Many years ago, when I first started working at a real job, in an office, with adults, I remember going into the break room and seeing a platter what looked like sliced coffee cake.

It had green flecks in it.

I thought: ‘Cool – this is going to be a great place to work’.

Then I was told it was Zucchini Bread.

I was crushed.

How times have changed…..

I don’t think CBD-infused foods are going to be an option here in the middle of French farm country for awhile although one can indulge in Paris. As to the other trends sited in this post – yes to seaweed. Seaweed has long been considered a good food source in Europe.

And while it has always been easy (mostly) to follow a vegetarian diet here, a vegan diet has proved more challenging. That has changed a lot in recent years.

As with CBD, all trends would be easier in Paris.

Maybe I’ll start a new feature on this blog… I am one of the 15% that likes to cook. (see CNBC report below)

Three New Restaurant Trends You can Try at Home

Americans spend a lot on eating. They not only buy more food than they can actually consume (leading to increased waste) but they dine out – a lot. CNBC reports that 90% of Americans don’t like to cook – and it is costing them an average of $3,000 per year. Chefs like Jamie Oliver, Paula Deen, and Bobby Flay have shown that whipping up everything from gourmet burgers to hearty stews and even home-made pizza is easier than you might think. You don’t have to lose out on trying the latest trends, either. In fact, you can make every Saturday night (or Sunday lunch) a day in which to serve up the hottest dishes everyone is raving about to appreciative family and friends. The next time you’re in the kitchen, why not replicate these cool trends?

CBD-Infused Beverages

CBD (a non-psychoactive, legal derivative of the cannabis plant) has exploded into the market owing to its many reported benefits. These include the relief of chronic pain and anxiety, and the strengthening of the immune system. In research compiled by the National Restaurant Association, three out of every four chefs named CBD and cannabis-infused food as a hot trend for 2019. Restaurants are serving everything from CBD cocktails (which are infused with CBD oil) as well as hot tea or coffee served with a CBD ‘spike’. To replicate the trend at home, add a dash of milk into your favorite tea then add a few drops of CBD oil. The oil will not blend into hot water, so using a bit of dairy is essential. 

Plant-Based Food

From vegan burgers that ‘bleed’ right through to seitan ‘steak’ and tempeh stew, there are a plethora of vegan dishes that are no less tasty than their meat-containing counterparts. If you are new to vegan food, dining out to see how far this trend has come, is key. Even the yummiest vegan burger will cost you less than a top-grade meat variety made of wagyu or Florida grass-fed beef. To try the full gamut of vegan dishes near you, availing of diner incentives like rewards and promotions will help you get a really good idea of how varied this cuisine can be, so you know which ingredients you wish to employ. The range of vegan burgers, for instance, is wide; they can be made with rice, oats, mushrooms, mycoprotein, and more. Try out many varieties, looking up similar recipes to the ingredients with the most appealing texture and taste.

Seaweed Delights

As far back as a decade ago, just about the only seaweed that made its way into the average consumer’s mouth, was nori – the fine wrapping used to create tender sushi rolls. Today, seaweed is sold in snack form (dehydrated with just a pinch of salt hits the spot), as well as in salads, pasta, and even drinks. Seaweed is, after all, considered a powerful antioxidant that also contains fiber and polysaccharides that support gut health. To serve this fragrant ingredient to friends and family, why not start with a grain-free sushi bowl? Grab a bowl and fill it with cooked quinoa, red cabbage, shredded beetroot, shredded nuri, and sesame. Top with a tangy sauce comprising lime, soy sauce, brown sugar, and a dash of white vinegar. Mix it all up and enjoy!

One trend that underpins many of the others, is a desire for healthy, nutrient-packed foods. From vitamin-rich seaweed to zero meat stews and hearty soups, healthy foods can also be flavor-packed, depending on preparation method and condiments. Dining out is a great way to discover these and more trends, but if you are watching your budget, why not be a little more experimental at home?

Any of these on your list to try?