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Food Predictions for 2008

What trends do you think will emerge in 2008 in the foodie world? I have scoured the web, various newspapers, magazines, and brainstormed and here is what I have come up with.

Pinkberry: It has already graced Los Angeles & New York with it's presence and has done well in both markets. It gets placement left and right on shows like Ugly Betty, Dirty Sexy Money, and Gossip Girl. Lindsay Lohan has been photographed there multiple times. A combination of all of these pop culture references means it is hip and cool to eat Pinkberry. On top of it all, the Starbucks guy invested in it, and he is no amateur. Expect one at a strip mall near you in 2008.

Beijing Olympics: Hard to believe they are already here. I think that the Olympics will make some interesting Chinese foods become more mainstream and gain a burst of trend popularity this year. Some possibilities: candied apples on a stick, chicken on a stick, haw berry shakes, chop suey, dim sum, and wonton wrappers. The egg roll might get a little creative makeover as well.

Small Plates: Portion control is going to go into overdrive. With the trans fat ban in place, this trend should sweep the country, hopefully forcing diners to scale back on portions. I am crossing my fingers that the larger chains jump onto this bandwagon. It has long been my opinion that it isn't the type of food in most situations, it is the quantity. Slim it down, Outback!

Burgers, Burgers, Burgers: At least two big wigs, Bobby Flay and Mario Batali are opening burger joints in '08. Flay's is going to have jalapeno ketchup and Batali is going to have an assortment of Italian-inspired burgers. Batali's concept looks more interesting, but that isn't surprising.  Batali also wears crocs and is friends with Gwyneth Paltrow, which also makes him just a bit cooler. I expect the luxe burger to make it from the big cities into the middle market this year and perhaps even end up on some chain menus in a city near you.

The Fall of the Restaurant Critic: With so many food bloggers and eaters weighing in on their restaurant experiences, the opinion of the critic is becoming less and less important. With so many opinions out there, people are able to have dialogue about specific dishes, chefs, and experiences and the two and three way dialogue does more of a service to the diner than the stagnant opinion of a critic. Empowerment to the people and good old word of mouth is going to start to dissolve the heavy hand of the critic.

What do you think '08 will bring? Can't wait to hear your thoughts!

 

Posted Jan 2, 2008 by sarahisafoodie | 3 Comments | Share It

Filed under: food trends mario batali pinkberry bobby flay chinese food