THESE HOT FOOD & DRINK TRENDS WILL BE EVERYWHERE THIS YEAR
An on-trend menu can be the difference between a successful event and an all-out showstopper. Chances are you’ve given painstaking attention to your venue, invitations and decor. Don’t let your food and drink choices fall behind! Today’s guest expects a next-level gastro experience, and these cutting-edge 2019 food and drink trends will be sure to satisfy.
MOCKTAILS
Soda, juice and club are no longer acceptable offerings to the non-alcohol crowd. Bartenders are getting wise to the profits in craft non-alcoholic cocktails that integrate the same care and quality ingredients as the mixology movement. With comprehensive lifestyle diets like Whole 30 on the rise, the market for mocktails is growing by the day (great for kids too).
POKE BOWLS
Known as the fastest-moving hot trend in the 2019 Culinary Forecast, its hashtag has been used over 250,000 times on Instagram! Pronounced “po-keh,” these bowls originate from Hawaii and comprise a raw fish salad served with rice, vegetables and a sauce. It’s fresh, delicious and can be served as a bite, appetizer, or small plate. Double up on 2019 food trends and source local, sustainable fish for your poke bowls.
PLANT-BASED DISHES
As boutique diets continue to dominate in 2019, plant-based dishes will see a huge rise in popularity. Less strict than vegan and vegetarian, plant-based cuisine makes the plant the star of the show, with smaller amounts of meat, dairy and other animal products. Plant-based dishes can be a new take on traditional comfort food. tThink mashed cauliflower, squash bloom risotto, or zucchini noodles bolognese or something completely new and unexpected. Additional benefits include a smaller environmental footprint.
BARBECUE
You didn’t think barbecue was going anywhere, did you? 2019 will see some fun and delicious approaches to barbecue that will delight and surprise your guests. International flavors and fusion cuisine will be making their way to the grill, mixing east and west in some of your favorite barbecue dishes. More small plates and tapas will be prepared over open-flame, with European “plancha” style grilling finally catching on in the U.S. For unique desserts and sides, expect to see Himalayan salt blocks being used to impart interesting flavor.
STREET FOOD
This is hardly a new trend, with streetfood having grown in popularity over the years. In 2019, street food is expected to become even more mainstream and upscale. Globally influenced street food like Mexican elotes (grilled corn), Belgian waffles and Japanese ramen are expected to get more sophisticated - and more accessible.
DESSERTS FOR SPECIAL DIETS
Adding more celiac-friendly and dairy-free desserts to menus by using coconut and soy milk substitutes is a smart trend for 2019. This year, you’re guaranteed to have at least one guest per event with special diet needs and offering deliciously inclusive dessert options is just one more way to offer a first-class experience.
TRANSPARENCY
In 2019, we expect more transparency from our politicians, our corporations and yes… our kitchens. The modern guest cares about transparency, and recent years have seen increased attention paid to where our food comes from and how it’s made. Switching to locally sourced, sustainable ingredients overnight can be costly and time-consuming, but integrating transparency into your menu wherever possible can go a long way with your guests.
Live Nation Special Events’ in-house catering team and local and national partners specialize in on-trend food and drink menus to please every palate. We’ll craft a menu that’s unique to your event, crowd size, theme, venue and special requests all while exciting your guests with up-to-the-minute flavors and dishes.