Chef's Stirrings eNewsletter May 19, 2014

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 digitally. If you would like to view the 2014 May/June digital issue, please click HERE. Register HERE for free to receive Chef Digital directly to your inbox.

In this issue of Chef's Stirrings:

• NRA Show 2014 - Chef Magazine's Product Showcase 
• Alto-Shaam Receives Product of The Year Award 
• Kendall College and WÜSTHOF Collaborate to Bring High-Quality Knives to Culinary Students 
• InHarvest Debuts Cooking Video Series on YouTube
• The Culinary Institute of America's Eighth Annual Augie Awards Celebrate Industry Leaders and "The Power of Food"
• Master-Bilt Releases Vertical and Horizontal Open Air Display Merchandisers

Got a news item? Send it to us for consideration.
Sincerely,
The Editors, Chef Magazine

NRA Show 2014 - Chef Magazine's Product Showcase 
Over the course of four days, more than 18,000 suppliers and tens of thousands of buyers will visit the booths at the National Restaurant Association, Hotel-Motel Show taking place May 17-20 at McCormick Place in Chicago.
Trends and topics highlighted at the almost 100-year-old show include operational issues, menu development, sustainability, marketing, technology, special dietary needs, health and nutrition. More than 70 educational sessions will be led by industry experts. Guests can experience what's possible in sustainable horticulture and urban farming at the McCormick Place Rooftop Garden Tour taking placeon Sunday and Tuesday. In addition the International Wine, Spirits and Beer Event will coincide with the show May 18-19.
Stop by our May advertisers' must-see booths CLICK HERE to learn about new products and see how they can be used in your restaurant.

Alto-Shaam Receives Product of The Year Award 

CT PROformance Combitherm oven

Alto-Shaam has received the Product of the Year Award by Foodservice Consultants Society International (FCSI). The award is for the innovative technology in the new CT PROformance Combitherm oven launched earlier this year.
The Product of the Year Award honors a manufacturer whose commitment to research and development has resulted in a truly innovative product that is a clear leap forward for the foodservice industry. The winner is chosen from ten finalists in the FCSI Educational Foundation's Innovation Showcase. The finalists are selected by a distinguished panel of FCSI Fellows and ICONs, and the winner is selected by majority vote of FCSI Consultant members attending the annual conference.
The new CT PROformance Combitherm oven from Alto-Shaam features a zero clearance design, allowing equipment to be placed anywhere on the line, even next to open flame. Also, the PROpower(tm) setting allows for accelerated preheat and recovery times resulting in 20% faster cooking times than competitive models.
Alto-Shaam was chosen in part because of its ability to address today's leading commercial kitchen equipment challenges with advancements in speed, energy efficiency, and versatility to conform to diverse restaurant layouts and numerous applications. Also available with an integrated smoking feature, enhanced cleaning system and menu capacity, Absolute Humidity Control and more, the CT PROformance Combitherm Oven is the most innovative oven on the market. For more information on features and benefits, please visit ct-proformance.com.

Kendall College and WÜSTHOF Collaborate to Bring High-Quality Knives to Culinary Students 

Kendall College, the No. 1 school in Chicago in preparing students for careers in culinary arts and hospitality management (TNS Global – 2013 Survey), is proud to collaborate with state-of-the-art premium cutlery company, WÜSTHOF, as it celebrates 200 years. WÜSTHOF, headquartered in Solingen, Germany, has a long and rich heritage crafting the finest precision-forged full-tang cutlery, and as part of this new partnership, will provide all Kendall culinary students with a forged GRAND PRIX II 8-inch Cook's Knife and several knives from the laser-stamped PRO series in the student knife kit.
"Part of what makes Kendall's educational experience so rich is the outstanding partnerships we have created with top-quality, high-standard culinary organizations and companies," said Kendall College President Emily Williams Knight. "Being able to use and learn with industry-leading equipment provides our students with a competitive edge as they prepare to enter their chosen field. Working with WÜSTHOF is an honor for both our students and the faculty."
In addition to the prestigious knives becoming part of the curriculum, Kendall College will be dedicating one of the teaching kitchens to the company. This honor is provided to chefs and companies that go above and beyond to help the college in offering top educational opportunities, equipment and facilities.
"We're extremely proud and honored to partner with Kendall College and work together in cultivating the next generation of culinary professionals," said Bill Colwin, Vice President of Sales, Food Service & Hospitality at WÜSTHOF-TRIDENT OF AMERICA, INC. "In the process of developing this exciting partnership, which provides immense value to both faculty and the students, it became very obvious to all of us at WÜSTHOF that we share and adhere to the same high standards of excellence and dedication to challenging the status quo."
GRAND PRIX II and PRO knives are specifically designed for foodservice professionals who demand high-performance cutlery that can withstand heavy daily use. Crafted in Germany, both GRAND PRIX II and PRO knives are made of signature metal alloy of high-carbon, stain-free steel to meet all key criteria called for in commercial kitchens—sharpness straight out of the box, edge retention, ease in re-sharpening and prevention of rusting and staining.
To kick off the partnership, Kendall College will co-host WÜSTHOF's 200th anniversary party to be held at the college in the iconic Skyline Room, which boosts outstanding city views. The invite-only party will take place on Monday, May 19, where Kendall culinary-arts students will be working at various action stations demonstrating the quality of the WÜSTHOF knives.
For more information about Kendall College's School of Culinary Arts, visitwww.culinary.kendall.edu or for more information on WÜSTHOF, visitwusthof.com.

