Chef's Stirrings e-Newsletter, March 18, 2013

Welcome to Chef's Stirrings, Chef Magazine's monthly news highlights of what's going on in the foodservice industry and chef world. For daily news and online exclusives, please visitChef's Stirrings blog.

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In this issue of Chef's Stirrings:
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Sincerely,
The Editors, Chef Magazine

Foodservice Educators Network International Nominated as Magnificent Site for Chefs
Foodservice Educators Network International (FENI) has been nominated to be included on the list of 100 Magnificent Sites for Chefs on CulinaryPrograms.net.

Gourmet cooking is an international obsession and the proliferation of chefs on social media, reality television, and even writing books has stoked the public appetite for luxury cuisine to new heights. Since this has generated new interest in studying the culinary arts in a formal higher-education setting, CulinaryPrograms.net is trying to help their readers learn more about this career as they make decisions about how to pursue their culinary passion. CulinaryPrograms.net put together a list of 100 sites that aspiring chefs would do well to follow, since they're at the top of the culinary heap or moving fast in that direction.

For the list of the 100 sites for aspiring chefs, please visit culinaryprograms.net/sites-for-chefs/.

The Chefs Collaborative Cookbook is Now Available Nationwide
The Chefs Collaborative Cookbook, published by The Taunton Press, is now available for purchase nationwide. The book features great recipes that highlight the way sustainability-minded chefs are cooking now, beautiful photos, and sidebars with information about how to make sustainable choices.

With over 115 original recipes from over 115 of America's best chefs, The Chefs Collaborative Cookbook celebrates that revolution and translates the tenets of sustainable food production into actual recipes that most any home cook can prepare. The book is divided into four sections that focus on vegetables, fruits, and other edible plants; meat and poultry; fish and seafood; dairy and eggs. Each section features sumptuous recipes and also provides information about the principles of sustainably around those "main" ingredients, with information provided by, farmers, artisan producers, breeders, environmentalists, and activists. The visually rich package contains over 50 finished dish photos.

Ruth Reichl, former editor of Gourmet and Author of Garlic and Sapphires, stated, "Many chefs - and their books - pay lip service to the sustainable ideal. This book does more than that. It offers really wonderful recipes for food that is gorgeous and good for both you and the planet. It's given me so many great ideas."
For more about Chefs Collaborative, please visit chefscollaborative.org.

Monroe College Culinary Students Took Second and Third Place in the Inaugural Junior US Pastry Championship 
On Monday, March 4, three Monroe College students competed in the inaugural Junior US Pastry Championship during the International Restaurant and Foodservice show at the Jacob Javits convention center. BBA Hospitality Management graduate and Monroe MBA student Shamel Donigan, Jamaica, NY, BBA Hospitality students,
 Katrina Vasquez, Bronx, NY and Maria Wu, Flushing, NY were all selected as finalists to square off for the title Junior US Pastry Chef. Katrina Vasquez finished third and Maria Wu finished second place in the field of ten students selected to compete. Each student had to produce a plated dessert, a confectionary showpiece with chocolate and sugar and one variety of petit four. All three students did an outstanding job and earned high marks from the judges. All of the students in the competition were all coached by top pastry chefs in the country, including Monroe's own Chef Ebow Dadzie, the 2008 US Pastry Chef of the year, and Chef Gerard Molloy, who has a wealth of national and international competition experienc.

"It was wonderful watching these students maintaining their composure in a pressure-filled public venue and no surprise since they are all outstanding students and young culinarians," said Chef Tracy Zimmermann, Chairperson for Culinary, Baking, and Pastry. Overall, it was an impressive showing and it positioned the Monroe College Baking and Pastry program among the top programs in the region.

For more information about Monroe College, please visit www.monroecollege.edu.

Indian Harvest Celebrates the International Year of Quinoa
In the midst of the challenge of increasing production of quality food in the context of climate change, the world's population is increasingly looking to quinoaâ”the ancient grain of the Incasâ”as one solution to those countries suffering from food insecurity.

