Tempt customers with these four sizzling barbecue trends By Connie Jeske Crane Low and slow cooking, lips and fingers sticky with fiery-sweet sauces, and a warm, communal vibe around the table. In America, there is a deep connection with and appreciation for barbecue, rooted in traditions that stretch back centuries. For foodservice professionals, too, there’s a lot to … [Read more...] about Hot Off the Grill
Food Trends
Picnics With Panache
Planners are taking picnics up a notch, creating picture-perfect settings for small gatherings By Sara Perez Webber In the thankfully-behind-us days of the COVID pandemic, the popularity of picnics soared. Picnics, after all, provided a way for people to socialize and enjoy a meal outdoors, without having to worry about indoor dining restrictions. “The pop-up picnic … [Read more...] about Picnics With Panache
Going Greener
After years of expansion, Elior North America builds a cohesive strategy of sustainable practices for its family of companies By Kelly Myers, Elior North America April is Earth Month—an ideal time to look at the sustainability initiatives taking center stage in many service businesses today. At Elior North America, for example, leadership is committed to doing good by … [Read more...] about Going Greener
Station Innovation
Offering tempting dishes and creative themes, caterers serve up their best with guest-pleasing stations By Sara Perez Webber The sky’s the limit when it comes to food station variety. But which ones are most popular with clients and guests? CFE asked six caterers to share details of noteworthy station and buffet offerings. Their answers reflect the trends driving event … [Read more...] about Station Innovation
Specialty Food Association Predicts 2023 Food Trends
The Specialty Food Association (SFA) Trendspotter Panel has predicted what will be hot in specialty food for 2023. The panel was comprised of professionals from diverse segments of the culinary world. “Specialty food consumers are looking to make their meal prep easy but exciting and that is driving many of this year’s trends regarding convenience, packaging improvements and … [Read more...] about Specialty Food Association Predicts 2023 Food Trends
Fresh and Flavorful
Demand for Mediterranean cuisine is on the rise, as consumers grow to appreciate its fresh flavors and healthy reputation By Sara Perez Webber While the countries surrounding the Mediterranean—from southern Europe to northern Africa to southwest Asia—vary in culture, customs and cuisine, the traditional diets eaten in those countries share many of the same principles. … [Read more...] about Fresh and Flavorful
Tips for Serving a Plant-Based, Healthy Thanksgiving
By Diane Kochilas, creator and co-host of PBS’ My Greek Table In the Greek kitchen, the plant-based options for Thanksgiving—or any feast, for that matter—are endless. One of the things that sets Greek cooking apart from other culinary traditions in the Mediterranean isn’t only the wealth of plant-based options, but the wealth of plant-based main course options!On a holiday … [Read more...] about Tips for Serving a Plant-Based, Healthy Thanksgiving
Cheers to the Holidays
Raise the bar on your holiday libations by following these expert tips and recipes By Sara Perez Webber Holiday events are right around the corner. Will your bar menus get guests in the spirit? If you need inspiration, follow these tips from the experts for making and serving extra-festive refreshments during fall and winter holiday events. Welcome Guests with … [Read more...] about Cheers to the Holidays
Create Exceptional Culinary Experiences with Pork Rinds
Chefs everywhere are calling on this legacy ingredient to turn recipes into consumer adventures By Tim Byres, James Beard Award-winning cookbook author and chef Pork rinds – those delicate, crunchy, savory and flavor-packed snacks – are finding their way to fine dining tables as well as pubs and wine bars. They’re showing up in a variety of recipes – many of which have … [Read more...] about Create Exceptional Culinary Experiences with Pork Rinds
Plant-Based Dining Takes Root
Caterers are offering more meat-free menu items, satisfying the sprouting number of vegans, vegetarians and flexitarians By Sara Perez Webber There’s no doubt about it—demand is mushrooming for plant-based cuisine. After a record year of growth in 2020, U.S. retail sales of plant-based foods grew 6.2% in 2021, according to data released by the Plant Based Foods … [Read more...] about Plant-Based Dining Takes Root
