Flavor Trends, Strategies and Solutions for Menu Development
Justin Cucci is the executive chef/owner of Edible Beats restaurant group, based in Denver
The humble sweet potato offers tremendous menu versatility and opportunity
This devilishly delicious vegan starter is a tasty twist on the beloved, classic egg recipe, complete with a mustardy mashed Idaho® Potato filling and tangy tomato jam topping.
VIDEOS
Portable Breakfast: Fuel Your Bottom Line Creating unique protein-packed on-the-go breakfast options can satisfy customers, as well as your bottom line
Chef DJ Tangalin utilizes fresh, frozen and dehydrated potatoes in order to develop an incredibly delicious gluten-free menu
The Future of Flavor Five global condiments showing big menu growth
One of the easiest, most cost-effective ways to elevate a popular or familiar dish is with an on-trend condiment. Here are five of the mouth-watering varieties we expect will resonate with larger audiences over the coming year.
Alaska Salmon: Head to Tail Barton Seaver demonstrates how to use a king salmon from nose to tail for maximum profitabiility
Barton Seaver demonstrates how to use a king salmon from nose to tail for maximum profitabiility
Chef Ray Garcia on Latin Cuisine Ray Garcia demonstrates his approach to Latin cuisine through his Yolkamole Egg Tostada
Renowned restauranteur/chef Ray Garcia dishes on the appeal of Latin cuisine and demonstrates how to make his Yolkamole Egg Tostada
Where Heat Meets Sweet Some of the fried chicken styles making the biggest impact today
Some of the fried chicken styles making the biggest impact today
Beef Means Business: Flavor Why Chef Gus Martin loves cooking with beef, including flavor profiles and aging, as well as his favorite cuts.
Why Chef Gus Martin loves cooking with beef, including flavor profiles and aging, as well as his favorite cuts.
Quality Ingredients, Carefully Sourced The Original "Louisiana" Brand Hot Sauce™ and our range of sauce flavors add a kick to dishes across the menu
The Original "Louisiana" Brand Hot Sauce™ and our range of sauce flavors add a kick to dishes across the menu
Around the Globe With Dole® Fruit: Europe Watch our 2019 Fruit Pairings tour video!
Watch our 2019 Fruit Pairings tour video!
Protein-Centric Handhelds Handheld menu items drive traffic and increase sales
Handheld menu items drive traffic and increase sales
Mixed Berry Mousse Cake Watch how to build this dessert in this quick video from Haliburton
Watch how to build this dessert in this quick video from Haliburton.
The Smooth Moves of Hummus The many ways in which this on-trend workhorse is carrying modern menus
The many ways in which this on-trend workhorse is carrying modern menus
Chefs Talk BBQ A select group of chefs with ethnic expertise discuss BBQ
A select group of chefs with ethnic expertise discuss BBQ
Frozen Fresh Seafood Barton Seaver dispels the myths of frozen seafood
Barton Seaver dispels the myths of frozen seafood
Beef Means Business: Chef Adam Hegsted For Spokane, Washington–based chef Adam Hegsted, beef means profits across his restaurant group
For Spokane, Washington–based chef Adam Hegsted, beef means profits across his restaurant group
Renegade Steakhouse Chefs Turn to Fresh AFM Watch Chef Jason McLeod of Born & Raised, San Diego, CA, create fresh and modern spins on classic steakhouse dishes with fresh Avocados From Mexico
Watch Chef Jason McLeod of Born & Raised, San Diego, CA create fresh and modern spins on classic steakhouse dishes with fresh Avocados From Mexico
Around the Globe With DOLE Fruit: The Americas Watch our 2019 Fruit Pairings tour video!
Watch our 2019 Fruit Pairings tour video!
Tropical Asian 10 flavors showing menu growth
Incorporating distinctly Southeast Asian ingredients into sandwiches, soups and stir-fry dishes is a great way to introduce patrons to a new world of culinary adventure
4 Ways to Go With Grapes on the Menu Go with grapes and take your menu into bold new territory.
Go with grapes and take your menu into bold new territory.
What Can A Blueberry Become? Transforming blueberries into a one-of-a-kind chef’s tasting menu
Transforming blueberries into a one-of-a-kind chef’s tasting menu
Barramundi 101 for Hotel F&B Discover Australis Barramundi, "A Chef's Fish"
Discover Australis Barramundi, "A Chef's Fish"
Beef Means Business: Versatile Beef Chef Gus Martin speaks to the versatility of beef: how it goes beyond center of the plate and how different portion sizes drive business at lunch and dinner.
