Each year, the culinary landscape evolves, introducing us to new flavours, inventive cooking techniques, and fresh ways of enjoying our meals. The journey of food trends over the past years has been nothing short of fascinating, with everything from global influences to health-driven choices making waves in the world of gastronomy. 

As we stand at the cusp of 2023, it’s the perfect time to explore what’s heating up in the kitchen and on our plates. Whether you’re a passionate foodie, a restaurant owner, or someone who loves a good meal, staying updated with the latest food trends can offer delightful experiences and essential insights. Let’s dive in and see what’s sizzling this year in the culinary world!

Health-Forward Choices

In recent years, the culinary realm has become increasingly intertwined with wellness. As consumers become more conscious of what they put into their bodies, the focus has shifted from just taste to encompassing health benefits.

Plant-Based Movement: Gone are the days when veganism was seen as a niche lifestyle choice. Today’s plant-based movement transcends veganism. It’s not just about eliminating animal products but emphasising whole foods and pioneering new sources of plant-based proteins. 

Innovations in this space have given rise to meat alternatives that are not only delicious but also nutritionally comparable, if not superior, to their animal-based counterparts. Think jackfruit tacos, lentil burgers, and algae-based seafood. The choices are ever-expanding, and restaurants worldwide are racing to incorporate these into their menus.

Functional Foods: More than just fuel for our bodies, foods are now considered medicine. Ingredients that offer added health benefits are being prioritised. Turmeric lattes, known for their anti-inflammatory properties, or chia seeds, lauded for their high fibre content, are staples in many households. This trend underscores a broader shift towards foods serving a dual purpose – nourishing the body while targeting specific health concerns.

Gut Health: With the discovery that a healthy gut can be a cornerstone for overall well-being, fermented foods have made a major comeback. Kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, and kombucha are no longer foreign terms but are widely recognized and consumed for their probiotic properties. Alongside these, supplements containing prebiotics and probiotics have flooded the market, promising to aid digestion and boost the immune system.

Global Influences

Food has always been a powerful tool for cultural exchange, and in 2023, it’s all about embracing global influences.

African Flavours: with their rich tapestry of flavours, African cuisines are finally receiving the global attention they deserve. From the tangy tastes of Ethiopian injera and berbere spice to the rich, aromatic Nigerian jollof rice, a whole continent of flavours is waiting to be explored. Chefs also increasingly incorporate unique African herbs, spices, and cooking techniques into their dishes, introducing diners to a fresh palette of flavours.

Asian Fusion 2.0: Asian cuisine has been popular worldwide for decades. However, there’s a new trend in town: Asian Fusion 2.0. This isn’t just about throwing together elements from different Asian countries. It’s a thoughtful blend of Asian flavours with Western techniques and presentations. Imagine a sushi burrito or a Thai basil pesto pasta. These culinary innovations break down traditional boundaries and result in exciting new dishes.

Return to Tradition: Paradoxically, as the world becomes more globalised, there’s a growing appreciation for ancient cooking techniques and traditional dishes. Whether it’s the slow-cooked Italian ‘cacio e pepe’ or the Indian ‘dum biryani’, chefs are revisiting age-old recipes and techniques, delivering authentic tastes that transport diners back in time.

Sustainability & Eco-Conscious Dining

With the climate crisis at the forefront of global discussions, sustainability in dining is no longer an option but a necessity.

Zero-Waste Cooking: Reducing food wastage is a prime concern. Chefs and home cooks alike are getting creative with their recipes, ensuring every part of an ingredient is used. Think broccoli stem pesto or watermelon rind pickles. This approach not only minimises waste but also encourages culinary creativity.

Locally Sourced Ingredients: The farm-to-table movement is booming. It’s about more than just getting the freshest ingredients. Sourcing locally means supporting community farmers, reducing carbon footprints associated with transportation, and ensuring that foods are as fresh and nutrient-dense as possible. Many restaurants now take pride in listing their local suppliers, assuring patrons of the quality and origin of their ingredients.

Alternative Packaging: Single-use plastics have been a bane for our environment. Recognizing this, businesses are making a shift. Biodegradable packaging, edible cutlery, and reusable containers are gaining popularity. Not only do these reduce plastic waste, but they also serve as a selling point for eco-conscious consumers.

