The first of every January, it seems as if every top chef and food Web site tries to figure out what food trends will take place in the coming year. But rarely, if ever, have I seen them take a look a few months later to see if they’ve predicted correctly. So I will take it upon myself to do so, using five of Epicurious’ top-10 food trends for 2009.

1. Prediction: “Value” is the new “Sustainable.”

Five months later: Well duh. That was a hard one. With the economy going south, anyone could have guessed that we’d be looking for values these days. Just look at all the people clipping coupons next time you’re at the market.

2. Prediction: The Compost Pile is the new flower garden.

Five months later: Most flower gardens I’ve seen around here have flowers in them, not leftover table scraps. Just kidding. I have heard talk of more and more people who are planting vegetables this year. Hang out in the garden section at Walmart and you can pick up on all kinds of conversation. I do this every Saturday morning. I need a life.

3. Prediction: Peruvian is the new Thai.

Five months later: I don’t know about other parts of the world, but I know of no Peruvian restaurants that have come to Chattanooga. We do have some great Thai ones, though.

4. Prediction: Noodle Bars are the new sushi joints.

Five months later:Wrong. There is no noodle bar in Chattanooga.

5. Prediction: Ginger is the new mint.

Five months later: Think so? I think this may happen, but not this year.

Predictions simply aren’t all they’re cracked up to be, but they are fun to read