Flavor Trends, Strategies and Solutions for Menu Development
Picture for 2023 Best of Flavor
This special “Best of Flavor” issue features 100 entries—arranged in no particular order—highlighting the flavor-forward innovation taking place in menu development today.
Picture for 2022 Best of Flavor May-June 2022
This special “Best of Flavor” issue features 100 entries—arranged in no particular order—highlighting the flavor-forward innovation taking place in menu development today.
Picture for 2021 Best of Flavor May-June 2021
This special “Best of Flavor” issue features 100 entries—arranged in no particular order—highlighting the flavor-forward innovation taking place in menu development today.
Picture for 2020 Best of Flavor May-June 2020
Picture for Signature Flavor: A Twist on Tagine
Unexpected ingredients help move the tagine into a modern American profile
Picture for Creative Flavor Moves
Uncommon flavors and techniques that deliver surprise and delight
Picture for Rise and Shine
Trend-forward uses of pork ensure that breakfast is good to go
Picture for Take to the Sea
Chefs showcase creative ways to highlight seafood
Picture for Betting on Chocolate
The sweet spot in desserts usually hones in on chocolate
Picture for All Cued Up
Signature pork offerings help attract BBQ lovers
Picture for Well in Hand
Protein-rich handhelds carry crave factor
Picture for Sandwich Success
Carving out differentiation in a crowded category
Picture for Targeting Tacos
Chefs hone in on what makes tacos successful for their brands
Picture for Meaty Appetizers
The snacking category offers a great place for meat-centric innovation
Picture for Entrée Innovation
Chefs are upping their main game
Picture for Seafood at the Start
Chefs are showing off the shareable side of seafood
Picture for All About the Bowl
Next-level approaches keep this category exciting
Picture for Build Your Best Menu
10 dynamic, menu-ready builds and how to leverage them, brought to you by Minor's
Picture for Burger Bonanza
Chefs continue to push the crave factor in burger builds
Picture for Fried Chicken Sandwiches Fly High
These three restaurant brands showcase winning moves in this fan-favorite category
Picture for Welcome to Best of Flavor 2019
A Flavor Playbook of 2019 and beyond, showcasing brilliant snapshots of menu successes
Picture for Publisher's page May-June 2019
Welcome to the latest issue from Cathy Holley
Picture for Flavor of the Year
Monin is calling out Vanilla Spice as the “Flavor of the Year.”
Picture for Snapping up Flavor
Rickie Perez, Executive Chef/Founder of Logan Oyster Socials, a traveling oyster bar in Chicago, serves up a seafood pasta that is a perfect 10
Picture for Adobo for the Win
You know you’ve got a runaway hit when your dish wins the grand prize in a national recipe contest
Picture for Innovating With Pork
We partner with Smithfield to look at today’s biggest menu opportunities that rely on pork for its popularity, familiarity, versatility and flavor
Picture for 2019 Best of Flavor May-June 2019
Picture for Brix Burger
Brix Burger with bacon jam, brisket, barbecue sauce, pickled beets, blue cheese, fried onions
Picture for Tuna Tartare
Tuna Tartare with avocado salsa, mushrooms, fresh citrus, phyllo, cheese crisp, yuzu, olive-almond pesto
Picture for Build-a-Bhel
Crunchy puffed rice with customizable vegetables, fruits and chutneys
Picture for Uni Shot
Uni Shot with sake, ponzu, yuzu kosho, kaiso seaweed blend, scallion and quail’s egg yolk
Picture for Housemade Jumbo Tots
Housemade Jumbo Tots with smoked paprika ketchup and “fancified” ranch
