From Pineapples to Crookies: A Culinary Journey Through Food Fads

Throughout history, culinary trends have swept through societies like gusts of wind, leaving behind a trail of obsession and critique. Parisians, in particular, have mastered the art of culinary scrutiny, with Françoise d’Aubigné, better known as Madame de Maintenon, exemplifying their exasperation towards food fads.

In the late 17th century, Madame de Maintenon found herself vexed by the craze for fresh garden peas, a seemingly innocuous alternative to dried peas. She scorned those who indulged in this trend, likening them to annoying hipsters of her time.

Fast forward to the 21st century, and the spotlight has shifted to the crookie – a delectable hybrid of croissant and cookie dough. Boulangerie Louvard on Rue de Châteaudun catapulted this creation into fame in October 2022, igniting a viral sensation amplified by TikTok. Suddenly, Parisians were queuing in droves for a taste of this culinary marvel, reminiscent of past fads that captivated the masses.

Yet, as food historian Dr. Annie Gray elucidates, the allure of food fads is not a novel phenomenon. In the 18th century, pineapples symbolized wealth and status, while the early 19th century witnessed a peculiar "poultry mania" among landowners vying for the largest chicken.

Before garden peas took center stage, 17th-century English gentlemen touted the purported health benefits of human breast milk, a notion both peculiar and predictable in the annals of culinary eccentricity.

The saga of the crookie serves as a testament to the enduring versatility of croissant dough and the timeless cycle of culinary trends. As history unfolds, one thing remains constant – the ever-changing landscape of food fads, perpetually captivating and confounding gastronomes across the ages.

Embracing the Quirks of Culinary Fervor: A Journey Through Food Obsessions

As the 20th century unfolded, humanity found itself captivated by peculiar culinary pursuits – from scrambling for the first bottle of beaujolais nouveau to eagerly anticipating the inaugural taste of game bird just as the shooting season commenced. It's easy, perhaps even gratifying, to scoff at such endeavors. I've rolled my eyes so vehemently at times that the friction could be heard echoing in the room. Yet, should we really be surprised by this phenomenon?

Food and drink, it seems, have an innate ability to morph into symbols of social status. No longer is it solely the domain of French aristocrats; anyone with an Instagram account and boundless patience can partake in the spectacle. Picture yourself, for instance, braving the lengthy queue outside Supernova in London's Soho, all in pursuit of a tantalizingly crispy-edged smash burger that has tantalized your taste buds for weeks.

But is it fair to dismiss such fervor outright? Arguably not. For while the cult of novelty may appear ludicrous, new culinary innovations often carry genuine merit. Consider, for instance, the revolutionary impact of fresh peas or the initial awe inspired by the arrival of pineapples on European shores. Admittedly, the consumption of human breast milk by grown men doesn't quite fit this narrative, but the underlying point remains valid. As a species, we possess an inherent restlessness, constantly seeking the next novel experience. And everything we now take for granted was once a bold new venture.

Here's a confession: in 2013, I found myself queuing for a brisk 45 minutes in the chilly streets of New York City, all for the chance to savor Dominique Ansel's latest creation – the vanilla cream-filled Cronut. And delightful it was, too. Now, as I prepare for a trip to Paris, I can't help but feel a familiar itch of curiosity. If you need me, chances are I'll be nestled in a lengthy queue along Rue de Châteaudun, eagerly awaiting my turn to sample the latest craze: the crookie. I'd like to believe I'm above such indulgence, but let's face it – we all succumb to the allure of culinary innovation in the end.

In conclusion, our fascination with culinary novelties and food fads is a testament to our innate curiosity and desire for new experiences. While it's easy to dismiss such endeavors as frivolous or superficial, history reminds us that many of the innovations we now take for granted were once met with skepticism or awe. Whether it's queuing for the latest gastronomic sensation or indulging in a centuries-old tradition, our relationship with food reflects our ever-evolving tastes and societal norms. So, the next time you find yourself tempted by a queue or eyeing the latest food craze with skepticism, perhaps take a moment to embrace the spirit of culinary adventure – you never know where it might lead you.