Restaurant Food Trends for 2009

I told you earlier this week about flavor trends for 2009. Now we will take a look at expected restaurant trends. This information came from a survey by the American Culinary Federation of more than 1,600 professional chefs.

Good news! The top two hottest trends for 2009 will be driven by nutrition (yea!) and philosophy-driven choices.

Here are the top 10 trends listed:

1. Local produce: People are concerned about the environment, and buying locally is more environmentally friendly. It is also nice to think that you are supporting a local farmer. Because it is grown locally, it is probably more fresh and will taste better, too. All good!
2. Organic: Again, environmental concerns top the reason behind many consumers desiring organic food. People also cite wanting to reduce their exposure to pesticides and other harmful chemicals.
3. Bite sized desserts: I have seen this trend on lists for the past few years. It has already been a trend and will continue to be a trend. The days of huge chocolate brownie sundaes are replaced with "mini indulgences" that are just a few bites to satisfy that sweet craving after a meal.
4. Healthy kid's meals: Hallelujah! I worked with Disney several years back to help them create well balanced kids meals that included whole grains and vegetables. The response has been great from kids and parents. We need to offer more than just mac and cheese and chicken nuggets to our children. I am so glad to see this on the list of trends and look forward to seeing healthier options on the kid's menu for Basil (my son).
5. Kid's vegetable/fruit side dishes: Again, Hallelujah! Something other than just French Fries as a side dish? Refreshing! We already see apple slices and carrot sticks, but hopefully we will get even more creative.
6. New cuts of meat: I guess people are getting sick of the same old meats offered. I am not sure how they will "find" new cuts, but this was listed as a trend. I am not a meat eater, so I cannot really comment too much on this one.
7. Superfruits: Pomegranate was the old trendy fruit, and now we will see more acai and mangosteen in restaurants.
8. Small plates: I have definitely seen this trend already, but I am REALLY glad to see it on the list! Everyone complains about the servings at restaurants being too big (or at least they tell me that), but yet we keep buying the big portions and eating too much. I look forward to smaller portions, and hopefully the restaurants will reduce the price to reflect the smaller portion, but I have a feeling we may be paying just as much (if not more) for these small plates. Remember, if you go to a restaurant that serves small plates, that doesn't mean you should order three of them!
9. Sustainable seafood: Again, environment. People are concerned about farmed seafood and PCBs and mercury contamination. Eating wild is nice, but it is pricy and difficult to find at many restaurants. Maybe this will change in 2009.
10. Artisan liquor. Mmmm. Sounds fancy and good.

Send me your thoughts on what trends you are seeing or hope to see in 2009!