Friends of Eater Offer Headline Predictions for 2015

What are your headline predictions for 2015?

Amanda Faison, 5280 Magazine food editor

I'm quoting a couple of chefs here, "2015 will be the year of grain."

Andra Zeppelin, Eater Denver editor

"Denver Chef X Named Among Food & Wine Magazine's Best New Chefs." It is most certainly time for some love for the Mile High City from this national magazine.

"The Rise of Mediterranean Cuisine." There is certainly a national trend growing around this kind of cuisine. My hope is that Denver will be at the forefront of the movement not waiting three years to pick up the cues as it did with many other recent trends.

"Prominent Restaurant X Surprisingly Shutters." There are several restaurants I believe are on a death watch despite many positive reviews. Good press alone doesn't fill the dining room and most certainly doesn't pay the bills. With so many options currently in Denver, something's gotta give.

Katy Hume, Eater Denver contributor

Authentic Mexican and Japanese openings

Ruth Tobias, Eater Denver and Thrillist contributing writer

I'm terrible at predictions, but it seems as though the hybrid restaurant-market model adopted by Sarto's, Mercantile, Blackbelly and others has legs. Would like to see it extended to restaurant-wine shops, but I think Denver's got a way to go on licensing laws first.

Carri Wilbanks, USA Today video producer and host

Denver sweeps James Beard Awards!

Meaghan Mooney, KDVR Anchor and Reporter

The fast-casual concept--or fancy, fast food, as my photographer once coined it, will continue to grow in popularity among a variety of patrons and more restaurateurs will be quick to open new doors. New locations will likely include places just outside the popular-right-now neighborhoods. The big influencers here being the development of Denver's public transportation and growing demand from young, busy singles and families looking to eat out, regularly. I believe this is a trend that's just getting started, as long as these places stay consistent (in food, service and price) and bring something unique to the table that gives them a friendly-competitive edge. Also in 2015, I anticipate more complex, ethnic flavors to become the norm, such as Latin-influenced dishes and advanced Asian cuisine. This is due in part because our palettes have become more sophisticated, especially among Denver's growing population of people in their 20's, 30's and 40's who are willing to try new things. Also, more chefs with extensive, hand-on experience in global cuisine have heightened our excitement for authentic, approachable flavors, inspired by different cultures. Lastly, there's no question we've put a high demand on wanting healthy options when we eat out and we've been willing to pay the price. However, in 2015, start to save by looking for those fresh, natural ingredients and diet-friendly options at more quick-service chains, as well as restaurants' new take-out counters.

Megan Barber, Curbed Ski editor

I'm hoping for a bagel shop in the Highland. And I think that shabu shabu and dim sum could become the next hot trends (especially with Cho77 opening). Enough with the gourmet burger bar, it's time for something different. I also think that slow-roasted, small-batch coffee will make a big mark on the Denver suburbs this year. Like Cut Throat Coffee in the Crisp Barbershop in Lakewood.

Lori Midson, Zagat Denver editor

Did someone already say ramen? I second, third and fourth that. And the proliferation of food halls and epicurean marketplaces, which is super-exciting. I also think we'll see a lot more chefs and restaurateurs expanding their empires. Because, you know, restaurants are like a shot of whiskey: One is never enough. Of one thing I'm sure: 2015 is going to be a terrific year of eating in Denver.

Jess Hunter, Eater Denver contributor

"So much ramen on the horizon." Bones, Uncle, Tengu, and soon Jeff Osaka's ramen shop plus Sushi Rama and Lon Symensma's Cho77. Asian food and ramen for days.

Shared/Open Marketplace. The Source paved the path, and now Industry Denver, Union Station, and Avanti are throwing their name in the proverbial hat.

Adam Larkey, Eater Denver photographer

World Renowned Restauranteur X, Opens Their First Place in Denver

Jeremy Kossler, founder of the Denver Burger Battle

Jeff Osaka will announce he is running for president of the United States in addition to opening 137 restaurants & food markets in 2015.

Penny Parker, Blacktie Colorado writer

Move over restaurants that are on the financial edge. There's someone waiting to take your space.

Ashley Hughes, Eater Denver writer

Denver making more national headlines...hopefully we'll see more recognition at James Beard and other awards in 2015.

Rebecca Caro, Denver Post contributing writer

"Ramen sails the ship for 2015 food trends, with rameneer Jeff Osaka at its helm."
"Food moves away from celeb chefs, embraces traditional family recipes."
"Ethnic restaurants offer doorway to exploring new cultures."

Grace Boyle, Eater Denver contributor

Pop-ups taking over odd spaces with exclusive invites and interesting menus.

Pat Miller, the Gabby Gourmet

More restaurants to come to Denver.

Laura Saffioti, Eater Denver contributor

"The Frasca Team Opens new Italian Concept". I'm guessing either Denver or DIA and something a little more laid back, like a Tuscan Trattoria, something to bring the family to on a weeknight, but maybe that's just me dreaming.