Upside Foods, a cultivated meat, poultry, and seafood company, revealed that its cultivated chicken, lab-grown from animal cells, has launched at the Michelin-starred Bar Crenn in San Francisco. The first-ever consumer sale of cultivated meat in the U.S. occured there, Saturday.
The restaurant debut of Upside’s cultivated chicken followed the announcement that the company has been approved to sell its cultivated chicken in the U.S.
"The landmark sale of Upside’s cultivated chicken at Bar Crenn officially marks cultivated meat's debut into the U.S. market," said Dr. Uma Valeti, CEO and founder of Upside Foods, in a statement. "It represents a giant leap towards a world where people no longer have to choose between the foods they love and a thriving planet. I can't wait for more people to get their first bite.”
Diners at this historic meal were served Upside Foods' cultivated chicken, fried in a Recado Negro-infused tempura batter and accompanied by a burnt chili aioli. Served in a handmade black ceramic vessel adorned with Mexican motifs and Crenn's logo, the dish was garnished with edible flowers and greens sourced from Bleu Belle Farm.
"It's truly an honor to serve Upside’s cultivated chicken at Bar Crenn and introduce cultivated meat to the US," said Chef Dominique Crenn, in a statement. "It's the first time meat has made it back on my menu since 2018, because Upside Chicken is the first meat that I feel good about serving. From its exquisite flavor and texture to its aroma and the way it cooks, UPSIDE Chicken…represents a significant step towards a more sustainable and compassionate food system."
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