A new National Restaurant Association survey of more than 1,600 professional chefs–members of the American Culinary Federation (ACF)–reveals that nutrition and philosophy-driven food choices will be the hottest trends on restaurant menus in 2009. Local produce, bite-size desserts, organics, healthful kids’ meals, and new cuts of meat top the list of nearly 210 culinary items in the third annual “What’s Hot” chef survey. Rounding out the top 10 trends are kids’ vegetable/fruit side dishes, superfruits (including acai and mangosteen), small plates/tapas/mezze/dim sum, artisan liquor, and sustainable seafood.
“Creativity has always been a hallmark of professional chefs. Today’s marketplace offers more options than ever before,” says Dawn Sweeney, President and CEO of the Association. “As the wider trend of health continues to grow, the trend of choosing certain foods to follow one’s personal philosophy has also gained momentum in the culinary world. As interest in food and the culinary arts grows in the United States, consumers are becoming more knowledgeable about the food they eat, and chefs are putting their enormous talents to work to fulfill the demand for dishes that follow these trends.”
In October 2008, the Association surveyed 1,609 American Culinary Federation member chefs, asking them to rate 208 individual food/beverage items, preparation methods and culinary themes as a “hot trend,” “yesterday’s news,” or “perennial favorite” on restaurant menus in 2009.
Nutrition/health as a culinary theme is ranked number 11 in the survey, underscoring the growing trends of consumer interest in healthful living. Among the top 20 items, nutritionally balanced children’s dishes and side items, produce and fruit items, smaller dishes, fish and gluten-free/allergy-conscious meals illustrate that restaurant menus will continue to expand options for health-conscious diners.
Several among the top 20 trendy items are related to the emerging trend of philosophy-driven food choices, including local sourcing, organics, artisanal items, sustainable seafood and free-range pork/poultry. Locally grown produce–rated the number-one trend on restaurant menus in 2009–has grown tremendously in popularity for a variety of reasons. The idea of farm-fresh fruit and vegetables and minimal transportation are appealing to many, and sourcing locally is also tied to supporting local communities and businesses. Food and beverage items produced by small, artisan businesses also hold appeal, as do animal welfare and environmental concerns.
New/fabricated cuts of meat (such as Denver steak and pork flat iron steak) come in at number five on the list of trendy items. Several factors drive this trend, including culinary creativity, cost-consciousness, and interest in lean protein. These new cuts are developed to gain maximum flavor from the meat, incorporating under-used parts of the animal into innovative dishes, and customizing cuts to trim fat content.
Various types of alcohol will also heat up restaurant menus next year, both as a cooking ingredient and on the drink menu. Micro-distilled liquor, culinary cocktails (created to complement specific foods and dishes, savory drinks, etc.) and organic wine top the list of trendy alcohol. Among non-alcohol beverages, specialty iced tea, organic coffee and flavored/enhanced water will be the top trends.
The hottest trends in culinary themes include nutrition/health, gluten-free/allergy-conscious, food-alcohol pairings, umami (known as “the fifth taste”), and the slow food movement. In the preparation techniques category, braising tops the list, followed by smoking and sous vide.
Also included in the survey were questions about alcohol, kitchen. and cost-cutting trends. The chefs rated mixologists and signature cocktails as the hottest beverage alcohol trend. The top trend in restaurant kitchens next year will be environmentally friendly equipment and practices, and the best way to save money in the kitchen is through sustainable practices, according to the surveyed chefs.
