[Nicko]

Any predicitions for upcoming trends in food and the restaurant business in general?

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Thanks,

Nicko
nicko@cheftalk.com

I think we will probably all agree that there is nothing new under the sun as far as cooking is concerned. I think what you will continue to see is a growing rise in fast food chains. The only exception is that these chains will focus on putting out a much healthier product. I would not be suprised either if there would be some type of table service included in some of these places.

[Jim]

Grains and greens, but not necessarily 'fat-free'. A balance between early 90s health conscious and the junk food trend that seems to be everywhere. Bulgar, chick peas, lentils, wheat berries, etc will go main, main stream. Maybe.

Fusion, fusion, fusion! People will eventually get tired of the same ol burger and fries and start putting twists on things. As the fusion gets crazier, there will be a resurgance of classic cuisine as well.

[shroomgirl]

Organics~ I've been told that the mid-west doesn't care....I'm hearing differently. Apparently enough people care that we're able to open a farmers market in the middle of a high rent town, on the street. I've been hired to teach people how to use CSA
bags (farm subscription AKA mystery produce)
There is a market for teaching people how to use fresh produce. I'm sure the interest will
then follow to restaurants featuring local organic produce....no this isn't Cal either.

[layjo]

I don't know the future, but I'm hoping that people who are use to eating only a certain style or type of cuisine, will open their mind to new and different taste. And see what the rest of the world has to offer, and contiue keep the savor going! Just my hopes for the future.

[Chef Chris23]

Even though I value and respect everyone's opnion, I just dont see Fast food going any where else. But what I do see more of people asking for is more comfort food, and I just dont think a greasy cheesburger along with some greasy fry's at a fast food joint is considered comfort food, but then again in this day in age, maybe it is. And if this kind of food is what the people want, then a tear I will shed, for that is just sad.

[chefjohnpaul]

I think as people spend less time at home and more time out, they will be eating things that they usually ate at home or at least things MOM used to cook, comfort foods. Steaks, mashed potatoes, meat loaf, ect... I think were are going to see a period of NEO-RETRO. Heck, I'm even seeing articles featuring layer cake and JELL-O ?!?!

Do you see the personal chef industry taking off? Such as in a chef going into a person's home and cooking meals custom ordered for a period of say 2 weeks, and freezing them, for use later? Do you see a growth in the "Aunt Millie's" type restaurants which feature homestyle meals and real desserts? Just wondering......

[shroomgirl]

Absolutely, Personal chefs are in demand~ they don't take a restaurants place they just provide a serve that the recepiant does not want to do....not unlike my ironing lady provides for me. Home cooked meals take a long time...ie pot roast, meatloaf, yeast rolls, etc....so yes homey restaurants save us time which is a huge comdoity now.

[Nick.Shu]

i can see cryovac Home Replacement Meals being sold to people, somewhat like a fresh version of a TV dinner and advisory services from a chef.

My vision of such a service would be:

Chef co-ordinating services and menu planning

Chef co-ordinating menu production

Chef co-ordinating Sales

Obviously, the savvy operator would form a complete service, including other trades and services, i.e. hairdressers, gardeners/horticulturists etc - like a service based agency groups.

I have a feeling that healthier diets (not just food) is the trend. There are many new books out there about reversing your aging by diet, and disease fighting foods. Unfortunately these books are by doctors, and the recepe's basicaly taste like cardboard. I just know some chef is going to grab this bull by the horn and make it the next big trend.

[Katherine]

Healthy diet is a trend in books, and much of the food in books with a health-focus does taste like cardboard--but it seems few people are actually eating less fat and more fruits and vegetables. The actual trend seems to be toward writing and buying such books, while most often eating food that tastes like cardboard, whether or not it is healthy.

[shroomgirl]

Just look in the TV dinner (do they still call them that) section in the grocery store.....BLECH Healthy -------200cal dinner in a tray.

[m brown]

Home cooked meals, just add water!