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'Housemade' the Latest Word in Fine Dining

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

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted May 24, 2009 4:16 PM CDT

(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 housemade in place of homemade.
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.
"Homemade" conjures up images of Grandma's pies, some say, while "housemade" sounds a bit more upscale.   (©storebukkebruse)
Appetizers with homemade chili mayo could show up at anyone's house, but somehow housemade connotes fancy restaurant magic.
Appetizers with "homemade" chili mayo could show up at anyone's house, but somehow "housemade" connotes fancy restaurant magic.   (©Geoff604)
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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
Riffran
May 25, 2009 1:28 AM CDT
same stuff different name, new price, it's all in the presentation....all to get more of your money
 

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