Picture for Sorrento Lemon Chicken
Half chicken, oregano, lemon juice, Parmesan, with roasted russet potatoes
Picture for Jinya Tonkotsu Black
Thin ramen noodles, pork-based broth, pork chashu, kikurage, seasoned egg, spicy sauce
Picture for The Cubano Bowl
Mesquite chicken, rice, beans, tostones, mango salsa, avocado, sour cream, Havana sauce
Picture for The Cowboy Sandwich
Spicy-crispy chicken sandwich topped with bacon, cheddar, jalapeño, pickles and Hoss sauce
Picture for Skate Fish
Skate fish with caper/brown-butter sauce, green cabbage, smoked bacon
Picture for Charred Spring Peas
Charred Spring Peas with sauce verte and burrata
Picture for The Counter Burger
The Counter Burger with provolone, lettuce, tomato, sautéed mushrooms, crispy onion strings, roasted garlic aïoli
Picture for Paleo Spaghetti Squash Bolognese
Spaghetti squash “noodles,” marinara sauce with chipotle pepper, roasted vegetables, ground beef
Picture for Fermented Jalapeño Farfalle
Fermented Jalapeño Farfalle with chickpea-miso compound butter, country ham, fresh corn
Picture for Tewa Tacos
Butternut squash, black-bean/corn salsa, blue-corn tortillas, red chile sauce, pomegranate-kale slaw, maple cream, pumpkin seeds, Cotija
Picture for Szechuan Dan Dan Taco
Szechuan Dan Dan Taco with ground beef, Sichuan pepper aïoli, bok choy salad, crispy wonton strips and Sriracha crickets
Picture for Crispy Red Snapper for Two
Crispy Red Snapper for Two with jasmine rice, bok choy, shiitake, bean sprouts and coconut broth
Picture for Bar Snack Tasting Menu
Bar Snacks featuring seven to eight mini courses that change seasonally
Picture for Chili Lime Mango Smoothie
Mango, citrus, chile-lime salt, fresh ginger
Picture for Pan Seared Chicken Paillard
Pan-Seared Chicken Paillard with Lacinato kale, Brussels sprouts, pickled grapes, almonds, orange, Parmesan, honey gastrique
Picture for Miso Glazed Barramundi
Miso Glazed Barramundi with white miso and honey, plancha-grilled jumbo asparagus, chipotle oil
Picture for Thai Sausage
Thai Sausage with fried rice, sunny-side quail’s egg, pickled green papaya
Picture for Ten Vegetable Soup
Ten Vegetable Soup with brown rice, Red Fife, wheat berries, black chia seed, tamari, lime juice, lemon zest, Aleppo pepper, market vegetables
Picture for Bacon-Bacon Cheeseburger
Bacon-Bacon Cheeseburger with melted cheddar, American cheese, crispy bacon, slow-roasted smoked bacon, secret sauce
Picture for The Yodel
Devil’s food cake log stuffed with dark chocolate, hazelnut brittle and white chocolate
Picture for Fried Green Tomato Taco
Fried Green Tomato Taco with bacon, Cajun ranch, lettuce, pico de gallo, roasted corn
Picture for Avocado Hummus
Hummus, avocado, jalapeño, cilantro, scallion, with pita and crudités
Picture for Fried Chicken & Waffle
Fried Chicken with a Serrano-pecorino waffle, miso butter, Brussels sprouts, bagna càuda and Sriracha honey
Picture for Crispy-Fried Essex Clams
Crispy-Fried Essex Clams with preserved lemon, pickled peppers, dried black olive, squid ink anchoïade
Picture for The Wolf Sandwich
Griddled bologna, Texas toast, lettuce, American cheese, Dijonnaise, sea salt and housemade kettle chips
Picture for Scorpion Chili Hushpuppies
Scorpion Chile Hushpuppies with sourwood honey and chicken liver mousse
Picture for Brisket Benedict
Jalapeño-cheddar cornbread waffle, brisket, poached egg, hollandaise, gochujang, green onions
Picture for Cauliflower Bites
Cauliflower Bites with bonito flakes, aïoli, lemon zest
Picture for Grilled Barbecue Chicken
Grilled Barbecue Chicken with red grape-tamarind sauce and roasted red grapes
Picture for Redneck Lo Mein
