National Restaurant Show Favorites 2014

This week, I had the opportunity to attend the National Restaurant Association Show as well as the International Wine, Spirits and Beer event in Chicago. These trade shows are intended to showcase products, operational equipment, services, food and beverage items from over 1800 exhibitors for those who have some connection to the restaurant space. As someone who is very familiar with the International Housewares Show, this show offered me a different perspective on the world of cooking and housewares.

 

Here is my list of items that I found while walking the show that you might find delicious/enticing/helpful and just fun to have.

 

1) Gardein Vegan Fishless Filets

There are so many options for vegan or vegetarian meat substitutes that I didn’t think these would be any different from what I am used to having. They are! They are delicious. Make a little tartar sauce or whatever dipping sauces you prefer for an added splash of flavor.

A few details about the products: they are made with non-GMO soy and wheat, ancient grains and veggies, no cholesterol or trans fat and are kosher-certified.  You can find this brand at your favorite stores. So, check their website for the location closest to you.  http://gardein.com/products

 

 

2) Sweety Drop Peppers

Beautiful red, shiny, little teardrop peppers that have a pop of sweet flavor to each crunch. Found in the Amazon Rainforest of Peru and relatively new to the U.S., these peppers are a great snack, put in salads, pizza, pasta, rice, stir fries or just eaten out of the jar. Atalanta Corp is the exclusive importer of these peppers. And we are so glad we don’t have to go to Peru to find them! They even won the 2014 Food & Beverage Innovations Award for Sweety Drop Peppers!

 

3) A new use for Tabasco

How does chocolate, chipotle infused soft serve ice cream sound to you? Well, that is what they were serving at the show. If you are a Tabasco fan, you will love this treat! It’s creamy with a smoky taste and a little kick at the end. Check out their website for more ideas of ways to incorporate Tabasco into your recipes.

 

4) Mountain Valley Sparkling Water

If you are a sparkling water fan, look for their Blackberry Pomegranate flavored water in the green bottle. The water is sourced in Hot Springs, Arkansas. It is a refreshing change from the lemon and lime you typically find in the market. You can order it online too at http://www.buypremierwater.com/mountain-valley-spring-water_1039_s.asap

 

5) Gluten Free Crackers

While I am not gluten free, I have heard all the comments about the taste of gluten free products and how difficult it is to find items that are truly tasty. Well, have I got a solution for you! You may be familiar with a brand of crackers called WiseCrackers. They are typically found in upscale groceries and specialty stores and are fantastic. Thankfully, they have gone and done it again with a delicious GLUTEN-FREE cracker called Free For All Kitchen Gluten Free Crackers. The ones I tasted were the Roasted Garlic Rosemary variety. Wonderful and no hint of them being a gluten free product. Check them out and let me know what you think. For more information, see their website: http://www.partnerscrackers.com/OurBrandsProducts/GlutenFree/

 

6) Lodge Cast Iron

As many of you know, Lodge has been around forever and is made in the United States. This is the product that is passed down from generation to generation. Lodge products are used commercially as well as at home which you may have experienced firsthand. Cast iron cookware is known for its superior heat retention, heat consistency, cooking/versatility and durability. This is cookware that will not chip or break.

 

What Lodge introduced at the NRA Show is their new heat-enhanced, seasoned cast iron cookware. This means that you can put this cookware in the dishwasher! And not worry about it rusting! That is great news for folks who want that option.

 

Finally, you should look for Lodge’s new cookbook, Cast Iron Nation, which just launched this year. The recipes are enticing, the new seasoned cookware is out in the marketplace and it has finally stopped snowing. All reasons to celebrate! Plus, if you are from Chicago, then you will recognize one of the recipes created by GT Fish & Oyster Chef Giuseppe Tentori on page 201. Enjoy!

 

7) Grey Goose Vodka

New flavor: Le Melon

New favorite cocktail:  Le Melon Moscow Mule

Perfect for spring and summer warm weather relaxation and celebrations.

 

8) FiftyEight Products

To end my list of favorite finds from the 2014 NRA show, just take a look at the picture below. These adorable bowls and pitcher just make you smile. If you are interested in seeing their full collection, visit them here: https://www.58products.com/shop/device.desktop/lang.en/#o.relevance#p.1

 

I am in the process of gathering information from the company and will share with whomever is interested.

 

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I would love to know what you think of my findings. Did you attend the show? What did you discover?

Thanks for stopping by!