InHarvest Debuts Cooking Video Series on YouTube 

Which whole grains are enjoying rock-star fame among chefs and consumers? For that matter, what is a whole grain? And when a grain is touted as "ancient," what does that mean?
In answer to these and many other questions posed by foodservice employees, InHarvest is proud to announce its new professional-development channel on YouTube at youtube.com/user/inharvestfoodservice.

The 11 videos in the series are between 1:30 and 10 minutes long and feature InHarvest's Culinary Team: Michael Holleman, director of culinary development; Chris Bybee, executive chef, Western Region; Coleen Donnelly, executive chef, K-12; and Jason Ziobrowski, CEC, executive chef, Eastern Region. Video instruction embraces the following culinary training in whole-grain information and applications:

• What Is a Whole Grain? 
• Whole Grain Tips and Tricks 
• Ancient Grains, Modern Nutrition 
• Rice Bowl Concepts 
• Whole Grains at Every Station 
• Black Pearl Medley® Jambalaya 
• Menu Solutions with Greenwheat Freekeh™ 
• Recipe: Building a Salad with Golden Jewel Blend® 
• Bringing Whole Grains to K-12 
• Recipe: K-12 Deep-Dish Beef Chili 
• Recipe: Greenwheat Freekeh™ and Massaged Kale Salad

According to Holleman, while many of the videos feature InHarvest products to facilitate learning, the valuable messaging is applicable to a wealth of whole grains served in multiple segments throughout the foodservice spectrum. More videos to help industry professionals offer delicious and nutritious whole-grain menu solutions will populate the channel in 2014, he adds.

The Culinary Institute of America's Eighth Annual Augie Awards Celebrate Industry Leaders and "The Power of Food"
At the eighth annual Leadership Awards of The Culinary Institute of America (CIA), "Augie" Awards were presented to four outstanding individuals who exemplify the innovation and leadership in the food and foodservice industry that were personified by Auguste Escoffier, for whom the award is named. Captured by the event's theme, The Power of Food, these leaders were honored for their accomplishments in four areas of thought leadership and action that are both critical to the future of the industry and of great importance to the CIA:

• Honored for his dedication to professional excellence and innovation: Jean-Georges Vongerichten, chef/owner of Jean-Georges Restaurants.
• Honored for creating a product that promotes health and wellness along with philanthropic dedication in that area: Hamdi Ulukaya, founder and CEO of Chobani, Inc.
• Honored for his contribution to the understanding of world cuisines and cultures: Masaharu Morimoto, chef/owner of Morimoto Restaurants.
• Honored for his and his company's commitment to sustainability and food ethics: Leo Oosterveer, CEO of Unilever Food Solutions.

The 2014 awards took place at the Grand Hyatt in New York City, where the ballroom was filled with 500 attendees--including CIA graduates Charlie Palmer, Steve Ells, David Burke, Johnny Iuzzini, and others. The Power of Food was explored through videos of the honorees and CIA students, and a presentation from CIA President Dr. Tim Ryan, who highlighted the contributions of the college.

Master-Bilt Releases Vertical and Horizontal Open Air Display Merchandisers 
Master-Bilt is proud to announce the latest development in their line of merchandising display equipment - the VOAM series vertical and HOAM series horizontal open air display merchandisers. These new "grab and go" merchandisers offer easy access and attention-grabbing aesthetics all at a competitive price and are on display at the 2014 National Restaurant Show May 17-20 at Chicago's McCormick Place, booth #4257.

The VOAM models offer merchandising flexibility with two-position cantilever shelving and price tag molding. The HOAM series also features an adjustable shelf and has a full length 10'' wide metal top. All models exhibit standard LED canopy lighting for optimum efficiency and product display. Durable stainless steel corrosion-resistant floor pans are also standard. The contemporary-styled HOAM/VOAM series feature sloping glass sides that easily and effectively showcase salads, sandwiches, beverages and many other products.

The two new series are both constructed of textured finishes on the interior and exterior and feature an electronic controller system that allows the user to monitor defrost functions from a front panel interface. Additionally, the system provides audible and visible alarms and offers increased temperature control reliability. Merchandisers are complete with Master-Bilt's standard limited three year parts and labor warranty with additional two year coverage on the compressor.