Lo mein, smoked chicken, collard greens, corn, black-eyed peas, caramelized onion, andouille-soy glaze
Picture for Guns & Rosé cocktail
Grape brandy, raspberry syrup, lemon juice, rosé, dehydrated lemon slice, mint-skewered raspberry
Picture for Sonoma Grilled Chicken Flatbread
Sonoma Grilled Chicken Flatbread with double-cream Brie, caramelized onions, grilled chicken, hearth-roasted grapes, Parmesan, baby arugula
Picture for Breadstick Sliders
Breadstick buns with meatball, pepperoni, capicola and other fillings
Picture for PST Club Sandwich
Smoked turkey, bacon, ranch dressing, Muenster, avocado, iceberg lettuce, giardiniera on sourdough
Picture for Lobster & Waffles
Fried lobster tail over Cheddar Bay Biscuit waffles and maple syrup
Picture for Lucky Cat Cocktail
Bourbon, Cotton & Reed Allspice Dram, egg white, citrus, tea powder
Picture for Portobello Mushroom Fries
Portobello Mushroom Fries with basil-garlic aïoli
Picture for Crispy Brussel Sprouts
Crispy Brussels Sprouts with fresh herbs, lime juice, fish sauce, sesame-Sriracha aïoli, mint, cashews
Picture for Bulgogi Steak Burrito
Bulgogi Steak Burrito with kimchi fried rice, cheese, kimchi slaw, carrots, green onion, sour cream, wasabi and Seoul Sauce
Picture for Potato
Crispy smashed baby potatoes with blue crab salad, carnitas and guacamole
Picture for El Tipo Beltran
Brixton Mash Destroyer, Bruto Americano, sweet vermouth
Picture for Grilled Beef Tenderloin Skewers
Filet mignon, chimichurri, crispy shallots
Picture for Big Fun Super Sundae
Gelato, chocolate sauce, brownies, chocolate chip cookies, Oreo crumbs, cinnamon-sugar doughnut holes, Airheads candy stick
Picture for Lamb Neck Gravy
Lamb Neck Gravy with whipped ricotta and garlic crostini
Picture for El Greco Street Bowl
Beef and lamb gyros, french fries, feta, tomato, Serrano pepper, green onion, spicy cucumber yogurt sauce
Picture for Plátano Maduro Pancakes
Plátano Maduro Pancakes with banana-passionfruit jam, whipped cream and vanilla-bean maple syrup
Picture for Mellow Yellow Jell-o Shots
Mellow Yellow Jell-o Shots with tequila, limoncello, lemon-lime cordial, gelatin
Picture for Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich
Leg of deep-fried chicken, toasted sesame bun, spicy daikon slaw
Picture for Spicy Tuna Chilindrinas
Duros, raw tuna, chile-soy vinaigrette, scallion, cilantro, crema, hot sauce, avocado, mango, sesame seeds, chile flakes
Picture for Peanut Sikil P’ak
Roasted peanuts, tomato, habanero chiles, green onion, cilantro
Picture for Gnudi al Tartufo Nero
Gnudi with spinach, brown butter, toasted sage, Parmigiano-Reggiano, black truffle, chanterelles
Picture for Seafood Broil
Shrimp, mussels, swai, oysters, andouille sausage, corn on the cob, potatoes
Picture for Pastrami Burger
Sirloin, pastrami, caramelized onions, Swiss cheese, chipotle mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato, brioche bun
Picture for Buffalo Cauliflower
Breaded cauliflower florets, housemade Buffalo sauce, crumbled blue cheese, scallions
Picture for Seafood Paella
Jumbo shrimp, Maine lobster tail, littleneck clams, mussels, mahi-mahi, squid, baby octopus, saffron rice, piquillo pepper salad
Picture for The Grammar Rugby Cocktail
Vodka, lime juice, simple syurp, Portell Cava, Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto
Picture for Pimento Mac & Cheese Sandwich
Pimento mac and cheese, tomato, bacon bits, buttermilk cheddar, sourdough
Picture for Caviar Frites
Crisp Yukon fries, Petrossian caviar, salmon roe, citrus crème fraîche, and nine-spice ranch
Picture for Rock Shrimp fritters
