food rage

I grew up going to breweries in Portland with my parents. Some of my first memories are from the early 2010s, when we would go to a brewery and I would get nauseous from the smell of hops. As I got older, going to breweries still wasn’t fun, and I was old enough to be annoyed by the unaccompanied toddlers.

I want to be clear that I do not hate breweries or beer, it is just negative connotation from being bored as a kid. The modern reputation of breweries for Gen Z comes from having to go with our parents. It is important to keep that in mind.

Going out to eat is an experience. I have always been the friend willing to spend more money on food and dining out. I do not spend all my money on food though. It is a special occasion to eat out now, because it is so damn expensive! As I have mentioned in past posts, the dining experience means more now than ever. People don’t want to waste their money on bad food (and service) anymore.

The first time I got a $7 coffee, I freaked out. The latte I had ordered was 12 ounces and the coffee beans weren’t even from the cafe I was at. The seven dollars was before tip as well, which started at 30%. There is a big need for cheaper food right now. Happy hour deals are an amazing place to start.

I had a conversation with my friend, Serena, who is from Florida, about what we want to see in restaurants. We had similar ideas in both ambience and aesthetics. It was interesting to hear a different perspective.

Aesthetics

Lighting was the most important thing for Serena. There is a lack of candlesticks in sit down restaurants now. Serena even said “Why am I eating pasta with no candle?” which is reasonable. Warm yellow lighting is nostalgic, and brings familiarity to visitors at a restaurant.

Service Industry uniforms are usually all-black attire. Serena said she’s bored of that. Allowing servers to wear comfortable, yet professional clothing is something that has always made sense to Serena and I. The food will not be worse because the server is wearing jeans and a pink top. Dress codes are weird and old-fashioned.

The last couple of comments made by Serena about aesthetic and ambience in restaurants were about the entertainment. “If I am paying over $30 for an entree, I better not hear Sabrina Carpenter” said Serena. When I asked what Serena would prefer, she said piano. Also, Serena said “No TVs in restaurants”.

Food

Serena had fewer requests when it came to food. The most important thing to Serena was dessert. We need to bring back dessert menus, and also add coffee to that menu. It has felt like new desserts go viral every week for the last six years. I recommend switching your dessert menu too.

Fusion foods are already trending in 2026, so when Serena told me she wanted more fusion options, I was excited to tell her about the trend. New foods are fun to try, and are being sought out.

Finally, the last thing we discussed was smaller portions. I can’t remember the last time I didn’t have leftovers. It is awesome to have leftovers, but the portions are too big. Charge less for less, and prevent food waste. This was great to hear, because it was something I hadn’t thought about.

This was a fun conversation I had with Serena, especially because of our location differences. At the end of the day, we want smaller portions, but new options. Fusion food is in, dessert is always in, and we want good lighting.