FE&S fills you in on the hottest tabletop trends, plus a look at cool new concepts and more.
Finger Bowls
Located 560 feet above ground atop Dallas' landmark Reunion Tower, Wolfgang Puck's new fine-dining concept is a circular, rotating restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows that provide a 360-degree view. Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck seats 150 in its dining room, more at tables along the windows, and one of the restaurant's two bars, a contemporary, illuminated-glass structure, revolves amid lounge seating where guests can enjoy drinks and appetizers. EDG Interior Architecture + Design softened the metal-and-glass detailing with gray, ivory and silver hues and wood elements for an environment that's both sophisticated and inviting.
The Taste of Authenticity
The more sophisticated palates of today's consumers creates an opportunity for foodservice operators to diversify their menus. Following are the top ten cuisines consumers would like to see more of:
| Top Ten Cuisines | |
| Mexican |
44% |
| Chinese | 39% |
| BBQ | 38% |
| Southern | 30% |
| Japanese | 27% |
| Greek | 23% |
| Spanish | 23% |
| Thai | 22% |
| Mediterranean | 21% |
| Caribbean | 19% |
24
The percent of customers who say their dining-away-from-home spending will not change in the near term regardless of the economy. (Source: Technomic Consumer Survey, May 2009)
