Year after year, food news dominates the headlines and 2011 was no exception. From recalls to changing food guidelines and from new products to food trends, we saw food stories captivate audiences from coast to coast. In our ninth annual food survey, we asked Americans to tell us which food stories meant the most to them and, perhaps more importantly, how the news affected their eating habits.

Our survey revealed the following as the top three food-related stories of 2011:

#1: Twenty-Nine Deaths Caused by Cantaloupe Listeria Outbreak

#2: First Lady Michelle Obama with USDA Unveils MyPlate, Replaces Food Pyramid

#3: Global Food Prices Hit Record High

These stories obviously made an impact on consumers’ behavior as well. According to our survey, sixty-one percent of respondents changed their food habits in 2011 because of news coverage.

For a list of the top ten stories of 2011, click here.

For the first time ever, the Hunter PR Food Group collaborated with industry experts to compile the list of the top ten stories of the year. The folks we worked with include: Phil Lempert, editor of Supermarket Guru; Regina Ragone, food director of Family Circle; Elizabeth Fassberg, owner of food and nutrition consultancy Eat Food; Brad Thompson, chef and restaurant consultant; and Megan Steintrager, freelance food writer and editor.

As we are planning and looking forward to 2012, we also wanted to take a peek at what people have in mind for the New Year. According to our survey, 67 percent of Americans will set food-related resolutions, with approximately half of these addressing eating more whole grains or drinking beverages with less sugar. Also of interest is that 14 percent of Americans 18 and over said that they will continue to incorporate less meat into their diets.

You can check out the complete list of survey results and the full release here.

Additionally, we took to the streets of NYC to hear what people thought of this year’s top food-related stories. Check it out.

Come join the conversation of the top food stories of 2011 at a special Twitter party hosted by The Hunter PR Food Group on Thursday, December 15th from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. EST. You can follow the discussion via #HunterPRFood. Follow @HunterPR for more information.

Best wishes for a healthy, safe and delicious holiday season!

-Amanda

When I originally saw my name on the list for a late-October blog post, I knew exactly what I was going to write about: a guide to being a Philadelphia Phillies fan in hostile New York Yankees territory. After all, the Phillies were supposed to still be playing baseball – a pre-season favorite to represent the National League in the World Series.

But alas, the cliché about “the best laid plans…often go awry” came true: the Phillies suffered an early playoff exit – and took my original blog post with it.

Not wanting to “throw the baby out with the bath water,” I figured I’d still do a Phillies-themed post. Because even though their record-breaking season didn’t end with a parade down Broad Street, I can’t help but look back on it fondly:

Sharing in the excitement of the Cliff Lee signing with friends and family back home in the wee hours of December 14…Buying my dad a “shirtsey” for each of the Phillies’ “four aces” and watching him open the box Christmas morning…Making the trip to Clearwater, Fla., for Spring Training with my sister and a friend, whose father – a big Phillies fan – had passed away just three weeks before…Treating my dad to two games at Citizens Bank Park, and marveling at how far the Phillies had come from the not-so-good ‘ol days, when his partial-season tickets meant spending money to watch a terrible team in an even worse stadium…Taking a last-minute road trip with my brother one Sunday afternoon in August to root for the away team in Washington, D.C….Enjoying Chickie’s & Pete’s Crab Fries, cold Yuengling and Dollar Dogs with my sister at “The Bank” while pulling for Roy Halladay to win his 16^th game…Being in the stands when the Phillies clinched their fifth straight NL East title.

As all of this suggests, there’s another – perhaps more important – cliché that best summarizes the season that was: “It’s not the destination, so much as the journey.”

 Only 112 days until the Phillies’ pitchers and catchers report to Clearwater. I can’t wait for the journey to start again.

-Amy

My cheap-travel-scouting most recently landed me in New Orleans for an end of the summer trip, with the hopes of boning up on my French and knowing I would probably gain a few pounds.

Amid threats of 20 inches of rain from Tropical Storm Lee (and after I just survived Hurricane Irene!), I made my way down to the Big Easy for Labor Day weekend.

Dodging raindrops, I ate my way through the city.  Even though I’m spoiled from NYC’s amazing cuisine and don’t eat much seafood, I was overwhelmed and delighted at what I found – including a plethora of Tabasco sightings, one of Hunter Public Relations’s most long-standing clients which happens to be headquartered in Louisiana. Here are some of the culinary highlights from my weekend:

Alligator cheesecake at Jacques-Imo’s:  I summoned all my courage to try this crazy dish, and it is almost exactly what is sounds like – alligator andouille and shrimp baked into a cheesy, creamy casserole. Just don’t expect whipped cream.

Turtle soup at Commander’s Palace:  Never did I think I’d eat two animals scooped out of a swamp in the same weekend, but this famous dish was again surprisingly delicious.  Listening to a jazz trio as I ate it over brunch definitely didn’t hurt.

Chargrilled oysters at Acme Oyster House:  Even if you don’t eat oysters (like me), chances are you’ll enjoy these.  I generally don’t pass anything up that is coated in cheese and garlic, so these little guys didn’t stand a chance.

