Retail & FoodService

Chef Branden Bentley with the Aviary Creperie and Patisserie in Springfield received highest honors during the Springfield/Branson Taste of Elegance culinary competition held March 17 at the Ramada Oasis Convention Center in Springfield. Chef Bentley prepared Porcetta di Testa with an Arugula and Radish Salad and Charred Stone Fruit Mustardo, Old World Head Cheese with Cornichons and Caperberries, and Chevre Farmer’s Cheese with Garlic Confit. His winning dish earned the $1,000 top award and the opportunity to attend the national Pork Summit held in St. Helena, California. …

Snack consumption is on the rise, as half of today's consumers (51 percent) say that they eat snacks at least twice a day, an increase from the 48 percent who said the same in 2012. And about a third of consumers (31 percent) told Technomic they're snacking more frequently than they were just two years ago. To help foodservice executives understand the latest behaviors, preferences and attitudes of consumers regarding snacking, Technomic has published an update of its Snacking Occasion Consumer Trend Report. …

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning distributors, retailers and food service establishments such as hotels, restaurants, cafeterias, hospitals and nursing homes not to sell or use the products described below due to possible Listeria contamination. …

Chef Chris Turke checks into his RingSide Steakhouse Eastside each day with one goal in mind – giving diners who’ve chosen this restaurant an experience that will keep them coming back for more. …

A manufacturer of advanced thermal cooking, pasteurizing, and chilling/freezing systems has inaugurated a leading-edge test kitchen in Maastricht, Netherlands that will enable processors seeking productivity and quality improvements to conveniently see and test the latest systems for cooking protein, vegetable, and bakery products. …