Chef Martin speaks to the versatility of beef: how it goes beyond center of the plate and how different portion sizes drive business at lunch and dinner.
Around the Globe With Dole Fruit Africa and the Middle East - watch our 2019 Fruit Pairings tour video!
Watch our 2019 Fruit Pairings tour video!
What makes BBQ so irresistible? What is it about BBQ that makes it so universally loved? Smithfield Culinary asked its select group of pitmasters to explain
What is it about BBQ that makes it so universally loved? Smithfield Culinary asked its select group of pitmasters to explain
River & Woods Redefines Avocado Sushi with Fresh AFM Watch Chef Daniel Asher of River & Woods craft an innovative twist on the classic caprese sandwich
Watch Chef Daniel Asher of River & Woods craft an innovative twist on the classic caprese sandwich.
Tortilla Española by Dan Kish Create a delicious Tortilla Española using dehydrated potato slices
Chef Dan Kish of Food Fixe gives new life to dehydrated potatoes, which showcases his innovative use of dehy slices in a creative take on Tortilla Española, and dehy flakes as a delicious and gluten-free alternative breading for Chicken Milanese.
Beef Means Business: Creativity How Chef Gus Martin Creolizes beef with the use of seasoning blends, sauces and accompaniments that give beef authentic Creole flair
How Chef Gus Martin Creolizes beef with the use of seasoning blends, sauces and accompaniments that give beef authentic Creole flair
Building a Better Burger The toppings showing remarkable growth on burger menus
The toppings showing remarkable growth on burger menus
Housemade Kombucha How to craft small-batch housemade kombucha using The Perfect Purée’s premium fruit purées.
How to craft small-batch housemade kombucha using The Perfect Purée’s premium fruit purées.
Craveable Comfort Potatoes anchor trends with all-important familiarity
Potatoes anchor trends with all-important familiarity
Build a Gluten-Free Menu with Potatoes Chef DJ Tangalin utilizes fresh, frozen and dehydrated potatoes in order to develop an incredibly delicious gluten-free menu
Chef DJ Tangalin utilizes fresh, frozen and dehydrated potatoes in order to develop an incredibly delicious gluten-free menu
Housemade Condiments Toppings and sauces made with DOLE® Chef-Ready Cuts and Chef-Ready Frozen Fruit Purées lend a premium touch to your menu.
Toppings and sauces made with DOLE® Chef-Ready Cuts and Chef-Ready Frozen Fruit Purées lend a premium touch to your menu.
4 Ways With Grapes: Part 2 Fresh ideas inspired by a creative usage of grapes
Fresh ideas inspired by a creative usage of grapes
STARTER TRENDS
Housemade Jumbo Tots with smoked paprika ketchup and “fancified” ranch
Charred Spring Peas with sauce verte and burrata
SANDWICH TRENDS
Chefs are rediscovering the beauty of white bread—how it offers structure but surrenders to textural elements, like fried chicken, tonkatsu and fried bologna. We bring you 5 modern takes on white bread sandwiches.
A pickled element introduces bright, beautiful acidity, along with a pleasing crunch and colorful pop. Everything is fair game when it comes to garnishing a sandwich with a pickled ingredient.
Produce TRENDS
No longer the also-ran to protein’s starring role, vegetables are the driver for some of the most exciting innovation happening in foodservice today.
Chefs are rediscovering the potential of this classic technique. The Hasselback technique encourages a fun interpretation of today’s best flavor systems.
This Mediterranean-inspired egg strata, with Swiss chard, olives, thyme and fresh mozzarella is ideal for vegetarians looking for a protein-rich meal, or any guest who wants a healthy meal with great flavor.
Dessert TRENDS
Exploring the versatility of the avocado, this Sweet Avocado Surrender Sundae stars avocado-mango ice cream, Mexican hot chocolate sauce and chocolate-chipotle avocado doughnut holes.
Ousia offers its Donut Pikilia: Housemade sampler of Halva Mousse with hazelnut chocolate, Mastiha Yogurt Mousse with pistachio glaze, and Spiced Apple
In Indian mash-ups, subtle moves show up as a gentle touch, an easing in of flavor. The result is significant, offering delicious flavor discovery
Protein TRENDS
Primehouse steakhouse's Venison Chop uses Miyazaki beef fat to make the real flavor difference. It's served with red wine venison sausage made in house, and a lavender broth with diced vegetables and baby root vegetables.
