“ Furniture will start being the focal point — different styles made up of different materials will be created to fit the environment , adding character along with functionality .”

– Carlo de Leon , assistant director of food and beverage , Terranea Resort , Rancho Palos Verdes , California

“ Durable settings that blend in with the environment . People choose to dine at outdoor restaurants to commune more with nature , so the manmade furnishings should reflect and harmonize with the environment rather than stand out from it .”

“ The less-is-more trend will continue to evolve . Hotels may not be designed for outdoor dining spaces to have easy access to the kitchen , as other indoor dining establishments have .”

– Ian Grant , food and beverage director , Andaz Wall Street , New York City

“ I ’ m not opposed to using rental equipment if I can build it into a menu price . It ’ s fun because you ’ re not looking at the same old , same old all the time .”

– Mark Young , director of catering and conference services , Trump International Beach Resort , Sunny Isles Beach , Florida

“ Pretty soon there won ’ t be ‘ outdoor ’ items — we will simply be using the same items as indoor dining rooms .”

– John Sheedy , general manager , JHouse Greenwich , Greenwich , Connecticut

– Terry Hamada , director of F & B , Halekulani , Honolulu