Technomic Names 2010 Menu Trends

ChicagoFor the coming year, Technomic says restaurants should continue looking for ways to entice recession-weary diners with compelling reasons to eat out. The research and consulting firm sees five menu trends, in particular, that will lure consumers out of their homes and into restaurants.

1. New Spin on Old Favorites: Comfort Foods
Increased menuing of upscale comfort foods, such as macaroni and cheese made with artisan cheeses.

2. Exploring New Corners of Asia (and the world)
Korean foods will hit the mainstream, and interest in Indonesian and other Southeast Asian cuisines will grow.

3. Frontiers of Flavor
Umami will reign in burgers, hearty meat dishes, truffle oil-accented pasta, cheese, french fries and pizza. On-trend beverage flavors for 2010 will include tropical ingredients like hibiscus flower, agave nectar and pure cane sugar.

4. Back to the Future: Tending Our Gardens and Farms
An emphasis on local and seasonal ingredients will grow and flower.

5. Breakfast Round the Clock
As fast-food restaurants expand and upgrade their menus of budget-priced breakfast sandwiches and wraps, more full-service operators will be offering hearty brunch buffets well into the afternoon on weekends.