I’ve always been interested in scouring the blogs and foodie websites at the start of a new year to find what will be the new and emerging food trends. Is the cupcake in or out? What will be the new macaron? Will food trucks continue to thrive? Who knows, but it’s fun to make some predictions of your own.
Here are the ones I’m making for 2012:
Fin to tail eating is the new nose to tail eating
In 2011 there was a huge rise in nose to tail eating, with chefs using all parts of the animal when creating a new dish or a menu. With fish being one of the hottest proteins of 2012, a rise with using other parts of the fish is sure to follow. Last year I had cod’s tongue and cheeks at Hix in the SoHo area of London, and they were unbelievable. And with the popularity of sushi going no where anytime soon, expect to see more variety in the cuts seen on the menu. Don’t count out nose to tail though, that will still be as popular as ever.
Old fashioned is the new fashion
Nostalgia is in. From vintage desserts to the candies that you ate as a child, the classics are making a comeback. Historically influenced food is making a splash on the restaurant scene, as seen with the very popolar Heston Blumenthal’s Dinner in London serving twists on British dishes of a time long past. We’ll see old brands come back to life and retro advertisements gracing the television screen and magazine pages.
Fried sweet dough is the new trendy dessert
Doughnuts, beignets, churros and funnel cakes are just some examples of the glorious fried sweet dough that have surged in the market recently. Nostalgia is in this year, and what is more nostalgic than the treats that you would buy at the county fair. I can just smell the enticing, sweet scent of the dough and taste the cinnamon sugar and the warm fried goodness that seems to melt in your mouth. This is one trend that I am getting in on again, and again, and again.
Arancini is the new fried calamari
Small bites are still in this year, and the meatball has made the round appetizer relevant again. Arancini are small balls of risotto that are coated with breadcrumbs and fried. They are gooey little balls of heaven. The Italian in me is crying out for these to be made and eaten while listening to ‘That’s Amore’ on repeat.
Dinner parties are the new dinners out
Over the last few years, people have lessened the amount of times they have dinner out in favor of staying home. While this is a great boost for the bank account, the whole social element of the dinner out is lost. The excitement of dressing up and enjoying a meal a loved one or friends disappears. Enter the dinner party, a way for people to combine good friends with good food and wine and not break the bank. Especially when people do them “pot luck” style, with friends bringing side dishes while the host cooks the main. Themes will be present, as well as the excitement of preparing for a fun night out, or should I say in?
Check out the rest after the jump…
Over the last few years, people have lessened the amount of times they have dinner out in favor of staying home. While this is a great boost for the bank account, the whole social element of the dinner out is lost. The excitement of dressing up and enjoying a meal a loved one or friends disappears. Enter the dinner party, a way for people to combine good friends with good food and wine and not break the bank. Especially when people do them “pot luck” style, with friends bringing side dishes while the host cooks the main. Themes will be present, as well as the excitement of preparing for a fun night out, or should I say in?
Check out the rest after the jump…
Mustard is the new ketchup
I can see why people would like this to be true. I love mustard, and it comes in so many flavors and textures, but can it replace the beloved bottle of 57? In the last few years we saw the explosion of flavored ketchups, so maybe this is the year of the chipotle mustard? The black truffle mustard? Cocoa mustard? Who knows, but I’m sure there will be many variations accompanying all the classic American burgers that will be served globally this year.
Layer cakes are the new cupcakes
Southern style layer cakes are the new it treat to bring to a party or a gathering. The beautiful layers of cake alternating with rich velvety icing look as if they took ages to make and really make an impact. Not only are they yummy and great to look at, there are so many variations in frosting, fillings and sponge that the possibilities are endless! I think I know what I might be up to this weekend…
Supper clubs are the new book clubs
As with dinner parties are the new dinners out, people are having friends and colleagues over to their homes to share new recipes and try new wines. Supper clubs are a great way for a group of foodie friends to catch up, eat, drink, and be merry. Or maybe cookbook clubs are the new book clubs?
Brunch is the new dinner
In this never ending recession, people have been cutting the extravagant meals out in favor of cooking at home or having dinner parties. Yet on the weekends in the late morning hours you will see tiny cafes and breakfast spots heaving and sometimes a line out the door. Brunch has become the new indulgent meal, with the food not as pricey and the atmosphere more relaxed. Even some high end restaurants on getting in on the trend, with popular spots opening on Saturday and Sunday morning to meet the demand.
As with dinner parties are the new dinners out, people are having friends and colleagues over to their homes to share new recipes and try new wines. Supper clubs are a great way for a group of foodie friends to catch up, eat, drink, and be merry. Or maybe cookbook clubs are the new book clubs?
Brunch is the new dinner
In this never ending recession, people have been cutting the extravagant meals out in favor of cooking at home or having dinner parties. Yet on the weekends in the late morning hours you will see tiny cafes and breakfast spots heaving and sometimes a line out the door. Brunch has become the new indulgent meal, with the food not as pricey and the atmosphere more relaxed. Even some high end restaurants on getting in on the trend, with popular spots opening on Saturday and Sunday morning to meet the demand.