NRA Show 2014 - Chef Magazine's Product Showcase

A round-up of must-see booths with new and old innovative products at the National Restaurant Association Show

Over the course of four days, more than 18,000 suppliers and tens of thousands of buyers will visit the booths at the National Restaurant Association, Hotel-Motel Show taking place May 17-20 at McCormick Place in Chicago. Trends and topics highlighted at the almost 100-year-old show include operational issues, menu development, sustainability, marketing, technology, special dietary needs, health and nutrition. More than 70 educational sessions will be led by industry experts. Guests can experience what's possible in sustainable horticulture and urban farming at the McCormick Place Rooftop Garden Tour taking place on Sunday and Tuesday. In addition the International Wine, Spirits and Beer Event will coincide with the show May 18-19. Stop by our May advertisers' must-see booths to learn about new products and see how they can be used in your restaurant.

DayMark • 866/517-0490, daymarksafety.com • Booth: 3201 The 9700 offers a range of features that no other unit on the market can boast, including an 8.4-inch Hot Touch Full Color display and a premier labeling provider bringing the most innovative labeling options to the prep table. The patent-pending DissolveMark Direct Thermal label technology allows flexibility in the kitchen and the performance you have come to expect from DayMark's Dissolve-a-way Labeling.

Equipex • 800/649-7885, equipex.com • Booth: 1612 Vitroceramic salamanders offer instant-on and infinite power setting features for movable top Vitroceramic models. The electric finishing ovens have a Quartz or Vitroceramic heating element. Models with an adjustable, movable top or a fixed top and adjustable bottom trays pull out with a wire rack. They can be free standing or wall mounted (kit optional), and infrared cooking enables operator to melt, brown, roast or glaze meat, fish, soups and desserts.

Worcester Industrial Products Corp. • 800/533-5711, shortening-shuttle.us • Booth: 1737 The Shortening Shuttle Waste Oil Carrier returns to the NRA Show for the 24th year. See the changes made to the device over the years. Representatives have models, accessories and ideas to help transport waste oil from kitchen to recycle area.

Alto-Shaam, Inc. • 262/251-3800, alto-shaam.com • Booth: 4840 Alto-Shaam's latest line of Combi ovens, the CT PROformance Combitherm Ovens, deliver a unique combination of features, expanding menu offerings by providing endless versatility and reliability in the kitchen. Considered an alternative for a convection oven, kettle, steamer, fryer, smoker and dehydrator, the line features the new PROpower setting. While in turbo mode, the CT PROformance operates up to 80 percent faster than conventional technology and can preheat up to 575 degrees Fahrenheit. The Absolute Humidity Control allows the user to select a precise humidity level from zero to 100 percent and the CombiSmoke feature increases versatility by allowing operators to smoke any product, hot or cold.

Robot Coupe USA • 800/824-1646, robot-coupe.com • Booth: 4037 The new table-top Robot Coupe CL51 Vegetable Prep Processor is designed to process from 20 to 300 meals per service. The CL51 has two hoppers that provide consistent processing of all fruits and vegetables and its kidney-shaped feed holds seven tomatoes; use its cylindrical feed tube for long, thin veggies. Slice, ripple cut, grate, julienne, dice and French fry in various sizes with its 52 steel discs.

Boggiatto • 831/424-8952, boggiattoproduce.com • Booth: 7928 Chefs have spoken. Garden Hearts are one of the most requested brands of romaine hearts in the industry. Why? Consistent quality, superior yield, minimal prep, and they are inexpensive. Your guests deserve the best and so does your bottom line.

Master-Bilt • 800/647-1284, master-bilt.com • Booth: 4257 Master-Bilt's ENERGY STAR qualified, bottom-mounted medium (BMG Plus) and low-temp (BLG Plus) glass door cooler and freezer merchandisers, deliver value and performance. High end design features include full-height glass doors, four adjustable cantilever shelves per door, and double strip LED lighting for maximum product visibility and illumination.

EdgeCraft home of Chef'sChoice • 800/342-3255, edgecraft.com • Booth: 3105 The Model 2100 Chef'sChoice Commercial Electric Knife Sharpener from EdgeCraft Corporation is a perfect solution for quickly sharpening knives in a cost and time efficient manner in today's commercial environment. Anyone can quickly and easily put a razor sharp edge on all commercial cutlery with this item. This three-stage Diamond Hone sharpener with advanced technology sharpens both fine-edge and serrated knives. It's dishwasher safe and includes a removable 20 degree edge sharpening module.

Chef's May/June Digital Issue is Now Available

 

May/June Digital Issue

 

 

May/June Digital Edition Features:

Beyond The Baguette: A look into Robyn Mayo's simplistic, rewarding approach to bread making

The Culinary Creative: Chef Doug Psaltis is calling the shots and making menus across Chicago

Redefining Chicken and Waffles: This comfort food essential is being reinvented in many ways

Zen and the Art of Snacking: Current crazes for the small-plate enthusiast

NRA Showcase: Check out our product showcase and guide to Chicago's dining and nightlife scene

Utilizing Coffee as an Ingredient: The repertoire of coffee-incorporated recipes keep growing

Greens and Microgreens: Preparing dishes with these tiny plants

Cracking the Egg: All eyes on Hampton Creek Food's plant-based egg substitute

Chef's Stirrings eNewsletter April 14, 2014

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 digitally. If you would like to view the 2014 March/April digital issue, please click HERE. Register HERE for free to receive Chef Digital directly to your inbox.