Technology in Food

The food industry is no exception in an era of rapid technological advancement. The intersection of tech and gastronomy is reshaping our culinary experiences, making gourmet dining more accessible and personalising our nutrition like never before.

Meal Kits & Delivery: Remember when gourmet cooking was reserved for special occasions or dining out? No more. With the rise of meal kit services, a gourmet dinner can be just a click away. Ingredients are pre-measured, chefs curate recipes, and everything is delivered to your doorstep. This revolution has made cooking high-quality meals at home easier, combining convenience with culinary exploration.

Food Tracking & Nutrition Apps: Personalisation is the name of the game. With the proliferation of smartphones, numerous apps have emerged that allow users to track their nutrition, set dietary goals, and even receive personalised meal recommendations. Incorporating AI in these apps can predict what you might enjoy eating next based on your past preferences and even align recommendations with health objectives.

3D Food Printing: Sounds like science fiction, but it’s real and here. 3D printing has entered the kitchen, allowing for intricate food designs, precise ingredient measurements, and even the creation of new textures and forms. Imagine customising your pasta’s shape or designing a cake with layers that seem almost impossible. This technology combines culinary arts with engineering, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on a plate.

Comfort Foods with a Twist

There’s undeniable solace in biting into a familiar dish, but what if those classics had an innovative spin?

Upgraded Classics: The beloved mac ‘n’ cheese gets a truffle oil upgrade. Your favourite grilled cheese might be paired with a fig jam. Chefs take familiar dishes and elevate them with gourmet ingredients, adding layers of flavour that transform the familiar into the extraordinary.

Sweet & Savory Combinations: Gone are the days when sweet and savoury were distinct territories. Bacon finds its way into chocolate. Blue cheese is crumbled over apple pie. These bold combinations cater to those who love multidimensional flavours, satisfying diverse cravings in a single bite.

Breakfast All Day: Once confined to morning hours, breakfast now rules the roost all day. From all-day breakfast diners to brunch-inspired evening meals, classics like eggs Benedict or avocado toast prove their appeal isn’t bound by time.

Beverages to Watch

The beverage industry is bubbling with innovations, catering to flavour aficionados and health-conscious consumers.

Non-Alcoholic Spirits: As the sober-curious movement gains traction, the demand for non-alcoholic beverages that don’t compromise on taste has risen. Enter sophisticated non-alcoholic spirits, wines, and beers that offer the complexity and depth of their alcoholic counterparts.

Adaptogenic Drinks: Stress is an ever-present part of modern life. Adaptogenic beverages infused with herbs like ashwagandha or reishi promise hydration and a way to balance the body’s response to stress.

Global Teas & Coffees: The world’s favourite caffeinated beverages are getting a global makeover. Matcha lattes, with their vibrant green hue, offer a change from the regular espresso. With its rich and unfiltered texture, Turkish coffee brings a piece of the Middle East to our mugs.

As we wrap up this culinary journey through 2023’s anticipated food trends, our plates (and glasses) will witness a blend of innovation, tradition, health, and indulgence. It’s an exciting time to be a food enthusiast. So, dear readers, as you navigate the year, we encourage you to dive deep into these trends, experiment in your kitchens, and indulge in the diverse and delicious offerings of the culinary world. Expand your horizons, one bite and sip at a time.

Wine and food have been lifelong partners, dancing through history in a delicate balance of taste and tradition. From ancient feasts to modern dining, the relationship between what we drink and eat has always been intricate. 

The beauty of this relationship lies in its potential to elevate an ordinary meal into a memorable culinary experience. For many, the world of wine can seem overwhelming, and its union with food, even more so. However, understanding the fundamentals of this pairing can transform any dinner table into a canvas of flavours, aromas, and sensations. 

This guide seeks to demystify the art of matching wine with food, introducing beginners to the joyous journey of finding that perfect sip to complement each bite. Whether you’re a casual wine enthusiast or a curious foodie, this exploration into the harmonious world of wine and food promises a delightful adventure. So, pour a glass, plate a dish, and embark on this delicious voyage together.

Basic Principles of Wine and Food Pairing

Wine and food pairing, at its core, is about harmony and balance. Just as in music, where one off-note can disrupt an entire symphony, the wrong wine with a dish can offset the culinary experience. So, let’s break down the components that will help you create a harmonious wine and food symphony.