The United Nations General Assembly thus declared 2013 the International Year of Quinoa, launched Feb. 20, in recognition of ancestral practices of the Andean people, who have managed to preserve quinoa, a high-protein whole grain, in its natural state as food for present and future generations.

Indian Harvest, the foodservice industry's best-known supplier of exotic and heirloom grains, grain blends, beans and legumes, joins the United Nations' initiative by showcasing the high nutrition and cooking versatility of quinoa via a range of promotions through the end of 2013 and beyond that include a focused customer strategy; the use of interactive social-media platforms; educational programming for students enrolled in K-12 through college; and menu-concept development inspired by prevailing and emerging ingredient, flavor, cooking and health trends.

"Quinoa is the only grain that is a complete protein containing all eight amino acids essential to optimum health, which is why nutritionists commonly refer to it as a 'super grain,'" says Michael Holleman, Indian Harvest's director of culinary development. "Although quinoa is native to countries of the Andean region, its cultivation has transcended continental boundaries to embrace North America and Europe while showing promise in Africa and India. Through quinoa, Indian Harvest enthusiastically supports the United Nations in exploring meaningful, long-lasting solutions to world hunger."
The U.N.'s International Year of Quinoa establishes the first step in an ongoing process to focus world attention on the role that quinoa's biodiversity and nutritional value play in providing food security, as well as promoting health and poverty eradication. The initiative is expected to be a medium to enable the exchange of information and generate medium- and long-term programs and projects for the sustainable development of the cultivation of quinoa globally.

Indian Harvest offers the highest-quality Bolivian quinoa in white, red and black varieties. Tri-Color Quinoa, introduced in 2012, is available through Indian Harvest Boutique. All four quinoa offerings are naturally gluten free. Additionally, signature grain products featuring quinoa include Golden Jewel Blend®, Mountain Red Blend™, Rio Medley™ and Sunrise Blend with Quinoa Flakes®.

For more information on the International Year of Quinoa, visit www.fao.org/quinoa-2013/home/en. For more information about Indian Harvest, please visit,www.IndianHarvest.com.

Moffat US Convection Ovens Appoints Peter Carroll Executive Chef
Moffat Inc., specializing in the design, manufacture, distribution and after-sales support of commercial convection ovens, proofers and holding cabinets, is pleased to announce the appointment of Peter Carroll as Executive Chef for Moffat US. Peter will be responsible for Executive Chef Services with respect to new product development, new customer development, and ongoing product and customer support, with a focus on national accounts.

"Peter has the technical experience to guide Moffat's newest concepts that go beyond standard requirements and create high performance, cost effective, energy efficient oven products," says PJ Loy, VP of sales, Moffat, Inc.

Peter has over 30 years of experience in the Foodservice Industry, most recently as an Executive Chef for International Traders, Inc., a dedicated master distributor in the chain restaurant industry. In this position he assisted with R&D and was responsible for menu development and ideation showings for all food products from vendors within the ITI system. Prior to that, he was with Ali Group North America for nine years in various roles.
For more information on Moffat call visit http://www.moffat.com

EPA Names Scotsman Ice Systems 2013 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year 
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has named Scotsman Ice Systems as a 2013 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year for its outstanding contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by manufacturing energy-efficient products and educating consumers about energy efficiency. Scotsman Ice Systems' accomplishments are to be recognized March 26 at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. An ENERGY STAR partner since 2011, this is the second year in a row that Scotsman Ice Systems has earned the Partner of the Year award.

Scotsman Ice Systems offers more than 35 ENERGY STAR qualified models. Additionally, 26 Scotsman ice machines are rated for the maximum Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) Tier 2-rated performance criteria, which exceeds the current ENERGY STAR standard. Scotsman has more CEE Tier 2-certified machines than any other ice machine manufacturer.
In 2011, Scotsman launched the Prodigy® Advanced Sustainability™ line of ice machines. These machines save more energy and water than previous models due to ice-level management, which optimizes ice production while offering an average of 10 percent higher ice-making capacity than other ice machines.

