Food

In terms of the economy, we’re all waiting for the other shoe to drop. Whether they’ve been actually battered or it’s merely self-inflicted, the affluent are weary. Such uncertain times mean at least temporary comfort can be found in looking back to fond memories of happy days-gone-by. Not only will “nostalgia marketing” drive trends in 2011, but for years to come until the deep effects of global recession subside.

In uncertain times, temporary comfort can be found in looking back to fond memories of happy days-gone-by. Not only will “nostalgia marketing” drive trends in 2011, but for years to come until the deep effects of global recession subside.

Food has always been a popular topic. Diet and cookbooks have topped best seller lists for decades. And the cultural moment of food consciousness continues to soar. Increasingly more TV channels are elbowing their way into the kitchen, often with edgier fare, a greater variety of ethnic cuisines, and are going to the cutting edge of what’s going on in the food world.

Driven by recent food trends (organic and the slow food movement), there is a reviving interest in forgotten varieties of fruits and vegetables, even animal breeds, generating a bit of “one-upmanship” competition among the finest restaurants and private dinner parties.

Creating emotional ties and helping people connect through food is going strong. Communal tables, small plates, food halls, farmers markets, bar dining (today’s bar food is on par with the best restaurant kitchens) and Yelp.com meet-ups have all play a role. Above all, sharing is a common link. Conversations and communities are created when people seek out others with similar tastes and outlooks on sourcing, cooking and serving food.

Hotels are turning to nature’s bounty as the newest attraction and entertainment: farmers markets. Alain Ducasse was among the first to establish the concept, with his annual Market Day at Paris’ Plaza Athenee (next year will be his third). It’s held in the hotels’ courtyard, it’s intended to be a destination for foodies and gourmets, the market provides access to local purveyors selling everything from butter and cheese to fish, poultry and vegetables. Products are not for sale; the idea for purveyors to display pick-of-the-season produce and provisions and “rejoice in the celebration of sustainable food” they say.

Named the Best TV Drama Series for a third year in a row at this week’s Emmy Awards, Mad Men is about an advertising agency and lifestyles of 1960s America. Its historical authenticity and visual style have boosted interest in interior design, fashion, beauty, and even cocktails of the era. So much so, there’s a Mad Men Cocktail Culture iPhone app that challenges your skills at making popular cocktails of the ’60s.  So welcome back the likes of Gin Collins, Gimlets, Cosmopolitans and classic martinis (though as far as we’re concerned, this never really went away).

And for the non-alcoholic set, who want to savor the classics, there are homemade sodas – a trend that’s in step with the growing menu trend toward simpler, more natural foods, and a rising interest in locally made.

Canyon Ranch in Miami has been serving up their homemade version since their opening, as well as Michael’s Genuine Food and Drink, which just opened their new outpost in the Cayman Islands. Their ginger-lemongrass, cherry rosemary and strawberry basil sodas uses basil from their nearby vegetable garden. And while it’s not homemade locally, their Captain Eli’s Root Beer is not to be missed.

~Karen Weiner Escalera

One of the hottest cultural travel segments, culinary tourism, is seriously in vogue. Previously regarded as an elite/special interest product in parts of Europe, wine and culinary tourism is going more mainstream and cashing in on the growing consumer trend of appreciating regional wine and food travel experiences.

A Food Court boom is upon us, and they’re going upscale, with some of the prestigious names getting in on the act. These initiatives, much like the retail shopping bazaar, help with bring in added income and boosts both room rates and occupancy. We think the appeal of food court dining is that it’s a product of the small plates and grazing trend – trying different foods at one seating – plus, it’s casual.

Are you ready for the next food trend? First it was organic, then local. Now, a new culinary movement is sprouting: urban foraging. As expected, this trend has been hot among foodies in California and New York City for years.