TAKING FLIGHT
Feeding our fixation with tasting and snacking , food and drink flights are skyrocketing with consumer searches surging on Yelp - up 399 % for wine flights and 162 % for martini flights . While flights have traditionally been used to sample spirits like beer and wine , more experimental , cuisine-centric flights ( baked potatoes , deviled eggs ) are appearing more and more on menus all over the country . According to Yelp , searches for egg flights ( 496 %) and cookie flights ( 384 %) increased dramatically this year . Similarly , searches for pasta flights rose 127 % compared to the previous one . Whether it ’ s a flight of sliders , eggs , or cookies , offering up a variety of food flights is on the rise across the country . This trend falls in line with the rise of mini cocktails and shots , giving consumers smaller tastes and more options to try more of the things they want .
Chaeban Ice Cream
MORE MARTINIS , PLEASE
A martini used to be something very specific ; a lot of gin with a little vermouth stirred with ice and served up in a conical glass with an olive or lemon twist . While elegant visual appeal is likely a factor to the trend surge , a new generation of drinkers view drinking as a quality vs . quantity proposition , and this focuses attention on beverages big on taste . Endless variations of a classic martini mean deciding between gin , vodka , shaken and stirred is merely the starting point . Trendy riffs such as the uber popular espresso martini , lychee and lemon drop continue to sell . But more experimental olive oil martinis along with wasabi and pistachio martinis are predicted to make a fashion statement on cocktail menus too .
FINE AND FAST
The shift toward fine casual counter concepts that deliver warm hospitality of casual restaurants , quality of fine dining and convenience of a fast casual restaurant is being embraced and is expected to soar . It appeals to those with flexible schedules , enabling spontaneous mealtimes , without the fuss of preplanning . Late lunch and early bird dinner hours are easily accommodated in an all day eatery . This model shortens the process , like fast casual , but takes it to a higher level with follow up table service and slightly elevated dishes and plating . This is a formula that pairs well with focused menus , often centered around a single item .
GLOBAL SEASONINGS
The days of bland and basic cooking are behind us , and people are clamoring for vibrant flavours that reflect Canada ’ s diverse cultures . Bold spices , from smoky paprika to fragrant cardamom , are transforming everyday meals into exciting culinary adventures . Everyone is experimenting with spices from around the globe to create dishes that pack a punch .
Whether it ’ s adding a sprinkle of za ’ atar to roasted vegetables or incorporating harissa into a pasta sauce , the use of global seasonings is enhancing dishes and encouraging a deeper appreciation for diverse flavors . Learning about the origins of spices and their cultural significance also creates a more meaningful connection to the dishes . Exposure to chef creations in restaurants , home cooks are learning the art of seasoning , unlocking the full potential of their daily meals . Spices are the secret behind every great dish , and global seasonings are finding a permanent home in kitchens .
CAVIAR DREAMS
Classic , luxurious , and good for you unless you really need to watch your sodium , bursting bubbles of caviar add visual appeal as well as pops of the sea to menu items . If you ’ ve got cash to burn , this salty delicacy is sure to make an appearance in the coming year — the trend on the upswing . Over the past couple of years , it has appeared in high-low presentations , as well as traditional caviar service with blinis and crème fraiche . There ’ s also plenty of salmon , flying fish , trout and local whitefish roe out there , and less expensive and still visually appealing roe alternatives made of seaweed . Enjoy caviar simply on its own ( opt for a caviar bump appearing on menus ), or you can get a little more modern with your intake by serving it with potato chips , tater tots , or on a chicken nugget . ciao ! / feb / mar / two thousand twenty-five 13