Food news while you caffeinate. Plus, what's on the menu for later.
Welcome to your mid-week (it's almost over!). News item number one: Food marketing seems to have gone the way of Christmas decorations, appearing months before due (odd, considering the counter-approach of "fresh off the farm" locavore food marketing). Pumpkin and Oktoberfest beers are already hitting the shelves, and apparently you can now order Starbucks' infamous Pumpkin Spice Latte, a.k.a. "PSL." Now in its seventh year, the seasonal drink is so popular that Starbucks' tweet "The Pumpkin Spice Latte rumors are true! It's not on the menu, but you can order it! Enjoying one in Poulsbo, WA!" led to a trending topic of the hashtag #pumpkinspice. On first thought, a PSL doesn't sound good in 80-degree heat, but after a little brainwashing consideration, we find ourselves wanting one right now.
Drinking a PSL might get you thinking about fall, which is when we'll finally be able to check out Haymarket Brewing's new beers. Owner Pete Crowley told us last month he's aiming for a late September/early October opening, with a strong focus on Belgian beers and comfort foods from former Three Floyds Brewpub sous chef Chris Buccheri. Now we know what those beers will be, according to Chicago Now. Crowley will be releasing a Pilsner called The Speaker's Wagon, a Saison called Beaubien Saison, and a Belgian-style ale called Oscar's Pardon. So far, each beer has been named after some Chicago labor activist, which makes us wonder if Haymarket will attract a colorful teamster crowd.
Stay tuned: Later today, your guide to gorging at all-you-can-eat buffets.
