Floored! NRA Show 2009 News

Solex Partners: Jamón, jamón

We're celebrating the upcoming holidays with food. Today, we're running over to Costco and getting some Ibérico ham rolls from Solex Partners, who exhibited — and forged its partnership with Costco — at NRA Show last May.

Ibérico de bellota ham truly is a treat. Once only available in fine dining restaurants and gourmet outlets, now Costco members in the Midwest can enjoy this taste of Spain at a fraction of the price.

Happy holidays indeed!

Monsam Sinks: You Can Take It With You

Many different companies exhibit at NRA Show. There are food producers, beverage companies, kitchen appliance manufacturers and so many more. "So many more" includes Monsam Sinks, who's the worldwide leader in the portable sink market today.

Monsam Sinks are perfect for day-care centers, science labs, salons, spas and, of course, foodservice venues such as outdoor fests. While hand sanitizers are great and all, they don't cut it when it counts.

And no, these sinks don't rely on recycled water. Read Monsam's very comprehensive FAQ section here.

We look forward to meeting Monsam again — this is the exhibitor's second year — at NRA Show 2009 this May. Wanna know who else is coming? See the full list of NRA Show 2009 exhibitors.

In retrospect, when could you have really used a portable sink?

What's Hot Chef Survey: There's a new #1 in '09

The National Restaurant Association just revealed the results of its third annual "What's Hot" chef survey. Who decides what's hot? Members of the American Culinary Federation do. These pros know which culinary innovations will be big next year.

This year locally grown produce replaced 2008 champ bite-size desserts. But BSDs didn't fall far, only to #2. Organic produce, nutritionally balanced children's dishes and new/fabricated cuts of meat rounded out the top five menu trends for 2009.

View the complete "What's Hot" survey summary here.

Which menu trends do you think will take off in '09? Which ones listed surprise you the most?

Epicurean Butter: Savor the Spread

Flavors like marsala wine, tomato chipotle, chili lime, sweet cinnamon and black truffle all have our mouths watering. And with Epicurean Butter, it's so easy to infuse such zing into one's menu.

Denver, Co.-based Epicurean Butter is the brainchild of Chef John Hubschman. It's garnered positive reviews from both trade and general-interest publications. The Gourmet Retailer recently lauded Epicurean Butter for its ability to help "create impressive meals effortlessly." The Denver Post reported that it's "oh-so-good on red meat, pasta or just bread." And, the Chicago Tribune named Epicurean Butter one of its top-10 new products in '05. Read all the accolades here.

You can find this savory spread at NRA Show 2009, of course! Home chefs can enjoy Epicurean Butter too. Find a store near you.

All A-Twitter about NRA Show 09

During NRA Show 09, we'll be tweeting to let our attendees and exhibitors know where we are and what the latest and hottest happenings are at McCormick Place. We'll be coming to you in real time, 140 characters or less.

If you want to follow us or want us to follow you, visit our site. Send us a message and tell us what you want to hear about during the Show.