Theme and variations?

[Adrienne]

I've noticed lately there seem to be a lot of restaurants that serve many versions of the same item -- not just typical things like pizza and salads and ice cream, but for example an all risotto restaurant, all mac'n'cheese, all rice pudding, all peanut butter, etc.

Here's my actual question: Is there a word or phrase for this?

If anyone knows, I'd really appreciate it. Random comments about these restaurants and what you think of them more than welcome.

[Will Owen]

Here in SoCal we have quite a few Asian restaurants serving mostly or entirely one kind of food, the banh mi and pho houses being the most common. The big Hong Kong-style seafood places, if they're open during the day, specialize in dim sum up until 3:00 or so. You can order from the regular menu, if you insist, but the kitchen staff during these hours is usually dim sum specialists who aren't so good with fancy dishes.

Back in the '60s, it was not uncommon to see omelet shops in the kind of artsy neighborhoods where bookstores and gourmet groceries might be found. I haven't seen any of those for years, though.

[oldbaycupcake]

Usually referred to in industry articles as "one-ingredient" theme or "specialization" restaurants. Focus is on one main ingredient that is served in a variety of ways.

One of my favs is Potato Valley, all baked potato all the time! They have some great filling combinations including cheeses, veggies and proteins. A great place for lunch. I'd also welcome a grilled cheese or peanut butter place in my area! Or puddin' - rice, bread and just plain old puddin'!

[Catskillgirl]

I'd call it a specialty restaurant, but I'm sure there is a better word.

But you've made me curious - where are you located that you see all mac 'n cheese or all risotto restaurants? I live in the sticks where there are very few restaurants, much less all-anything!

[Adrienne]

I'm in NYC (--I guess it figures, right?) We have a whole bunch of them, here are the ones I've especially noticed:

Risotteria: http://www.risotteria.com/
S'MAC: http://www.smacnyc.com/
Rice to Riches: http://www.ricetoriches.com/frameset.php?content=/startpage.php
PB&Co: http://www.ilovepeanutbutter.com/

I'm interested if there are more... we used to have a grilled cheese one but I'm pretty sure it closed.

[im_nomad]

but the all risotto place seems to be primarily a gluten free place isn't it? they also have pizza and salads etc. that parisienne mac and cheese sounds pretty good though....

[Adrienne]

The Risotto place has several dozen risottos, so that counts to me even though they do carry a few other things. Plus being able to choose different types of rice is a nice feature.

The parisienne is delicious -- as is the mediterranean (goat cheese 'n' mac... yum!)