National Restaurant Association Reveals Top Restaurant Menu Trends for 2012
The National Restaurant Association has revealed the top restaurant menu trends for 2012. The findings are the result of the What's Hot in 2012 survey of nearly 1,800 chefs who are members of the American Culinary Federation (ACF). The survey reveals that children's nutrition and local sourcing will be the hottest trends on restaurant menus in 2012. Smartphone apps and tablet computers are the top technology trends. The survey also found 6 out of 10 chefs said they would consider a food truck as an entrepreneurial business venture.
Top 20 Menu Trends for 2012:
Locally sourced meats and seafood
Locally grown produce
Healthful kids' meals
Hyper-local items
Sustainability as a culinary theme
Children's nutrition as a culinary theme
Gluten-free/food allergy-conscious items
Locally produced wine and beer
Sustainable seafood
Whole grain items in kids' meals
Newly fabricated cuts of meat
Farm/estate-branded items
Food trucks/street food
Artisan spirits
House-made/artisan ice cream
Health/nutrition as a culinary theme
Non-traditional fish
Fruit/vegetable kids' side items
Children's mini-meals (i.e. smaller versions of adult menu items)
