Menu Trends & Directions is a menu-focused, research-driven event for anyone involved in menu development, planning and promotion. The conference delivers a spectacular buffet of culinary insight, education and networking. The event is a “must” for future menu development.

Emerging culinary trends and the economy's effect on dining habits were hot topics of discussion at NRN's inaugural Menu Trends & Directions conference.

About 150 people attended the two-day event, which featured presentations on value promotions, menu development and consumer spending.

Nancy Kruse gave a State of the Plate presentation, in which she emphasized the popularity of classic comfort foods and cited a few of the next hot ingredients that chefs were experimenting with. She predicted that classic French cuisine would be the next important ethnic food trend, fueled in part by the film, "Julie and Julia," which featured the life of the late Julia Child.

Food scientist, Shirley O. Corriher offered tips to chefs about how to make dishes more healthful without sacrificing flavor. Her advice: minimize but don't completely eliminate salt and fat content.

Top research and development executives from Denny's, la Madeleine, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen and McAlister's Deli discussed their recipes for surviving the financial tsunami and shared their predictions for what types of dishes will lure diners back once the economy recovers.

Trends experts from Technonic, the Chicago-based research and consulting firm, reported on consumer trends that impact diners buying decisions. They emphasized consumers' newfound aversion to excessive spending and said operators that catered to the desire for value would find the most success.

The conference was sponsored by Premier sponsors:

Bush's Best, Icelandic USA, NatureSeal, Phillips Gourmet, Sweet Street Desserts and Ventura Foods LLC.

Supporting Sponsors included:

Australian Lamb, Brill, California Milk Advisory Board, Idaho Potato Commission and Surlean Foods.

Check back soon for more information on our Menu Trends & Directions 2010!