The Future Menus North America Trends 2024 report identifies top menu trends predicted to influence the restaurant industry in the coming years.

CuliNEX, a top clean label food product and plant-based formulation consultancy, announced Rosa Espinoza has joined the team as a research chef, bringing almost 20 years of experience as a chef.

As part of their new partnership, D’Anne Hayman is joining the CCDI team as key partnerships lead. D’Anne’s years of experience as Global VP of Innovation and Nutrition at the Kellogg Company brings additional deep industry expertise and horsepower to drive CCDI into the future.

Pastry chef Gemma Matsuyama sees Asian flavors like ube and matcha gaining ground in 2023. “I love the interest in Asian flavors like ube because, while a humble ingredient, it has such a strong flavor personality. Ube, much like purple sweet potato, is naturally sweet and has notes of vanilla so it works well in desserts like cakes and ice creams.”

Students find themselves in culinary school having come from many different backgrounds and having traveled down many paths. Some are cooks that are ready to move into a more challenging role in the kitchen; others want to learn new skills in baking by becoming a pastry chef; and others are building on years of cooking experience, having had no formal training. I found my way to Le Cordon Bleu Culinary School by way of music. 

Prepared Foods talks coffee ingredient and beverage trends with Chef Eric Nakata, a 20-year food and beverage industry culinary expert. 

Most food is judged by the consumer before it’s ever tasted. The color and appearance of foods and beverages are a primary aspect of what encourages someone to desire and taste them. The vibrant greens of fresh produce, the rainbow hues of fruits, or the more subtle, creamy beiges and golds of cheeses, and the rich browns of baked goods and seared meats can awaken a slumbering palate.