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Kooky types Burger King debut vegan burger that is not suitable for vegans
“What if we made a vegan burger, but then cooked it in a way that made it non-vegan?” Burger King’s Rebel Whopper, which debuts in Europe and is soon to be on its way to the U.K., according to Bloomberg, is vegan. Burger King cooks its vegan burgers on the same grill as its beef burgers, which means it is not vegan. Vegan when raw, not vegan when cooked, but no-one eats a burger because it’s cooked. Schrödinger’s patt(y.) It also puts mayonnaise on the burger, which, why (and, not vegan.)
The Impossible Burger, which the company uses in the U.S. is not yet available in the U.K. because heme, the soy-derived protein that adds umami and creates the “bleed” has not been approved as an ingredient, but Burger King’s sizeable roll-out suggests that this is more than a stop-gap. Will there be conflict when heme is approved as safe? Probably. Is Impossible Burger and Beyond Meat’s adoption as saviours of the world troubling? Yes. Will Burger King’s balance sheet care? Unlikely. [Bloomberg]
And in other news...
- It’s rare that a London restaurant opening gets feverishly excited traction across the board. Such a perfect storm requires a restaurant adored by critics and diners in equal measure; a prestigious, storied location; a lot of wine. Step forward Noble Rot Soho, which will open in the Gay Hussar building on Greek Street next year.
- London’s oldest food market is exciting, overwhelming, and at times enraging. Avoid the duds and eat well with this guide to Borough Market’s best food.
- Ever seen food at a restaurant? It’s normally on a table. With some plates. And cutlery. Maybe chairs. How do restaurants choose all of these things, and who helps them? Join Eater London’s next live event on restaurant design to find out.
- Good tweet:
Oh, you’ve got a Michelin star, aye? As if I care what a tyre thinks of your food. Grow up.
— euan (@tweeteuan) November 13, 2019