Jello Shots Get Fancy

By Robert | October 21, 2007 in New Food Trends | Permalink | Comments (0)

Behind the Scenes: "Designing Sprinkles' Cupcakes"

A new design website, Monocle, takes a look at the creators and the inspiration behind Sprinkles Cupcakes in Beverly Hills, California.  It's interesting to see how the store's architect also influenced some of the cupcakes' designs too.

link:  Designing Sprinkles Cupcakes

[via LA Foodblogging] 

By Robert | April 26, 2007 in New Food Trends | Permalink | Comments (0)

Deep End Dining Experiences Naked Sushi

Nyotaimori aka Body Sushi on Vimeo

The human body is the ultimate art form, perhaps the best marriage of form and function that’s out there. Hadaka Sushi in West Hollywood is raising the bar on food presentation and offering the human body in lieu of plates. Be prepared to fork out some serious cash for the naked menu—appropriately called “Dirty Sanchez”. Bon Appetit.

Final Word: Finally, plates that talk.

link:  Live Nude Sushi. Nyotaimori aka Body Sushi. Hadaka Sushi.  |  Video

By Bryce Longton | March 28, 2007 in New Food Trends | Permalink | Comments (1)

Juice Packaging

The sweet 1970’s era font and simple design of these Bossa Nova bottles make you want to purchase one, but what’s inside will have you coming back for more. The acai berry just was awarded the title of “world’s healthiest fruit” due to its high level of antioxidants.

Final Word: I’ll take a case, or three.

By Bryce Longton | February 8, 2007 in New Food Trends | Permalink | Comments (1)
Search Related Tags: juice acai

Water Like Whiskey

The hipsters over at Fred Brands have come up with Fred, water that comes in a bottle that looks suspiciously like a flask. The ingredients read “purified spring water,” but we’d bet money that if you tried to sneak this bottle into a club, you’d be bounced out purely on “flask suspicion.” We like the rebel factor, and we also like that Fred is part of a larger online ‘zine that covers emerging artists.  [via Coolhunting]

Final Word: Flat and oblong is the new round.

By Bryce Longton | January 17, 2007 in New Food Trends | Permalink | Comments (0)

Keeping Track of Your Designer Water

Water is coming in all sorts of shapes, flavors, origins, and designs, and writer and amateur foodie, Sean Timberlake, sorts out his favorite designer waters on his list Sparkling, Still, or Tap at This Next.

By Robert | December 20, 2006 in New Food Trends | Permalink | Comments (1)

For the Love of Macaroons

While visiting CitySearch last night, I stumbled across a story about French macaroons following in the footsteps of the cupcake in new food trends in our home base, Los Angeles.  I did a quick search online and uncovered a whole world of macaroon lovers, recipe, and critics.  I also found over 800 macaroon photographs on Flickr, including the one above taken by Bea of La Tartine Gourmand. Then in the food blogging world, here's a separate review and history of the macaroon experience in France.  Sounds like we got to start eating more macaroons.

By Robert | October 5, 2006 in Desserts & Other Sweets, New Food Trends | Permalink | Comments (0)

Elixir G - New Ginger Mix Adds Spice to Your Cocktails

In the never ending search for the perfect cocktail or martini, one can easily forget about one of the most potent spices of all, ginger. There are many kinds of exciting ginger beers out there, including such stunners as the cult Blenheim Ginger Ale from South Carolina.

Now a new ginger mix, Elixir G, has just hit the market, and was a “Best in Show” winner in the “new products category” at the just convened Los Angeles Food and Wine Show over some pretty stiff opposition. Elixir G is a dynamic mixer that is extremely versatile with every form of spirit imaginable, giving the cocktail that superb ginger taste, and with tequila in particular.

The drink is not available at retail stores at this time, but you can contact the company directly, although they are very selective who they sell to, and are very keen to offer serving suggestions.  

