Fact one: The most expensive gratin in the world costs about $300. It’s made with Alba truffles and gold leaf at a restaurant in New York. You pay for the crust, and apparently, that crust is made of unicorn tears and financial regret.
Fact two: The first recorded recipe for a gratin dates back to 1691 in a French cookbook. That’s older than the United States. So when you eat gratin, you are literally consuming history—and probably a lot of butter.
What Size Are Gratin Dishes? [Inc. Invidual Ones] – Kitchen Seer
Fact three: In France, there’s a term “gratiné” that means something is over-the-top or cheesy. So if your friend posts a sappy photo of their cat in a scarf, you can say, “That’s a bit gratiné.” You’ll sound chic and slightly judgmental.