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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009
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'Housemade' the Latest Word in Fine Dining

Artisanal flavor sets cuisine apart from mom's 'homemade'

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(Newser) – A word that isn’t yet in the dictionary has been cropping up on menus across America: “housemade” is the new trend. Don’t confuse it with “homemade,” which has lost its buzz and now suggests an unprofessional cook or a hokey menu-writer. “Housemade has more cachet,” one restaurateur tells Newsweek.

Is this just a matter of linguistic pretension? The author of The Food Snob’s Dictionary doesn't think so. “They’re not only preparing the food, they’re also preparing the ingredients that go into it—and that’s a good thing.” The adjective is, however, likely to bestow a higher price tag on the food it describes.

Even drinks as everyday as lemonade are getting the label of
Even drinks as everyday as lemonade are getting the label of "housemade" in place of "homemade."   (©MR G)
"Homemade" conjures up images of Grandma's pies, some say, while "housemade" sounds a bit more upscale.   (©storebukkebruse)
Appetizers with
Appetizers with "homemade" chili mayo could show up at anyone's house, but somehow "housemade" connotes fancy restaurant magic.   (©Geoff604)
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4 comments
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SPH
May 24, 09 6:52 PM CDT
When I eat at a restaurant I expect everything is "housemade"...Have I've been naive?.... Reply
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anchower
May 24, 09 8:20 PM CDT
Ha!
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anchower
May 24, 09 8:20 PM CDT
I call bullshit. Reply
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+1
riffran
May 24, 09 8:28 PM CDT
same stuff different name, new price, it's all in the presentation....all to get more of your money Reply
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