Most of the top bars in Los Angeles and Hollywood such as Yamashiro’s, MaKai, Ocean Avenue Seafood stock the mixer along with Akwa in Santa Monica. Look for it in October at P.F.Chang’s all across the country, with more outlets to be added as the holiday season hots up.

See some cocktail mixes after the jump. 

Continue reading "Elixir G - New Ginger Mix Adds Spice to Your Cocktails"

By Michael Hepworth | September 7, 2006 in New Food Trends, Spirits | Permalink | Comments (0)

Dessert Only Dining

See the inspiration behind NY's ChikaLicious - a dessert only restaurant

Last month, we wrote about the growing trend of Dessert Only restaurants, and here's a short video about NY's ChikaLicious with owner, Don Tillman.  Even though the video is promotional, it's a great way to learn more about the inspiration behind the restaurant, hear diners talk about their experiences, and get a peek at their bestselling dessert, the Fromage Blanc Island "Cheese Cake".

link: ChikaLicious 

By Robert | August 18, 2006 in Desserts & Other Sweets, New Food Trends | Permalink | Comments (0)

Refreshing energy drinks by Hiball

Mix your favorite alcohol with a naturally-flavored Hiball Energy Drink for a refreshing start to a summer evening or afternoon BBQ.  Get a start with these cocktails with Ketel One.  If anything, try a Hiball just because the bottle design looks too cool.

link: Hiball Website 

By Robert | June 12, 2006 in New Food Trends | Permalink | Comments (0)

$1000 Mint Julep at the Kentucky Derby

A few months back we featured Serendipity's $1000 ice cream sundae, now comes news that Woodford Reserve will be serving up a $1000 Mint Julep at this year's Kentucky Derby.  Served in a gold-plated cup with a silver straw, this mint julep will also have mint from Morroco, ice from the Artic Circle, and sugar from the South Pacific along with an oak box to take home your cup. 

As decadent as this might seem, its for a good cause - only 50 drinks will be served with the proceeds going towards the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation.

By Robert | April 18, 2006 in New Food Trends | Permalink | Comments (2)

Soul Food Gets a Healthy Makeover

When one thinks of soul food, one might conjure up images of fried chicken, collard greens, and mac and cheese. With Lindsey Williams' new cookbook, Neo Soul, you will find sweet potato puree and veggie croquettes instead. Is it still soul food? Considering that Williams grew up on soul food and once weighed 400 pounds because of it, I'd say it's got some soul in it.

Williams is doing what many African-Americans are: moving toward healthy eating while still preserving the heritage that stems from soul food. As he stated in Newsweek, "You can still eat ethnic and eat healthy."

You can read more about Williams' cookbook and healthy soul food at MSN.
To buy his cookbook, Neo Soul, go to ecookbooks.com.
To visit a website dedicated to soul food blogging, go to Soul Food Cafe.

By Michelle Alderson | January 26, 2006 in Cookbooks, Cooking, New Food Trends | Permalink | Comments (0)

Center for Culinary Development: 2006 Trends

By Kyeann Sayer | January 16, 2006 in Chocolate, Food, Food News, New Food Trends | Permalink | Comments (0)

Gourmet Mac and Cheese?

Back when I was growing up the only kind of mac and cheese you could find was the one in the box. I have to say; I do sometimes still crave that good ol' fashioned Kraft orange powder mixed in with a little milk and butter. Is it nostalgia that makes me crave the processed cheese or the taste? My adult mind may never know.

Today, however, there are many gourmet forms of macaroni and cheese. You can find them in restaurants and in several cookbooks. One thing is certain, according to a recent article in The New York Times: It’s all in the cheese.

By Michelle Alderson | January 9, 2006 in Cheese, New Food Trends | Permalink | Comments (3)

Hanukkah Traditions Revisited

By Michelle Alderson | December 26, 2005 in New Food Trends | Permalink | Comments (0)

A Holiday Treat: White Truffles

I did something this holiday season I had never done before. Today I was fortunate enough to have risotto with white truffles. I was so moved by the experience, I thought it was worth writing about. Although I wouldn't call white truffles a food "trend," they have a very limited season, thus, white truffles are what are hot NOW. And tomorrow they won't be, because they'll be out of season. Isn't that trendy?

