Looking forward to the top 8 food trends of 2018 and where to experience them in Charlotte
The National Restaurant Association recently released its list of predictions for the hottest food trends to watch in 2018. Each year, they consult with more than 700 professional chefs and members of the American Culinary Federation to share their thoughts on what’s trending.
Here are the top eight trends on the list and where you can (or can’t) find them in Charlotte.
(1) New cuts of meat
Where to experience it: Dot Dot Dot
4237 Unit B Park Road (Park Road Shopping Center – Backlot)
Quintana’s Braised Beef Cheeks were at the top of my list for 2017, so I cannot wait to see what he adds to his seasonal menu this spring. According to the NRA, menus will be showcasing new cuts of meat, such as Vegas Strip steak, Merlot-cut and Oyster steak. While this secret saloon is known for its fancy cocktails, you don’t want to miss out on the food!
Dot Dot Dot Braised Beef Cheeks
I also tried sweetbread at Evoke this past year and it was FANTASTIC. I Googled it after the fact (it’s the thymus and pancreas of a calf) and would eat it again in a heartbeat.
(2) House-made condiments
Where to experience it: Viva Chicken
I think we can all agree that Viva Chicken’s three signature sauces are extremely addicting. For your feasting pleasure, they now offer them by the bottle ($7.99 for a 12 oz. bottle). Mind blown.
Where to experience it: Sabor Latin Street Grill
One of my favorite amenities of this fast-casual fusion joint is its salsa and sauce bar. It comes free of charge with any menu item. I recommend trying their Quinoa Avocado Bowl with a side of chips for dippin’.
(3) Street-food-inspired dishes
Where to experience it: Nile Ethiopian Restaurant & Grocery
3113 Sharon Amity Rd.
This small, cozy restaurant (with only four booths and a few tables) is flying under the radar. Dishes are made from scratch after you order, so don’t come here when you’re in a rush. Service and quality are outstanding and they serve some of the best Ethiopian coffee in town.
Where to experience it: La Shish Kabob Restaurant
3117 Sharon Amity Road
Get the Mediterranean Shawarma ($8.99): Char-grilled chicken tenderloin topped with grilled tomatoes, green peppers, onions, greens (turnips, pickles) and tahini.
(4) Ethnic-inspired breakfast items
Where to experience it: Toucan Louie’s
2753 Rozzelles Ferry Rd.
Get the Congee ($5.95): Millet cooked in coconut milk, shredded coconut, maple roasted sweet potatoes, pistachios and drizzled with maple syrup.
Toucan Louie’s has an interesting backstory, and serves plenty of locally produced products.
(5) Sustainable seafood
Where to experience it: Heirloom Restaurant
8470 Bellhaven Blvd.
Heirloom is a part of the James Beard Foundation Smart Catch Program. All of their fish are sourced from NC fishermen that use sustainable methods to catch fish in the wild. To be truly sustainable, chef and owner Clark Barlowe only buys whole fish so he can ensure that they use many different parts of the animal.
Barlowe’s six-course tasting menu changes daily and he can accommodate any food preferences or allergies when given 24 hours notice. If you’re looking for lighter fare, they also offer an a la carte menu.
(6) Healthful kids’ meals
Where to experience it: Clean Juice Bar
This healthy food chain offers a large variety of smoothies, açaí bowls and juices that are popular amongst my toddler and his friends. My son’s favorite smoothie is “The Simple One”. Check out some of our Clean Juice memories here (pssst: healthy dinner recipe included).
Other than Clean Juice, we usually enjoy our toddler meals at home. Do you recommend anywhere that has a crazy good kid’s menu? Asking for a friend… please leave your suggestions in the comment section below.
(7) Vegetable carb substitutes
Where to experience it: Roots Café
2135 Southend Dr., Suite 109
Order the Veggie Noodle Bowl ($10): Squash and zucchini noodles with baby kale and bell peppers. It’s simmered in a house-made coconut curry broth and topped with fresh basil, cilantro, green onion and a little bit of smoked chili.
(8) Uncommon herbs
Where to experience it: Haberdish
3106 N. Davidson St.
Order the Hot Toddy for 2 ($30): Old forester, dry curacao, falrnum, honey, lemon, black pepper, all spice, clove, anise, black tea and orange.
Where to experience it: Growlers Pourhouse
3120 N. Davidson St.
Indulge in the Pomegranate Thyme Gin & Tonic ($10): Lime, Suttler’s gin, tonic, pomegranate-thyme grenadine, ice and fresh thyme.
Also, when it comes to highlighting cocktails with fresh herbs, Crepe Cellar Kitchen and Pub’s bartender Colleen Hughes is one of the best in town.
Wish list
And moving into the new year, there are a few things I wish were in Charlotte (hint hint, restaurateurs). If they already are, please tell me where so I can stop drooling over these videos on Facebook. I wish for:
- Spaghetti Grilled Cheese Sandwiches (watch the full video here)
- Giant Pizza Crepes (drool worthy video here)
- Wedding Cakes made out of cheese (it’s a real thing… I swear)
- Freak Shakes (don’t watch hungry… video here)
This story was originally published December 28, 2017 at 12:00 AM.