Hospitality group Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants released this week its fourth annual “Culinary & Cocktails Trend Forecast” report. The group compiled the report using information gathered from surveying leading chefs, sommeliers, general managers, and bartenders from more than 80 of its restaurants, lounges, and bars across 37 cities in the United States, Europe, and the Caribbean. The participating chefs named “Meatless is Going Mainstream” as one of their top six trends for the coming year. “A majority of Kimpton chefs said plant-based proteins such as tempeh or beet burgers will disrupt menus and win the hearts of vegetarians and omnivores alike,” the report stated. “Thirty-one percent of chefs think vegan and nut- or seed-based spreads like sunflower butter and cashew cream cheese will give avocado toast (the reigning darling of healthy brunches) a run for its money.” A number of forecast reports for 2018 have focused on plant-based foods as a rising trend, including one compiled last week by industry media outlet National Restaurant News that named vegan desserts a trend to watch in the coming year.

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