Executive Chef Christopher Vacca To Join Ocean Mist Farms At PMA Foodservice Conference

Castroville, Calif.  – Ocean Mist® Farms, premier grower of fresh artichokes and over 30 other vegetable varieties, is excited to bring Executive Chef Christopher Vacca of the renowned Hyatt Carmel Highlands to this year’s PMA Foodservice Conference & Expo where he will prepare and sample Tuscan Style Braised Baby Artichokes.

Chef Christopher has extensive experience in the restaurant industry as a culinary consultant, menu developer, owner and executive chef. He has served in a wide variety of culinary settings – from fine dining and fast‐casual to catering and food trucks. He is an alumnus of The Culinary Institute of America, served as the former executive chef at award‐winning Cantinetta Luca in Carmel, and brings a wealth of knowledge to share with attendees at this year’s show.

“It’s an honor to bring this caliber of chef to an industry event like the annual PMA Foodservice Conference where his experience is so highly valued,” said Diana McClean, senior director of marketing at Ocean Mist Farms. “Chef Chris has always done an incredible job elevating artichokes at the annual Castroville Artichoke Festival, so we’re really looking forward to him sharing insight on foodservice trends with our partners.”

In addition to sampling Ocean Mist Farms Baby Artichokes in booth #219, the company will showcase several of its washed and ready-to-use convenience products specifically designed with foodservice professionals in mind. Products on display will include Brussels Sprouts (whole, halves, and shreds) in 3 and 5 lb. bags, Broccoli Florets in 3 lb. bags, and Spinach in 1, 2, and 2 ½ lb. bags.

To schedule an appointment with Ocean Mist Farms, please email dmcclean@oceanmist.com or stop by booth #219 on July 27.

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About Ocean Mist Farms

Ocean Mist Farms, a fourth generation family-owned business and the largest grower of fresh artichokes in North America, is committed to delivering the highest standards in the industry for food safety, product quality, customer service, innovation and sustainability. The company’s full line of over 30 fresh vegetables includes the award-winning Season & Steam and Ocean Mist Organic product lines. For more information, visit www.oceanmist.com.

About Hyatt Carmel Highlands

Perched on the hillside of the Carmel Highlands with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, Hyatt Carmel Highlands combines true Carmel luxury with an approachable and sophisticated spirit. A haven for artists and discerning travelers since its opening in 1917 as the Highland Inn, Hyatt Carmel Highlands features 48 luxuriously renovated guestrooms, including 11 suites, 32 Ocean View rooms and 5 Garden View rooms. Situated only four miles from downtown Carmel, Hyatt Carmel Highlands’ idyllic setting and personalized service has attracted families, weddings, honeymooners and privileged travelers for a century. Hyatt Carmel Highlands has been recognized among the world’s finest hotels as part of Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List and Travel + Leisure’s “T+L 500” World’s Best Hotels. Adjacent to the property is the Hyatt Residence Club Carmel, Highlands Inn, which includes 94 one- and two-bedroom units each with wood-burning fireplace, private balcony, and ocean or garden view. For more information, visit www.hyattresidenceclub.com.