Meat’s back on the menu at Eleven Madison Park, global alcohol sales are down in the last few years and “The New York Times” dining critics are making videos about their reviews (phone eats second this time around). The world of dining out continues to ebb and flow, a fact emphasized by the Eater.com 20-year anniversary features, which included a look back at food trends from the past two decades. Remember cupcake vending machines? Donut shops on every corner? Gourmet popsicles? Putting an egg on it (actually, can we keep that one)? The throwback list was enough to remind the trend-happy millennial generation (mine) it’s time to put on wrinkle cream.
Some of the list — food-focused travel shows, communal tables, neon signage and “small plates” — may never leave us, but what if there was a “fashion week” of sorts for food and beverage? What would we want to see trending on an edible runway this year and beyond?
Here’s some food (and bev) for thought:
- Mini cocktails
Milady’s in New York City is well-known for their “snaquiri,” a tiny daiquiri that can be sipped slowly or even taken as a shot. It’s the perfect start or end to any night out; the cocktail equivalent to a half glass of wine or half pint of beer. And as alcohol sales (and interest?) plummet with Gen Z, a little gimmick can’t hurt. Here in Rochester, you can find “fun-size” cocktails at Martine, 647 South Ave., but we’d like to see ‘em on many more menus around town.
- Experiential pop-ups
The pandemic left us all craving more in-person interactions, and pop-ups are the perfect way to have a hands-on experience that goes far beyond ordering drinks, dinner and dessert at a corner table. The Miscela Project’s fall and winter pop-ups combine a pasta-making element; while their summer events included DIY crafting and vendors. Roc Cake Fest, which gathered bakers and would-be bakers at Highland Park in September, offered a discounted ticket for attendees who will make a sweet dessert or cake to share, picnic-style. (Their next event is at Apogee on October 19, details here.)
- Food as art
In a city where the arts and culture scene is so vibrant, it feels natural to pair the culinary with the visual. After all, is food not theater? Are we not a museum town? The Memorial Art Gallery’s hoMAGe Culinary Series treats diners to a multi-course food and wine experience inspired by a current exhibit. The next dinner slated for Friday, November 14, will draw from the exhibit “Frontiers of Impressionism” — more of this, please!
- Jazz clubs
Not to be confused with speakeasies. (Jay Gatsby, we love you, but how long are we gonna do the bookshelf door and flapper dress thing?) Let’s be honest, the hometown of the Eastman School of Music — ranked in the top five music schools nationally — should have a thriving jazz club scene year-round, not just an annual festival. We have high hopes for the recently opened Vanni’s Jazz Lounge in the Inn on Broadway, sans bookcase.
- Little-to-zero food waste
The anti-food waste app Too Good To Go has launched in Rochester; participating spots include Neno’s, Get Caked, The Beef and Butter Company and more. The app’s premise is simple: users can browse, reserve and purchase discount “surprise bags” filled with surplus food from local restaurants, cafes and stores. Pickup happens daily, while supplies last.
