Flavor Trends, Strategies and Solutions for Menu Development

Author: Flavor & The Menu Staff

Reeling Them In Bob’s Clam Hut | Kittery, Maine

Made from scratch since 1956, the craveable tartar sauce at Bob’s Clam Hut combines heritage and nostalgia with a mixture of mayonnaise, relish, finely chopped carrots and onions, it’s served with every order at this iconic Maine seafood shack

Bowled Over The Belton Chalet | Glacier National Park, Montana

PHOTO CREDIT: Flavor & The Menu Staff Looking for a flavor-forward dish that answered the need for a gluten-free, dairy-free, healthy menu option, Executive Chef Melissa Mangold landed on the Belton Asian Rice Bowl. “It’s a perfect balance of spicy, sweet and salty with a hint of acidity,” she says. Visually inviting, this feel-good build starts with a base of Taiwanese long-grain rice. She adds edamame, kung pao Brussels sprouts, Asian pear, homemade caramelized kimchi of purple daikon and napa cabbage and triangles of wasabi pea-crusted tofu. “We decided to caramelize the kimchi to bring out the flavors and...

A Botanical Experience Babbalucci | New York

PHOTO CREDIT: Flavor & The Menu Staff The Negroni Bianco has been showing up on forward-thinking cocktail menus, playing up the botanical side of the classic Negroni. The version served at Babbalucci introduces fresh notes of cucumber bitters and lemon, toning down the bitter edge of the classic cocktail. “The drink was inspired by the bitter and sweet taste given by mixing Campari with vermouth,” says Enzo Cangemi, the restaurant’s beverage consultant. He uses herbal liquor made with gentian as well as a fragrant Cinzano Bianco, mixed with gin-infused juniper berries. Cangemi explains that mixing botanical-based spirits has a...

Doughnut Rebellion Clyde Frazier’s | New York

PHOTO CREDIT: Flavor & The Menu Staff When Agustin Mejia, Clyde Frazier’s Pastry Chef, decided to replace the Ricotta Donuts with churros, there was trouble. “The restaurant regulars rose up and demanded their return. They now occupy a permanent place on our dessert menu,” says Bridgeen Hale Rice, General Manager. Why the fuss? “The secret to these irresistible little doughnuts is the ricotta cheese, which creates a springy, airy texture,” she says. “They melt in your mouth, and they’re just sweet enough, without being overpowering.” The fluffy, warm pastries are rolled in cinnamon sugar and served with chocolate and...