Understanding Wine’s Main Components

1. Tannin: Found mainly in red wines, tannins give a sensation of dryness in your mouth, like oversteeped tea. Foods rich in proteins and fats, like steak, soften the perception of tannin, making the wine smoother.
2. Acidity: Wines with high acidity feel crisp and refreshing. Acidic foods can make a wine with moderate acidity taste flat. Therefore, pairing acidic foods with an equally acidic wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, can be a match made in heaven.
3. Sweetness: Sweet wines will taste less sweet when paired with sugary foods. Conversely, a dry wine might appear even drier and possibly bitter when consumed with a sweet dish.
4. Alcohol: Wines with high alcohol content can feel warmer or even hot. Spicy foods can amplify this heat, so it’s often suggested to pair spicy dishes with wines of moderate alcohol.

How Food Flavors Interact with Wine

Every food carries dominant flavours: sweet, salty, umami, bitter, and sour. These flavours can enhance or diminish the characteristics of wine. For example, salty foods can make a sweet wine taste even sweeter, while umami-rich foods, like mushrooms, often call for a wine with a bit more tannin.

Red Wines and Their Food Companions

Light Reds

Example: Pinot Noir

Pairings: Grilled chicken, salmon, and dishes featuring mushrooms or earthy flavours.

Pinot Noir, with its delicate structure and red fruit profile, aligns well with lighter meats and umami-rich foods without overpowering them.

Medium Reds

Examples: Merlot, Chianti

Pairings: Pasta dishes, especially those with tomato-based sauces, roast pork, and herb-driven recipes.

The balanced nature of these wines, neither too light nor too intense, syncs with a variety of dishes. Their fruity core and moderate tannins complement both tomatoes’ acidity and roasted meats’ richness.

Full-bodied Reds

Examples: Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah

Pairings: Steak, barbecue, and strong cheeses.

These wines’ robust structure and pronounced tannins demand foods with a similar heft. The fat in the steak or BBQ softens the wine’s tannins, creating a harmonious interaction on the palate.

White Wines and Their Ideal Matches

Light Whites

Example: Sauvignon Blanc

Pairings: Goat cheese, green salads with vinaigrette, and dishes with citrus notes.

Sauvignon Blanc’s high acidity and citrusy notes make it a refreshing partner for salads and tangy cheeses. Its light body ensures it won’t overshadow the dish.

Aromatic Whites

Examples: Riesling, Gewurztraminer

Pairings: Asian cuisines, spicy dishes, and fruit salads.

The pronounced aromatic profiles of these wines, often with hints of sweetness, stand up well to spicy and flavorful dishes. Their floral and fruity notes also find echoes in fruit-based preparations.

Full-bodied Whites

Examples: Chardonnay, Viognier

Pairings: Lobster, creamy pasta sauces, roasted chicken.

The rich and often oaky profile of these wines, accompanied by their full texture, pairs well with luxurious and creamy dishes. Their weight resembles many red wines, allowing them to handle richer preparations.

Rosé, Sparkling, and Dessert Wines

The Versatility of Rosé Wines

Pairings: Grilled seafood, light salads, charcuterie, and summer dishes.

Rosé wines, with their crisp acidity and range from dry to slightly sweet, complement a wide range of foods. Their refreshing nature makes them a summer favourite.

The Celebratory Nature of Sparkling Wines

Pairings: Oysters, fried appetisers, sushi, and salty snacks.

The effervescence in sparkling wines cuts through the richness of fried foods and complements the salinity of seafood, particularly oysters.

Pairing Sweet with Sweet

Pairings: Chocolate desserts with Port, fruit tarts with late-harvest Riesling, blue cheese with Sauternes.

When it comes to dessert wines, it’s often best to match sweetness with sweetness, ensuring neither the wine nor the dish overshadows the other.

Special Considerations in Pairing

Spicy dishes, particularly those with heat from chilies, can amplify the perception of alcohol in wines. As a result, it’s generally suggested to pair spicy dishes with aromatic whites like Gewurztraminer or off-dry Riesling.

Plant-based dishes offer a plethora of flavours. Light vegetables go splendidly with Sauvignon Blanc, while heartier mushroom-based dishes might resonate with an earthy Pinot Noir.

Both artichokes and asparagus have compounds that can make wine taste sweeter. Like an unoaked Chardonnay, a wine with high acidity can counterbalance this effect.

