New Food and Dining Trends to Look Out for in 2024
A new year is upon us once more, which means it’s time to check the pulse of the food and dining world as we know it. Last year saw the rise and fall of many interesting food trends—here’s hoping we’ve learned to cool it on fried-chicken restaurants, thank you very much—and a new year means new dishes to try both at home and at your favorite restaurant.
Beverages With Bling
Edible glitter has long been a staple of the baking world, but we’re starting to see this sparkly adornment take off in the world of drinks—both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. For the latter, you’ll want to check out Hello Sugar for their mixed sodas. These colorful sodas are sugar bombs of the highest order, each of which comes swirling with a hypnotic array of sparkly glitter.
If you’re after a glittery beverage that’s a bit more grown-up, you can check out the Glitter Disco-Nut Rum at Dented Brick Distillery, a coconut-flavored rum that brings all that disco ball sparkle to your favorite homemade cocktail. During Pride Month, you can also check out Proper Brewing Co. for their batches of Big Gay Ale, a vivid pink ale that has plenty of glittery sparkle.
Of course, with DIY mixology being what it is today, you can always head over to Orson Gygi to snag edible glitter in every color imaginable. Throw a little gold in your old-fashioned, or mix a bit of purple in your dirty Dr. Pepper for a bit of shimmery bling with your beverage.
Creative Condiments
Perhaps it’s our recent affection for small bites and snacks on-the-go that has given rise to an equally ardent focus on the condiments that come with our meals. American diners are seeking out whichever flavor-enhancing condiments they can get their hands on.
The garlic chili crisp sauce has really taken off, which makes sense because it’s awesome and you can put it on anything. Fly By Jing makes a popular variety pack that is available at most grocery stores, and you can typically get a variation of this condiment served tableside at great local noodle bars like One More Noodle House.
If you’re looking for locally-made flavor enhancers, Van Kwartel Flavor Science is a great bet. Their wide variety of pepper sauces, chimichurri, and sofrito are great ways to spruce up your condiment tray at home, and you can also snag some of their flavorful spice blends as well.
Vinyl Bars
As vinyl records gain popularity, the trend of vinyl bars has caught on in big cities. Salt Lake is keeping up with this trend with Seabird locations downtown and in Draper.
Seabird is owned and operated by the team that brought us Yoko Ramen, Yoko Taco, and La Barba Coffee. The vinyl bar concept has been gaining traction in the U.S., combining the appreciation of vinyl with craft cocktails.
At Seabird, you’ll find a spot where you can enjoy good drinks and small plates while immersing yourself in the cozy ambiance enhanced by their vinyl collection. You can choose to listen to the curated albums the bartenders play or simply enjoy a cocktail in this unique setting.
These are just a few trends to explore in the ever-evolving world of food and dining. With an open mind and palate, you can embark on a culinary journey and discover new flavors and experiences in the year ahead. Cheers to 2024!