So, a new year is upon us which means it’s time for Foodie in Miami to look into her crystal ball and decide what new Food Trends are happening in 2023. Without further ado…

• Pizza Ovens are HOT!

I got an Ooni pizza oven for Christmas, as did my niece’s husband Tug, but it’s not just us! Ooni’s revenue increased 264% in 2021. Could it be a Pandemic hangover of wanting to cook your own pizza or just an interest in making the best and hottest pizza at home?

• Chili Crisp

This condiment, a hot sauce made with red chilies fried in hot oil, is all the rage and ranges in price from a couple dollars (Trader Joe’s) to $47 (Momofuku). I’ve seen it in many recipes, including one I tried with homemade gnocchi from the New York Times. It can also be used on eggs, noodles, tacos and fried chicken sandwiches. Is Chili Crisp the new Siracha?

• Mushrooms

I’m not just talking about using mushrooms in recipes, which is popular right now, as part of the Plant-based revolution, but also medicinally- in drinks, supplements and in gummies. Mushroom supplements offer a variety of claims- to help you focus, relax and sleep better. Are mushrooms the new CBD?

• Gummies

Gummies are big right now, filled with all kinds of ingredients. CBD Gummies have been around for a while, but now there are also Mushroom Gummies (see above) and Alcohol Gummies. What’s the advantage of taking these ingredients through gummies? They’re sweet, fun and make you feel like a kid again. “Just a spoon full of sugar, helps the medicine go down.”

• Miso

This ancient Japanese Condiment, made with fermented soybeans, has been trending for a while now, but shows no sign of stopping. A little miso- whether it be in a salad dressing, a glaze for fish or in vegetable dishes- adds that je nais se quoi that will leave your guests wondering what other tricks you have up your sleeve. It lends umami and depth of flavor to dishes in an easy manner.

• Low or No Alcohol Cocktails

Another trend that seems to be getting bigger each year. My cousin Stephanie who works for Yelp in San Francisco started a side hustle called Better Bar, catering to this exact need. She told me it’s very popular on the West Coast and her company offers drinks such as the Lowgroni and the Lesspresso Martini. This trend is for people who don’t drink, but also for those who want to cut back on their drinking or just mix it up. Sober curious?

• Old Fashioned Cocktails with a twist

Old school cocktails are back, but likely now served with a twist, so maybe not your grandfather’s Martini. Also the very Italian Negroni Spagliato is super popular now. It’s all alcohol with vermouth, Campari and Prosecco, but the prosecco lends some fizz and subs for the traditional and higher-alcohol gin. Sours- Whiskey Sours, Margaritas and Sidecars are big, as are agave-based spirits. Lastly, according to bartenders ( and Martha Stewart) 90’s era drinks are back in style. Long Island Ice Tea, anyone?

• All Kinds of Boards

Of course we all know about the classic (and now ubiquitious) Charcuterie Board, but there are other boards fighting for their time in the spotlight as well. Butter Boards are the obvious Golden Girl of the Board Battle, but there are also Breakfast Boards, Burger Boards and Dessert (like Smore’s) Boards. While boards are a fun way to serve, they seem to be getting more and more elaborate, with salami and strawberry roses, cut out cheeses, truffled honey. Truthfully, I’m a bit over them. I guess you could say I’m bored with boards.

• Speakeasies, Secret Bars and Rooftops

At least in Miami, this seems to be a trend. At Coyo Taco, you enter a door that says “Employees only” to discover a secret bar with a DJ and plenty of liquid fuel to keep you dancing into the night. At Bodega Taqueria y Tequila in the Grove, enter a Port-a-Potty entrance to get into a Speakeasy offering Happy Hour and Late Night (until 5 am!) fun. Also, Miami finally got the memo and is taking advantage of our year-round great weather and spectacular views by offering Rooftop drinks and snacks at various restaurants. Mamey has a great happy hour on the 5th floor and Amal’s rooftop (called Level 6) has been getting rave reviews.

• Crazy Restaurant Bathrooms

I noticed this at Sexy Fish, with their over-the-top Men’s Bathroom. It features James Bond (Daniel Craig) dressed in Scuba gear taking a whiz, amid a bathroom with an enormous pink octopus and a beautiful, sea-inspired decor. It’s one way for dining spots to distinguish themselves from other restaurants; photos are encouraged.

The last thing I will say about Dining Trends for 2023 is that the hike in prices diners experience Post-Pandemic is not about to abate. Higher prices are here to stay, unfortunately. But diners, hopefully, are more grateful than ever to be able to dine out freely after the couple years of lock down, even with sticker shock menus. Happy Days are here again!

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