Bringing the familiar back to the table
In a landscape where brands are constantly chasing trends, offering something new, or adding a twist to (or “elevating”) just about anything, nostalgia has a way of recalling what’s familiar and comforting. It’s what people default to—or even gravitate toward—when everyone’s out there trying to prove they’re “new.”
Make no mistake. Nostalgia has its charm, but the familiarity brands ought to be chasing, should they go down that route, doesn’t automatically mean dated.
That space between the familiar and the fresh? Newstalgia.
A portmanteau of “new” and “nostalgia,” newstalgia is about taking what we know and love and making it relevant again. From the F&B lens, this could mean revisiting a beloved flavor, bringing back a forgotten favorite, or even borrowing from the food, characters, and experiences of our childhood, but with a fresh spin.
And increasingly, brands are finding ways to do just that.
Matcha meets literary classic: Chagee and “The Little Prince”
Many recall the adventures of the eponymous Little Prince in Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s “The Little Prince,” where he encounters memorable characters like the Fox and the Rose on his journey across different planets. This beloved literary classic—known for its whimsical art and poignant reflections on love, friendship, and life—is, quite literally, brought to life anew through its collaboration with Chagee.
From pages of a book to the packaging that adorns its limited-time Matcha Series, Chagee’s partnership with “The Little Prince” gives the literary classic new context—paired with the trendy matcha drinks of today. Think classic choices like the Signature Matcha Latte (a smooth and creamy matcha and milk combination) or the Jasmine Matcha Pure Tea (a tea-forward drink with soft floral notes and strong tea flavors)—both of which can be served hot or cold.
Then there’s the Lime Cheese Matcha Latte, a zesty take on the classic matcha latte but with undertones of perfumed lime, alongside an add-on option of a cheese cap (a salty and creamy whipped cream topping).
And if the enduring relevance of Saint Exupéry’s masterpiece is anything to go by, it’s that Chagee’s limited-edition merchandise for the occasion—The Crown Headband, The Fox Sleep Mask, the Stardust Tote Bag, and even the Green Wonder Tumbler—all quickly sold out, a week after its announced release.
Nanbantei of Tokyo relives glory days with yakitori comeback and new premium grilled offerings
Regulars of the Japanese franchise Nanbantei of Tokyo will recall its claim to fame as one of the first yakitori restaurants in the Philippines since opening in 1998.
But shifting preferences of its audience, an evolving landscape, a premium price point, and perhaps (at that time) the relative unfamiliarity of yakitori itself prompted the brand to pivot to offerings that served the palate of its diners. Case in point: its Bonifacio Global City branch offered rice bowls and lunch sets for the office crowd. And while its diverse yakitori portfolio remained, it was more of a nice-to-have for families and large groups on weekends.
Now faced with an audience with a more evolved palate and worldview, Nanbantei is ready to return to its glory days: “A place where guests can unwind and have something to eat or drink after a long day of work.”
“We were so focused on value that we lost our soul,” laments Am-Phil Group founder and managing director Luis “Luigi” L. Vera, Jr. “And some of the guests were saying, ‘I’ve been a guest here for so long. You should bring back some of the items that you used to serve before.’”
“And then I realized—yakitori is one side, di ba? The cooking technique is actually grilling naman eh, so you don’t have to put it all on a stick,” he adds. “So sabi ko: ‘Go. Open your mind, change. You don’t have to skewer everything. Develop some other things para we can introduce other items also.”
And the brand just did. Nanbantei has streamlined its diverse menu to include the bestsellers regulars will recognize from its day-one menu, while offering premium choices that showcase how Nanbantei is “mastering grilling again,” all while maintaining the heart of the brand: yakitori.
Yakitori favorites include the butabara (pork belly), aspara maki (asparagus wrapped in pork), bajiru maki (pork wrapped around basil), tebasaki (chicken wings), and beef yakiniku. Meanwhile, new premium grilled plates include the ribeye yaki, hamachi yaki, maguro yaki, shake yaki, ika yaki, and shake kabuto yaki.
Nanbantei of Tokyo currently has branches in Greenbelt 3, Makati City, and in Bonifacio High Street, Taguig City. Follow @nanbantei_ph on Instagram for the latest news and updates
Cibo favorites make their way into Margarita Signature Caterer’s Select menu
Margarita Signature Caterer (originally named Cibo di Marghi) made a name for itself through its traditional bespoke service—in which buffet spreads and pass-arounds can be curated, down to the last canapé. Catering to corporate events, intimate gatherings, and celebrations, it offered specialized menus tailored to the occasion.
But for those who want a hassle-free option, with less decision-making involved and still the same delicious results, the caterer’s new Select offering comes in.
Taking the guesswork out of the equation, the new Select by Margarita Signature Caterer “offers thoughtfully curated menus and inclusions for clients seeking a streamlined approach to event planning, with a clear and considered selection designed to make the process simple and seamless,” according to the brand. And it does so with four menu pillars: Filipino, Asian, Western, and Italian.
Of the four, however, it’s the Italian one that carries more history. Drawing from the culinary legacy of Cibo, it brings to the fore some of the bestselling dishes from the restaurant. For pass-arounds, there’s the spinach dip, mushroom dip, mozzarella sticks, and the recent menu addition in both the restaurant chain and caterer—the honey ricotta dip. Mainstay pastas, meanwhile, include the Penne al Telefono, Spaghettini Tartufata, and Lasagna Classico.
Pizza options, meanwhile, include fan favorites like the Margherita and Prosciutto di Parma, alongside salads, mains, and desserts.
For inquiries and bookings, you may contact them at +639171209031 or via email at signaturecaterer@margaritafores.com. Visit https://www.margaritasignaturecaterer.com/ to learn more about its offerings
Mo’ Cookies puts a new spin on a birthday classic
A longstanding tradition for the brand, every time it adds another candle to its proverbial cake (or more aptly, cookie), the Birthday Cookie is relaunched, year after year, without fail.
But this year’s different. The familiar round, rainbow sprinkle-studded, chocolate coin-dotted cookie now comes in a new, square format: the Birthday Blockie.
A fudgier take on the beloved birthday flavor, the Mo’ Birthday Blockie features the same zesty lemon dough, melty milk and white chocolate coins, and a festive shower of rainbow sprinkles. Priced at P210 apiece, it is only available until Oct. 31 at all Mo’ Cookies outposts.
The Mo’ Birthday Blockie is available for delivery, alongside a delivery-exclusive Box of 4 (P840), via mo.momentfood.com, GrabFood, foodpanda, and GCash Food Hub
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