Flavor Trends, Strategies and Solutions for Menu Development

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Author: Rob Corliss

Tropical 10
Tropical 10

The simply elegant Brûléed Hawaiian Pineapple at New York’s Noreetuh features lime zest and alaea salt. Photo credit: Evan Sung By Rob CorlissJanuary 14, 2022           One of the easiest ways to move tropical flavor profiles onto menus is to infuse conventional sauces, condiments and dips with a hit of the islands. Here’s a list to kickstart the ideation process with 10 suggested pairings. Add tropical flair to… 1Barbecue sauce with guava 2Salsa with red dragon fruit 3Pesto with spiced coconut 4Mignonette with passionfruit 5Hot sauce with mango 6Chicken jus with lychee 7Mustard glaze with...

Simple Signatures
Simple Signatures

    Spanish Diner’s breakfast bocata Bikini “Angel Muro se fue a Mexico” features cooked ham, cheese, avocado and a fried egg. Photo credit: Think Food Group   By Rob CorlissJanuary 14, 2022             The bocadillo presents a nice pushback to over-the-top sandwich builds, and it offers a relatively “mess-free” portability, compared to an overloaded sandwich. With a bocadillo, the beauty is in knowing exactly what you are going to get and taste. Guests can easily envision this and relate to the flavors and textures. This is fertile ground for creative takes that fit...

Banana Takes on Beverages
Banana Takes on Beverages

Beverage director Ivo Diaz uses a banana simple syrup to bring a touch of sweetness to the Purple Banana Cocktail at Casa Ora in Brooklyn, N.Y. The drink also includes tequila, dry vermouth and butterfly pea tea for color. Photo credit: Briana Balducci By Rob CorlissJanuary 14, 2022           Beverages are a ripe format for banana-infused inspirations, like these five ideas: 1Cold Brew with PB-Banana Dalgona Whip: Roasted banana purée is whipped with hot water, coffee grounds and peanut butter; use it as a luscious topping for iced cold-brew coffee. 2Power Smoothie: Purée frozen banana...

Opa!
Opa!

Manouri cheese, a semi-soft goat and sheep’s milk cheese similar to feta, is popping up on more American menus. At Trade in Boston, it’s featured on Spiced Lamb Meatballs, along with walnut muhammara and a charred tomato sauce. Photo credit: Trade By Rob CorlissJanuary 14, 2022           Five easy entry points for incorporating modern Greek across the menu: 1Feta Fries Shareable: Pile french fries over a bed of creamy whipped feta cheese and top with minced pickled banana peppers. 2Blushing Tzatziki Beet Salad: Toss roasted beets and slivered red onions in tzatziki and top with...