Menu Innovator Blog

soup

Autumn Soups

By Susanne Bukey / November 22, 2021

Abstract: This blog post discusses new and popular soup recipes this Fall. It focuses on those with Turkey, Pumpkin, and Seafood as ingredients. Turkey Carcass soup is like chicken noodle soup, and Spicy turkey soup can either have Caribbean or Asian Flavors. Black Bean and Pumpkin Soup, Joumou (Haitian pumpkin soup), are popular, as are…

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fall beverage

Fall Beverages Providing Warmth and Flavor

By Susanne Bukey / November 15, 2021

As the sweltering days of summer turn into the chilly days of autumn, coffee and tea lovers look forward to the fall season for their classic pumpkin lattes, apple ciders, and hot chocolates. Coffee shops, bars, and restaurants are now taking seasonal offerings beyond the classic pumpkin spice. Lounges and bars prepare their own fresh…

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restaurant

Smyth, Chicago, IL (Eclectic)

By Tony Lagana / September 16, 2021

Chefs John and Karen Shields originally met while pursuing their individual culinary passions working for the renowned Charlie Trotter’s in Chicago where John was Sous Chef and Karen was Pastry Chef. The husband and wife team later took an opportunity to move to Virginia to redesign the Town House Restaurant that soon became world-renowned for imaginative…

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healthy food

Healthy Food Fast

By Mary Kay LaBrie / September 6, 2021

Dieting on the Back Burner? Many people have gained weight or have put their diets/health on the back burner since the pandemic began, but since things are steadily going back to normal, many people are trying to compensate for their yearlong cheat day by eating healthy food. Some people have been able to get back…

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food collab

Flavors Collide with Food Collabs

By Mary Kay LaBrie / August 2, 2021

Food is like Music We’re used to hearing the term “collabs” when people talk about the music world. One artist who doesn’t normally work with another artist – and the two team up and record a hit single. Sometimes it’s two artists who create music in the same genre (country meets country). Sometimes it’s two…

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beverage trends

The Beverage Bonus

By Susanne Bukey / July 14, 2021

The growth of beverages today is astonishing as tastes and categories only expand. Waters with flavors and antioxidants, sports drinks, freshly squeezed juices, alcoholic beverages and non, coffees, and teas from around the world, all continue to intrigue us. The rise of functional, and healthy beverage consumption is staggering. Low, and no alcohol drinks especially…

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spicy

Savory, Sweet, and Spicy: A Full American Makeover

By Tony Lagana / June 28, 2021

One of the most interesting restaurant industry trends that have taken place during the COVID-19 pandemic, is the widespread interest in sauces and condiments. With hundreds of thousands of restaurants closing, many have attempted menu innovation and the use of exotic sauces. Flavors from Asia and Latin America have swept the United States in the…

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colorful ingredients

Plate the Rainbow: Get Creative with Colorful Ingredients

By Dawn Ferchak / June 14, 2021

Color Counts It’s an adage we’ve all heard – Eat the rainbow! The American Heart Association has been recommending it for years. Adding colorful fruits and vegetables to meals is a hint to eat healthy—the more colors, the more variety you are consuming. But color is about more than just eating healthy. For restaurants, menu…

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artisan cheese

Artisan Cheese, The Current Food Trend Soars

By Susanne Bukey / May 24, 2021

Cheese is that magnificent food that adds that extra special creaminess, flavor, and rich mouthfeel to about any recipe. It’s what makes a meal memorable whether it be the oozing out between two slices of grilled bread, the glorious stretch on pizza, or the extra flavor, and texture on a charcuterie board.  Artisan cheeses are…

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plant based diet

Meatless Goes Mainstream

By Tony Lagana / January 21, 2021

The rise of the ‘wellness movement’ is leading the way for all new sorts of diets and health concerns. Making a meal with dietary restrictions can pose a challenge when trying to replace ingredients with a standard substitute or making a dish that excludes a major food group. Chefs are reimagining dishes with dietary restrictions,…

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