Best Restaurants 2013: Trends We Love and Hate

Trend We Love

Barbecue

In this fast-paced world, we'll gladly ditch Twitter long enough to enjoy the slow and low philosophy behind barbecue, especially at Smoked, Blitz BBQ and Tavern of Solon — three new spots that have fired up their grills and smokers alongside longtime favorites Hot Sauce Williams and Bubba's Q.

Trend We Hate

Bacon-flavored desserts

Yes, bacon is yummy. No, it is not dessert. And while it was fun — for a while — to explore all the novel ways bacon could be repurposed, we're now ready to see it go back to being a breakfast food.

Trend We Love

wine lists on ipads

Lola Bistro was an early adopter, putting oodles of info about the restaurant's wine selections — including origin, vintage and ratings — in electronic form, allowing diners to pick the perfect wine with just a few taps of the screen.

Trend We Love

kale

The super-nutritious green is finding its way into salads, soups and entrees all over town, where its sturdy texture and earthy flavor make it a robust alternative to milder greens such as spinach. Extra points for spots that source it locally.