In this issue of Chef's Stirrings:

• Registration Now Open For Farm to Table International Symposium 2014 
• Applications Available for Les Dames d'Escoffier International Legacy Awards 
• Kendall College Student Team Wins Fifth Consecutive American Culinary Federation 
• Alaska Seafood Source Raises $8,000+ On Kickstarter
• Tito's Handmade Vodka Announces Partnership with Shiftgig
• Trapp Family Lodge welcomes Master Chef Arnd Sievers

Got a news item? Send it to us for consideration.
Sincerely,
The Editors, Chef Magazine

Registration Now Open For Farm to Table International Symposium 2014 
Registration for the Farm To Table International Symposium (F2Ti) is now open HERE.
F2Ti will be held in New Orleans,August 2 - 4, 2014. The annual event brings together the leading practitioners in the burgeoning farm-to-table movement to explore the cultivation, distribution, and consumption of food and drink sourced locally. The event is presented by the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, in partnership with the SoFAB Institute and the LSU AgCenter.
Food pioneer Michel Nischan will serve as Honorary Chair. Nischan is a restaurateur, award- winning cookbook author, media personality and food policy advocate in addition to his role as CEO and president of Wholesome Wave, a non-profit foundation dedicated to nourishing neighborhoods by supporting increased production and access to healthy, fresh, and affordable locally grown food for the well-being of all. A proponent of sustainable farming, local and regional food systems, and heritage recipes, Nichsan has long been a leader in the movement to honor local, pure, simple, and delicious cooking.

This year's theme, "The Process," will explore the best practices for urban farming, bringing products to market, sourcing locally, sustainability, the latest with the imposing Food Safety Modernization Act, and many other topics.

The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center's partnerships with the SoFAB Institute and the LSU AgCenter reflect an abundance of knowledge and expertise that will be showcased at F2Ti. SoFAB documents and celebrates the food and drink of all cultures through exhibits, programming, and a range of media. SoFAB is home to several entities, among them the SoFAB Center for Food Law, Policy & Culture, SoFAB Culinary Library & Archive, the Southern Food & Beverage Museum, Museum of the American Cocktail, and SoFAB Media. The LSU AgCenter is a part of a nationwide network of research-based extension offices within the land-grant system of universities and provides innovative research, information and education to improve people's lives in Louisiana and the world.

The August Symposium will take place in tandem with the Louisiana Restaurant Association's 61st Annual Foodservice & Hospitality EXPO, an event featuring related exhibits and attracting food and beverage professionals from across the country.

For information on exhibiting, please contact F2Ti Trade Show Sales Manager Will Webre at 504- 582-3072 or wwebre@mccno.com.

Applications Available for Les Dames d'Escoffier International Legacy Awards 

Imagine working side-by-side with a top caterer in Seattle, helping with the grape harvest for the oldest continuously operating, family-owned winery in California, or experiencing farm-to-table initiatives on a farm in Hawaii. These opportunities and others are available to women working in the food, beverage and hospitality industries through the 2014 Les Dames d'Escoffier International Legacy Awards.
Established in 2009, each LDEI Legacy Award offers a one-week workplace experience to non-Dame women in the US, UK and Canada. Award recipients will work alongside some of the culinary and hospitality industry's top women professionals, all members of Les Dames d'Escoffier (LDEI), an international organization of women leaders in food, beverage and hospitality whose mission is education and philanthropy.

Applications are available online at ldei.org. Deadline to apply is April 21, 2014.

Six awards will be offered in five categories: one each in Culinary, Pastry, Wine, Food/Wine Journalism and two experiences in Farm-to-Table. The professional experience programs include:

• Culinary-Catering with Lisa Dupar, Lisa Dupar Catering in Seattle. 
• Entrepreneurship-Pastry for Production with Shari Carlson of Dessert Dreams, Dallas. 
• Wine with Carolyn Wente, Wente Family Estates in Livermore, CA. 
• Food/Wine Journalism at Good Housekeeping Magazine with Susan Westmoreland and Sharon Franke, New York City. 
• Two Farm-to-Table with Judith Winfrey, Love is Love Farm, and Charlotte Swancy, Riverview Farms, in Atlanta. And one on the Big Island of Hawaii with Lesley Hill and Wailea Agricultural Group.

Award winners will be reimbursed for airfare and hotel accommodations for six nights for up to US $2,000. Winners will be announced in early June and experiences must be completed by October 20, 2014.

"This is a unique opportunity for Legacy Award winners to work side-by-side with outstanding culinary professionals," said LDEI president Beth Allen. "During the week, they may help with the harvest at one of California's oldest family wineries, experience in-depth learning of tropical fruit on the Big Island of Hawaii or assist in a food photo shoot for Good Housekeeping magazine. Or they could brush up their cake-decorating techniques in Dallas, further their catering expertise in Seattle or get their hands dirty on two farms in the Atlanta area.

