# Off-the-Menu Watermelon Hams Ducks Eatery Has Stirred Up a Frenzy with This Unexpected Dish By Kalin Ned | Published 2020-01-20 | Unique Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/watermelon-ham References: [foodbeast](https://www.foodbeast.com/news/ducks-eatery-watermelon-steak/) & [youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqZFk85NvKM&feature=emb_title) For good or for bad, the watermelon ham at Ducks Eatery in New York City's East Village has sent food bloggers and Internet users into a frenzy. This, however, is not unexpected. The watermelon ham is the creation of chef Will Horowitz and is [off-the-menu](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/future-food-menu). Immense attention to detail is paid in the curation of the dish — from brining slices of watermelon for four days in a blend of salt, ash, and spices to smoking it for eight hours. The fruit is cooked in a way that enables it to look like "an extremely undercooked piece of meat." and value is maintained in the chef's ability to mimic the [texture and color of meat](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/meaty-meat-pork-ish) with it. Image Credit: YouTube @Foodbeast ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.1/10 - Popularity: 34% | Activity: 81% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Unique](https://www.trendhunter.com/unique) > [Bizarre](https://www.trendhunter.com/bizarre) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Off-the-menu Creations:** Exploring unique and innovative menu items not listed on restaurant menus. - **Vegetarian Meat Alternatives:** Developing plant-based food that mimics the texture and taste of meat products. - **Food Presentation and Aesthetics:** Creating a visually appealing dining experience through artful plating and unique table arrangements. ### Where This Applies - **Food and Beverage:** Opportunities for restaurants and food companies to create buzz and differentiate themselves through innovative and eye-catching food items. - **Plant-based Foods:** Companies producing vegetarian and vegan food alternatives can capitalize on the increasing demand for meat-free options that mimic the taste and texture of traditional meat products. - **Fine Dining and Hospitality:** Upscale restaurants and hotels can incorporate unique and visually striking food presentations as a way to enhance their brand experience for their customers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Hot Easter Hams](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hot-hams.md) - [Ham-Inspired Seasonal Easter Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/honey-baked-ham-company.md) - [Seasonal Watermelon Salads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/baja-watermelon-salad.md) - [Refreshing Watermelon Lemonades](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-watermelon-lemonade.md) - [Candied Easter Hams](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/easter-ham.md) - [Holiday Ham-Flavored Candy Canes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hamdy-canes.md) - [Melty Deli Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/black-forest-ham-gouda-melt-sandwich.md) - [Boneless Holiday Hams](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fricks-uncured-carver-ham.md) - [Plant-Powered Ham Slices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ham-alternative.md)