Raw jalapeño, rock shrimp, habanero aïoli, pickled shallot, fresh chives
Picture for Green Tomato Pie
Green Tomato Pie with buttermilk ice cream and sumac-dusted toffee
Picture for Ed's Brisket Burger
Brisket, fried onions, pickles, tartar sauce, pork-bun bun
Picture for Short Rib and Taleggio Lasagna
Short Rib & Taleggio Lasagna with béchamel, Savoy cabbage and caramelized onions
Picture for The Best Cake You've Ever Had
Best Cake You’ve Ever Had with Medjool dates, brown-sugar caramel and crispy bacon
Picture for Aguachile de Pulpo 
Charred octopus with cold-smoked mussels, salsa macha, pickled papaya, charred avocado
Picture for Tuna Bhel
Puffed black rice, raw tuna, avocado, green apple, sev, potato, green mango, tamarind chutney, green chile, radish, cilantro cress
Picture for Sauced and Loaded Fries
Curly fries with beef chili, cheddar, cheese sauce or three-cheese blend, bacon and ranch
Picture for Shank JB Melt
Shank JB Melt with spiced beef shank, cheese curds, spicy mayo, cucumber, flaky pancake
Picture for Cherry Popper Burger
Cherry Popper with a fried egg, pepper Jack cheese and pepper marmalade on a Hawaiian roll
Picture for Smoke Break Cocktail
Smoke Break with Nikka Coffey grain whisky, cream sherry, Carpano Antica, black cherry and coffee bitters
Picture for Gyro Fries
Gyro Fries with Fire Feta Sauce, pickled onions and harissa
Picture for Beet Mocha
Beet juice, espresso, milk chocolate, steamed local grass-fed whole milk
Picture for Smoked Walnut & Blue Cheese Butter
Smoked Walnut & Blue Cheese Butter with smoked paprika, fresh parsley, sea salt
Picture for Mexican Poutine
Schmaltz fries, pollo asado, jalapeño “Cheez Whiz”
Picture for Country Ham Tamal
Country Ham Tamal with pork carnitas, queso Oaxaca, mole coloradito, roasted squash, Swiss chard, pickled green tomatoes
Picture for Yaka Mein
Ribeye cap, angel hair pasta, hot sauce, hard-boiled egg, mint garnish
Picture for Nashville Hotbird
Nashville hot chicken, classic slaw, dill pickles, Greek yogurt ranch, mayo
Picture for Pansy Dropper Cocktail
Pratsch rosé, Dolin Blanc, lime juice, mint simple syrup, Social Pink Grapefruit Ginger sparkling wine
Picture for Country Pâté
Country Pâté with cornichons, frisée, sharp Dijon, rustic bread
Picture for Cauli Flowerpower Bowl
Cauliflower “rice,” chicken, carrots, bell peppers, snap peas, scallion, ginger, tamarind and chile-soy glaze, Asian slaw
Picture for Maine Lobster Pot Pie
Maine Lobster Pot Pie with brandied lobster cream and market baby vegetables
Picture for The Joker Cocktail
Empress Indigo Gin, lime juice, rosemary syrup, egg white, wildflowers
Picture for Hollywood Blondie
Oreo cookie crumbs, chocolate chunks, caramel blondie, cake icing, vanilla whipped cream, toasted coconut
Picture for Spicy Cajun Chicken Sub
Cajun grilled chicken breast, cherry peppers, pepper Jack cheese, Cajun mayonnaise, mustard, toasted roll
Picture for Roast Pork Shoulder
Brown sugar and chile-glazed pork, crispy potato cake, two eggs
Picture for Blanco Burger
Two beef patties, smoked Gouda, Serrano pepper aïoli, lettuce, fried chicken skins, brioche bun
Picture for Southern Oxtail & Dumplings
Braised oxtails, collard greens, beet greens, Trappey’s Peppers and potlikker jus
Picture for Crispy Skin Salmon
Crispy Skin Salmon with mushroom dust, roasted mushroom, beetroot ketchup
Picture for Sticky Toffee Pudding
Warm date cake, candied pecans, caramel sauce, bourbon cream custard, vanilla-bean ice cream
Picture for Billionaire's Bacon
Thick-cut hickory-smoked bacon, brown sugar, red chile flakes, black pepper, smoked paprika, cayenne
Picture for Heart Beet Salad