Over the last 20 years, with help from ENERGY STAR, American families and businesses have saved more than $230 billion on utility bills and prevented more than 1.8 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions.

The 2013 Partner of the Year Awards are given to manufacturers and retailers that successfully promote and deliver ENERGY STAR qualified products, saving consumers money and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Award winners are selected from the nearly 20,000 organizations that participate in the ENERGY STAR program.

"Through their commitment to producing quality energy-efficient ENERGY STAR products, Scotsman Ice Systems has demonstrated their commitment to saving consumers money and protecting our environment," said Bob Perciasepe, Acting Administrator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. "Scotsman Ice Systems is recognized today for this outstanding effort that has helped protect the climate for all Americans."
For more information, visit www.scotsman-ice.com.

Advantage Waypoint Acquires Innovative Foods in Hawaii 
Advantage Waypoint has announced the acquisition of Innovative Foods in Honolulu, Hawaii. This acquisition supports the Advantage Waypoint strategy of continuously strengthening its leadership positions in every major market. It also supports Advantage Waypoint's focus of adding value through strategy integration, planning, and superior execution for all the foodservice channel participants: manufacturers, operators, and the distribution community.

As a major presence in the Hawaiian market, Innovative Foods represented leading brands to the foodservice market. Innovative covered the entire Hawaiian island group and have been providing services for more than 10 years. This acquisition continues to expand the Advantage Waypoint market depth in this market providing unequaled service to all of the Advantage Waypoint clients and customers. Founder, Craig Nagano and his team will be a core resource for Advantage Waypoint and will continue to be an integral part of the organization; enhanced by the Advantage Waypoint technology, systems, processes and resources.

Bud Taylor, CEO of Advantage Waypoint stated; "The acquisition and integration of Innovative Foods into Advantage Waypoint expands our ability to serve all of our clients and customers in Hawaii, and throughout the National footprint. We are pleased to welcome them into the Advantage Waypoint system".
For more information regarding Advantage Waypoint, please visit www.stockdaleco.com.

Keynote Presentation at NRA Show 2013: Howard Schultz 
On Sunday, May 19 at the NRA Show in Chicago, IL, Howard Schultz, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Starbucks, will deliver the keynote presentation, ""Transforming Companies for the Future: Balancing Profit with a Social Conscience".

Howard Schultz first walked into Starbucks in Seattle's Pike Place Market in 1981. Drawn to Seattle and its extraordinary coffee culture, Howard moved from his native New York and joined Starbucks in 1982 as director of operations and marketing when the company had only four stores. Today, Starbucks is the premier purveyor of the finest coffee in the world, with more than 18,000 stores in 62 countries.

From the beginning, Howard set out to build a different kind of company - one that instills a sense of humanity and demonstrates respect and dignity. In the early days, Howard created two landmark programs that form the foundation of Starbucks culture. First, Starbucks offered comprehensive health coverage for eligible full- and part-time workers, among the first in the retail industry. Second, Starbucks offered partners (employees) equity in the company in the form of stock options, called Bean Stock. These early investments in people have proven that you can build a business that is profitable while sharing its success with partners and the community.

Howard continues to transform the company, bringing Starbucks to sustainable, profitable growth with a renewed focus on coffee heritage, innovation, the customer experience and making its partners proud. He has also galvanized leaders both inside and outside the company to take action to help local communities, including the effort he spearheaded in 2011 called Create Jobs for USA, a campaign designed to create and sustain small business job creation.

The profits from the sales of his best-selling books Onward: How Starbucks Fought for Its Life without Losing Its Soul (2011) and Pour Your Heart Into It (1997) are donated to the Starbucks Foundation, which supports the company's commitment to community globally; and the CUP Fund, which provides financial relief to partners facing emergency situations.