Kendall College Student Team Wins Fifth Consecutive American Culinary Federation 

The winning 2014 ACF Central Regional Baron H. Galand Culinary Knowledge Bowl team (l. to r.): Dina Altieri, CEC, CCE, team coach and chef instructor; Michael Lanzerott; Alexander Gabrielson; Jeremy Noga, team captain; Molly Anderson; and Frank Hutman.

A team of five students enrolled in the Kendall College School of Culinary Arts' associate and baccalaureate programs beat nine other teams on March 18 to win the Central Regional Baron H. Galand Culinary Knowledge Bowl at the American Culinary Federation's (ACF) 2014 Central Regional Conference in St. Louis, Mo.

This is the fifth consecutive year that a Kendall College team has swept this annual regional competition to qualify for finals. Besides the trophy, each student on the 2014 team received an ACF gold medal.

This year's team, comprised of Molly Anderson (Rockford, Ill.), Frank Hutman (Mokena, Ill.), Alexander Gabrielson (Pella, Iowa), Michael Lanzerott (Forest Park, Ill.) and Jeremy Noga (Orland Park, Ill.), competed against student teams from foodservice-training programs at postsecondary schools throughout ACF's Central Region stretching from Minnesota and Michigan to Texas and Louisiana.

Team captain Noga, who represented Kendall in the ACF's regional Knowledge Bowl last year in St. Louis, is pursuing his bachelor's degree in culinary arts, as is team alternate Lanzerott. Anderson, Gabrielson and Hutman are pursuing associate degrees in culinary arts; Anderson, who graduates from Kendall College in June, is additionally earning her associate in baking and pastry arts.

As regional champion, the Kendall College team will compete for the national title against the finalist teams representing the ACF's three other regions onJuly 27 at the ACF's 2014 National Convention in Kansas City. Among the four regional finalists, the team with the highest score will be named the national ACF Baron H. Galand Culinary Knowledge Bowl winner for 2014.

"We are extremely proud of the students who excelled so admirably in the Central Regional Knowledge Bowl in St. Louis to earn Kendall College a win for a fifth year in a row," says Renee Zonka, RD, CEC, CHE, dean of the Kendall College School of Culinary Arts, who was on hand with team coach and chef-instructor Dina Altieri, CEC, CCE, to support the Kendall team. "Their hard work and dedication to preparing for this year's competition was remarkable."

Alaska Seafood Source Raises $8,000+ On Kickstarter 

With Oceana studies showing how "In the US, 80% of seafood is imported, and one-third of seafood is mislabeled," Alaska Seafood Source has developed a simple, clear, and straightforward seafood distribution system for consumers. Through Alaska Seafood Source, consumers are provided a direct way to purchase wild-caught seafood that is traceable back to sustainable fisheries. Our customers are continually connected to the fisherman that harvest their food through our website blog and social network sites with articles, letters, photos and videos. Unlike store bought fish, Alaska Seafood Source is able to guarantee that the seafood YOU are eating is free of dyes, chemical processing, and is sustainably wild-caught.

The Alaska Seafood Source operation is three fold:

• Ships certified sustainable Alaskan caught crab, salmon and halibut directly to the costumer's front door using reusable packaging materials.
• Connects consumers directly to the fishermen who caught their seafood to ensure full disclosure about the origin of their seafood.
• Teach our customers about healthy and sustainable seafood, so they can make educated purchasing decisions that drive the marketplace.

Alaska Seafood Source is poised to become a driving force in the Ocean to Table Movement. In order to do so, the company will need to purchase a 350 square foot industrial grade walk-in style freezer, high-quality reusable packaging materials, horizontal-flow vacuum packaging machine and supplies as well as commercial grade scales. To support the efforts of Alaska Seafood Source a fundraising campaign has been started on Kickstarter. This campaign can be viewed at kickstarter.com.

Alaska Seafood Source provides direct access for customers to purchase seafood from sustainable and wild-caught fisheries.

If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Craig Kasberg at (907) 321-9121 or email at akseafoodsource@hotmail.com.

Tito's Handmade Vodka Announces Partnership with Shiftgig
Tito's Handmade Vodka, America's original craft vodka, is proud to announce their new partnership with Shiftgig, the largest online community for the service and hospitality industries in the country. Tito's Handmade Vodka and Shiftgig will launch a 12-month program, beginning March 24, 2014, that will seek out worthy recipients of Children of Restaurant Employees (CORE) services. CORE is a charitable organization funded by donations from food and beverage operators, suppliers and distributors. 100% of the funds raised are used for children of the hospitality industry's workforce. "We feel strongly about supporting our community and the challenges of many restaurant employees who have children suffering from life-threatening conditions," said Eddie Lou, CEO of Shiftgig. "We're proud to partner with Tito's Handmade Vodka and CORE to support this important cause." To kick off the program, Tito's Handmade Vodka is making a direct donation to CORE of $15,000. The official presentation of the check will be held at the VIBE Conference 2014 (March 25-26), the industry's #1 forum for top-tier on-premise executives and their supplier partners. "We are thrilled to be included in such a worthy endeavor. It's nice to give back to an industry, which gives so much to all of us, every day. Cheers," said Tito Beveridge, Founder and Master Distiller of Tito's Handmade Vodka.

