Four food trends and where to find them on the North Fork

From delicious dessert hybrids to alternative coffee drinks, here are four food trends that captured the internet’s attention in 2024 and made their way into local restaurants on the North Fork.

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There have been plenty of viral Frankensteinian croissants over the years — the cronut in 2013, the square croissant in 2018, and the cruffin in 2020. And in 2024, we got the croquette.

What exactly is a scammer? It’s a combination of two already baked goods: a flaky, buttery croissant and a chocolate chip cookie. Originally invented by Parisian pastry chef Stephane Louvard in 2022, it didn’t go viral until TikTok exploded in early 2024.

Where to find it: After discovering the unwanted trend one night while scrolling TikTok at 3 a.m., Ursula XVII of Disset Chocolate and Cristina Padrazo of Treaty (1564 Main Road, Jamesport) I knew they were the perfect duo to liven up this croissant and biscuit hybrid. Within a week of seeing the trend go viral, Padrazo, known for her irresistible chocolate chip cookies, and Ursula, the mastermind behind croissants at The Treatery, came up with their own take on the dessert. They’ve launched both the regular Mega Crookie and the Mega Crookie – the latter of which is the size of your face.

“We literally sold 50 of them the first weekend,” Padrazo says. “People loved it.”

Stay tuned this winter – the big player returns as a seasonal special, along with some other cozy gifts up his sleeves.

Chamoy pickles group

It may seem unconventional, but a variety of chamoy pickles have become a must-try TikTok snack after going viral earlier this year.

For those new to the trend, chamoy pickles start with large dill pickles, which are then marinated in chamoy—a spicy, tangy Mexican condiment made from pickled fruits like apricots or mangos. Next, it’s sprinkled with tagine, which is a chili and lemon seasoning. To finish it off, the pickle can be filled with a variety of things, usually a spicy snack like Hot Cheetos or Takis, as well as sweets like Fruit by the Foot, Gushers, and Sour Strips. The result? A wild combination of sour, sweet, salty and spicy that has taken the internet by storm, with 59,000 posts tagged with #chamoypickle and nearly 32,000 under #chamoypicklekit as of December 2024.

Where to find it: Many brands, including Alamo Candy Co., have benefited. and Mexican Candy Store, has jumped on the chamoy pickle trend by offering pre-packaged kits online. While it may be difficult to source pre-made kits locally, you can still create your own chamoy pickles at home using the ingredients found at Fine Fare Riverhead (1088 Old Country Road, Riverhead). Grab a bowl of dill pickles from the produce section, then head to the third aisle, which houses the store’s international foods section, for key ingredients like tagine and chamoy sauce. For other toppings — think Gushers, Takis, Fruit by the Foot, and Sour Strips — you’ll need to reach into the candy and snack aisles.

Mushroom coffee

James Beard Award-winning author Abi Balingit has declared that 2024 is the year of “everything is mushroom-shaped,” and that includes your morning cuppa. With growing interest in plants and fungi that help the body manage stress, mushroom-infused drinks are popping up in coffee cups everywhere. Nutritionists and functional medicine experts increasingly recommend adaptogenic mushrooms like cordyceps, reishi, and lion’s mane as a healthy alternative to caffeine, which is said to have stress-reducing and cognition-enhancing benefits.

Where to find it: Bruce and his son (208 Main Street, Greenport) National International has been a pioneer of the mushroom coffee trend, offering its own version of the fungus-infused latte since 2018.

“I personally use herbs and adaptogenic ingredients at home. “I wanted to offer our guests similar elements that benefit their minds and bodies…and show them that these drinks are both delicious and nutritious at the same time,” explains Cassata Polman, co-owner and barista at Bruce & Son.

Made with oat milk, Mucuna Prurin, MCT Coconut Oil, and a blend of Chaga, Reishi, Lion’s Mane, and Cordyceps, their latte offers a delicious, caffeine-free alternative to coffee with added health benefits.

Espresso martini

The Espresso Martini is still going strong in 2024, securing a place as the No. 4 most popular craft cocktail worldwide, according to Mixer.

Since its revival, this cocktail has quickly become a favorite among home bartenders and trendy bars. Its creamy, frothy texture and deep, rich color make it the perfect Instagrammable drink – one that people love to show off at breakfast or at night. Throughout 2024, we’ve seen online mixologists and local bars continue to experiment with espresso martinis, adding seasonal twists to keep things fresh.

Where to find it: You can find an espresso martini at many North Fork locations, however Cups on main (33E. Main Street, Riverhead) It is a highlight. Downtown’s Riverhead Café launched a full dinner and cocktail menu last spring, offering a selection of seasonal espresso martinis and flights.