Each year, emerging food trends encourage us to extend our culinary boundaries, satisfy our cravings and expand our palates. While some trends are short-lived, others, like the food truck trend, become nationwide obsessions. Either way, we make it our obligation to keep up with what's in vogue in food. Here's a list of food trends to look forward to this year and where to find them around campus.
Images
Pies
Whether it's mom's apple pie on the Fourth of July or her savory chicken pot pie on Sunday night, pies evoke a sense of familiarity. Recently, innovative chefs have been bringing pies to the forefront of the American dining scene, remaking these symbols of American tradition and concocting new flavor combinations to appeal to the tastes of adventurous foodies. Be sure to visit Momofuku Milk Bar (207 Second Ave.), where pastry chef Christina Tosi has engineered the latest in pie innovations with her Crack Pie. Try a slice of this perfect combination of delicious toasted oat crust and a slightly caramelized, gooey, pecan pie-like filling that will surely entice you to buy an entire pie.
Hot dogs
America's traditional ballpark favorite is busting onto the gourmet scene. Forget ordinary toppings like ketchup, mustard and relish. Chefs are elevating the status of hot dogs by garnishing their deep-fried franks with fresh ingredients like avocado and pineapple. Take a trip to Crif Dogs (113 St. Marks Place) to try an haute hot dog. You can opt to top your dog with ingredients like cucumbers, cream cheese, pork roll, baked beans and egg. Or stop by Gray's Papaya at 402 Sixth Ave. to take advantage of its student-friendly special: two hot dogs and a 16-ounce drink for $3.99.
Locally sourced foods
As the green movement continues to gain prominence, chefs are becoming more interested in sustainability and eco-friendly food. However, they are even more interested in obtaining the best and freshest ingredients to enhance their dishes and often travel to nearby farms to scout out locally grown and seasonal produce. Appreciate where your food comes from and visit the farmer's market at Union Square, where farmers and artisans from the Tri-State area present their best organic and fresh products. But if you need a quick meal, stop by Bite at 211 E. 14th St., an unassuming gourmet deli featuring organic greens in its epicurean cuisine.
Macarons
French pastry chefs are the experts when it comes to sweet treats and confections. Macarons, cookie-like pastries consisting mostly of egg whites, sugar and almond flour, are sweeping the city. Their intriguing flavors and vibrant colors attract people of all ages. Their crunchy yet delicate texture and airiness make them an elegant end to any meal. Walk up to La Maison du Macaron at 132 W. 23rd St. and taste one of their many exotic flavors such as caramel fleur de sel or passion fruit. Or head downtown to Ceci-Cela at 55 Spring St., which resembles a Parisian patisserie and serves a wide variety of French macarons that are simply magnifique!
Underground Gourmet
No need to spend $600 and dress in formal attire to satisfy your expensive tastes. Grab lunch with the hipsters downtown and appreciate exceptional culinary talent at a fraction of the price. Most of these establishments seem best for the trendy, artsy crowd, but there's no doubt that all walks of life can find comfort in their innovative gourmet creations. Try the chicken parm sandwich at Torrisi Italian Specialties (250 Mulberry St.), which features fresh greens, tomato sauce and artisanal cheese. Afterwards, head over to The Smile (26 Bond St.), whose rustic décor and lamb meatballs will entice you to make another trip back.
