It goes without saying that my favorite magazine issue of any magazine is the Saveur top 100… It comes out every January and suggests their 100 food related ideas… This year on their list of suggests places to visit was the Berkeley Bowl in Berkeley, California… An amazing grocery story, just to crowded for me to shop there this weekend if I actually wanted to get out of there within an hour… but what I did find was this unique food item (see photo)…

Please help! I have no idea what it is… there was no sign, and the place was to busy to ask for help… while it does look like a jumbo celery stalk I can assure you it’s not… it was at least two feet long and fairly light… Anyone know what it is?
You’ll have to excuse the photo quality, I took it with my phone.

If you’re one of those who never believed in or wondered why you’re suppose to decanter wine… We’ll answer all your decanting questions in under 2 minutes.

Title: Fourth Annual Celebration of Pigs & Pinot
Location: Healdsburg, California
Link out: Click here
Description: Chef Charlie Palmer invites you to the Fourth Annual Celebration of Pigs & Pinot, March 20-21, 2009 at Hotel Healdsburg. The celebratory weekend offers a series of intimate dining and educational events hosted by Chef Palmer. A cast of Master Sommeliers and international celebrity chefs will showcase some of the world’s greatest Pinots with perfect pork pairings. The proceeds from this event will benefit Share Our Strength® and The Healdsburg School.
Visa Signature ® cardholders receive special perks and savings.
Start Date: 2009-03-20
End Date: 2009-03-21

Title: Olive Festival Finale Weekend
Location: The Lodge at Sonoma, 1325 Broadway, Sonoma
Link out: Click here
Description: VinOlivo is a gala celebration and feast for the senses. Enjoy all that Sonoma Valley wine country has to offer! Sip Sonoma Valley\’s best wines as you get to know the personalities behind the wine. Ignite your taste buds with culinary delights from Sonoma\’s finest restaurants and caterers. Sample local artisans olives and olive oils at the Olive Bar. Listen to the talented notes of Todd Boston \”Ambient Acoustic World Music.\” Indulge in sweet temptations with sparkling wine, port and chocolate tastings.
Start Time: 19:00
Date: 2009-02-13
End Time: 22:00

I’m not sure when the deadline is for getting your food trends for 2009 in is, but the Canadians are out with theirs.
Our neighbors to the North say it’s all about, “hunkering down and surviving the economic chaos.”
Which in their words means affordable eats, comfort foods and getting healthy.

Some of those changes include brown bag lunches, home cooked meals and avoiding the restaurant scene.

2009 Canadian trends

Lower sodium foods
Vegetarian kids
Probiotics
Healthy carbs
Increase in fruits and vegetables
Beer and red wine marinades

The list comes courtesy of Eating Patterns in Canada (EPIC)

After reading the list I wonder if Canadians are trend setters or just jumping on the band wagon?

Love to hear where you think food is headed this year… Let us know in the comments section.

Title: 3rd Annual California Artisan Cheese Festival
Location: Petaluma, California
Link out: Click here
Description: California’s Artisan Cheese Festival returns to Sonoma County for another four-day
celebration of the continuing evolution in artisan cheesemaking. Featured again this year are the esteemed cheesemakers, experts, authors and chefs who make this weekend uniquely rich and satisfying.

Start Date: 2009-03-20
Start Time: 18:00
End Date: 2009-03-23

I like the idea of getting something new with every trip to the grocery store. So when I spotted Urban Detox, from Function Drinks ($1.69) I couldn’t refuse.

Taste aside, this new line of drinks is purely about cashing in on the functional food trend. The drink’s website is brimming with explanations into the maker’s claims, as well as scientific looking logos and numbers.

So what does Urban Detox claim to do… “Address air pollution and support your body during hangover.”

The website explains that city dwellers need it. Urban Detox now joins the list of basic needs, bringing the total to four: air, water, shelter and Urban Detox.

The makers gets pretty specific about why you need it… “You are a city warrior. You jog in the smog and party on work nights. And as souvenirs of your noble escapades, you collect pollutants in your body. Urban Detox is your daily tonic for city living!”

My favorite in the Function Drinks line is “Vacation.” “Get away without moving.”

I have not idea what that means, but it’s a truly entertaining website as well as line of drinks…

When you find something new, please drop us a note in the comments section. We’re always looking for a new food thrill.