At the heart of the Starbucks Experience today, just as it has been from the beginning, is Starbucks mission to inspire and nurture the human spirit - one person, one cup, and one neighborhood at a time. Attendees can register for the NRA Show here now for 50% off:show.restaurant.org/Attend/Register/NRA-Show-Attendee-Eligibility

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Chef's Stirrings e-Newsletter, December 17, 2012

Welcome to Chef's Stirrings, Chef Magazine's monthly news highlights of what's going on in the foodservice industry and chef world. For daily news and online exclusives, please visit Chef's Stirrings blog.

Chef Magazine is also available in digital format! If you missed the November/December issue, it is now available here. Register here to receive e-mail notification when each digital edition is available. And become a fan of Chef Magazine on Facebook!
In this issue of Chef's Stirrings:
What's Hot in 2013 Culinary Forecast Predicts Menu Trends
The National Restaurant Association (NRA) each year prepares its "What's Hot" culinary forecast of menu trends for the coming year. The NRA surveyed more than 1,800 professional chefs – members of the American Culinary Federation (ACF) – to find that children's nutrition and local sourcing will continue to be the hottest trends on restaurant menus in 2013. The food menu trends for 2013 are: locally sourced meats and seafood; locally grown produce; healthful kids' meals; environmental sustainability as a culinary theme; children's nutrition as a culinary theme; new cuts of meat (e.g. Denver steak, pork flat iron, teres major); hyper-local sourcing (e.g. restaurant gardens); gluten-free cuisine; sustainable seafood; and whole grain items in kids' meals.

"It is encouraging to see that children's nutrition remains a top priority for chefs and that they continue to put their creativity in healthful kids meals to work on restaurant menus," said Joy Dubost, Ph.D, R.D., director of Nutrition & Healthy Living for the National Restaurant Association. "We have seen an increasing interest in health and nutrition among consumers over the last several years, and that interest is also extended to children's menus, which has helped make our Kids LiveWell program so successful."


This year, the NRA also surveyed nearly 200 professional bartenders – members of the United States Bartenders' Guild (USBG). The top 10 drink menu trends for 2013 are: onsite barrel-aged drinks; food-liquor/cocktail pairings; culinary cocktails (e.g. savory, fresh ingredients); micro-distilled/artisan liquor; locally produced spirits; locally sourced fruit/berries/produce; beer sommeliers/Cicerones; regional signature cocktails; beer-based cocktails; and locally produced beer.

Also included in the surveys were questions about other restaurant and bar trends. More than half (55 percent) of the chefs surveyed said they always make efforts to adjust dishes and recipes to be more healthful, while 37 percent said they cook with nutrition in mind, but that not all recipes are easily adjusted.

For complete What's Hot in 2012 survey results, video and downloadable images, visit www.restaurant.org/foodtrends.

The Future of Food According to Farmer Lee Jones
Farmer Lee Jones never expected his family's farming business to lead to experiences like judgingIron Chef America, receiving the culinary industry's most prestigious honor - a James Beard Award, participating in Google's Innovation Lab for Food Experiences, or a TV appearance with First Lady Michelle Obama. But, over the past 30 years, Farmer Jones' connection to the world's most cutting-edge chefs has taught this Ohio farmer a lot about the direction of agriculture and the culinary industry – where they've been and where they're going.

Much of what Farmer Jones and the team at The Chef's Garden do is revive old agricultural traditions. "My dad has a saying about our approach to farming at The Chef's Garden. 'All we're doing is trying to get as good as the farmers were 100 years ago,'" explains Farmer Jones. It was a time before chemicals and synthetic materials were used in agriculture, and it's the approach demanded by the chefs they supply.

However, while the farm does is deeply rooted in traditions of the past, Farmer Jones always has his pulse on the future of food. Farmer Jones' perspective has been shaped by a lifelong career of leading innovation in the agricultural industry and working with chefs who drive the culinary trends.