Tito's Handmade Vodka is and always has been 100% American-made and produced in Austin, Texas. It was the state's first and oldest legal distillery, and is one of the fastest-growing micro distilleries in the country. Tito's Handmade Vodka continues to be a privately owned liquor brand developed by Tito Beveridge and can be found within the United States, Singapore, provinces in Canada, many of the Caribbean Islands, as well as through United Airlines and American Airlines. The slow, six-times distilled vodka is called one of the smoothest vodkas on the market by the country's top bartenders, and was awarded a score of 95 by Wine Enthusiast.

Shiftgig is the service industry network, the premier online community where members connect with each other and businesses to access informative and funny content, jobs, and industry deals. With over 750,000 registered members and 17,000 businesses, Shiftgig has become the largest online destination for people in the restaurant, nightlife, hotel and retail industries.

For more information about Shiftgig, visit shiftgig.com.

Trapp Family Lodge welcomes Master Chef Arnd Sievers 
The Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Vermont, long known for its distinguished culinary heritage, welcomed European Certified Master Chef, Arnd Sievers as Director of Food and Beverage early this month. Sievers comes to Trapp Family Lodge with a wealth of experience, having trained at the Bavarian Hotel and Restaurant School. He has held Executive Chef Positions in a variety of hotels worldwide, and most recently, he has been a fixture here in the region, having worked for the Mohonk Mountain House and Spa in New Paltz, NY, The Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center in Burlington and The Essex Culinary Resort and Spa.

Chef Arnd—as he is better known—is also the recipient of numerous culinary awards including a Chef's Excellence Award from the Culinary Institute of America, AAA Four Diamond Award for Hotel Restaurant in 2013, gold and silver medals from the Société Culinaire Philanthropique, a Chef's Hat Award for best Hotel Restaurant and ACE Award for outstanding achievement as Executive Chef.

In his new role, Sievers hopes to "be a part of the Trapp family legacy and give a high quality of service to customers while following in the established Austrian and American culinary traditions." He looks forward to being part of a dynamic team, and feels very strongly that, "A leader is nothing without a great team at his side."

When not in the kitchen, or behind the scenes ensuring a flawless dining experience, Sievers can be found spending time with his two sons: Max, 20 and Ben, 16, or training for an upcoming adventure race. He resides in Jericho.

FENI Presents 16th Annual Educators Summit November 7-10, 2014

Chef's Stirrings eNewsletter March 17, 2014

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 digitally. If you would like to view the 2014 March/April digital issue, please click HERE. Register HERE for free to receive Chef Digital directly to your inbox.

In this issue of Chef's Stirrings:

• Alto-Shaam Receives Kitchen Innovation Award
• Ghirardelli Partners with CIA on Chocolate Classroom 
• Food Pioneer Michel Nischan Announced as Honorary Chair of Farm to Table International Symposium 
• Seafood Prix d'Elite Finalists Announced
• 36th Annual IACP Award Winners Announced in Chicago
• Wisconsin Milk Rings in Spring with New Brunch Issue of Grate. Pair. Share.

Got a news item? Send it to us for consideration.

Sincerely,

The Editors, Chef Magazine

Alto-Shaam Receives Kitchen Innovation Award

Alto-Shaam has, once again, gained a Kitchen Innovations Award from the National Restaurant Association. The award, to be presented at the upcoming NRA show later this year, is for the innovative technology in the new CT PROformance Combitherm oven launched online this month.

The KI Award honors the most promising and cutting-edge advancements in kitchen equipment for the foodservice industry. An independent, expert panel of judges comprised of internationally recognized food facilities consultants, multi-unit executives, and design experts carefully selected award recipients to be showcased in the interactive Kitchen Innovations Pavilion at the 2014 National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show to be held May 17-20 at Chicago's McCormick Place.

The new CT PROformance Combitherm oven from Alto-Shaam, making its debut at the show, features a zero clearance design. Allowing equipment to be placed anywhere on the line, even next to open flame. Also, the PROpower™ setting allows for accelerated preheat and recovery times resulting in 20% faster cooking times than competitive models.

Alto-Shaam was chosen in part because of its ability to address today's leading commercial kitchen equipment challenges with advancements in speed, energy efficiency, and versatility to conform to diverse restaurant layouts and numerous applications. Also available with an integrated smoking feature, enhanced cleaning system and menu capacity, Absolute Humidity Control and more, the CT PROformance Combitherm Oven is the most innovative oven on the market. For more information on features and benefits, please visit ct-proformance.com.

