Menu Trends
What better springboard for seafood innovation than Lent? Seafood consumption up, and there’s a general uptick in excitement around seafood. The pathway to success follows two strategies that walk hand-in-hand today: flavor and sustainability.
Mac and cheese serves up a great platform for innovation. More sides and shareables, cast-iron serving pans, bite-sized balls, unique add-ins, and longer noodles are also becoming the norm among trend-forward menus. Doing something different—and doing it well—is key to transforming mac and cheese from a stalwart side into a buzz-worthy bite.
Today, the snacking category is huge, and the bar bite category continues to deliver a world of flavor-forward, fun choices. Candied bacon, meatballs, tots, veg-centric dishes like Crispy Squash Blossoms are all on the menu.
There are really no limits to flavor play in the breakfast space. We bring you inspiration. Salmon tacos. Avocado chicharrones. Adjarian Khachapuri – a flatbread from Georgia. A Roasted Pear, Spinach and Gorgonzola Omelette. And much much more.
Sauces are the silver bullet, armed with craveability, uniqueness and, of course, flavor. Their role in plate composition isn’t new, but the opportunity today sees chefs leveraging the culinary might of sauces and wielding it in unique and memorable ways—all with the strategy of building a flavor impact that knocks their guests’ socks off.
Instagrammability is becoming part of menu strategy today, particularly when trying to woo younger consumers. It’s not enough to make plate presentation appetizing. Gorgeous colors, interactivity, unexpected flourishes, tableside drama—all make the dining consumer click and share. Here are 12 ways to shine on Instagram, garnering that social-media love.
To identify what is being done to drive appeal and sales of cocktails at trend-forward concepts, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits set out on its second-annual fact-finding tour. The standout discovery this year is the creative and sophisticated use of high-impact ingredients that introduce unique profiles to classic cocktails. Based on our research, here are four key opportunities in the cocktail category.
BEVERAGE
Cocktails | Digital-exclusive content | Sponsored Content
1.On-Trend Beverage Mixers
Next-level flavor combinations ensure showstopping bar offerings
10 Beverage Upgrades | Cocktails
2.10 Beverage Builders: A Better Beverage
Going that extra mile yields come-back-for-more cocktails
INGREDIENTS
Chef's Notes | Ingredients
1.Flavor Playlist: Justin Cucci
Justin Cucci is the executive chef/owner of Edible Beats restaurant group, based in Denver
Chef's Notes | Ingredients
2.Flavor Trifecta: John Baez
John Baez is executive chef of the Rainforest Cafe, a family-oriented themed concept that is part of Landry’s, Inc
PROTEIN
10 Flavor Upgrades | Beef | Pork | Poultry
1.10 Flavor Builders: Center of Attention
Modern ways that chefs are featuring meat, poultry and game
PRODUCE
_Current | Digital-exclusive content | Partner Content | Produce | Video
1.Around the Globe With Dole® Fruit: Europe
Watch our 2019 Fruit Pairings tour video!
Ingredients | Produce | Sponsored Content
2.Potato Pro: Part 2
Tap the potato for innovative techniques in filling, binding and thickening
GLOBAL
Global | Ingredients
1.Flavor Watch: Balkan Beauty
We’re tracking ajvar, a red bell pepper- and oil-based condiment from the Balkans
Global | Sponsored Content
2.Flavor Postcard: Japan part 2
Lamb ramen is an evolving opportunity within the now-familiar format
DESSERT
Demographic Trends | Dessert | Sponsored Content
1.The Sweet Spot for Younger Generations
Three ways to capture their attention
Dessert | Digital-exclusive content | Sponsored Content
2.Differentiating Desserts
Small, smart moves make big differences
RECIPES
GALLERY

English Muffins
Love & Salt, Manhattan Beach, Calif.
Photo: Andrea Bricco
English muffins are the artisan darling of the bread world. Love & Salt’s housemade muffins come with a cube of rosemary-sea salt cultured butter.
FROM OUR FRIENDS
Error: API requests are being delayed for this account. New posts will not be retrieved.
There may be an issue with the Instagram access token that you are using. Your server might also be unable to connect to Instagram at this time.
Error: No posts found.
Make sure this account has posts available on instagram.com.
LATEST TWEETS

The combination of cauliflower, cocoa powder and blueberries is a revelation, says John Baez, of Rainforest Cafe in… t.co/e0YpvpMpD4

Chef Jamie Simpson uses blueberries to demonstrate the science of surprising flavor combinations at… t.co/2pADeogRSS

The time is right for innovation in the spritz category—those light, refreshing and approachable cocktails built on… t.co/QjDRo4seZM