Here’s what’s hot in central Ohio’s 2023 culinary forecast
It is officially 2023, and in the ever-evolving world of restaurants, a new year brings about new and exciting trends.
Chefs, owners and operators will look for unique and innovative ways to wow guests with carefully crafted menu items boasting creative flavor profiles. Fortunately, the National Restaurant Association tracks and forecasts what they believe will be hot in the new year, so we have an idea of what lies ahead.
Here are some of my favorite predictions, and I’m excited to see these trends come to life in restaurants, food trucks, catering menus and other foodservice locations across central Ohio.
Top 3 breakfast trends
- Value meals for remote workers
- Unique handhelds like chicken and waffle sandwiches and creative French toast sticks
- Veggie-forward breakfasts that include items like vegan tofu or breakfast relleno
Top 3 lunch trends
- Chicken sandwiches 3.0 with sweet-heat fusion flavors
- Fried chicken sandwiches continue their dominance.
- Flatbread sandwiches and healthier wraps will offer an alternative for guests craving alternative options.
Top 3 dinner trends
- Less-expensive meat cuts, such as chicken thighs and pork shoulder, are taking the lead as the industry continues to fight soaring food costs.
- Cauliflower carb alternatives, as in pizza crust, will become more popular.
- Meal kits and family meals can help streamline delivery platform ordering.
Fare Share:Celebrating Ohio’s best and brightest
Top 3 alcoholic beverage trends
- Spritzes make a splash: Aperol Spritz cocktails are only the beginning.
- Espresso Martini’s will make a comeback in a big way.
- Spicy cocktails will be the perfect complement to any meal for the heat lovers.
Top 3 trends to watch
- Globally inspired sandwiches (Chinese roujiamo or jianbing, Argentine choripan, etc.)
- New sandwich carriers (paratha, roti pastry buns, crepes, etc.)
- Amazake (Japanese drink made from fermented rice)
As you explore fantastic restaurants in central Ohio, I encourage you to look for these trends and see how our talented chefs and cooks reimagine flavors to offer unique and exciting dishes throughout 2023.
Ohio restaurants continue to face soaring food and supply costs, along with a continued workforce shortage, but the industry remains committed to providing delicious food, quality service, memorable experiences and a true sense of hospitality to all guests. As always, I hope you visit your local restaurants as often as your time and budget allow.
To read the full report from the National Restaurant Association, go to restaurant.org/research-and-media/research/research-reports/whats-hot-food-beverage-trends/.
John Barker is the president and CEO of the Ohio Restaurant Association.
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