Being in the restaurant business forces one to stay up to date with all things culinary – something which I enjoy tremendously. When we recently had a look at the Food Trends of 2012, I was rather nervous. I am very enthusiastic about regional food and the concept of Cape Winelands Cuisine – we have even published a cookbook with the same title! – but I was not sure whether a restaurant focusing on the traditional cuisine of its area could also be on-trend with what is happening in the culinary world.
The results of our research showed that one of the biggest trends in food for the past year – and one that will most probably continue into 2013 – is the concept of Farm to the Table. And with this focus on traceability, locally sourced, sustainably farmed produce, heirloom vegetables and foraging for ingredients, the very essence of regional cuisine is supported – enabling us to keep traditional food trendy as well.
With Pierneef à La Motte restaurant introducing its Summer Menu in November, I can see us staying true to our values and philosophy while keeping-up with the fashion of food.
Some more #FoodTrends in 2012
- Traceability and responsible sourcing
- More transparency when it comes to nutritional concerns like gluten, sugar and cholesterol
- Gluten-free, food allergy-conscious items
- Eastern European influences
- Mixing of fish, shellfish and proteins
- Vegetables are inspiring pastry chefs
- Side dishes are a thing of the past
- Cooking Apps and electronic recipe books for tablets
- Children’s nutrition and mini-meals (i.e. smaller versions of adult menu items)
- Farm and estate-branded items
#FoodTrends predicted for 2013
- Locally grown
- Fresh food markets
- Traceability
- Vegetables!
- Tastes move beyond sweet, salty and fatty to tart, acidic and bitter
- Exchanging butter and bacon for broth and beets
- Incorporating fruit in savoury dishes such as appetisers, soups and meat dishes
- All-inclusive menu offerings – catering for allergies and dietary requirements
- Marrow, Offal and Tripe
- Eggs Everywhere
- Edible flowers
Some of my Summer Menu favourites at Pierneef à La Motte restaurant.
