Kruse’s State of the Plate points a path to future trends

DALLAS —Restaurateurs hoping to attract recession-weary customers should entice them with familiar favorites that create a temporary escape from the pressures of the day, food trends expert Nancy Kruse told operators recently.

Diners are seeking hearty, comforting foods at affordable prices, she said, during her annual “State of the Plate” speech, given during the recent Menu Trends & Directions conference, co-presented by