As much as diners love to experiment, it seems they are just as willing to pick something familiar and close to their hearts. While new spices and side dishes replace existing ones, consumers continue to demand the option of a staple food they grew up on.
Restaurants have gotten hip to the demand for comfort foods like beef stew and macaroni & cheese, and are seeking new ways to serve these classic dishes. The old soldier of side dishes--the potato--has been quite popular over the last year, coming in more convenient serving methods. For example, J.R. Simplot's Plate Perfect Mashed Potatoes even comes with its own pastry bag for the perfect effect.