Farmer Jones recently participated in a panel at The Institute of Culinary Education in New York City to discuss this topic alongside Dr. Marion Nestle, Paulette Goddard Professor in the Department of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health at New York University; Nation's Restaurant News Food Editor Bret Thorn and other contributors to the Oxford Encyclopedia of Food and Drink in America. The panel discussion was lively, covering topics like preservation of fresh water and the impact of post-harvest handling on nutrition.

"It costs more to produce food the right way," explains Farmer Jones, "but we can either pay now or pay later. Health care costs in this country are staggering, and I believe the poor nutritional value of the foods we eat is a big part of that. One reason is that foods begin to lose nutrition after they're harvested and even more so if they're highly processed. I am confident that with increased education and awareness, consumers will begin to recognize the value in food grown with consideration for their health and the health of the environment."

For more information or to read more about The Chef's Garden and owner Farmer Lee Jones, please visit www.chefs-garden.com.

Master-Bilt Adds Glass and Remote Refrigeration Models to Bottom Mount Open Air (BMOA) Display Merchandisers 
Master-Bilt, manufacturer of a full line of premier commercial refrigeration systems, introduces new options for one of its most popular models. The popular Bottom Mount Open Air (BMOA) Display Merchandisers are now available in glass end BMOA-GE and remote refrigeration BMOA-R models.

These "grab and go" merchandisers increase pack-out and product visibility space with 17"-deep shelving. The new BMOA-GE glass end models provide greater visual impact and unlimited product grouping opportunities for powerful visual displays. The BMOA-R models offer remote refrigeration systems to take heat and noise out of the sales area, which lowers the air conditioning load, resulting in less energy usage. The glass-end and remote refrigeration BMOA models include three tiers of LED-lighted, adjustable two position shelves with price tag molding. An electronically controlled monitoring system monitors the defrost functions from a front panel interface.

Additionally, the system provides an audible and visible alarm and eliminates room thermostat, defrost terminations/fan delay control, defrost timer and digital thermometer or other temperature indicators. Merchandisers offer the standard limited three year extended compressor warranty and two year limited parts and labor warranty.


Visit www.master-bilt.com/products/energy_saver.htm for more information.


The Fish Theme For The Bocuse d'or Revealed
The candidates participating in the Bocuse d'Or 2013 will be required to cook Turbot Label Rouge and European Blue Lobster. This information was announced on November 26th 2012 by GL events Exhibitions - the organizers of the contest. The Fish theme, revealed to the candidates only two months ahead of the event, will be the highlight of an entirely redesigned gastronomy show.

In order to encourage the Chefs to display even more creativity and spontaneity, the rules of the Bocuse d'Or contest change in 2013. The Fish theme (Turbot Label Rouge and European Blue Lobster, supplied by METRO Cash & Carry France) has only just been announced to the teams. In 2011, the candidates were able to practice their recipes six months before the contest took place.
The objective of this new point in the rules is to leave more room for improvisation on the day of the contest and to introduce more spontaneity and creativity.

What Has Changed
  • On the eve of the contest, the candidates will have 30 minutes to choose seasonal fruit and vegetables from the five continents market. They will use these produce and ingredients to prepare two of the three garnishes imposed on the day of the contest.
  • To highlight the different national culinary heritages and encourage diversity, the third garnish will be typical of the candidates' respective countries. This new point should lead to the introduction of local produce and ingredients, as yet unseen in the history of the Bocuse d'Or.
  • After having acquired the produce and ingredients from the market, the candidates, together with their coach and commis, will have one hour in which to design and write down the recipe for their dish.
  • In order to remain close to the actual restaurant environment, the candidates will be required to prepare 14 plates (not trays as in the previous editions).
The contest takes place on Tuesday 29th and Wednesday 30th January 2013. In each of the contest kitchens, the candidates and their commis prepare a meat recipe, presented on a tray, as well as 14 plates for the fish recipe, each accompanied by three garnishes. During 5 hours and 35 minutes, with the support of their coaches and facing the audience, the candidates will give their very best in an attempt to win the much sought after Bocuse d'Or.

