NRA Show Blog

Guy Fieri Crowns "Hot Chef" Grilling Challenge Winner Next "Top Hog"

 
By Derrek J. Hull, Blogger-in-Chief

It comes as no surprise to us here at Floored! that celebrity chef and grilling master Guy Fieri crowned Kristina Vänni the National Pork Board’s “Next Pork Personality” after a live grilling showdown at the Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival. After all, the National Restaurant Association recognized Vänni as the NRA Show 2009 “Hot Chef" Grilling Challenge winner back in May, 2009.

Vänni’s "Hot Chef" Grilling Challenge winning video submitted on the NRA Show YouTube™ channel featured her preparing maple-Dijon glazed grilled Arctic char with a cucumber, fennel and radish salad, grilled bread cheese with cloudberry preserves and a lingonberry-cardamom martini (yum!). Vänni received a trip to the NRA Show in Chicago and a spot in the Culinary Scene among top chefs and master butchers including Rick Bayless, Marcus Samuelsson, Chris Cosentino and many others.

“Not only did Vänni wow the judges with a presentation that would entertain any food fan, but she also brought an ‘off-da-hook’ recipe that really showcased the great flavor and versatility of my favorite protein – pork,” said Fieri.

Chicago Salutes Sodexo Schools President

 
By Derrek J. Hull, Blogger-in-Chief

Kudos to Lorna Donatone, president, Sodexo School Services and convention chair for the 2009 edition of the National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show. Donatone was recognized at an October 14 awards ceremony in Chicago by the Chicago Alliance of Women with its prestigious Women of Achievement Award.

Not surprisingly, Chicago has had a love affair with Donatone for many years. Donatone works extensively throughout Chicago. As Sodexo School Services president, Donatone oversees student nutrition programs for more than 40 public school districts in and around Chicago, and close to 500 nationwide.

Donatone’s reach and involvement in Chicago extends well beyond school districts. She is a member of the board for Chicago-based Entertainment Cruises, Inc. and also serves on the board of directors and executive committee for the National Restaurant Association and believes the NRA Show (held at Chicago’s McCormick Place) is the number one place to “find new ideas and solutions to today’s foodservice industry challenges.”

Lights! Camera! Action!

 
By Derrek J. Hull, Blogger-in-Chief

A recent CNN.com article about what celebrities bring to the table in the culinary world piqued our curiosity. Does the combination of chefs and celebrities truly make for a perfect pairing? We put that question to two of the country’s top chefs.

Bravo TV’s celebrated “Top Chef Masters” winner and NRA Show fan favorite Rick Bayless (chef/owner of Frontera Grill/Topolobampo/XOCO) commented, “I’m not sure. One thing I do know is that having a higher profile does help get folks through the front door, but that isn’t what keeps them coming back. That said, I really try to concentrate on what matters…not my status or how many times I am on TV.  I try to work on what I can control—great food with flavor going on every plate to every diner in any of my restaurants.”

Ming Tsai (chef/owner of Blue Ginger, host/executive producer of Simply Ming) said, “Celebrities are very passionate -- that's why they're celebrities, right? They had a dream and followed it to its ultimate peak. You need that to be in the restaurant industry -- it's not for the meek.  Plus, people who are passionate usually enjoy food, so it makes perfect sense that celebrities are drawn to restaurants. It's all about food and service at the end of the day, not the name on the door or the celebrity involved.”

Don’t be shy, read the CNN.com article, Rick Bayless and Ming Tsai’s thoughts and share with us what you think.

Interact with culinary superstars and celebrities in the Celebrity Book Signings area and other Show features at NRA Show 2010 (May 22-25, 2010 at Chicago’s McCormick Place). Registration is now open.

They Want You!

 
By Derrek J. Hull, Blogger-in-Chief
 
The masters of innovation – the Kitchen Innovations™ Awards judges – are back on the case to seek out the most advanced and revolutionary commercial kitchen equipment on the planet. This celebrated independent, expert panel of industry superstars (dare we say superheroes?!) won’t rest until they find everything available to help operators reduce operating costs, save space and staff time, or enhance environmental sustainability. 

“Our panel of expert judges includes some of the most progressive companies in the hospitality business that recognize true innovation, and we look forward to their selections for the 2010 KI Awards,” said David Gilbert, chief operating officer, National Restaurant Association.

Award recipients will have the prestigious honor of exhibiting in the popular Kitchen Innovations (KI) Pavilion on the exhibit floor at the 2010 National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show, held May 22-25, 2010 at Chicago’s McCormick Place.

Dealers, distributors and chain, multi-unit and independent operators, corporate decision-makers and news media from around the world flock to the KI Pavilion throughout the four-day NRA Show.

The National Restaurant Association is now accepting applications for the 2010 Kitchen Innovations Awards through January 8, 2010. To apply, call Eric Rude at (312) 853-2525 or go on-line.