Edible Cacti Catch On
Pandemic-induced gardening is now a common
pastime, but gardening aficionados are turning to
more exotic backyard crops—edible cacti, according
to Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants' 7th annual Culinary
& Cocktail Trend Forecast. Healthful and delicious,
prickly pear cactus fruit is full of electrolytes, vitamins,
minerals, and antioxidants and can be grilled or
tossed in salad. For those without a spiky green
thumb, specialty food makers are showcasing this
Southwestern ingredient in products like Caliwater's
cactus water, Souperb's black bean and cactus
soup, and Cheri's Prickly Pear Cactus Syrup, not to
mention the many cactus jams, jellies, honeys, salsas,
and candies.—D.S.
Dancing Queen Delivers
When the lights went out at all performance
spaces last March, San Francisco's internationally
acclaimed drag show nightclub, Oasis, made
it possible for fans to enjoy the show during
lockdown with Meals on Heels. Owner D'Arcy
Drollinger hired his staff to deliver a performance
along with signature cocktails, entrees, and
dessert created by catering company Martha
Avenue. Customers chose among three options—
the Barbra, the Judy, or the Liza. Once the
performer arrived at the delivery address, the
show took place curbside, followed by a socially-
distanced meal drop-off. Total cost ranged from
$95-$105. As of press time, subsequent lockdowns
have put the service on hold temporarily.—D.S.
Trash Pies Hit the Spot
Once considered food waste, ugly produce, offal, and leftover
spelt grain from breweries are slated to make some of the hippest
pizzas around. Come spring 2021, "trash" pizzas will be front
and center as Shuggie's Trash Pie & Natural Wine debuts in San
Francisco. No strangers to upcycling, co-founders Kayla Abe and
David Murphy are also the creators behind Ugly Pickle Co., which
transforms cosmetically-irregular produce and farm surplus into
pickles and condiments. In the last two years, they've rescued
20,000 pounds of unloved produce. By adding Shuggie's to their
portfolio, they'll give customers another outlet to take action
against climate change with their food dollars. Offering delicious,
radical food is as important as their environmental commitment.
Their condiments have been nominated for two Good Food
awards and can be found at the Cuesa's Ferry Plaza Farmers
Market, as well as top specialty food markets.—D.S.
PHOTO‹ GOOCH
WINTER """•