A Bloody Mary at Pat O’Brien’s:  Just perfect, served with a pickled green bean. Best if not consumed on the same night as a Hurricane and a Hand Grenade.

Not even the hurricane-force winds took away from my weekend. So if your next trip is threatened by unfavorable weather conditions, just remember, it’s never raining indoors.

-Lauren

I like to eat. Everything. All the time. No, really, it’s bad - I’m perpetually hungry and reading, writing and talking about delicious things all day only makes it worse.  I’ve never been able to say no to trying new foods, and my belief that no meal is complete without dessert guides my entire life.

I read the New York Times Dining section religiously, and one glorious Wednesday morning the hallowed broadsheet magically flew open to a two page ad spread announcing the return of New York City’s bi-annual Restaurant Week from July 11 – 24, along with this summer’s participating eateries. Clearly, this was a divine message telling me to spread the good news, so I immediately emailed the rest of the “Hunter Public Relations Newbie Crew,” a group of new-hires, and fellow foodies, to begin planning a Restaurant Week outing.

In case you’ve never experienced it, Restaurant Week offers those of us with more appetite than cash an opportunity to indulge in a three-course meal at some of the city’s finest culinary hot spots without fear of defaulting on a month’s rent.

We decided to dine at nearby Ilili, which serves Lebanese/Mediterranean cuisine.  We began with a complimentary Shot of Passion, having all unlocked the Foursquare special within minutes of arriving. Between the nine of us, we were able to try nearly every dish on the menu – including the octopus! Our mutual adoration for Ilili’s tuna belly even convinced one less adventurous Hunter newbie to try it for the first time.

Working with others who share my prandial enthusiasm has been more fun than I could have imagined. I’m lucky to work at an agency where everyone is eager to experience new things (food-related or not), so I’ll be keeping my eyes open for more newbie adventure ideas. Stay tuned!

-Nihara

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…no, I’m not talking about the holidays.  I’m talking about Tales of the Cocktail (TOTC), the world’s premier cocktail conference held in New Orleans.  Each July, more than 2,500 bartenders, spirits brand ambassadors, spirits companies and yes, public relations professionals endure the NOLA heat all for the love of cocktails.

This was my fourth year attending TOTC and let me say it was one of the best. Not only did I spend six days with eight other fabulous Hunter PR team members, I also had the pleasure of attending and executing events with some of the best bartenders in the country who have become some of my best friends. That’s one important thing I’ve learned – always befriend your bartender.  They are some of the smartest, passionate and most kind people you’ll ever meet.

But I digress, back to TOTC.  While there, we attended some truly memorable events including a 1940s party at the World War II Museum, the Diageo Happy Hour with 40 bartenders making cocktails and the closing Bartenders Breakfast where everyone danced the night away.

I also had the opportunity to experience all the amazing food New Orleans has to offer. No judgment, but I ate at Mother’s three times, Cochon Butcher twice and August and Herbsaint once. 

Although it’s hard to believe, we actually do learn a lot at a “cocktail conference.”  By attending seminars and trying new products you really have your finger on the pulse of cocktail culture.

Even though TOTC just ended, I’m already counting down the days to 2012!

- Vanessa

No electricity, no water, no plumbing and minimal cell phone reception. For some people, this sounds like a horrific nightmare. For me, this was my summer vacation. Luckily, there were thirteen of country music’s biggest names to distract me from the lack of every day luxuries.

Two weeks ago, I left the Big Apple and traveled to the “booming” metropolis of Fort Loramie, Ohio to attend Country Concert 2011. Country Concert is an annual three-day country music festival. This year’s lineup included: Jason Aldean, Carrie Underwood, Lady Antebellum, Luke Bryan, Darius Rucker, Montgomery Gentry, Josh Thompson, Justin Moore, the list goes on and on. For country music fans, I’m sure you can imagine that my heart almost flew out of my chest when I caught wind of this year’s lineup. This marked my first Country Concert experience. I had heard nothing but great reviews about this annual extravaganza. My expectations were high; my expectations were met.

Aside from the phenomenal music, Country Concert 2011 had the social atmosphere that a public relations personality craves: thousands of people with giant smiles on their faces, enjoying great music with their friends and families. I shared a campsite next to the concert arena with seven of my closest friends. I can confidently say that Country Concert 2011 was one of the greatest experiences of my college career. Camping was interesting, the music was amazing and spending time with my best friends made the entire trip worthwhile.

Country Concert 2012 anyone?

-Joe

On Monday, America will celebrate its 235^th birthday and people all across the country will celebrate in many different ways. Coming from the suburbs of NYC, there are a few activities I generally associate with the celebration of the Fourth of July.

1. Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest

I’ve never actually watched people eat as many hot dogs as possible in ten minutes; each year many television stations cover this annual event. This year, fan favorite Joey Chestnut returns in the hopes of winning the Mustard Belt for the fifth time.

