'Gastropub,' anyone? Some new food trends aren't really that new

We're only five days into 2005, but I've yet to eat a Honeycrisp apple, cook with smoked paprika or visit a gastropub — some of the up-and-coming trends earmarked by the Food Network.

A gastro-what? Nope, it's not an intestinal clinic.

It's a neighborhood pub with an ambitious chef. Apparently Food Network chef Mario Batali opened a "gastropub" called the Spotted Pig in New York City, which makes the foodie crowd think this is the "in" way to dine.

What's the difference between a "gastropub" and places in Utah like Squatter's, Red Rock and Rooster's, which were around long before Batali? From the Food Network's description, I can only think of two: They're not in New York, and their chefs don't have a TV show.

I guess that's why I'm a little cynical when it comes to new food trends because some don't seem so new to me. And others — like smoked paprika and figs — will probably show up only in high-end dining. But, I've been wrong before. Five years ago, I doubted that anyone would take the Atkins diet seriously. Surprise!

So, here are the Food Network's predictions as to what's going to be hot this year:

Top beverage: Bottled water — enhanced, flavored or straight from the source — is the fastest growing segment of the U.S. beverage industry, with sales volume up 20 percent during the first nine months of 2004.

Fruit: Figs and Honeycrisp apples. Red Delicious apples now make room for Galas, Fujis, Braeburns and others. This year's debutante is the Honeycrisp. It's crisp, sweet and juicy. Availability is limited now, but you can expect to see it in more supermarkets in 2005.

Spice: Smoked paprika.

Cuisine: Spanish, especially small-plate tapas. (Locally, Martine is a restaurant that showcases this trend.)

Cooking technique: Grilling — look for lots of new grill gadgets this spring.

Snack foods: Companies are reformulating products to be more health-conscious. (Example: Baked Cheetos or Pepperidge Farm Goldfish crackers made without trans-fat.) Also look for gourmet flavors, such as wasabi-ginger pecans.

Kids foods: Everything from yogurt to peanut butter to apple sauce is being crammed into a tube.

Breakfast foods: Whole grains — General Mills recently announced it will make all its cereals from whole grains, which should help raise the fiber intake of consumers.

Gadget: Japanese knives and quality pans.