22 JULY 2026 By Sherry Sklar Postino’s summer bruschetta battle turns guests into tastemakers. Rather than simply introducing seasonal specials, Postino invites customers to help decide which experimental bruschetta earns a place on the fall menu. The contest began in 2023, when Mexican Street Corn took the prize, and has gained popularity and culinary inventiveness with each passing year. In 2024, four contenders faced off across two initial battles, with French Onion ultimately winning. In 2025, the contest expanded to six contenders, with Boquerones named the winner. The 2026 release continues the six-flavor format, with three two-week series and a final August championship. The competition kicked off in mid-June and runs for two months. During July and into August, customers can participate in Series 2, Series 3 and the championship round, which runs from August 1-15; the top two from each series compete for the winning recipe. “We are excited to have the top two compete in that last round,” said Lauren Bailey, CEO and co-founder of Postino and its parent company, Upward Projects. The bruschetta champion will receive a permanent spot on the fall menu, and the winner will be announced August 17. The culinary team leads this collaborative effort. Postino team members and Upward Projects employees created the limited-edition contenders. All were invited to submit recipes for consideration and the culinary team then held a tasting workshop to evaluate the final flavor combinations. This year’s board includes a series of face-offs: Cherry Mostarda (ricotta, cherry mostarda, mint) vs. Peanut Butter, Bacon and Banana (an ode to Elvis Presley) from June 15-30; Roast Beef & Horseradish (topped with pickled red onions) vs. Muffaletta (white cheddar, mortadella, olive tapenade), from July 1-14. Smashed Pea (smashed peas, whipped feta, spicy Marcona almonds) vs. Pear & Cambozola (topped with crispy pear and a drizzle of spicy honey) are on the chopping block from July 15-31. During each round, guests can order two competing limited-edition bruschetta flavors and vote on their favorite by scanning a QR code in- restaurant or online. “We definitely keep a pulse on what’s having a moment in the food world when coming up with flavor profiles,” Bailey said. “But we know that our guests want to see something new and true to Postino.” The team, Bailey said, likes to put its own spin on recipes, ensuring the dishes complement the wines that Postino is known for. With roots in Arcadia, the restaurant was founded in a historic 1940s-era neighborhood post office in 2001 and has grown into a national brand with more than 35 locations. Upward Projects also includes Windsor, Churn ice cream, Joyride Taco House and Federal Pizza. For those looking to challenge their taste buds without straying far from home, the Battle of the Bruschetta offers a summer culinary adventure with a say in what lands on the menu next. Guests can taste, vote and follow the competition as Postino’s newest flavor contenders battle for a place on the bruschetta board. postinowinecafe.com Knives and forks out! The Battle of the Bruschetta is underway