Dining Trends for 2024

Experiential dining, plant-based menus and sustainability were hot topics in the Les Dames d’Escoffier International (LDEI) 2023 Trends Report. The visionary panel that explored dining away from home included members with specific expertise and interest in restaurant dining and the hospitality industry.  The discussion included food, beverage, nutrition, lifestyle and unique aspects of boutique and high volume foodservice. Culinary methods and sources of inspiration for menus and venues were also part of this group’s discussion.

Among the findings:

Casual experiential dining appeals on many fronts to consumers of varying ages in different parts of the country looking for affordable culinary experiences. Chef driven fast casual restaurants feed consumers’ desires for high quality menu items delivered quickly and on the go. Eight-six percent of dames surveyed agreed that chef driven fast casual restaurants are filling a consumer desire for high quality menu items. The festive…