And so, 2010 will soon be coming to a close. What indulgent treats will be dominating the restaurant industry landscape in 2011? Well, cupcakes have had a great run in the last few years, with names like Sprinkles and Crumbs driving droves of sweet-tooth foodies forming lines out the door at their locations. A recent article published by Nation’s Restaurant News shows that pies will be making a come-back this coming year. Upon reading that article I headed to NYC for a food eating mission and guess what I had for dessert?
The all-American dessert and comfort food, though less glamorous than fancy cupcakes or international favorites like tiramisu or flan, may very well be in the forefront in 2011. It’s predicted that even savory and bite-sized pies will gain popularity as well, not to mention the inventive, “pies blended into milkshakes” variety.
In New York City, up-and-coming restaurant Hill Country Chicken, a unique concept, serves casual fried chicken and pie. Owner Marc Glosserman ‘s goal was to create a restaurant that honored his childhood memories unpretentious, Texas home style cooking. Specializing in pies is what caught my eye on my visit – at Hill Country, there’s an impressive selection of pies, from whole pies to mini pies, all handmade fresh, daily. There are actually a dozen, carefully chosen different pie varieties and yes, they serve pie shakes! A piece of pie, a few scoops of ice cream and a splash of milk completes this decadent drink. To leverage this trend think outside the box and be innovative in your thinking! How is this for an idea: “Pie In The Sky” which could be apple pie and ice cream served in a foot tall margarita glass. When it comes to menu innovation our team makes it a point to keep its finger on the pause of industry trends.
Deliciously satisfying, pies are the ultimate American comfort food. Keep your eye out for more pie concepts coming out in 2011.