I'm sure many have had truffle oil or truffle cheese, but nothing is like having thinly sliced white truffles, fresh, untouched and - oh such an aroma. Really. It was heavenly. I felt rich and I'm not. I was sitting at Spago's in Beverly Hills (trust me, this was a work luncheon) and I felt special, warm and fuzzy. It was definitely a holiday treat.

I could go into more detail about these truffles, but I will let the mushroom hunter explain. All I can say is that white truffle season runs out by Christmas, so if you are fortunate enough to, please go eat some. Otherwise, you can hold out for black truffle season, which lasts through spring.

And if you want a firsthand tale of truffle hunting, check out The Hunt for White October. I think I was intrigued by the author's mention of Valentino in Los Angeles. I've been meaning to go there too. Maybe I can suggest it for our next work luncheon, if I'm so lucky.

By Michelle Alderson | December 14, 2005 in New Food Trends | Permalink | Comments (0)

Top 10 New Ingredients

The top 10 ingredients found in today's newest dishes from around the country are featured on Bon Appetit's website this month along with 10 new recipes.  The ingredients that found their way onto the list include pea tendrils, Kurobuta pork, pomegranate, baby beets, Meyer lemon, Wagyu beef, heirloom potatoes, organic chicken, black cod, and burrata cheese.

Read the complete article with recipes:  What's Hot: Top 10 Ingredients via epicurious.com

By Robert | October 11, 2005 in New Food Trends | Permalink | Comments (0)

Have an iPod and Drink?

Imagine taking your favorite drink recipes on the go with you on your iPod with the iPod Bartender.  Well, maybe not all your favorite drinks but 230 of them.  That's enough to give you and your friends some variety on your night out. 

Download iPod Bartender here.

Related:  Win a Free iPod.

By Robert | September 19, 2005 in New Food Trends | Permalink | Comments (0)

Best New Asian Restaurants

Try one of these new Asian restaurants as reviewed by Food and Wine Magazine.  Has anyone been to these new restaurants?--from  New York, to Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco to Atlanta, St. Louis, Las Vegas, Seattle, and all the way out to Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

They've certainly found our two recent favorites in Los Angeles--Beacon and Orris.

Best New Asian Restaurants via Food and Wine Magazine

By Robert | September 2, 2005 in New Food Trends, Restaurant News | Permalink | Comments (0)

Rising Dessert Trends from Top Restaurants

From a survey of 350 executive pastry chefs, Star Chefs found out about some of the recent trends in desserts around the country.  From chocolate (of course!) to drinkable desserts to Asian and Latin influences, you'll find out what's being created by top pastry chefs today.

Read Pastry on the Curve: The Latest Trends in Desserts via StarChefs.com

By Robert | August 30, 2005 in New Food Trends | Permalink | Comments (1)

The Cupcake Rage Continues

Track the love affair with cupcakes at Cupcakes Take the Cake blog. Filled with photos, recipes, and reviews of cupcake bakeries from around the country.  Make no mistake, cupcakes are a real food trend.

Visit the blog:  Cupcakes Take the Cake

By Robert | July 28, 2005 in Baking, New Food Trends | Permalink | Comments (0)

Cupcakes Are All the Rage!

A new cupcake only bakery, Sprinkles Cupcakes, recently opened up in Beverly Hills.  With customer lines coming out the front door, we wondered is cupcakes the new food fad?  Even though, cupcakes have been around forever, it seems that these little treats have captured the attention of many gourmets chefs and new entrepreneurs.

Read:  Attack of the Killer Cupcakes via Los Angeles Times
Eat:  Cupcakes in Los Angeles
Shop: Cupcake Cookbooks

By Robert | June 25, 2005 in New Food Trends | Permalink | Comments (1)