Four chefs share their winning burger and sandwich builds starring Bel Brands cheese products

By Katie Ayoub
May 11, 2022

Gregory Huston
In case you haven’t heard: The espresso martini is the “it” cocktail of the year, thanks to a frenzy of ‘80s nostalgia tempered by a modern approach to refined coffee-centric drinks. The team at Apothecary, a cocktail bar known for its sophisticated mixology and eclectic flavor combinations, knew that they needed an espresso martini when writing their menu. “We would upset guests and hurt our reputation if we didn’t have one,” says Gregory Huston, Bar Manager. “We knew that a well-done take would allow us to say ‘yes’ to a guest who wanted a familiar favorite while also encouraging them to engage in what Apothecary stands for.”
The Espresso Martinique was born. It replaces the classic vodka with sugarcane-based rhum agricole, sourced from Martinique. The cocktail builds out with Cognac-espresso liqueur, salted honey and malted molasses cream. “The Cognac and honey highlight the fruited, floral components of coffee to create a rounded, richer flavor. And the malted molasses cream gives the cocktail body a touch of sweetness, mimicking the crema of a freshly pulled shot,” says Huston. The drink is a top seller for Apothecary. “That allows us to engage with guests about ingredients and encourage them to try our more experimental drinks,” he says. “That in turn brings them back again and again.”

Sandwiches Showcase the Best of Bel Brands Four chefs share their winning burger and sandwich builds starring Bel Brands cheese products

The Sauce Is Boss: Mutts Original Chicken Sandwich Mutts Canine Cantina | Based in Dallas
Mutts Canine Cantina | Based in Dallas

Eye-Popping: Duroc Pork Belly Lollipops Rye | Dallas
Rye | Dallas

Wild Idea: Salmon Teriyaki Sandwich Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar | Based in Denver
Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar | Based in Denver

Happy Hour: Okonomiyaki Waffle Sunda New Asian | Chicago
Sunda New Asian | Chicago

Cold-Fashioned Seafood Norway’s harsh environment offers the perfect conditions for premium seafood
Norway’s harsh environment offers the perfect conditions for premium seafood

Kolache Collab: Brisket + Cheddar Kolaches The Salty Donut | Based in Miami
The Salty Donut | Based in Miami

One in a Melon: Crispy Rice Planta | Based in Miami
Planta | Based in Miami
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From the 2023 Top 10 Trends issue of Flavor & The Menu, for chefs and menu developers. Read full issue online.