The Megabytes Predictions

The Sausage Roll and other favourites: "Shepherd's pie is now outselling lasagne"

Forget wraps. Forget ciabatta. The big Bang-per-Buck in 2002 is going to be that old favourite, that little piggy in the blanket, the Sausage Roll. Huh, says you. Aren't they sold in every greasy-spoon-service-station, and we wouldn't buy them there!

But, this is different. This is the Sausage Roll Rediscovered: "We put them out and they're gone in 10 minutes", says Aisling Boyle of Malahide's Foodware Store. "The sausage rolls are made with puff pastry, filled with minced pork, herbs garlic and onions". And that's the key; they have to be real.

"Once it's home made, that's the big thing", says James Mulchrone of Kenmare's fab JAM. "We can't cope with the demand for sausage rolls. People have got tired of the petrol station sausage rolls. They can taste the difference".

Tradition will rule in 2002, predict the professionals: "It's the same with chicken liver pate", says Aisling Boyle, "we go through at least two terrines per day. People love the really traditional foods. Beef and mushroom pie, that flies out too".

"Traditional wholesome stuff is back", says James Mulchrone. "Vegetable soup is the first soup that will sell. Irish foods are coming back. The basic fairy cake is back!"

And this renaissance of our native foods is seen at its best in Paul Rankin's Belfast Bar and Grill, which serves "traditional" dishes in the most contemporary, hip, funky way.

Anyone for a "Back to the Future" tag line conclusion to this story, then?

No, thought not.