You've heard of "the decider". But do you know the culinary "Trend setters"? (Around here, they're known as the "Cool Food Dudes.") There's two separate groups of Cool Food Dudes: The Center for Culinary Development and the International Association of Culinary Professionals.

One of the things the Cool Food Dudes do is identify emerging Super Stars of Flavor. They scout for American Idolatries of Taste. And guess what? It's us. Mate is at the top of both their lists for this year.

That makes us, and you, oh loyal Pixie patron, the next big thing.

Here's the scoop:

The CCD studies culinary trends, tracking them through five phases of development, from just-starting-out status to mainstream acceptance. Its most recent trend mapping report identified yerba mate as the next big thing in beverages, though it currently only makes up 5% of the total tea market.

"It has a lot going for it in terms of health benefits," says Cheryl Korbin of the CCD, who compares the mate movement to the popularity gained by chai several years ago. "What they have in common is people are really into ethnic cuisines. Hispanic beverages especially are getting popular." If its not on your menu board, "itŐs definitely worth considering", Korbin added.

"Tomorrow's Table: IACP Trend Initiative" identifies emerging global food trends - relying on more than 4,000 professional members who represent a huge, creative food brain trust. The 'Trend Trackers' survey, which measured 'trend worthiness' of over 60 ingredients, identified yerba mate as one of the Top 5 'Cutting Edge' ingredients in the world.