Ghirardelli Partners with CIA on Chocolate Classroom 

Chris Eklem

The Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, maker of premium chocolate products, has joined with The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) to open the Ghirardelli Chocolate Discovery Center. The facility, located at the college'sGreystone campus in St. Helena, CA, was dedicated yesterday, March 4, with an unveiling and ribbon cutting--with a ribbon cutting using giant chocolate scissors.

In the Center, CIA students learn the science of chocolate and explore how quality chocolate can be used in baking, pastry, culinary, and beverage settings. It is home to the Chocolate and Confectionery Technology and Techniques course for baking and pastry arts degree students at the CIA. The Center also houses advanced education for professionals who want to hone their confectionery and chocolate making and sculpturing skills, as well as basic pastry arts classes for food enthusiasts.

"The rapid pace of innovation in the foodservice industry constantly creates new demands for specialized skills and knowledge," says CIA President Tim Ryan. "This exciting partnership will both inspire students and professionals to shape the future of the pastry arts and also delight chocolate aficionados everywhere."

"The Ghirardelli Company vision is to change the way the U.S. consumer experiences chocolate. All of us at Ghirardelli share a passion for our brand and a strong belief in its potential to connect with and engage consumers in all settings. We are excited to extend our passion to our foodservice business," says Marty Thompson, president and CEO of Ghirardelli Chocolate Company. "This partnership offers a unique opportunity to show future chefs first-hand the impact that our high quality chocolate can have on their menu. In turn, we look forward to having these chefs' creativity and passion inform and influence our new recipes and product innovations."

Adds Christopher Eklem, the company's vice president of foodservice, "Ghirardelli is committed to enhance our presence within the chef community. What better way is there than to partner with the prestigious CIA? The relationship with the CIA is a natural fit because their students are the future leaders of the industry segments we serve, such as restaurants, bakeries, and specialty coffee establishments."

The Ghirardelli Chocolate Discovery Center is centrally located on the first floor of the main building, where campus visitors can see students at work through the show windows. Many items produced there will be available for purchase in the Spice Islands Marketplace and Flavor Bar at the CIA at Greystone.

Food Pioneer Michel Nischan Announced as Honorary Chair of Farm to Table International Symposium 

Michel Nischan

The Farm To Table International Symposium (F2Ti) announces food pioneer Michel Nischan as Honorary Chair of its 2014 event. F2Ti is an annual event that brings together the leading practitioners in the burgeoning farm-to-table movement to explore the cultivation, distribution, and consumption of food and drink sourced locally, and will be held in New Orleans, August 2 - 4, 2014.

Michel Nischan is a restaurateur, award-winning cookbook author, media personality and food policy advocate in addition to his role as CEO and president of Wholesome Wave, a non-profit foundation dedicated to nourishing neighborhoods by supporting increased production and access to healthy, fresh, and affordable locally grown food for the well-being of all. A proponent of sustainable farming, local and regional food systems, and heritage recipes, Nichsan has long been a leader in the movement to honor local, pure, simple, and delicious cooking.

This year's theme, "The Process," will explore the best practices for urban farming, bringing products to market, sourcing locally, sustainability, the latest with the imposing Food Safety Modernization Act, and many other topics.

The August Symposium will take place in tandem with the Louisiana Restaurant Association's 61st Annual Foodservice & Hospitality EXPO, an event featuring related exhibits and attracting food and beverage professionals from across the country.

For more information, please call 504-582-3072 or visit f2t-int.com.

Seafood Prix d'Elite Finalists Announced 

The finalists for this year's Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global Seafood Prix d'Elite new products competition were announced on Thursday by event organizer Diversified Communications of Portland, Maine.

The winners will be unveiled at an awards ceremony on 6 May 2014 in Auditorium 2000 from 18:15 until 20:00 at the BRUSSELS EXPO in Brussels, Belgium.

In addition to the grand prizes for the best new retail product and best new foodservice product, five special awards will be presented for originality, convenience, health and nutrition, retail packaging and seafood product line.

There are 34 finalists representing 11 countries this year.

They are:

