Food Trends
By Tom Maicon at October 14, 2009 | 11:53 am | Print
Will we go beyond burgers and pizza anytime soon?
People have already begun discussing typical end of year stuff, like food trends. It’s seemingly the food topic food geeks want to talk about most as we exit one year and enter another.
Before I pull out my trusty crystal ball to give you a glimpse into the future of food, I must also take one very important factor into consideration. That daunting force would be our economy, yes, our country’s economic prowess — or, lack thereof — seems to dictate the direction of food trends, meaning one would have to first predict our economic future in order to accurately forecast what the future has in store for trendy food.
Where do we stand now? Well, with the gluttonous glory days of fussy, overpriced small plates and $20 chocolate-dipped martinis are behind us. We’re now in a cost-conscious era, one of classic American favorites and comfort foods. The few of you left out there with a spare buck to drop on a meal out — know good and well that we’re being bombarded with pizza, burgers and sandwiches.
For those wondering, the local thing, though popular, isn’t a trend, it’s a movement.
While I’m playing Nostradamus of the food geek world, let me tell what I see in my crystal ball. It’s all about the issues, really. With virtually no economic recovery in sight, home prices still on the decline, and job losses on the rise, I genuinely hope you’re digging the whole burgers and pizza thing.
I do hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I believe the worst of this economy will be felt between now and 2012, so the likelihood of any real change in food trends is slim to none, and while I won’t say slim is out of town, it isn’t a term I like to use when talking food.
Any sways in trends will be painfully slow, and in line with economic growth, or, in this case, economic stagnancy. Chefs and owners will continue to adapt by ditching their pretentious upscale ways for more earthly, ultra casual eateries.
Fret not. The pizza du jour is a lighter, healthier Neapolitan style. Think Varasano’s Pizzeria (2171 Peachtree Rd, Buckhead Tel: 404.352.8216).
The new burger joints are grinding their own meat daily. Think Grindhouse Killer Burgers (209 Edgewood Ave, Sweet Auburn Market Tel: 404.522.3444). Others are flashy and offer funky options and outrageously delicious shakes. Think Flip (1587 Howell Mill Rd, Westside Tel: 404.352.3547).
And I can’t speak for you, but I’m perfectly in my element at a pub like The Porter (1156 Euclid Ave., Little 5 Points Tel: 404.223.1393), with a pint of craft beer in one hand and a chilled lemon BLT sandwich in the other. It’s about value, and that’s what it takes to get our hard earned dining dollars these days.
The early/mid 2000’s was coined the “flip-flops and foie gras” era. It was carefree and fun.
But today we’re living in a different world, and the verdict is still out on what this new era will be called.
For the time being, relax fellow food geeks, grab a beer and make the best of it — this pizza and burgers fad isn’t going away anytime soon.
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