The pandemic shut down many in-person celebrations for Pride Month last year. But now that the COVID-19 vaccine is available, restaurants are opening for indoor dining, and Pride Month events are scheduled across the United States, the hospitality industry is embracing the month with some culinary creativity.
Here are four examples of Pride Month menu items to inspire your restaurant.
1. The Rainbow Swizzle
Adelita is a favorite among the Tripleseat staff — the restaurant is near our headquarters in Concord, Mass. For Pride Month, Adelita created The Rainbow Swizzle cocktail, which is not only gorgeous; it gives back to the community. A dollar from each Rainbow Swizzle sold at Adelita and its sister restaurants will be donated to BAGLY, a Boston-based nonprofit youth-led, adult-supported organization committed to social justice, and creating, sustaining, and advocating for programs, policies, and services for the LGBTQ+ youth community.
2. Bandera cocktail
Celebrate poolside in Los Angeles with the rainbow-layered Bandera cocktail at Hotel Figueroa’s restaurant, Veranda Al Fresco. A portion of the cocktail’s sales will benefit the LGBTQ National Help Center.
3. Rainbow cupcakes
There’s more than beer at Saint Arnold Brewing Company in Houston this month — their pastry chef has created gorgeous rainbow swirl cupcakes with vanilla buttercream icing. They’re donating a dollar per cupcake to The Outlet Project, which provides safe spaces to discuss the issues and concerns of the LGBTQ community, domestic violence survivors, and young adults of color.
4. Lumache pasta and pride sundae
Pasta Louise in Brooklyn has two items on the menu for Pride Month. Their lumache pasta is shaped like little rainbows and their pride sundae includes a healthy scoop of rainbow sprinkled funfetti cake. A dollar from each of these items sold will benefit The Ali Forney Center, which helps homeless LGBTQ youths and empowers them with the skills they need to live independently.
Support Pride all year long
OpenTable has created a guide to the top LGBTQIA+ owned and operated restaurants in America. Check out this list to find and support restaurants in your community or while you’re traveling.
Editors Note: This post originally appeared on the Tripleseat blog.
