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DEL.ICIO.USWhat Trends Have Made it to Your Neck of the Woods?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I’m noticing a few trends. Some, like the gastro pub TAP (and, truth be told, Five Seasons Brewery) are nationally inspired. Small plates — tapas, mezza, apps — whatever you choose to call it, is prevalent still, and the trend doesn’t look like it’s going anywhere soon (which makes it more than a trend, n’est pas?).
Locally, more and more chefs are jumping on the local bandwagon, and making sure diners know it by identifying local farmers and meat producers on their menus. Gnocchi and gnudi are hot. Crudo is hot. Sweet breads are hot. Sous vide is getting pretty luke warm; while pork bellies and bacon are blistering. Cocktails — especially made with gin or tequila — are big time.
What trends have you noticed when dining out? When you travel, what trends are you experiencing — and what would you like to see in Atlanta that isn’t here yet?
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Comments
By FCM
October 18, 2007 4:23 PM | Link to this
I think it stops being a trend when everyone does it for more than 3 months (ie wings, bruschetta, and now tapas). Trends by deifintion are short lived. While I thinking supporting the local growers is good idea, I don’t particularly need to know where Bessie lived before she became my dinner. (Or in the case of pork I guess I don’t know if it was Charlotte’s Wilbur before I eat).
Tequila is not really a trend….it never goes out of style with College People does it? I was surprised to learn Vodka was out of style but then that just means more for me.
Drinks do trend more so then food in my opinion. Cosmos, Wiskey Sours, even Rum Runners are so yesterday (although they all taste good)…Seriously, go rent Cocktail and laugh yourself silly over the drinks mentioned…does anybody actually say “Cubra Libre” to order rum and coke any more?
By Dan
October 19, 2007 8:17 AM | Link to this
Actually a trend is a prevailing tendency and is the exact opposite of short lived, you probably wouldn’t think of calling it a trend unless it was around for at 3 months, until then it would be a fad. trends do ebb and flow however and certain things like tequila, will have its peaks and valleys. Now something like TAP is a cheap imitation fo 5 seasons, I think the current trend is simply copying, in a cheaper more shallow manner, the successes of others.
By FCM
October 19, 2007 8:20 AM | Link to this
Dan, I stand corrected. Thank you. So how long does it take for a trend to become just established practice?
By mp
October 19, 2007 8:30 AM | Link to this
The only trend I see in the city resturants is small portions and high prices. I choose to cook at home now then go out for drinks.
By Comfort Food
October 19, 2007 9:21 AM | Link to this
I hope that foam and flash-frozen tiny bits of food have run their course along with “jerk” anything. Say goodbye to tapas plates also - they used to be good, now they’re usually overcooked smaller portions of other entrees on the menu. Certain comfort foods will probably never go out of style - everybody likes a good plate of wings with a beer now and then or a hearty steak, pork roast, or leg of lamb. I wish the next trend would be more tasty fish and shellfish preparations like you see in the coastal areas of our country.
By Eric
October 19, 2007 9:22 AM | Link to this
mp: Are you serious?
Don’t misunderstand - I like cooking a great meal at home as much as the next person, but the Atlanta restaurant scene is still an amazing bargain compared to other major cities.
Eat out in DC, Philly, NYC, Boston, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Seattle and then talk about high prices.
FWIW, in my experience Chicago and Kansas City are still great bargains as far as fine dining.
By jj
October 19, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this
Restaurants put far too much food on your plate, and not enough alcohol in your drinks.
I’m the total opposite of MP I dine out, but drink in. One bottle of wine at home $9.99; one (HALF) glass of wine at Olive Garden - $10.99.
By Comfort Food
October 19, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this
I like how mp thinks. As the owner of a neighborhood tavern across the street from 3 moderately priced restaurants, I enjoy watching the dinner crowd leave those restaurants when they’re done eating and come to my place for after dinner drinks at tavern prices instead of paying restaurant prices!
By Joan
October 19, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this
Eric I was in Seattle this summer, and I didn’t notice that the dining prices were any higher than here.
Seattle has the best China Town, with THE BEST chinese food I have ever had. I haven’t had any chinese food since June when I was there!!! Somehow China Hall next to WalMart doesn’t cut it anymore!!! Too bad. Oh well, another excuse to go back.
By Dr. W.
October 19, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this
A trend I see in NYC and LA now making way here, are “homes away from home”. Meaning, the setting of the restaurant is meant for you to spend HOURS eating, people watching, and conversing. More of a social hub than restaurant. Adding WiFi, reading areas, outlets for laptops. My homes are Rare on Piedmont, Intermezzo on Peachtree, and Carroll Street Cafe off Blvd.
By Drew
October 24, 2007 9:54 AM | Link to this
MSG is making a comeback in lots of high end restaurants.