Author: Golden State Review Contributor

January 7, 2026, brought an extra dash of culinary delight for food lovers across the United States as restaurants, chefs, and home cooks celebrated National Tempura Day. The observance, now growing in popularity on social media and food calendars, pays tribute to tempura — a beloved dish of lightly battered and fried seafood and vegetables that has become a staple of Japanese cuisine and global comfort food culture. Far from being just another winter date on the calendar, National Tempura Day has evolved into an annual opportunity for communities to explore the textures, techniques, and tastes that make tempura a…

On January 5, 2026, a new set of U.S. coins began circulating across the country to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary, known as the Semiquincentennial. These redesigned coins celebrate significant moments from American history, with iconic images of historical figures such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and other influential patriots from the nation’s early years. The introduction of these commemorative coins is both a way to honor the United States’ rich heritage and a reminder of the monumental milestone the country is celebrating in 2026. The new coins feature intricate designs that aim to capture the spirit of the nation’s…

January 3, 2026, brought a deliciously fun and diverse set of food-related celebrations across the United States, offering people a chance to indulge in sweet and savory treats alike. This unofficial holiday, now celebrated annually, serves as a reminder of how food can bring people together in unexpected and lighthearted ways. Among the most notable celebrations of the day was National Chocolate Covered Cherry Day, which gave people the perfect excuse to enjoy the classic and much-loved combination of cherries encased in rich chocolate. This treat, often found in holiday gift boxes or as a nostalgic favorite, has a special…

In a powerful and symbolic start to 2026, Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as the 112th mayor of New York City on January 1, making history as the first Muslim and Asian American to hold the city’s highest office. The inauguration took place in the early hours of the new year at the Old City Hall subway station beneath Manhattan, a location rich in architectural and historical significance. The underground setting reflected Mamdani’s deep connection to the city’s infrastructure and his campaign’s grassroots ethos, signaling a break from tradition and a new direction in leadership for America’s largest metropolis. Accompanied…

As 2026 begins, Starbucks is kicking off the new year with a refreshed and expansive menu that blends innovative beverages, globally inspired pastries, and a pop culture tie-in aimed at energizing its loyal customer base. The coffee chain unveiled the new offerings on December 29, 2025, signaling a strategic effort to maintain momentum after a busy holiday season and attract a broad range of customers in the months ahead. At the center of the rollout are two new matcha beverages that will be added permanently to the Starbucks menu, marking the brand’s ongoing investment in matcha-based drinks as consumer demand…

As 2025 draws to a close, the final weekend of the year brought with it a wide array of streaming premieres and television episodes, giving U.S. audiences plenty to choose from during the extended holiday break. From high-profile thrillers to long-awaited sci-fi episodes and dramatic serials, the weekend’s entertainment lineup offered a compelling mix for viewers across all preferences. Leading the weekend’s new releases was The Copenhagen Test, a Peacock original series starring Simu Liu. Premiering in full on December 27, the eight-episode spy thriller dropped just in time for a binge-watching session over the long holiday weekend. Liu, known…

On December 25, 2025, as families across the United States celebrated Christmas, a significant number of Americans turned to restaurants rather than home kitchens for their holiday meals. With Christmas Day falling on a Thursday, many chose the convenience and communal experience of dining out, embracing a growing trend of holiday meals served in public settings. Despite the federal holiday prompting the closure of most retail stores and financial markets, a wide range of national chains, local eateries, and full-service restaurants remained open, offering options that catered to a variety of tastes and holiday traditions. Among the most accessible choices…

The Annual National Gingerbread House Competition and Display in Asheville, North Carolina, has once again captured the imagination of holiday lovers across the United States. As of December 23, 2025, the event continued to draw large crowds to the historic Omni Grove Park Inn, transforming the resort into a sugary showcase of artistry and tradition. Now in its 33rd year, the competition has grown far beyond its humble beginnings, evolving into one of the most anticipated seasonal attractions in the country. First launched in the early 1990s as a modest local event, the gingerbread house competition has blossomed into a…

The University of Miami Hurricanes delivered one of the most significant wins of their modern football era on Sunday night, defeating the Texas A&M Aggies 10–3 to advance to the College Football Playoff quarterfinals. In a game defined by defensive discipline and physical execution, Miami neutralized one of the nation’s most explosive offenses and secured a postseason victory that signals the program’s resurgence on the national stage. The low-scoring contest unfolded as a defensive struggle from the opening kickoff, with both teams finding yards hard to come by. Miami’s defense set the tone early, applying consistent pressure and limiting Texas…

The winter holiday season is in full swing, and across the country, travel activity has surged as millions of Americans head home to celebrate with loved ones. On December 19, the first major wave of holiday movement kicked off what transportation analysts expect to be one of the busiest travel seasons in recent history. Airports, highways, train stations, and bus terminals reported significant increases in volume as travelers began their year-end journeys. According to projections from national travel and transportation groups, a record-setting 122 million Americans are expected to travel between December 20 and January 1. This figure represents a…