2011: Food Trends Predictions Rolling In Already

2011: Cupcakes, make it stop. (magerleagues via Flickr)

Spoiler alert: The restaurant and food trend reports for 2011 are landing in my in-box already. It's kind of like seeing Christmas decorations up before the summer is technically over. But who can resist a peek into the future? Both locally-based Andrew Freeman & Co. and Brooklyn-based Baum + Whiteman have unleashed their predictions (some spot-on, some pretty wacky). I figured the East Coast might have a different perspective so I took to it to see how Baum + Whiteman's applied to what's going on in SF.

Old Italian is newly respectable. The Meatball Shop (opened in the LES by former SPQR chef Daniel Holzman) might be selling up to 9,000 balls a week to the likes of drunk hipsters at 3:30 am, but I haven’t seen as much of this kind of homage to the Italian-American classics here (well, New York native chef Joseph Manzare tried with Joey & Eddie's in North Beach, may it rest in peace). There are glimmers, such as the grinder on the menu at Hog & Rocks, but I just don't think we can muster the Sopranos-style nostalgia that the East Coast can. It's not enough of our culture here.

Popsicles going artisan. Nopalito has paletas on its menu, but there’s room for more. Maybe next year will bring something like Raleigh Durham’s Locopops (which my SF to NC transplant friends turned me onto recently when I went out for a visit). Or maybe it's just too darn cold here in the summer to get all about popsicles.

Restaurants are making customers unwelcome. The accusation? Due to the economy, restaurants are limiting reservations, tablecloths and more. Personally, I don’t think a tablecloth makes me feel more welcome (even Benu opened sans cloths), but reservations definitely make life easier for a customer (just not the restaurant). Still, SPQR started the big no reservation trend and it opened pre crash.

Grits as an all-purpose starch. Can’t say the grits craze has really swept SF or will be any time soon. Shrimp and grits is also suggested to be the dish of 2011. (Rare heirloom Italian grains grown by small farmers within a 100 mile radius? Yes. Grits? Not so much.)

Kitchen swapping. This is something we’ve seen a bit (see: Meadowood chef Chris Kostow was just firing it up at Saison). And just last night I was at Contigo where Mark Denham (former chef of the former Laiola) was cooking. I’d love to see more!

Sandwiches by any other name. This list mentions cemitas? A Mexican sandwich that to me sounds just like a torta. But beyond Nopalito, I haven’t seen tortas exploding here. But the banh mi? Yes. See Dinosaurs for that. As for fancy sammies in general, there’s been no end to new spots that have opened, from Cane Rosso and Kitchenette to Pal’s Takeaway and more.

More Korean. How about any Korean? Beyond Namu, we're sorely lacking. Let's go Korean food!

Over and done. Apparently next year, it’s over for fancy hot dogs (tell that to Showdogs), burgers (tell that to the Mamacita boys who are opening a burger spot in Cow Hollow), bacon and pork belly. And that next year, cupcakes will peak? I feel like cupcakes peaked five years ago. In fact, I feel like if I see another cupcake place open, I'll start to cry.

Now, compare this list to SF-based Andrew Freeman & Co’s 2011 trend list in Nation's Restaurant News where pies are the new cupcakes, dirt-textured food reigns and we’ll be seeing more pimento cheese, neck and hay.

Who’s got their finger on the food here?

Comfort over Trendy - The Ugg Boots

In this day and age where people will go long ways and suffer much discomfort just to be counted among the "trendy" and "fashionable", the Ugg Boot truly stands out as a Pillar against the storm. Originally Louboutin Shoes worn by Australian sheepherders to keep their feet warm, these boots have since 2003, become quite popular in the United States. Such people as Pamela Anderson and Kate Hudson have been known to wear them Christian Louboutin Ankle Boots to keep their feet warm.

Many people would regard these Boots as "unfashionable" or "uncool" because the boots look big and odd. Some have even called for a boycott on wearing these boots due to their distaste for its look. Despite all of this, the Ugg Christian Louboutin Store boots has been enormously successful and is probably here to stay.

