From indulgent dessert hybrids to alternative coffee beverages, here are four food trends that captured the internet’s attention in 2024 and made their way into the North Fork’s local eateries.
The Crookie
There have been plenty of viral croissant frankensteins over the years — the cronut in 2013, the square croissant in 2018, and the cruffin in 2020. In 2024, we got the crookie.
What exactly is a crookie? It’s the combination of two already-heavenly baked goods: a flaky, buttery croissant and an ooey-gooey chocolate chip cookie. Originally invented by Parisian pastry chef Stephane Louvard in 2022, it didn’t hit viral status until TikTok caught on in early 2024.
Where to find it: After discovering the crookie trend one night during a 3 a.m. TikTok scroll, Ursula XVII of Disset Chocolate and Christina Padrazo of The Treatery (1564 Main Road, Jamesport) knew they were the perfect duo to bring this croissant-cookie hybrid to life. Within a week of seeing the viral trend, Padrazo, known for her irresistible chocolate chip cookies, and Ursula, the mastermind behind the croissants at The Treatery, created their own take on the dessert. They launched both a regular and Mega Crookie — the latter is the size of your face.
“We literally sold 50 of them that first weekend,” says Padrazo. “People loved it.”
This winter, stay tuned — the mega crookie is coming back as a seasonal special, along with a few other comforting treats they have up their sleeves.
The Chamoy Pickle Kit
It might sound unconventional, but the chamoy pickle kit has become a must-try snack across TikTok after going viral earlier this year.
For those new to the trend, a chamoy pickle starts with a large dill pickle, which is then soaked in chamoy — a tangy, spicy Mexican condiment made from pickled fruits like apricots or mangoes. Next, it’s dusted with Tajín, a chili-lime seasoning. To finish it off, the pickle can be stuffed with a variety of things, usually a spicy snack like hot cheetos or Takis, as well as candy like Fruit by the Foot, Gushers, and Sour Strips. The result? A wild combination of sour, sweet, salty, and spicy that has taken over the internet, with 59,000 posts tagged #chamoypickle and nearly 32,000 under #chamoypicklekit as of December 2024.
Where to find it: Several brands, including Alamo Candy Co. and Mexican Candy Store, have capitalized on the viral chamoy pickle trend by offering pre-packaged kits online. While the pre-made kits may be hard to come by locally, you can still create your own chamoy pickles at home with ingredients found at Fine Fare Riverhead (1088 Old Country Road, Riverhead). Grab a jar of dill pickles from the produce section, then head to aisle three, which houses the store’s international foods section, for key ingredients like Tajín and chamoy sauce. For other toppings — think Gushers, Takis, Fruit by the Foot, and Sour Strips — you’ll need to hit up the candy and snack aisles.
Mushroom Coffee
James Beard Award-winning author Abi Balingit has declared 2024 the year of “mushroom everything,” and that includes in your morning cup. As interest in adaptogens — plants and fungi that help the body manage stress — grows, mushroom-infused drinks are popping up in coffee cups everywhere. Nutritionists and functional medicine experts are increasingly recommending adaptogenic mushrooms like cordyceps, reishi, and lion’s mane as a healthier alternative to caffeine, said to have stress-reducing and cognitive-boosting benefits.
Where to find it: Bruce & Son (208 Main St., Greenport) has been ahead of the mushroom coffee trend, serving up their own version of a funghi-infused latte since 2018.
“Personally, I use herbs and adaptogenic ingredients at home. I wanted to offer our guests similar items that benefit their mind & body… showing them that these beverages are both delicious and nutritious,” explains Kassata Bollman, co-owner & barista at Bruce & Son.
Made with oat milk, mucuna pruriens, MCT coconut oil, and a blend of chaga, reishi, lion’s mane, and cordyceps, their latte offers a tasty, caffeine-free alternative to coffee with added health benefits.
The Espresso Martini
The Espresso Martini is still going strong in 2024, securing a spot as the #4 most popular craft cocktail worldwide, according to Mixer.
Since its revival, this cocktail has quickly become a favorite among both home bartenders and trendy bars. Its frothy, creamy texture and deep, rich color make it the ultimate Instagrammable drink — one that people love to show off at brunch or a night out. Throughout 2024, we have seen mixologists online and local bars continue to experiment with the espresso martini, adding seasonal twists to keep things fresh.
Where to find it: You can find an espresso martini at several North Fork spots, but Mugs on Main (33 E. Main St., Riverhead) is a highlight. The downtown Riverhead coffee shop launched a full dinner and cocktails menu this past spring, offering a selection of seasonal espresso martinis and flights.
