Shoestring fries – the oldie but goodie is gaining traction on menus
Shoestring fries are appearing on more menus because they’re adaptable and provide nostalgia for consumers, who either remember grabbing some thin and crispy fries with a burger as they rose in popularity in the 1950s and ’60s, or more likely pine for bygone days that they never actually knew.
For the love of an Old Fashioned
Despite the name, this cocktail is the opposite of passé. Simple yet sophisticated, classic yet customizable, an Old Fashioned never goes out of style, and it is currently one of the most popular cocktails in the country..
The simplicity of Avocado Toast
Way back in 2017, an Australian millionaire suggested that young adults, specifically millennials, tend to spend money on immediate pleasures such as avocado toast instead of building long-term wealth through real estate or savings.
The Japanese snack Takoyaki increases in popularity on menus
Takoyaki, which means “grilled octopus” in Japanese, is a snack of meat (often but not necessarily octopus), aromatics such as ginger and garlic, and dough dipped in batter and griddled in pans with hemispherical molds — sort of like deep waffle irons or traditional Yorkshire pudding molds. They’re often accompanied by sweet-and-savory takoyaki sauce.
Ranch Water – the lighter tequila drink
Ranch water, a refreshing blend of tequila, lime, and sparkling water, is believed to have originated in Texas in the 1960s but has only recently gained huge popularity nationwide thanks to consumers' increasing love of tequila (now the top-selling spirit, having surpassed vodka), seltzer water and “better for you” drinks.
The growing Mexican ingredient: Salsa Roja
Salsa roja, meaning simply “red salsa” in Spanish, is growing on menus as consumers crave more Latin flavors but also more authenticity in dishes from different cultures.
The emergence of mocktails
The Kentucky Mule is a bourbon lover’s dream
The Kentucky Mule is a variation of the classic Moscow Mule, which consists of ginger beer, vodka, and lime. But instead of vodka, this version gets the spirit that Kentucky knows best: Bourbon.
Duck Sauce, the Chinese-American condiment
Duck sauce is a classic accompaniment to spring rolls, egg rolls, and other fried foods in Westernized Chinese cuisine. It’s a sweet-and-sour sauce made with fruit such as plum, apricot, peaches, or pineapple, plus vinegar and a little chile.
The all-in-one meal: Bento Boxes
A bento box is an all-in-one compartmentalized Japanese lunch box containing a balanced meal. This meal typically consists of a starch (like rice or noodles) and protein, a vegetable, and fruit side.