Now, you might ask, "why?" or "how?" does a boot that defies all fashion logic stay popular? The answer lies in two simple reasons. First, some people want to stand out from the crowd and differ from the norm. The Ugg boots will definitely make you noticeable in a fashion-conscious crowd. Second, and more importantly, is the fact that these boots are indeed quite comfortable to wear. These boots have been popular with swimmers and surfers since the 1970s and are regularly worn by surfers in California. The design of the boot with its sheepskin results in considerable thermostatic benefits. The boot also boasts fleecy fibers in the interior to allow for air circulation during the summer so your feet to not get overheated. With this combination Christian Louboutin Sneakers of Discount Christian Louboutin Shoes warming and cooling, the Ugg Louboutin On Sale boot is the perfect boot for all occasions. Add to this fact that the sheepskin material used to make this boot is generally more comfortable than the standard leather used to make the common boot, and you have a warm and comfortable boot for all seasons.

Despite the comfort reasons, many people will still not wear these boots because of their appearance. But Ugg boots now come in a variety of styles, sizes and colors and can generally be incorporated in any kind of apparel you on wearing. Typically since these boots are usually worn in the winter for thermal insulation, you can wear any kind of Ski wear or even long jeans. In fact any kind of long winter insulated pants will look quite normal and fit perfectly with a pair of matching-color Uggs. If you are still worried about what to wear with them, Cheap Louboutins Sales there are many places online such as the Yahoo Answers Forum which will help you pick out the right apparel to wear with your boots.

So with these fashion concerns answered, there is no reason why you should not join the rush and buy a pair of Ugg boots for this winter.

By Gianmarco Lorenzi (not verified) on February 09, 2012

Uggs - More Then Just A Trend!

For the last four years, a new fashion trend has been sweeping the nation. Some have embraced it while others are amazed and confused by its success. This fashion trend is known as the Ugg boot. Although somewhat unconventional in appearance, Uggs has gained a huge following among all social groups and ages. Besides the fact that they Gianmarco Lorenzi Boots are extremely Discount Louboutin Pumps trendy, it's their incredible ability to keep feet warm in the bitterest cold of conditions who makes these boots so popular.

The Ugg boot is made with sheepskin instead of regular leather which helps you stay cool in the Gianmarco Lorenzi Shoes summer and keeps you warm and snug in the winter making it the perfect boot to wear in all seasons. If sheepskin is not your style, then fear not Cheap Christian Louboutin for the Ugg boot also has varieties that are made from leather and suede as well, from casual to cowboy styles. It also has a design that is meant for the more feminine women with a fleece on the outside of the boot.

But Uggs is more than just sheepskin boots; it has casual shoes, slippers as Gianmarco Lorenzi Pumps well as handbags and other accessories. Ugg casual shoes are comfortable, stylish, and great to wear in any occasion. Ugg slippers are warm and Gianmarco Lorenzi Ankle Boots comforting and great to wear to bed or just sitting on the couch. Ugg also offers a full line of high-quality handbags and backpacks to match your Gianmarco Lorenzi Uggs. Gianmarco Lorenzi Wedges Ugg handbags and backpacks are made from high-quality leather and suede just like their boots and feature a comfortable and fashionable cotton web strap for convenience and style. A pair of Ugg boots, a matching Ugg handbag or backpack, and a pair of jeans is the perfect outfit for any casual event. With it, you will feel comfortable, look trendy, and be the envy of everyone around you.

By Gianmarco Lorenzi (not verified) on February 09, 2012

http://www.rockheadphone.com/monster-beats-by-dr-dre-isolation-special-e... Monster Beats By dr dre Isolation Special Edition Blue Headphone

http://www.rockheadphone.com/monster-beats-by-dr-dre-ferrari-limited-edi... Monster Beats Dr Dre Ferrari Limited Edition Studio Red Headphone

http://www.rockheadphone.com/monster-beats-by-dr-dre-james-23-limited-ed... Monster Beats Dr Dre James 23 Studio Limited Edition Headphone

http://www.rockheadphone.com/monster-beats-by-dr-dre-lamboghini-limited-... Monster Beats Dr Dre Lambohoghini Studio Limited Edition Headphone

http://www.rockheadphone.com/monster-beats-by-dr-dre-pro-headphone-black... Monster beats dr dre pro headphone black

