Pork is predicted to be the “latest protein star,” according to Technomic’s Take: 10 Trends for 2014. The food service consulting firm also cited a growing interest in sour foods. Along with housemade pickled and fermented items, the inclusion of citrus can offer the sour acidity to balance and brighten the savory flavors of pork. These trends are already beginning to take shape on menus with pork and citrus pairings in ethnic applications and updates to traditional recipes.
Jimmy’z Kitchen
Miami
Roasted Cuban Mojo Pork
Cuban style pulled pork in a sour orange sauce with onions and garlic, served with black beans, rice, and plantains; $12.50
Luke Palladino Seasonal Italian Cooking
Linwood, N.J.
Pork Osso Bucco: Rosemary citrus glaze, grilled buckwheat polenta, braised savory cabbage with pancettal; $29
America’s Taco Shop
Tempe, Ariz.
Al Pastor: Al pastor is a slowly roasted, citrus-spice marinated pork, thinly sliced and topped with fresh pineapple. Protein choice for tacos, burritos, tortas or quesadillas; price: NA
Café Habana
New York
Roast Pork: Caribbean style citrus marinated roast pork served with your choice of rice and beans; $12.95
Pintxo
Seattle, Wash.
Citrus braised pork: slow braised and served over fresh spinach with pickled red onions and a cilantro-serrano pepper salsa; price: NA
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