Bar snacks and small plates are big business—make them protein-centric for an even meatier return
Healthy Menus
Snap Kitchen offers its Naked Salmon: Grilled salmon, grass-fed ghee, baby spinach, kale, broccolini, red peppers, shallots
Square Roots Kitchen offers a Comfort Food Bowl: Pulled pork, housemade spicy corn, black beans, cheddar and barbecue sauce over warm quinoa
The priorities of a generation continue to shape our industry in profound ways
Listicles
10 Flavor Builders: Taste of Asia Bold condiments from this global hotspot serve as high-impact ingredients
Bold condiments from this global hotspot serve as high-impact ingredients
A Dozen Ways: Building a Buzz-Worthy Beverage A dozen trending ingredients making a splash today
A dozen trending ingredients making a splash today
Tropical Asian 10 flavors showing menu growth
Incorporating distinctly Southeast Asian ingredients into sandwiches, soups and stir-fry dishes is a great way to introduce patrons to a new world of culinary adventure
Renegade Steakhouse Chefs Turn to Fresh AFM Watch Chef Jason McLeod of Born & Raised, San Diego, CA, create fresh and modern spins on classic steakhouse dishes with fresh Avocados From Mexico
Watch Chef Jason McLeod of Born & Raised, San Diego, CA create fresh and modern spins on classic steakhouse dishes with fresh Avocados From Mexico
A World of Sandwiches Innovations in five areas help keep this category exciting
Innovations in five areas help keep this category exciting
12 Modern Sandwiches A dozen ways to reinvigorate this classic category
A dozen ways to reinvigorate this classic category
Beef Means Business: Versatile Beef Chef Gus Martin speaks to the versatility of beef: how it goes beyond center of the plate and how different portion sizes drive business at lunch and dinner.
Chef Martin speaks to the versatility of beef: how it goes beyond center of the plate and how different portion sizes drive business at lunch and dinner.
Tortilla Española by Dan Kish Create a delicious Tortilla Española using dehydrated potato slices
Chef Dan Kish of Food Fixe gives new life to dehydrated potatoes, which showcases his innovative use of dehy slices in a creative take on Tortilla Española, and dehy flakes as a delicious and gluten-free alternative breading for Chicken Milanese.
Sweet Favorites, Modern Flavors 15 fresh ideas for seven popular dessert categories
15 fresh ideas for seven popular dessert categories
10 Flavor Builders: Center of Attention Modern ways that chefs are featuring meat, poultry and game
Modern ways that chefs are featuring meat, poultry and game
Recipes
Vegan Deviled Idaho® Red Potatoes
This devilishly delicious vegan starter is a tasty twist on the beloved, classic egg recipe, complete with a mustardy mashed Idaho® Potato filling and tangy tomato jam topping.
Smashed Idaho® Fingerling Potatoes with BBQ Butter
These Idaho® Fingerling Potatoes are roasted and pressed flat on a hot skillet, then topped with a thick and zesty homemade BBQ Butter.
Idaho® Potato Mexican Tamale Sphere
Mouthwatering Mexican-style tamale spheres, made with a warm Idaho® Potato tamale dough wrapped around flavorful fillings like carnitas, shortribs and barbacoa.
Idaho® Potato Gnocchi with Peas
Billowy Idaho® Potato dumplings, boiled to al dente texture and topped with a tender green pea tendril purée for a delicious change of pace from pasta
Grilled Chilean Salmon, Cured Tomato and Olive Vinaigrette, Shishito Pepper
California-inspired brunoise of tomatoes, Kalamata olives, cucumber, lemon, fresh thyme and dill provides a fresh, crisp, bitter-salty-sweet counterpart to the buttery flavor of grilled salmon.
Lamb Scottadito with Walnut Anchovy Salsa and Broccolini
Racks of lamb are marinated with rosemary and lemon zest, then grilled to rare or medium-rare. Cut into chops after resting 10 minutes, they’re served with grilled broccolini tossed with mushrooms and peppers.
Grilled Mango & Goat Cheese Salad
Here, fresh ripe mango wedges are grilled to perfection and served alongside baked rounds of goat cheese coated with toasted macadamia nuts. Placed over organic greens and arugula dressed with a balsamic vinaigrette, the salad offers a delightful flavor build and mouthfeel with its sweet and savory, creamy and acidic elements
Middle Eastern Alaska Fish Cakes With Green Tahini Sauce
This shareable dish of Middle Eastern Alaska Fish Cakes with Green Tahini Sauce captures the big opportunity in bringing together seafood, snackability and trending Eastern Med flavors.
Aussie Grassfed Beef Banh Mi
Aussie Grass-fed Beef Banh Mi, with finely sliced Australian grass-fed steak, along with Brie for richness.