I know that right now, it seems like the only food trends in the foreseeable future include the foods you can keep in your pantry and eat at home alone (#socialdistancing). But I think it’s really important that we all continue to look ahead and focus on some positives. Yes, it is important to take proper precautions and to take care of ourselves, our families and each other, but panic never solved anything. In fact, panic makes things worse. So let’s focus on facts, have some compassion, heed advice from the proper channels and also, find time and space to smile and enjoy the things we can. For me, that means looking into what the next big food trends may be heading our way.
Industry reports from the beginning of the year identified several food trends believed to take the restaurant industry by storm throughout 2020. Here are a few of the findings.
- Cross Cultural Fusion: This isn’t exactly new, but the combinations will be more unique than ever this year. Many restaurants are starting to offer things like Mexican and Southeast Asian fusion or French-Scandanavian or Chinese-Peruvian. Can you think of any other unique combinations you’d like to see?
- Hyper-Regional Cuisine: On the opposite side of the spectrum, diners are also enjoying micro-regional offerings. So rather than the broad spectrum of Mexican cuisine, you’ll find Oaxaca or Yucatan selections. I love this one because it allows us to dive deeper into different cultures through food.
- Coffee Based Cocktails: I’m not talking about the beloved (at least to me) espresso martini. I’m talking espresso tonics and nitro cold brews with different liquors and fixings. I’m very on board with this trend as I firmly believe that coffee should be its own food group.
- Butter: It’s not what you think and I’ve seen this one in action already. Flavored and seasoned butter trays will grace the tables of many restaurants across the country. You may not think you need more than one butter choice with your pre-dinner bread, but this trend thinks you’re wrong. Matt and I really enjoyed a more in depth “bread and butter” service at a fine dining restaurant here in Charlotte. 10/10 would recommend.
- Foodie Friendly Kid’s Menus: I LOVE this one. Of course there are still plenty of children who will want chicken nuggets or buttered noodles when they’re out to eat with their parents, but new generations are far more exposed to multi-cultural cuisines and many of them are enjoying a more sophisticated palate. My nephew is proof of this. His favorite food is tuna poke.
Other trends that continue to grow in popularity include sustainability, health conscious choices, diet alternatives and the ever popular “superfoods.”
What are your thoughts? Let’s talk food!
Rebecca McKinney
I wanted to create this blog for a few reasons. First and foremost, to share tips, tricks, and knowledge about the food and beverage industry in general but also to help people see a different side of the restaurant world. Every restaurant has a totally unique culture and world within it. I want to help open people’s eyes to more than how fast the service is or how easy or hard it is to secure a reservation.
So, thanks for stopping by! I welcome your ideas, input, and feedback and hope you enjoy!
Eat well & travel often,
Becky McKinney
Latest posts by Rebecca McKinney (see all)
- Why Food Makes the Best Gift for a New Mom - April 12, 2023
- 5 Ingredients to Cook With This Spring - March 15, 2023
- 10 Reasons to Dine Out on Valentine’s Day - February 2, 2023
Leave a Reply