By Monster Beats Star Limited Edition Headphone (not verified) on December 10, 2011

No wait! Did I say soup? Scratch that. Dip. Dip will be the hottest thing to shove down your throat in 2011. pronostics

By alex (not verified) on March 16, 2011

Quite frankly, my husband and I seem to see tropical flavors trending here in NorCal. It's great because we have tasted food prepared with everything from the more common mango and pineapple to dragon frut and cherimoya, etc. Love the fresh flavors.

By Anonymous (not verified) on March 06, 2011

So glad the cupcake thing is on the downard trend. They have their place, but not on every street corner @ $5 a pop.

By Anonymous (not verified) on March 06, 2011

Interesting....Korean is overdone here in LA, but maybe the rest of the country wants a piece. It's all about clean ingredients and little start-up like Droga!

By LaurenDolce (not verified) on February 01, 2011

Asics Gel Kinsei 2 cartoon characters, though Asics Gel Kinsei 2 Men's Shoes not necessarily for children around the Asics Gel Kinsei 2 Sale world, and they even infiltrated Asics Gel Kinsei 2 Mens your sneakers! Asics Gel Lyte III Hello Kitty x Asics Gel-Lyte Speed proof Asics Gel Lyte III For Sale that your loved Hello Buy Asics Gel Lyte III Kitty and her friends everywhere. TAsics Gel Lyte III Limited Edition hey're everywhere.Hello Asics Gel Lyte III Black Kitty x Asics Gel-Lyte Speed feel to Onitsuka Tiger Mini Cooper Hello Kitty, but it's not just pink all Onitsuka Tiger Mini edition over the world, because you know Onitsuka Tiger Mini Clubman the shoes Hello Kitty in pink and Onitsuka Tiger Mini for sale blue to get.Asics logo on the side Onitsuka Tiger Mini limited edition of the pink and has a hint of Onitsuka Tiger Mini uk pink on the soles. This is offset by white lace Onitsuka Tiger Mini cooper edition and blue design on the sides of shoes. If you onitsuka tiger men's shoes think you do not have asics onitsuka tiger men's shoes enough pink on the shoes, asics tiger mexico 66 and then to look at the pink asics onitsuka tiger mexico 66 star on has yellow onitsuka tiger shoes developed a series of onitsuka tiger tokidoki shoes exclusively for Clubman design. onitsuka tiger mexico 66 yellow black Many design onitsuka tiger yellow black elements of the Clubman can onitsuka tiger kill bill be found in many This Cheap onitsuka tiger asics mexico 66 Shoes are loaded with technology onitsuka tiger sale for excellent motion onitsuka tiger lauta control.GEL onitsuka tiger mexico lauta Cushioning System onitsuka tiger mexico 66 lauta in the heel onitsuka tiger australia sale and forefoot absorbs pounding

By asics onitsuka tiger (not verified) on December 09, 2010

China wholesaler Men Jeans, man jean, Women Jean, Men Jean, denim jeans, designer jeans, fashion jeans, lady fashion jeans, we exporter high quality denim dresses, jeanswear, blue jeans, denim skirts, Jeans skirt, welcome to Order our design Jeans or OEM order, please contact us info@eurasia-jeans.com

By http://www.eurasia-jeans.com/ (not verified) on November 10, 2010

sony np-f330 battery
sony np-qm91d battery
sony np-fh50 battery
sony np-fm50 battery
sony dcr-sr60 battery
sony dsc-s980 charger
sony np-fh50 charger
sony np-qm91d charger
sony cyber-shot dsc-n2 charger
sony cyber-shot dsc-w50 charger
sony np-fh100 battery
sony np-fh70 battery
sony bp-65h battery
sony bp-l40 battery
sony bp-l90 battery
sony bp-l60s battery

By sony battey (not verified) on November 02, 2010

Chef's adopting REAL whole grain milled flour (not the "whole wheat" you see in the supermarket) it will do for breads and pastas what farm-to-table did for produce. Check out: http://blogs.sfweekly.com/foodie/2010/11/oliveto_leads_hunt_for_honest.php

and piggybacking on the popsicles--we've already got the brand new Skilight Snowball truck expanding on that trend.