Experimentation and Personal Preferences

While guidelines exist, the real magic in pairing food and wine comes from personal exploration. The best pairings sometimes arise from unexpected combinations. Trust your palate, and remember that the best wine with any dish is the wine you enjoy.

Tips for Hosting a Wine and Food Pairing Party

1. Diverse Wine Selection: Offer a range from whites to reds, including some rosé and sparkling options.
2. Balanced Menu: Aim for various dishes, from light appetisers to richer mains, to cater to all wine types.
3. Interactive Experience: Encourage guests to note their favourite pairings or rate combinations, fostering engagement and conversation.

The journey of pairing wine with food is a delightful exploration of the senses. Every meal is an opportunity to discover a new harmony between flavours and aromas. As you venture into this world, let curiosity guide you and savour every culinary and vinous adventure that unfolds. Cheers to the infinite possibilities on your plate and in your glass!

A party is a great way to celebrate, but organising one can be a lot of work. What food to serve? Where to buy it? How much should it cost? This article will give you the answers!

Preparing for a party

The cost of catering can quickly spiral out of control, especially if you’re not careful. You can save money on your catering bill if you follow these tips:

1. Plan and make a list of everything you need. This will help you avoid making impulse purchases that you may not need.

2. Stick to simple dishes that don’t require too many ingredients or elaborate preparation.

3. Take advantage of online resources and compare prices before making your final purchase.

4. Ask friends and family for recommendations on where to find the best deals on catering supplies.

5. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to negotiate! Many caterers will work with you on price if you’re upfront about your budget constraints.

What food to serve

When it comes to catering for a party, there are a few things you need to take into consideration. What type of event are you hosting? Is it a casual get-together or a more formal affair? Will there be children present? These factors will all play a role in deciding what food to serve.

If you’re hosting a casual gathering, finger foods and appetisers are always a good option. Think about items that can be eaten without utensils. This could include mini quiches, fruit kabobs, or a veggie tray with dip. For something a little heartier, you could do sliders or mini pizzas.

If you’re hosting a more formal event, you’ll want to consider serving a sit-down meal. This could include chicken Alfredo, beef tenderloin, or salmon fillets. For sides, roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes are always safe bets. And remember the bread!

No matter what event you’re hosting, there are ways to save money on catering costs. One way is to ask guests to bring a dish to share. This is especially common for potluck-style events. Another way to save is by using discounts and coupons from local restaurants and caterers. And finally, try to avoid ordering individually plated meals – family-style platters can often be cheaper and just as delicious!

Budgeting for a party

Budgeting for a party can be tricky, but there are a few ways to save money. First, consider what type of party you’re throwing. You can get away with serving simple snacks and drinks if it’s a casual get-together. But if you’re hosting a more formal affair, you’ll need to budget accordingly.

Next, take inventory of what you already have on hand. Chances are, you have some food and drinks that can be used for the party. This will help cut down on your overall costs.

Finally, think about where you’ll be buying your food and drinks. You’ll find the best deals if you can shop around and compare prices. Just be sure to factor in any delivery or setup fees that may apply.

The following tips will help you stay within your budget while still providing everything your guests need to have a great time.

Planning the menu

When planning the menu for your party, it is crucial to consider the following:

• The number of guests you will be having
• The time of day the party will be taking place
• Any dietary restrictions your guests may have
• Your budget

Assuming you will be catering for a standard dinner party of around eight people, here are some ideas from Good 2 Eat Catering of what to serve and how to save money:

Starters: 

-A soup or chilli can be a great way to start a meal and can often be made ahead of time. You could also offer a simple green salad.

-Avoid anything too complicated or expensive as starters. Remember, people will be hungry for the main course!

Main Course: 

-One protein option and one vegetarian option are usually sufficient. Chicken is always a safe bet, but you could also try something like beef or fish. For the vegetarian option, pasta dishes are typically popular. 

-If you’re on a tight budget, consider serving rice or potatoes as sides instead of more expensive vegetables. 

Dessert: 

-Fresh fruit is always a good (and healthy!) choice for dessert. Consider making a simple cake or cookies if you want something more indulgent. 

-Again, avoid anything too complicated or time-consuming – after all, you’ll want to enjoy the party too!

Catering for a party can be a lot of fun, but it can also be expensive. By following our tips on what to serve and how to save money, you’ll be able to cater your next party without breaking the bank. So get creative and have fun with it – your guests will certainly appreciate the effort!