Introducing new recipes and ingredients on blogs and websites has been a revolution for spreading the word about food. This is especially helpful for someone interested in learning more about regional foods like Chinese food or Mexican food.
Jamaica inspired 689's Chef Brian Lumley says, "There are so many bloggers out there, and social media sites like Instagram, trying to outdo one another." This gives consumers a chance to experiment with new flavours.
This trend is expected to continue into 2014. Theo Smith of Great House Caterers predicts: "A picture says a thousand words, and a picture of your meal doesn't just say what you are eating, It can say what a good cook you are (or not), it can say how great a restaurant may be, how amazing the food at an event may be, or even how fresh the produce may be at the nearest farmers' market. So why say it, when you can prove it with a quick snap of your smartphone?"
Gabriel Ferguson, chef at G's BBQ adds, "Better versions of what's commonly available will be the new trend to follow." He adds, "With Fish Pot setting a great standard for seafood, at excellent prices, the competition they have created will force other restaurateurs to get real with their fish," he notes.
Ferguson recommends mini desserts for the new year. "That way customers can mix and match all on one plate."
Corporate Executive Chef for Couples Resorts Stefan Spath says, "The focus has to be on what we grow locally." Spath added that, "We need to get back to basics, cooking simple and fresh food that has not been played with so much."
Chef Spath described a lunch at Manhattan at Michelin star Chef Jean-George Vongerichten's ABC Kitchen, saying, "I was amazed at how simple everything was, even down to the tuna sashimi plate, which had hardly been touched. This is the way forward," he advised.
Most chefs agree, "eat local, eat fresh, and eat seasonable."
"People are intrigued to see how their meals are prepared, who is preparing it, and to be there step by step to see the action, not to mention when they get to do some of it themselves. Though not new, more people are hopping on board this trend," according to Smith.
Take a look at some food trends for the new year as suggested by these news outlets:
1. Huffington Post 2014 food trends:
"Cauliflower, salt, quinoa, Asian noodle dishes, salted caramels, flavoured waters, coconut, doughnuts and burgers."
2. Food Network's 7 Healthy Food Trends for 2014:
"Cauliflower; local and sustainable fish, meats and produce; smaller plates, smaller prices; high-protein breakfast like Greek yoghurt and eggs; home-made soda; allergy-friendly foods; and chili!"
3. Forbes' 12 Hottest Food Trends for 2014:
"Locally sourced everything; veggies galore like onions, tomatoes and local mushrooms; healthier kids' meals like apples, yogurt and baked fries; gluten-free food; instant ice-cream, using a liquid nitrogen-fuelled freezing process; nuts in all meals; better quality pizza; chicken wings; upscale comfort food; mashup dishes like dessert pizza; Umami, known as the 'fifth taste', which is in salt, sauces and burgers; baked biscuits, which will be used to hold sandwiches and burgers together."
