2015 NRA Favorite Finds

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  • May 26, 2015

The 2015 National Restaurant Show just ended leaving me with lots of interesting products and trends to share with you. While the NRA show is predominantly for those who work in the food service industry, there are definitely items that can be found from the consumer standpoint as well as giving ideas of trends that will potentially be in the retail world for consumers to purchase. The vastness of the show includes such categories as restaurant equipment, foods, beverages, table top (dinnerware, glassware, etc), decor and technology. What I am sharing below is a taste of what I saw that I think you might find intriguing. Enjoy!

Inspiring Kitchen 2015 NRA Favorite Finds

After walking the show for days, I had a good laugh (and wished I had a big mug) when I saw this:     (Notice the size of the man to the size of the coffee maker. Yes, the machine is THAT big!)

Inspiring Kitchen 2015 NRA Favorite Finds

Looking for beautiful, functional and disposable napkins for your entertaining needs? Check out The Napkins. They feel like textiles: soft, absorbent and sturdy. They are designed in Switzerland and made in Italy. By the way, this dress is made of The Napkins! 

 

Inspiring Kitchen 2015 NRA Favorite Finds

This next find is very difficult to effectively share with you as it is a must-see-in-person technique of sugar design. Stunning and extraordinarily creative:

 

Inspiring Kitchen 2015 NRA Favorite Finds

Sometimes knowing how to best present your dishes makes all the difference. Here are some ideas for showcasing gelato flavors. Brilliant, isn’t it?!

Inspiring Kitchen 2015 NRA Favorite Finds

Wisconsin’s own delicious melting cheese. This is a must try for your friends and family. (Bread Cheese, Juustoleipa, 10 oz. (2 pack) 

Inspiring Kitchen 2015 NRA Favorite Finds

If you are Gluten Free, you may already be familiar with the wonderful Cup4Cup brand. They have just introduced a new GF flour known as Wholesome for you to try. This flour will be a replacement for whole wheat flour in  your breads and pizza crusts.  Happy to share that Cup4Cup won the FABI Award at the NRA Show! (Cup4cup Gluten Free Wholesome Flour Blend, 2 Lb<)

Inspiring Kitchen 2015 NRA Favorite Finds

A new variety of Gluten Free cookies from Lucy’s(Lucy’s Chocolate Chip Cookies, 1.25 Ounce Packages (Pack of 16)

Inspiring Kitchen 2015 NRA Favorite Finds

The premier chocolate from Guittard is showcased here. (Guittard, Semi Sweet Chocolate Baking Chips, 12oz Bag (Pack of 4))

Inspiring Kitchen 2015 NRA Favorite Finds

Dry Soda is a fragrant, light, flavorful and ultimately delicious beverage. It is made of  all natural ingredients including a small amount of pure cane sugar. The flavors offered include Lavender, Juniper Berry (think perfect Gin & Tonic mixer!), Blood Orange, Vanilla, refreshing Cucumber to name a few. DRY is lovely all by itself but pairs well with the flavors of a meal or added to cocktails. Blood Orange DRY Soda, 12 Ounce Cans (Pack of 12)

dry soda PicMonkey Collage

How tables are set whether in a restaurant or in your home sets the tone and mood of the space. I noticed a trend that you will see in the photos below:

Inspiring Kitchen 2015 NRA Favorite Finds

For those interested in the wine, beer and cocktail scene, the NRA Show offers a BAR Show. Wirtz Beverage sponsored demonstrations by mixologists were in action throughout the two day event. 

Inspiring Kitchen 2015 NRA Favorite Finds

Inspiring Kitchen 2015 NRA Favorite Finds

If you wondered whether the style of the glass (ie. wine glasses) actually makes a difference, the answer is yes. Riedel had a taste test using Coke and a plastic cup vs. a glass made by Riedel specifically for Coke. Can you tell the difference? Yes! Quite surprising but once you understand the purpose of the design, you will rethink your multi purpose wine glasses. There really is a benefit to white wine and red wine glasses after all.

Inspiring Kitchen 2015 NRA Favorite Finds

The NRA Show is a fascinating way to explore trends in the industry. Yet, seeing the beauty of Lake Michigan to the east of McCormick Place is a breath of fresh air. 

Inspiring Kitchen 2015 NRA Favorite Finds 

Hope you enjoyed my favorite finds from the 2015 National Restaurant and BAR Show. Thanks for stopping by!

 

 

 

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