The product to be used for the Meat theme has been known since the selection events: Fillet of Irish Beef - Irish pastures quality assurance, with feather blade, cheek and tail, supplied by Bord Bia.
For more information, please visit www.bocusedor-lyon.com.

KRAFT YES Pack Launches a 4/1-Gallon Case Offering
KRAFT Foodservice introduces a new 4/1-gallon case of the innovative KRAFT YES Pack to meet the growing needs of medium- to high-volume operators. The popular KRAFT YES Pack, which launched in January 2012, was previously only available in a 2/1-gallon case. With new size options, operators can meet customer demands by offering the top-selling salad dressing flavors from KRAFT Foodservice.

These flavors include:
  • Ranch
  • Creamy Caesar
  • Thousand Island
  • Blue Cheese
  • Golden Italian
  • Balsamic Vinaigrette
  • Honey Dijon
This innovative packaging will help operators yield up to 99% of the dressing inside and avoid the messy scraping and dangerous cutting that is often associated with traditional one-gallon jugs. Top and bottom handles on the package provide faster and more accurate pouring with reduced spillage. In addition, the unique eco-friendly design can reduce solid waste and costs associated with waste removal.

The new 4/1-gallon case is the ideal size to meet the demands of high-volume operators, while the 2/1-gallon case of KRAFT YES Pack continues to meet the needs of low-volume operations.
For more information please visit kraftyespack.com.

Women Chefs & Restaurateurs Celebrates 20 Years in San Francisco 
Women Chefs & Restaurateurs (WCR) will be holding their annual conference January 16 – 18, 2013 at the Sir Francis Drake Hotel. The conference brings members together for three days of education, networking, dining and culinary tours designed to showcase the Bay Area culinary scene.

The conference kicks off on Wednesday, January 16 with an array of culinary tours such as "East Bay Gourmet: The Gourmet Ghetto and Beyond," "Chinatown Walking Tour" and "Taste the Mission Culinary Experience." The tours are optional events that can be added to any attendee's agenda. A Welcome Reception at Prospect restaurant launches the official opening of the conference, leading into the ever-popular Dine Around program.

Thursday morning begins with a Keynote Address by Nell Newman, of Newman's Own Organics, followed by three General Sessions, including a very special memorial tribute to Barbara Tropp, WCR's legendary founder. The bulk of the conference is comprised of an impressive lineup of Master Classes on Thursday and Friday. A full list of Master Classes and the conference brochure are available on the website womenchefs.org.

An exciting addition to this year's conference is a Celebrity Chef Culinary Competition featuring none other than WCR board member Elizabeth Falkner, along with several surprise celebrity chefs. These culinary luminaries will coach teams of conference attendees who will compete for first place in an epic culinary challenge.

Registration for the WCR's 2013 Conference is now open. Rates start at $445 (member, early bird pricing) and $725 (non-member, early bird pricing). Always working towards building membership, WCR encourages anyone interested in attending the conference to become a WCR member prior to registering for the conference.
Please visit womenchefs.org for more information.

Albacore Tuna Meet the Strong Demand for Healthy Seafood Offerings 
Phillips Foodservice is pleased to introduce five varieties of Albacore Tuna to meet the strong demand for healthy seafood offerings across all channels of foodservice.

Phillips Albacore Tuna is available in five high-quality IVP/IQF frozen portion sizes, is harvested at a green fishery with strong sustainability initiatives and is sourced in Samoa from South Pacific stock that is not overfished.

The tuna is a new addition to the Sustainable Fisheries Program. Phillips provides funds to SFP in support of their global fisheries improvement. For each pound of Phillips Tuna purchased, Phillips will donate 3 cents to SFP for these initiatives.

For more information and to order today, visit phillipsfoodservice.com
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