NYC Restaurateur Puts Modern Twist on Classic Comfort Foods

Stratis Morfogen, a restaurateur from New York City, recently appeared on ‘Fox & Friends Weekend’ to discuss the emerging food trend he refers to as “newstalgia.” He showcased ways to refresh traditional diner fare, featuring dishes like a distinctive Greek salad in a jar, gourmet mac and cheese, and extravagant milkshakes.

Nowadays, ice cream cabinets are often filled with flavors like cookies and cream, salted caramel, and mint chocolate chip. But some classic flavors have seemingly faded into obscurity.

Flavors such as Butter Brickle, rum raisin, and maple walnut were once popular choices that have become increasingly rare as consumer preferences have shifted. A recent article from Tasting Table revisited some nostalgic flavors that were part of many Americans’ childhoods, highlighting five that may bring back some fond memories.

Butter Brickle

Originating from a butterscotch candy created in the 1920s in Omaha, Nebraska, Butter Brickle ice cream became a beloved flavor by the 1970s, currently harder to find. It features a sweet butterscotch essence combined with crunchy toffee pieces. Fans in a Facebook group reminiscing about the 1970s expressed their love for its unique texture.

Rum Raisin

Rum raisin has roots dating back to the 1930s and enjoyed a resurgence in the 1970s, when the combination of rum-soaked raisins and vanilla ice cream gained widespread availability. It even reached the White House during Nixon’s presidency. While still available in some areas, many find it less common now. One Reddit user noted, “I miss it so much! It’s my favorite ice cream flavor.”

Pink Bubblegum

Introduced by Baskin-Robbins in the 1970s, Pink Bubblegum ice cream became notable for its vibrant color and pieces of chewy bubblegum in every scoop. Some nostalgic fans recall enjoying it as a child, savoring the bubblegum after finishing the ice cream.

Heavenly Hash

Initially, Heavenly Hash referred to a fruit salad made with whipped cream, marshmallows, and nuts. Sealtest introduced it as an ice cream flavor in 1969, mixing marshmallows, almonds, and chocolate chips, similar to Rocky Road. Although the flavor has long since vanished along with Sealtest’s ice cream line, it still holds a special place in the memories of those who loved it. “Now that was a great ice cream!” one Facebook user remarked.

Maple Walnut

Maple walnut, or maplenut, has a rich history, featuring in various 19th-century cookbooks. It was a common offering in the 1970s but has become quite rare today. One Reddit user fondly remembered, “My grandmother loved the Maple Walnut flavor. I don’t think I’ve seen it since I was a kid.”