Going through the new Trend Brochure “Die Schönheit des Augenblicks” (The beauty of the moment), I realized they are concentrating on four things this year, “Authentic”, “Optimistic”, “Eccentric” and “Graphic”. I am thinking to myself can this be applied to our food? Can we use the color trend or home decoration trend toward our wedding menu?

We all know there is a huge interest now a day on ethnic foods and authentic flavors. People are looking for quality and freshness. They want to feel good even on a night that they are not suppose to watch what they eat or drink. My thoughts are, why not do both. There is nothing wrong with an Organic Tomato Bloody Mary, a light calorie beer or grass fed piece of meat.

As I’m learning how people are getting more and more educated about health and the fact that not only being healthier is good for them but also is “trendy & chic” , I discover one more thing,  people also want the real thing! For example I am one of those people that if I think of cheese, I want the best and the healthiest out there. If I want a glass of wine, I want the best low calorie wine; especially if it’s local…compromising on quality vs. quantity is not in my system. Lately almost 95% of my brides and grooms rather pay more for a better wine, a better piece of meat or a good organic vegetarian plate then before.

Here are some of the food trends I am seeing and I believe they will continue to 2011:

Miniature desserts and retro sweets, miniature loaves of bread and delicately flavored baked goods, snacks and condiments.

Family recopies from kitchen to the wedding menu.

Gourmet, low sodium exotic salts, peppers & seasoning mixes.

Local specialties that are made for that region.

Local farm meat, seafood catches of the day, to cheese, wine, beer and fruits and vegetables.

Dark Chocolate & Chocolate truffles.

Handmade fat-free vegetable chips such as beets, sweet potato, parsnip and celery root.

Assorted nuts tossed in a variety of healthy herbs and spices.

Natural, raw sweeteners.

Water, all-natural beverages, higher quality alcohol, healthy juices such as pomegranate and green grass.

2010 & 2011 “attitude trend”:

“Less is more”. People are going less and less for buffet tables, they rather to have 3 or 4 small but healthier courses’ not to mention chicer look rather than huge buffet tables.

Associating “Healthy” by being trendy, chic, modern & up to date.  They love to show off their healthy and modern side in every plate from small bite appetizers to all organic salad to 100% healthy meat and fresh fish. I have brides and grooms that even ask for healthier cakes.

“Roots”. As people change their shopping status quo’s I see more demand to personalize their menu. They want what I call:  Freshness & Flavor of homemade foods with a modern touch.

With love, Ferinoosh

pictures by http://www.SXC.hu/