Escoffier On Line

The NRA Show is this Weekend!

The National Restaurant Show is this weekend, May 22-25 2010 at McCormack Place in Chicago.  This is the first time I will be able to attend and I’m like a 7 year old waiting for Christmas.  The show has so much to offer and so many great educational sessions that I can’t seem to be able to figure out how to do it all, even though I’m lucky enough to be doing all four days.

The show is being held along side the International Wine Spirits and Beer Event.  I’m excited about their tasting area where “IWSB exhibitors will team up with some of Chicago’s top restaurants in the IWSB Restaurant Menu Pairings Program. Chefs will work side by side with sommeliers, mixologists and brew masters to create a frenzy of flavors and taste experiences in tasting stations on the Event floor.” Here is a list of the Restaurants that will be participating,   What could be more fun (and of course educational) than that?  I hope to share photos and some of the pairings they have to offer.  If you are going to the show contact me, perhaps I could follow you around and get your reactions to the pairings, it never hurts to get a little free press.

There are several themes or pavilions in this years NRA Show.  There is an area dedicated to Food Trucks- “The Food Truck Spot”  This is especially interesting to me as a long time on and off premises caterer and former NYC Street Food Vendor, who still has the dream of having my own place, this seems like a very interesting way to do it without the expenses and limitations of  doing a brick and mortar restaurant.

There are over 70 educational sessions.  I’m hoping to do some of the ones on alternative venues for Non Traditional Venues for Restaurants, Green and Sustainability and naturally some on the New Media.  Just wish I could be in two places at once because so many great sessions are run simultaneously and there is very little duplication.  

Special Pavilions include-  The World Culinary Showcase, , The American Food Fair for domestic producers looking to increase exports, Conservation Solutions Center focusing on all things Green and Sustainable,  the Franchise Pavilion,  Hot New Products, Organic and Natural Pavilion, Smart Design  and the Technology  pavilions.

The above are just events going on at McCormack Place, there are many other events off site including a road trip   (two actually) going behind the scenes of trendy local eateries, an “After Hours Party” for the IWS&B event and CIA Alumni Reception that should be great.

I have no Idea how I am going to be able to cram all the above into my time in Chicago but I can’t wait to give it a go!

Are you going to the show?  Drop me a note maybe we can get together!

Cheers,

G