2. Fireworks

What’s a national holiday celebration in the summer without some fireworks? Known for its Thanksgiving Day Parade, Macy’s also puts on a star-studded fireworks show. This year includes performances from Beyoncé and Brad Paisley and will be hosted by Nick Lachey.

3. Barbeque

The smell of grills going on this holiday weekend is common no matter where you are. Whether you’re at home or in the park, invite some friends and family to partake in some burgers, hot dogs, and whatever you like to throw on the grill.

This weekend I will be barbequing with my family and enjoying the fireworks with friends on the Hudson.

- Brittany

Happy St. Patty’s Day everyone! With the last name Sullivan I may automatically qualify as official culture ambassador, so allow me to entertain you with some fun factoids to satisfy your yearly interest in all things Irish. 

It might not come as a surprise that a holiday named after a saint actually started out as a religious holiday, and the iconic shamrock with its three leaves was originally cited as a symbol of the holy trinity. These days the number one symbol for St. Patrick’s Day is drunkenness, and there are plenty of bars you can get your Irish on with some green beer. But how else can you celebrate the nation that brought you such wonders as U2, James Joyce and the magical money-hoarding sprites called leprechauns?

Well you could run a record-breaking marathon dressed as such a leprechaun. Running may not be associated with St. Patty’s Day, but breaking world records should be. The Guinness Book of World Records itself is brought to you by Ireland, and it’s no coincidence that it shares the name with the famous Irish brew. The book was founded by the managing director of Guinness Breweries in 1954 and was originally given away as a marketing gimmick for their beer.  Now the Guinness Book holds its own record as one of the best-selling book series of all time (thanks Wikipedia!).  So if you can beat a 4 hr 22 min 08 sec marathon time in a handsome green suit, you can gain a world record and celebrate authentic Irish culture all in one go. I’ll drink (Guinness) to that!

If long distance running isn’t your thing, enjoy the holiday festivities by attending the St Patrick’s Day parade, go green, or irk your friends by pranking them with rubber snakes. Either way, enjoy the day and remember: Everyone’s Irish on March 17th!

Meg

In 1989 at age 62 I started a new business! Thinking about it now, it seems so crazy, but after leaving Ogilvy & Mather I was unsatisfied and not ready to retire.  Moreover, I wanted to prove to myself that I could realize the kind of PR agency I envisioned.  With two people willing to take the risk with me, Hunter MacKenzie Cooper was born in my apartment on East 38^th Street. 

 That first year was a scramble – euphoric when McIlhenny Company decided to move its business to us, frantic in locating decent affordable space, funny when trucking in used furniture from the United Wrecking Co., triumphant when we lured Grace (then Thompson, age 20 something) to join us.

 For our first assignment from Kraft we staged a formal Washington Dinner Party for 140 food writers at the Willard Hotel.  George and Barbara Bush look-alikes greeted everyone, satirist Mark Russell performed, and Miracle Whip appeared in every course, including dessert.  It was a blast, a total success.  That event plus our work for Tabasco sauce provided the credentials to build the business.  And the clients started coming our way - Dannon, Pillsbury, Nabisco, Planters/LifeSavers, Haagen-Dazs and several more in just the first few years. The company grew and changed, evolving into what it is today.

I’m so very proud of the success you have achieved while maintaining a culture that nurtures and fulfills.  It’s way beyond what I could possibly imagine those many years ago.  I’m truly honored that my name is still on the door.  Congratulations …and may the next 22 years be even more fantastic!

As one of Hunter PR’s resident vegetarians**, I am always on the hunt for delicious veggie dishes.  I mean, I would LOVE to live off of grilled cheese forever, but alas, my nutritionist would not be too pleased.

In case you’re all like, “I like meat, I can’t live without it,” I thought I’d share some cookbooks/recipes that are helpful in beginning your trek to non-meatdom.

First, my favorite is The Grit Cookbook.  Yes, I’m partial to this one as I worked at this Athens, GA establishment, but really it’s some of the best vegetarian food I’ve eaten.  With recipes including Tofu Reuben (the best you’ll ever eat!), Black Bean Chili, various salad dressings, and vegan Chocolate Death cake (I can vouch for this as I also used to bake it!), you’ll be off to a great veggie start.

I also highly recommend subscribing to Vegetarian Times, or you can check out their recipes online.  Here’s one that looks mighty tasty for Grilled Tofu with Wasabi-Honey Glaze.  Yum!

Lastly, there’s Babe’s Country Cookbook.  Who can resist Babe?  I mean piglets are cute!  This cookbook has 80 delicious recipes that are all super easy to make, and will have you wanting more veg!

While I’m not one to pressure anyone into vegetarianism (I mean my boyfriend and all of my family members are carnivores), I do think that a lot of people don’t give veggie food the credit it deserves.  Hopefully you can open your mind, and your bellies, to more non-meat dishes.  Enjoy!

Charlotte

*Thanks to PETA for this title

**This means I eat no meat of any kind (including fish!), but do eat dairy products.