• Surimi Rings with Garlic, Parsley and Cayenne Pepper from Angulas Aguinaga, S.A.U. – Spain
• La Gula del Norte al Ajillo con Chirlas from Angulas Aguinaga, S.A.U. – Spain Fish Snack from Bornholms A/S – Denmark
• Paella 1-2-3 Delfin from Delfin Ultracongelados SA – Spain
• Hotsmoked Salmon for Salad from Hallvard Leroy AS – Norway
• The Saucy Fish Co. Ready to Enjoy Tomato and Chilli Chutney with Roasted Sweet Chilli Salmon Fillets from Icelandic Seachill – United Kingdom
• 2 Ficelles Nordiques aux 2 Saumons from Jacques Maës SAS – France
• Tosago from Jens Moller Products Aps – Denmark Frog-Art from Jens Moller Products Aps – Denmark
• Kush Organic Mussel Soup from Kush Seafarms Ltd – Ireland
• Salmon Steamers from Laschinger Seafood Gmbh – Germany
• 'Simple Salmon' Swedish Style Atlantic Salmon Balls from Macknight Ltd. – United Kingdom
• Salmon Filo Pastry Pie from Marine Harvest VAP Europe – Belgium
• Salmon Escalope Saltimbocca Style from Marine Harvest VAP Europe – Belgium
• Cod Escalope Margarita Style from Marine Harvest VAP Europe – Belgium
• Herring Spread from N Parlevliet NV – Belgium
• Ocean Beauty Wild Salmon Jerky Original Flavor – Ocean Beauty Seafoods – United States
• Fish Fusion from Pickenpack Europe – Germany
• Coffret Plateau de Fruits de Mer from SAS Kermaree – France
• Double Dippers Crayfish Carnivale from The Big Prawn Co. Ltd. – United Kingdom
• BIG&SNACK Fish in Chips with a Pea Puree and Malt Vinegar Chipped Potato Crumb from The Big Prawn Co. Ltd. – United Kingdom
• BIG&SNACK King Prawn Scotch Egg from The Big Prawn Co. Ltd. – United Kingdom
• King Prawn 'Hunger Busters' from The Big Prawn Co. Ltd. – United Kingdom
• Double Dippers Prawn Curry Club from The Big Prawn Co. Ltd. – United Kingdom
• Double Dippers Prawn Cracker from The Big Prawn Co. Ltd. – United Kingdom
• Ship's Biscuits from The Pembrokeshire Beach Food Company Ltd. – United Kingdom – Wales
• Pumpkin Seed Breaded Fish Fillets from Trangs Group – Vietnam
• Salmon/Shrimp Pastry Bite Selection from Trangs Group – Vietnam
• Crispy Seafood Filo Flute from Trangs Group – Vietnam
• Pomelo and Eryngo Baramundi Fillets from Trangs Group – Vietnam
• Moroccan Chermoula Pollack Fillets from Trangs Group – Vietnam
• Red Miso Salmon Skewer from Trangs Group – Vietnam
• Pearl Bombs from Vichiunai Europe NV – Belgium
• Mussel Powder from Vilsund Blue A/S – Denmark

Celebrating its fourteenth year of honoring the finest and most innovative new seafood products entering the market, the Seafood Prix d'Elite competition continues to grow in importance and prestige. The Seafood Prix d'Elite takes place alongside Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global. The event forms the world's largest seafood exposition, with buyers from more than 145 countries.

With more than 1,690 exhibitors at Seafood Expo Global/Seafood Processing Global, to be chosen as a winner or selected as a finalist of the Seafood Prix d'Elite is considered a notable achievement.

36th Annual IACP Award Winners Announced in Chicago

The International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP) unveiled the winners of its highly-anticipated awards, including the IACP Cookbook Awards, Bert Greene Awards, Digital Media Awards, and the IACP Awards, at its 36th annual conference focused on the theme "Connections." Selected through an intense judging system, the IACP award recipients are recognized as the global leaders of the culinary community.

"This year's conference has been a huge success with an unprecedented line-up of speakers, seminars, and activities," said Meredith Deeds, Chief Executive Officer of IACP. "We covered a wide range of topics within the food and beverage industry by providing multiple platforms to learn and interact with industry experts, including an inspiring opening session with visionary chef Ferran Adria founder of the world-renowned elBulli Foundation, while honoring our leaders in the field."

This year's winners include cookbook authors John McReynolds and Leslie Lindell; celebrity chef Alton Brown; and popular publications and online sites such as Food & Wine, Saveur, The Kitchn, and Food52. For a complete listing of all award winners, please see further below.

The 2014 conference brought a diverse group of IACP members to food-centric Chicago, including food media, cookbook authors, dietitians, chefs, food photographers, food marketers, food stylists, bloggers, culinary tourism experts, educators, and farmers. Photos of the awards program and conference can be found HERE.

IACP's annual conference is a one-of-a-kind meeting where the world's foremost food and beverage minds convene for unrivaled educational experiences and knowledge sharing to create connections with people, places, and information through shared experiences such as culinary tours, cooking classes, as well as lectures and discussions. The 2015 IACP conference is planned for Washington, D.C. and a call for educational session proposals will be issued in the coming months.

Wisconsin Milk Rings in Spring with New Brunch Issue of Grate. Pair. Share. 

The new spring issue of Grate. Pair. Share. from the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board is filled with sweet and savory brunch recipes that incorporate fresh, spring flavors and a variety of Wisconsin Cheeses. The issue features a wide spectrum of brunch dishes: egg-based recipes, spicy dishes, waffles, pancakes, French toast and breakfast breads, many created by top chefs from around the country. Readers will also find a guide to building an omelet with the perfect Wisconsin Cheese pairing.

Since its introduction in winter 2012, Grate. Pair. Share. has received more than 13 million consumer impressions. It is published quarterly with full winter and summer issues and special mini issues for spring and fall.