"culinary trends" news and stories

Trend mapping reveals that food trends typically pass through five stages before gaining mainstream acceptance. Not all foods will make it through all five stages, though with increased public awareness of food trends and issues, and thanks to online communities and resources like Slashfood, more foods are making their way from Alinea to your table.

First, the cutting edge chefs with adventurous clientele will test the waters of flavor and texture. The ingredient might only appear as a special to begin with, but once it is established, other chefs will pick it up to appear on regular menus.

Next, if the food is a hit, the phenomenon will soon make its way to magazines like Bon Appetit and other trend-watching media. A television appearance will give the food further exposure.