Rosewood Little Dix Bay in the British Virgin Islands has introduced the Caribbean's first underwater wine cellar, located 80 feet below sea level. About 100 bottles are submerged in steel cages for six months, where the ocean's pressure, steady cool temperature, and gentle currents enhance the wine's flavor profile and aromatics. When retrieved, the bottles are covered in shells and barnacles, adding both character and a unique story to each vintage. The underwater cellar is closely tied to the resort's sustainable and nature-focused philosophy, elevating the overall dining experience.

American Dining Creations' Square Root concept has become one of the company's most popular, offering a customizable menu of bowls and wraps with a focus on whole, minimally processed foods. The concept was inspired by the growing trend of clean eating, which has gained global traction, and aims to make clean eating modern, accessible and satisfying.

Construction is set to begin this month on a regional kitchen project in Whitmore Village, Oahu, aimed at updating school lunch operations. The kitchen, expected to open in 2027, is expected to provide 60,000 meals per day to more than 80 public school campuses, with a goal of increasing locally sourced food use to 30% by 2030 and 50% by 2050.

The National Restaurant Association has expressed support for the new federal dietary guidelines, citing increased menu flexibility and a nuanced approach that could minimize cost increases. "Now, more than ever, restaurant operators are offering a wider variety of options, allowing consumers to choose what best fits their dietary needs, preferences and lifestyles," said Sean Kennedy, executive vice president of public affairs for the association. Fast-casual chains like Chipotle Mexican Grill and Sweetgreen, which emphasize natural ingredients and minimally processed foods, have welcomed the new guidelines.

Registered dietitians Wan Na Chun and Michelle Routhenstein extol the benefits of eating avocados daily, such as supporting heart health, digestion and energy levels due to their monounsaturated fats, fiber and micronutrients, including potassium, folate, vitamin K and magnesium. However, they caution that individuals who need to monitor potassium intake should be mindful of their portions. While avocados can help with weight management and blood sugar control, a sudden increase in fiber might cause temporary bloating.

The USDA has confirmed a case of New World screwworm in a cow in Tamaulipas, Mexico, just 215 miles from the Texas border. This is the third case in the state, and Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller has urged livestock producers to be vigilant. The USDA and Mexico are investigating, and the USDA is releasing sterile flies to control the pest.

Michelin Guide inspectors have identified several global food trends for 2026, including the use of fire and smoke in cooking, a revival of traditional cuisines with contemporary twists and the growing popularity of bitter and umami flavors. Other trends include the use of time as an ingredient through fermentation and aging, a resurgence of French bistro dishes and a focus on personalized service.

In a post-truth world, facts alone are insufficient to persuade, writes Maria Papacosta, the co-founder of MSC Marketing Bureau, which means you must first build trust with your teams and customers for them to believe you. Treat communication as a trust-building discipline, which means clearly conveying to your teams what your messages mean for them and being transparent when you don't have all the answers, Papacosta writes.

Join ACF chefs, Michael Thrash and Rocco Paradiso, on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, at 2 p.m. ET, as they explore the ACF 2026 Trends Report and discuss some of the culinary trends we can expect to see grow in the upcoming year. From the continued growth of emerging flavors from around the globe, to the resurgence of afternoon tea, to meat back on the rise and the center of the plate, these chefs will discuss all of trends shaping ACF's featured content for 2026. We hope you'll tune as these chefs kick off the first ACF Chef's Table Webinar of the new year with a conversation around these exciting topics. Register today.

Applications for the 2026 ACF National Awards are now being accepted. Deadline for all applications is Jan. 31, 2026. Award recipients will be announced during the 2026 ACF National Convention. Learn more.