuals don’t actually require protein supplements—nutritionists contend the average American gets enough already—it seems reasonable to question the value of these products given the additional risk.” —Li Goldstein, associate newsletter editor
You may have heard of a rising star in music named Taylor Swift? Perhaps you’ve also heard about her engagement to up-and-coming athlete Travis Kelce? Amidst the buzz around the couple’s engagement, 1587 Prime—a new steakhouse in Kansas City created through a collaboration between Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs player Patrick Mahomes, and hospitality entity Noble 33—opened its doors in September. Now, we’re taking a closer look at its menu and atmosphere.
According to Mia Mercado from The Cut, who enjoyed a $241 dining experience at 1587 Prime recently, the menu and decor are filled with playful allusions to the co-owners. A cocktail inspired by an Old Fashioned is dubbed Big Yeti, a nod to Kelce’s nickname. There’s also a $15 ketchup tasting flight, referencing Mahomes’ penchant for ketchup-drizzled steak.
Even though 1587 Prime is marketed as Mahomes’ and Kelce’s establishment—the name refers to their jersey numbers—a representative from the hospitality group indicates their involvement was limited, despite having sampled the menu pre-launch. Nonetheless, it’s evident: The steakhouse is thriving, and beef is back, folks. — Sam Stone, staff writer
What is hot ice cream? Your guess is as good as ours—and apparently, the entire Internet’s. Hot Mama—the title of Tyra Banks’ new hot ice cream brand, naturally—is both mysterious and perplexing, and her Instagram launch video offers little insight. In fact, it raises more questions than it resolves. A puzzled (but secretly curious?) Bon Appétit team pondered it on Slack. Senior programming director Jonathan Wise writes: “am i weird for thinking it sounds kind of appealing.” Senior service and cooking editor Kelsey Jane Youngman replied with both validation and culinary logic: “I mean…I picture it being just warm crème anglaise…which is tasty, so no?” — LG
Last week, on a bright Friday afternoon, I found myself aboard a small vessel with Graham Platner, an oysterman in Sullivan, Maine who is campaigning for a Senate seat. Since launching, Platner’s campaign has garnered an overwhelming wave of support, amassing over four million dollars in contributions and nine thousand volunteers statewide. His emphasis on working-class issues through an anti-establishment perspective aligns him with a fresh wave of progressive candidates like New York City’s Zohran Mamdani and Michigan’s Abdul El-Sayed, who are rapidly gaining popularity among voters disenchanted with the conventional Democratic political framework. However, at the heart of his Senate campaign is his identity as an oysterman.
Read the complete article to discover how Platner’s experience on the water has shaped his views on a range of topics, from climate change to affordability matters like housing and healthcare.— SS