Go SF.

By Elizabeth (not verified) on November 02, 2010

@onewhiteshirt, the hipness of the macaron has come and gone already. blah, to cupcakes too.

By ChrusKelly (not verified) on November 01, 2010

I'm so on board with the whole Koran food thing! BTW, I work for a company called www.bitehunter.com. We are the web's first real time dining search engine, and have all dining info from thousands of restaurants' tweets, blogs, websites, as well as all dining deals from daily deal websites. Check us out!

By Anonymous (not verified) on November 01, 2010

Don't forget Ramen!

By Jeanne (not verified) on October 29, 2010

No wait! Did I say soup? Scratch that. Dip. Dip will be the hottest thing to shove down your throat in 2011.

I can't stop thinking about this...

By Brock Keeling (not verified) on October 29, 2010

Macarons are the new "cupcake"
You read it here first

By Onewhiteshirt.com (not verified) on October 29, 2010

Macarones are the new "cupcake"
You read it here first!

By Onewhiteshirt.com (not verified) on October 29, 2010

Hello,
My husband is opening a brand new healthy choice fast food restaurant by the name of freshii. Please check it out and let us know if you would be interested in giving it some publicity. We are due to open 11/8 in Embarcadero Center 4 with our first location and will be expanding all through the financial district and then outwards through the Bay Area.

www.freshii.com

I look forward to hearing back from you either way

Kathy Razvan

By Kathy (not verified) on October 29, 2010

I'm with one hundred percent on the cupcake trend. It was over for me before it even started. I say, "back to the elementary school bake sale with you, you simplistic, boring little sugar and fat bomb!"

By Peter (not verified) on October 29, 2010

call me crazy, but weren't those their predictions for next year? i feel like you shot them down because they didn't echo current trends in sf. emphasis: current. and as for crazes being over next year, just because new restaurants are opening, doesn't mean they'll be successful.

By jl (not verified) on October 29, 2010

We don't need to look East for the latest food trends... NYC has its own scene & culture and that's good for them. We've got other things going on in SF. We will always have better California cuisine and have better access to certain ethnic foods than New York like Filipino, Vietnamese and Mexican and fusions thereof.

By Seth Andrzejewski (not verified) on October 28, 2010

Best pimento cheese spread in San Francisco? Hand-made by Ray Bair at Cheese Plus, Polk & Pacific. Look for Capetown Cheddar Spread. I am the customer that inspired it (secret ingredient)

By sfkitchensinkcook (not verified) on October 28, 2010

I'm going out on a limb here, but I think soup will be all the rage. Like a roast chicken or burger, it's a great way to know, if you will, a kitchen. Also, soup is very recession-y. Also also, I love soup. Mmm.

By Brock Keeling (not verified) on October 28, 2010

Vive le gateau! Long live the CUPCAKE!! www.suttongourmetpaper.com

By Kellie (not verified) on October 28, 2010

Nice commentary on trends. I, too, have long hungered for more Korean food here the likes of which you find in abundance in NY and LA, but... what I feel is our best Korean (non-BBQ) restaurant in SF is To Hyang (http://www.theperfectspotsf.com/wp02/2009/11/01/top-tastes-24). Namu is excellent but not solely Korean, what with Japanese dishes (ramen, soba noodles) in the mix and that "fusion" element.

Though my Jersey teenage years (and Sicilian family) mean I have intense old-school Italian-American nostalgia, I sadly agree we don't have enough of it here to really see that "trend" rise... more hearty red sauce, veal parmigiana and Dean Martin crooning as we dine!

Cheers,
Virginia
SFBG Appetite: www.sfbg.com/category/author/virginia-miller
The Perfect Spot: www.theperfectspotsf.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/ThePerfectSpot

By Virginia Miller (not verified) on October 28, 2010