Food Trends: What's In, What's Out for 2009

4. Small Plates
Burman loved 2008's small plates and tasting menus. "Restaurants like Per Se, Ko, Degustation, have changed small plates from tapas into haute cuisine."

He believes this trend will continue into 2009. "When patrons enjoy five to 10 different tastes, they are more satisfied. I think this will make for more interesting dishes, and more adventurous cooks."

2009 Predictions

1. Cooking at Home
"With the current economic environment weighing heavily on consumers, I predict a move back towards the home-centered meal," says Greco, who is personally looking forward to "cooking more for the people I truly want to feed." Parasecoli regrets "not having taken the time to share good food with good friends more often!" in 2008, and is committed to making a change for '09.

2. Smoking, Preserving, Curing
Greco predicts a return to "smoking, preserving, curing ... old school techniques and mentality." Noting a pervasive Do-It-Yourself mentality in interior design, craft and fashion, she predicts this will extend to heritage cooking techniques as well.

3. Local Food Tourism
In 2008, Burman toured the greater New York City area with friends and colleagues in search of food "which made for better friends and better adventures." Instead of traveling abroad, why not enjoy the travel-at-home experience by touring an immigrant neighborhood in your closest big city? The most accessible food adventure might be in your backyard.

4. Purveyor Relationships
Burman also predicts that consumers will reconnect with the people who are responsible for the food they eat, whether it's the local butcher or restaurant owner. "If people cook, I want them to know where there food comes from, and take an active role in food decisions. And if they're not cooking, they should know who makes the food they eat, know the owner or who answers the phone. Food is personal, and should be treated that way."

5. Reconnect With the Dishes You Forgot You Love
Though Parasecoli cooks daily, he complains that he "always ends up doing the same stuff. I want to expand my repertoire! Or at least rediscover recipes that I've learned to make in my travels and I have not done in years!"

In 2009, home cooks will be taking out the old recipe books and reconnecting with the comfort, familiarity and soothing nature of the old favorites they forgot they loved.