Chick-fil-A has unveiled a limited-time fall menu, marking the first nationwide introduction of waffles to its offerings, as part of its 80th anniversary "Newstalgia" campaign. The menu spotlights nostalgic flavors with modern twists, including the debut of a Chicken & Waffle sandwich and two s'mores-themed beverages. These new items are set to roll out nationwide starting Aug. 24, giving customers a seasonal taste of sweet and savory classics.

School nutrition professionals in the Bakersfield City School District spent Tuesday preparing meals like fried spicy chicken, baked potatoes and ribs ahead of Wednesday's first day of school, said nutrition services trainer Lesley Sierra. Sierra highlighted the school's annual junior chef competition, in which students in grades K-8 submit recipes for a chance to have their dish added to the menu, as well as special holiday meals served across the district's 44 schools.

Chef Jack Strong, a member of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, has become executive chef at the Ritz-Carlton Portland, joining Bellpine chef de cuisine Jocelyn Chacón. The pair bring Indigenous perspectives to the hotel's dining offerings, using ingredients such as elk, masa and Olympia oysters. "Coming from Mexico with my own Indigenous roots, the collaboration feels natural," Chacón says. "Even though our cultures might be different, both share respect for our ancestry and the land."

Registered dietitian nutritionist Lauren Manaker highlights five foods that may enhance sleep quality: milk, walnuts, kiwi, tart cherries and chamomile tea. These foods provide nutrients like tryptophan, melatonin and magnesium, which promote relaxation and help regulate the sleep-wake cycle. Manaker also advises consuming easily digestible foods close to bedtime to prevent blood sugar dips that might disrupt sleep.

Volume eating, a strategy focusing on low-calorie, nutrient-dense foods, is gaining popularity for weight management benefits without restrictive measures. RDN Lena Beal, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and RD Mindy Haar discuss its benefits, such as aligning with natural hunger cues and promoting fullness. The approach emphasizes balanced meals with vegetables, fruits, lean proteins and small portions of healthful fats to ensure nutrient intake and satisfaction. Gradual introduction of fiber-dense foods is recommended to avoid digestive discomfort and support long-term health goals.

The FDA released a proposed rule that would require food manufacturers to notify the agency before introducing new ingredients or additives to processed or packaged foods. The rule would close the "generally recognized as safe" loophole that has allowed unvetted ingredients into the US food supply. The FDA also has completed work on a federal definition of ultraprocessed food.

Rahil Mehta, a pastry chef at Eleven Madison Park, has built his career around culinary science, precision and experimentation. Inspired by his upbringing in India and education at the Culinary Institute of America, Mehta has excelled in pastry creation and operations at the three-Michelin-starred restaurant in New York City.

The White Wine Martini, created by Jeremy Buck of Coterie in Charleston, S.C., replaces dry vermouth with white wine, resulting in a lighter, lower-alcohol drink. "If you like a dry martini, then something super dry and clean will bring out the botanicals of a London dry gin without getting weird at the finish," Buck says.

Five women power First Watch Restaurants' executive team, each with a unique route to her leadership role. Laura Sorensen, chief people officer, draws on her operational background to champion frontline employees. Chief Financial Officer Ashlee Weisser, a first-generation college graduate with a psychology background, exemplifies nontraditional leadership in finance. Once-aspiring lawyer Lilah Taha-Rippett manages the supply chain with a holistic, puzzle-solving approach. Regional vice presidents Angela Mitchell and Alison Barritt advanced from entry-level restaurant roles to overseeing operations and talent development, embodying the brand's commitment to growth and opportunity at every level.

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