Why restaurants change their menus
If you’re looking for fresh food bursting with flavor, the best restaurants rotate their menus based on what ingredients are available. Seasonal menus are important for any restaurant that wants to use fresh, high-quality ingredients when they’re at their best.
Changing up what you offer throughout the year can keep your customers interested and give them something to look forward to.
So what’s “menu season”? It’s when restaurants rework their offerings to take advantage of seasonal produce and up-and-coming culinary trends. Some restaurants change their menus every quarter to reflect the four seasons. Other restaurants update more frequently to showcase specific ingredients when they’re at their peak.
This article will dive into the key things to keep in mind when crafting a killer seasonal menu. We’ll look at everything from appetizers and entrees to desserts and drinks, with plenty of inspiration from spring and summer menus.
Appetizers & small plates: embracing seasonal flavors
From light and bright spring tastes to robust summer sensations, appetizers and small plates give you a chance to showcase the best of the season.
Springtime starters
As the weather warms, customers often crave lighter, fresher flavors. Think of appetizers that awaken the palate and hint at the bounty to come.
- Fresh and light options: Spring is the perfect time for appetizers like quick-fried artichoke hearts or a springtide shrimp cocktail.
- Seasonal vegetables: Brussels sprouts aglio e olio and Italian burrata with spring vegetables offer creamy, refreshing contrast.
Summertime sensations
Summer calls for bolder, more flavorful choices that can stand up to the heat.
- Bold and flavorful choices: Consider items like sesame-seared ahi tuna or honeysuckle buttermilk chicken, which provide a sweet and savory option.
- Seafood and grilled delights: A decadent choice is a signature jumbo blue lump crab cake, which is perfect for savoring on a warm evening.
These appetizers and small plates are designed to capture the essence of spring and summer, offering guests a taste of the season’s best.
Salads & Soups: Harnessing the Garden’s Bounty
When it comes to salads and soups, the freshest ingredients make the best impression. So, as the seasons change, think about ways to showcase seasonal fruits and vegetables.
Spring Salads
In spring, people are craving lighter, fresher combinations. Think about offering salads like these:
- Spinach & Berry Salad, which combines the sweetness of berries with the slightly savory taste of spinach
- Roasted Beet Salad, with its earthy taste and vibrant colors
You can also offer some classic salads that are always popular, such as Iceberg Wedge and Caesar Salad.
Summer Salads
Summer is the ideal time to use seasonal fruits and vegetables in salads. Two salads that are always a hit are:
- Watermelon Feta Salad, which screams summer
- Summer Tomato Salad, which highlights the ripe, flavorful tomatoes of the season
Soup Selections
Even in summer, you can offer soup as an option. A hearty Chicken Tortilla Soup is often a good choice. You can also offer a Chef’s Daily Creation that allows you to experiment with different seasonal flavors.
Main courses: showcasing seasonal ingredients
When it comes to main courses, the best restaurants let the season guide the menu, offering dishes that highlight the freshest, most flavorful ingredients available. Here are a few examples of what you might see on a spring or summer menu.
Spring entrees
Spring is a time for lighter, brighter flavors, and the main courses should reflect that.
Protein pairings
On the protein front, consider lighter options like Springer Mountain Chicken, known for its delicate flavor and tender texture. Another fantastic choice is Alaskan Sockeye Salmon, especially when paired with a vibrant spring onion chimichurri.
Vegetarian options
For vegetarians, a Spring Primavera is a must. This dish bursts with fresh, seasonal vegetables, showcasing the best of what spring has to offer.
Summer entrees
Summer menus often feature grilled dishes and hearty flavors, perfect for warm evenings and outdoor dining.
Grilled and hearty options
For meat lovers, a Black Angus Filet Mignon or a Prime New York Strip are always crowd-pleasers. If you’re looking for something a bit richer, consider a Rack of Lamb or Seasonal Muscovy Duck.
Seafood selections
Summer is also a great time for seafood. Wild Alaskan Halibut and Alaskan Sockeye Salmon are popular choices, offering fresh, clean flavors that pair perfectly with summer vegetables and herbs.
SANDWICHES & BURGERS: SEASONAL TWISTS ON CLASSICS
Sandwiches and burgers are menu mainstays, but even these reliable favorites can benefit from seasonal tweaks. Think about incorporating fresh, seasonal produce or lighter flavor profiles to appeal to customers seeking something new and exciting.
Artisan Sandwiches
For spring, an Italian Chicken Ciabatta offers a simple yet satisfying choice, while a Crab Cake Sandwich brings a touch of luxury. Summer calls for lighter options like a Chicken Almond Salad Sandwich or a vegetarian-friendly Mediterranean Vegetable Sandwich, bursting with vibrant flavors.
Gourmet Burgers
When it comes to burgers, don’t be afraid to experiment with unique flavor combinations. The Seasons Burger and Ultimate Burger are dependable classics, but the Blue Ridge Burger and Cactus Jack Tex-Mex Burger add a unique spin. And of course, a Black Bean Quinoa Burger is essential for catering to your vegetarian customers.
By thoughtfully curating your sandwich and burger offerings, you can create a menu that’s both familiar and fresh, keeping customers coming back for more throughout the year.
DESSERTS & BRUNCH: SWEET AND SAVORY SEASONAL DELIGHTS
No meal is complete without dessert, and brunch is a weekend ritual for many. Here are some seasonal options for both:
Seasonal Desserts
- Spring: For a warm, comforting dessert, you might like apricot and white chocolate bread pudding. Or, for a tropical twist, try coconut-crowned Key lime pie.
- Summer: Key lime pie and crème brûlée are classic summer choices. Or, you could highlight summer fruits with blackberry-lime panna cotta or blueberry cobbler cheesecake.
Brunch Specials
- Savory: Southern-inspired dishes like hot chicken and grits with egg or low country shrimp and grits might hit the spot. Or maybe you’d prefer familiar comfort foods like breakfast pizza or biscuits and gravy with eggs.
- Sweet: Bailey’s French toast and chocolate chip johnny cakes offer satisfyingly sweet brunch options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the four courses of a menu?
While menus can be as elaborate or as simple as you like, a classic four-course menu typically includes an appetizer, a soup or salad, an entree, and a dessert. It’s a balanced approach, designed to provide a satisfying meal without being overwhelming.
What is a season menu?
A seasonal menu is one that changes periodically—usually quarterly—to reflect the fruits, vegetables, and other ingredients that are at their peak freshness and flavor during that particular time of year. This ensures the best possible quality and taste in your dishes.
What does “seasonal” mean on a menu?
When you see “seasonal” on a menu, it means the dish features ingredients that are currently in season. This often translates to fresher, more flavorful food, and it also supports local farmers and reduces the environmental impact of transporting ingredients from far away. It’s a win-win!
Closing Thoughts
“Menu season” is all about thoughtfully choosing ingredients and crafting dishes that reflect what’s fresh and available. Prioritizing locally sourced, seasonal ingredients elevates the dining experience, supports local farmers, and often results in more flavorful and nutritious meals. Plus, diners increasingly appreciate knowing where their food comes from.
Understanding what your customers crave at different times of the year is essential. By staying attuned to seasonal trends and adapting your menu accordingly, you can ensure its success and appeal.
Finally, remember that menu innovation is an ongoing process. Regularly updating and tweaking your seasonal offerings keeps your menu fresh, exciting, and keeps customers coming back to see what you’ll create next. It’s a win-win!