What's Hot

National Restaurant Association - What's Hot

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News & Research

What's Hot

The National Restaurant Association’s annual “What’s Hot” culinary forecast predicts menu trends for the coming year. For 2013, the NRA surveyed more than 1,800 professional chefs – members of the American Culinary Federation (ACF) – and nearly 200 professional bartenders – members of the United States Bartenders’ Guild (USBG) – to find out what the hottest menu trends will be.

What’s Hot in 2013

Healthful menu options

Nutrition – especially when it comes to children – is becoming a major focus as restaurants respond to consumer interest in healthful dining.
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Top beverage trends

Barrel-aged drinks, food/liquor pairings and culinary cocktails are spicing up bar menus, according to bartenders surveyed.
Full Survey►
What's Hot in 2013

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Menu trends reflect chef, consumer priorities

Children’s nutrition remains a priority for chefs, who continue to put their creativity to work into creating healthful kids meals. Chefs also remain interested in local sourcing, whether they buy from local farms or grow their own seasonal ingredients to highlight on menus.

Similarly, artisan products, local sourcing and culinary creativity are as trendy behind the bar as they are in kitchens. Increasing recognition of mixology allows bartenders to showcase their skills in blending textures and flavors similarly to how chefs approach food in the kitchen.