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!
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!)
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!
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:
Sometimes knowing how to best present your dishes makes all the difference. Here are some ideas for showcasing gelato flavors. Brilliant, isn’t it?!
Wisconsin’s own delicious melting cheese. This is a must try for your friends and family. (Bread Cheese, Juustoleipa, 10 oz. (2 pack)
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<)
A new variety of Gluten Free cookies from Lucy’s. (Lucy’s Chocolate Chip Cookies, 1.25 Ounce Packages (Pack of 16)
The premier chocolate from Guittard is showcased here. (Guittard, Semi Sweet Chocolate Baking Chips, 12oz Bag (Pack of 4)
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)
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:
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.
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.
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.
Hope you enjoyed my favorite finds from the 2015 National Restaurant and BAR Show. Thanks for stopping by!
oh wow! I so love thaT 3D Sugar design..they were amazing 🙂
I loved attending this show with my husband when we lived in Chicago. He works in the restaurant business. It was a great day of eating.
I can’t believe they made that dress out of napkins! This is definitely an event that looks like a lot of fun to attend.
Looks like you had a lot of fun, i also love cooking im sured itd be super fun to attend there, maybe wear the napkin dress…? hahha 😉
Oh, I would love to go to this show. New and exciting things and ideas I could use at home – way too much fun.
So much things to find.. I love looking at the pictures and see my own favorites too. The sugar candy design is love and the set of plates too.
That is a serious coffee pot and I am impressed with the dress made from napkins. This looks like a great event to attend.
I want the Coke glasses. lol. The napkin dress is awesome. I love the place settings with the rings that looked like wood.
This is just too awesome, I love conventions that feature not only food but very reliable kitchen gadgets as well. The gelato looks really good and very tasty, I love the presentation, it’s amazing! Who would have thought that you could make a dress out of napkins, you can really see the quality. And there’s just so much more!
Looks like so much fun visiting and seeing these things. I want the coke glasses. Looks simple but cute.
The dress made out of napkins? How neat! Thanks for sharing all about the National Restaurant Show, I would love to go to one of these
What an interesting trade show to attend! I would have loved this.
Wow, they had some really cool stuff on display. People are so creative. I love The Napkin dress!
This looks like my kind of show! My boss is newly obsessed with DRY and they are always stocked up in our office haha That 3D sugar art is amazing as well!
Wow! That sugar art is absolutely incredible! That must take so much talent!
Ooo this sounds like it was a pretty neat trade show!!!! Hope you had a fabulous time!!
The napkin dress is so cool! What a fun event.
Glass vs plastic does make a difference in beverage taste. I only like drinking from glass or ceramic mugs.
I can’t believe they’ve made that dress out of napkins! This looks like an event that it would be a lot of fun to attend! Thank you for sharing it!
I would have went for the Wisconsin cheese. Oh and the cake, that cake looks great. 🙂
The baked cheese looks right up my ally! I love me some good cheese!
I heard about this show but by the time that I did, it had already happened! I hope I can go next year! So many awesome and brands!
That sounds so fun! The dress made of napkins? That is really awesome! Thanks for sharing.
It’s always fun finding out new products, trends, and things that will soon be the latest thing to hit the streets. I love going to expos like this or trade shows because I get to find out first which ones will be the newest thing.
What an interesting way to find out about new trends and products!