What do chefs think the hottest culinary trend will be in 2022? The top five answers of chefs surveyed by the National Restaurant Association are: SustainabilityPlant-based foodsComfort foodsHealthy and immunity-boosting foodsGlobal fare and flavors “In addition to a return to health-focused menu offerings and more eco-friendly, improved off-premises packaging, all of … [Read more...] about National Restaurant Association Releases What’s Hot Culinary Forecast
Food Trends
Plant-Based Revolution
With flexitarian diets on the rise, caterers find investing in plant-based cuisine is good for business By Connie Jeske Crane Back in 2008, when Cristina Carolan launched Chef Veggie, her plant-based personal chef service in Austin, Texas, she admits, “It was a lot harder for me to find clients who would be happy with not having any animal products in their meals.” Today, … [Read more...] about Plant-Based Revolution
Festive Feasting
Caterers and chefs share holiday food and drink ideas By Sara Perez Webber It’s almost that time of year—when events are extra festive and the food extra indulgent. To help inspire your holiday menus, we asked caterers and chefs to share tips, strategies and recipes. Sweet Hot Chocolate Bar Bill Hansen Catering (billhansencatering.com) Bill Hansen Catering in … [Read more...] about Festive Feasting
Green Is Good
By Sara Perez Webber Your customers are most likely paying attention to whether the products you use in your business are environmentally friendly. According to a report by the World Wildlife Fund published in May, internet searches for sustainable goods worldwide increased by 71 percent in the last five years. Another study—the 2021 Buying Green Report, published by … [Read more...] about Green Is Good
Boxing Up Some Excitement
How COVID spurred a reimagining of grab-and-go By Connie Jeske Crane Like many caterers before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Anne Lloyd—who owns Nolavore Catering and Commissary Kitchen in New Orleans—was mostly focused on traditional event catering. To be sure, Lloyd always stocked some grab-and-go items. In the heart of the city, Nolavore, which is flanked by historic … [Read more...] about Boxing Up Some Excitement
Delivering the Goods
How three caterers grew their prepared meal delivery business By Sara Perez Webber There’s no doubt about it—people will pay for convenience. The global meal kit delivery services market is expected to grow from $10.26 billion in 2020 to almost $20 billion by 2027, according to Grand View Research. The pandemic accelerated the trend, with more people eating and cooking … [Read more...] about Delivering the Goods
THE STAYING POWER OF BBQ
Americans still love their barbecue—even if how they order it may be changing By Sara Perez Webber There’s no doubt about it—Americans love to grill. Nearly two-thirds of U.S. adults own a grill or smoker, according to a 2020 survey by the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association. And the lockdowns of last summer gave them plenty of time to practice their craft during … [Read more...] about THE STAYING POWER OF BBQ
Bringing the Party Home
How two New York-area caterers are making virtual events entertaining and delicious By Sara Perez Webber Hopefully we’re seeing the light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to the COVID-19 pandemic and its transformative effect on catered events. Yet even during the strictest days of lockdown, innovative caterers found ways to help clients celebrate events from home. … [Read more...] about Bringing the Party Home
Off to a Good Start
Caterers are changing the way they serve appetizers and hors d’oeuvres to ensure safer events By Sara Perez Webber The food served at the beginning of an event often sets the tone for the entire affair—even when it comes to safety considerations. Catering, Foodservice & Events asked four caterers how they’re changing their appetizer and hors d’oeuvre offerings to … [Read more...] about Off to a Good Start
Raising the Bar
Ideas for elevating your wine and cocktail offerings Make sure bar glasses are sparkling and hygienic with the GP-100 Glass Polisher from Bar Maid Corporation. Lightweight and portable, the GP-100 makes glassware polishing fast and easy, while reducing unhygienic handling, labor costs and risk of injury associated with hand polishing. In addition to reducing the spread of … [Read more...] about Raising the Bar
