food trends
 
Korean food has a reputation for popping-up in the most unique places...
 
On the heels of two reports on the popularity of Korean food in America (see big. bold. Korean. & food trends by way of The Simpsons), we learned about an interesting project in Berlin, Germany from our pal Mandie O'Connell: Dr. Rhee's Food Lab.

Equal part art installation and community curation, the one week bartering pop-up store opened during the season in which Baechu Cabbage Kimtschi is traditionally made in Korea aiming to secured personal cultural artifacts of equivalent value from various cultures in the city in exchange for "the national treasure of Korea".
 
 
The exchange of 60+ portions between customers and the Dr. Rhee's Food Lab brand was then documented online in real-time so followers could understand the specific reasons which a specific object was displayed. View the complete catalog here.
 
A collaborative project from visual artist Kate Hers and scientist Hanjo Rhee, we love how the exhibition engaged community prior to opening via Kickstarter funding and again throughout the event — linking food to cultural identity.
 
{special thanks to artist/Berliner Mandie O'Connell}
 
Interesting innovation found in Germany allows small farmers to sell directly to consumers daily without the labor, time and travel associated with a farmers market.

{photo: Franziska Luh via Springwise.com}

German farm, Peter-und-Paul-Hof, has collaborated with vending manufacturer Stuewer to create farm vending machines, according to Springwise. The Regiomat machines sell fresh milk, eggs, butter, cheese, potatoes and sausage in thirteen German towns and communities.

We love the update to the traditional farm stand and hope to see more fresh vending options that cater to local foods.

 


Key trends and high quality products graced Ambiente in Frankfurt this year. The range of items was as vast as fashion week- with romantic, vintage and streamlined looks intermingled with natural textures and essential florals.

Ironically, we have the very same owls in our office from a Venice ceramica and we're thrilled to see that a small artisan house in the Dorsoduro shown among the 4,600 vendors.

Be on the lookout for our picks in approximately 3-6 months.