Behind Bread and Butter

Bread and butter--the food pairing so fundamental that it's how we refer to our very livelihoods. But what makes this such a perfect pre-meal treat, seen in restaurants across the country?

There's more than one reason why we love this quintessential pairing! Take a look at today's blog to find out.

The social treat

"To break bread" with someone--to enjoy their company over a meal--is a phrase that's been used since the earliest times, to describe the Eucharist and the Last Supper. It evokes ideas of a friendly sharing of food, laughs, and stories at the dinner table, even to this day, and is a reminder of why we love dining out. It's not just about the food we eat, but the people we eat with!

Making your bread and butter

"Bread and butter" has been used to describe the way one makes a living since the early 1700s--but why that specific pairing? Why do we say this instead of, say, "wine and cheese" or "chips and dip?".

Those phrases may seem silly to us now--perhaps because nothing can beat the simple, foundational nature of bread and butter. We use this saying to describe our careers because just as we couldn't get by without the basic necessity of a living, we couldn't do dinner without something as simple (and dependable) as this classic pre-meal dish.

Simple satisfaction

As you can see, there are several historical and cultural reasons for choosing bread and butter at the dinner table--but for many, the answer is simple. It tastes good! Few things can quell your immediate hunger as you sit down and ponder what to order--and even if you don't yet know what you're in the mood to eat, you can count on this simple staple to hold you over and entice your palate until the main course.

As for us here at Stonewood? We prefer our bread with a fun twist, and include tasty treats like soft pretzel sticks before every meal. It's our way to surprise your taste buds before you even know what to order!

Make tonight extraordinary! Each of our 12 Stonewood locations has its own unique community flair--but they all commit to the same excellence in fine ingredients and kitchen expertise. Find a Location and be sure to Sign Up for our E-Club for news and special offers!