Baby lettuce, kale, beets, hemp hearts, avocado, orange, hazelnuts, goat cheese, crusty fig toast
Picture for Avocado Lettuce Cups
Avocado Lettuce cups with radish, pistachio dukkah, tamari-almond dressing
Picture for Fried Chicken
Southern fried, all-natural chicken, guest’s choice of side
Picture for Message in a Bottle Cocktail
Clarified milk punch, lemon, Blue Majik pineapple juice, blue algae, Bacardi 4-Year, cinnamon bark cordial
Picture for Sansho Spice Sorbet
Sansho Spice Sorbet with sansho pepper, lemon, blood orange
Picture for Cold Brew Crushie
Brooklyn Cold Brew, locally sourced milk, raw cane sugar, whipped cream, sprinkles, cookie straw
Picture for Buddha Bowl
Warm heirloom rice, sesame-glazed tofu, spicy roasted broccoli, carrot, citrus cabbage slaw, toasted peanut, cilantro, peanut-mango sauce
Picture for Beef Short Ribs
Slow-cooked prime short ribs, sweet potato mash, green beans
Picture for Thai Lobster Roll
Lobster chunks, roasted potato, chipotle coleslaw, baon rouille, garlic, lemongrass, roll
Picture for Olive Oil Semifreddo
Olive Oil Semifreddo with chestnut cream, Asian pear, almond praline
Picture for Idaho Potato Pig Fries
Russet potatoes, sausage, carnitas, pork belly, harissa aïoli, Cotija cheese, cilantro
Picture for Quinn's Filet Burger
Filet mignon, bacon-onion jam, arugula, Gorgonzola, Gruyère, whole-grain mustard, Kaiser roll
Picture for Octopus Plantains
Fried green plantain, octopus ceviche, avocado salsa
Picture for Costillas De Cerdo
Braised baby-back pork ribs, roasted creamy tomatillo salsa, potatoes, zucchini, white rice
Picture for Cebiche Clásico
Cebiche Clásico with striped bass, leche de tigre, aji limo chile peppers, Japanese sweet potato, yuyo and micro cilantro
Picture for Oysters Rockefeller
Oysters Rockefeller with creamed poblano
Picture for Havana Hangover
Ham, bacon, egg, Swiss cheese, papitas, onions, Cuban roll
Picture for Tomatoes en Gelée
Tomato water-yuzu gelée, tomatoes, house-cultured cream, pistachio oil, allium flowers
Picture for Poulet Rôti
Rotisserie-roasted heritage-breed chicken with potatoes
Picture for Mushroom and Steak Tartare
Mushroom and Steak Tartare with smoky chile vinaigrette
Picture for Through The Woods Cocktail
Through the Woods with Koval Cranberry Gin, Matchless Coffee Soda, ginger, evergreen
Picture for Tikka Masala French Toast
Chicken tikka masala, brioche, curried coleslaw
Picture for Short Rib Empanada
Short Rib Empanada with salsa criolla and aji amarillo
Picture for Battered Fish ’N Chips
Fresh cod, beer batter, french fries, coleslaw, tartar sauce
Picture for Chicken Lettuce wraps
Chicken Lettuce wraps with sesame-soy chicken, carrot, green onion, cashews, five-spice wonton strips, iceberg lettuce
Picture for Roasted Artichoke and Mushroom Toast
Roasted Artichoke and Mushroom Toast with black truffle goat cheese, caramelized onion, sherry gastrique
Picture for A5 Negroni
A5 Negroni made with Japanese whisky, Wagyu fat, Campari, sweet vermouth, blood orange juice
Picture for El Cubanito
Tobacco-laced gianduja chocolate cigars, café-caramel flan, guava pastelitos, café con leche dipping sauce, Cuban coffee
Picture for Blackened Tuna Burger
Blackened Tuna Burger with wasabi-ginger aïoli, marinated cucumber, onion, radish and carrots on a milk bun
Picture for Kimchi Carbonara
Kimchi Carbonara: udon, kimchi cream, Spam crumbs, green onions, sunny-side-up egg, pea tendrils
Picture for Cauliflower Appetizer
Santo Cielo in Naperville, Ill. offers roasted and pickled cauliflower, chickpeas, crispy quinoa, labneh.
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