Spring has Spring?

Hello and Happy Easter Everyone!

I do believe Spring (finally) is on its way! When I started this blog, I didn't realize it was going to be a "seasonal" posting, but since the beginning of the year, I have been traveling or working non-stop. As with all chefs, there is just so much to do, and so little time!

I wish that the responses to the blogs were automatically posted on this page, because in my absence, Andy Potter left a comment / response with some good information about "assembly kitchens" that was directly related to the information that I posted in December. Andy said; “There are about 1400 “meal assembly kitchens” in the USA, and another 60 or so across the rest of the world. To find one in your area, you can search by city or zip at, www.mealassembly.net . I am continuing my research into this developing report and there will be more to follow soon. Thank You, Andy!

In hindsight, there has been so much happening since the first of the year, it’s no wonder I haven't posted here in almost three months. Part of my absence was due to our trip out to North Carolina, to see my new baby Granddaughter. Thank you Tim and Bonnie, for making this such a pleasant and memorable occasion. However difficult, I will refrain from posting any “baby pictures” here!

More recently, I just returned from Las Vegas, Nevada where I attended the "Catersource 2008" convention. It was HUGE and there were over 1,000 vendors, with every imaginable (some you never imagined) type of product that could be used by a catering service. To make it even more overwhelming (and quite frankly, a lot more confusing) they decided to have the “National Restaurant Food and Beverage Show” on the same weekend, in the same complex, at the convention center. With both shows going on simultaneously, it could have easily taken me two full days just to see all of the products on display! The “theme” for the convention, “Innovation and Inspiration” was very evident and there were so many new products that have come on line, that I had a sense of renewed enthusiasm in every facet of the industry. Even some of the old mainstays of the event brought out something that was fresh for 2008. From software for event planners, to service-ware equipment designs for buffet setups, to portable “inflatable” pavilions, this truly was an awesome show!

One of the highlights for me, was the new liquified “pastel colored” chocolates for the chocolate fountains, (just in time for Easter) that have become so popular at weddings and receptions. The multi-colored pink, blue, orange and green chocolate fountain displays, were quite spectacular! Also, on a more practical note, there was a company called Spandex USA, that has delved into the covering of EVERYTHING you have ever seen at a reception, party or event. They cover chairs, tables, stages, buffet service wares, etc... and it all can be custom colored or party theme oriented. Some of the notable table covers were designed to look like a football field for the buffet, or like a basketball for the round tables. One of their products (that I bought) was designed to fit around those old 5 gallon Gater-aide type drink dispensers. These neutral colored covers make those bright orange containers “presentable” on any beverage station. The have a card holder sewed in on the front of them, to display the type of beverage you are dispensing and they are a stain resistant, washable material that should last as long as the container does. Some of this stuff you just have to see for yourself. So, if you visit their web-site at; www.SpandexUsa.com, you can see their “Flying Tables” video and preview their products.

The portable equipment for on site BBQ’s and pig roasts was amazing. These units are basically fully equipped kitchens on wheels. Some of them were designed for cooking for several hundred people, with the capacity to slow-cook 8 whole hogs, or two whole sides of beef! Can you just imagine “Cookie” pulling up to a trail drive with one of these? One of the more original ones, was designed to look like a old train locomotive! This authentic looking train engine, had a caboose (for your fire wood) complete with a bell, steam whistle and smoke stack. It looked just like one of those “kiddy trains” you see at the amusement park. I had visions of this unit stopping traffic with it attached to the back of my catering van. The attention you would get would be worth the money spent just for the adverting dollar alone!

While I was in Las Vegas, I had the opportunity to go over to Sam’s Town and check out the happenings at the APPCA conference. I want to give a shout-out to Candy Wallace, who is the Director of the American Personal & Private Chefs Association. The APPCA was represented also at the Catersource 2008 event and they were having their annual conference in Las Vegas, to coincide with the trade show. It was such a success, they are talking about doing it there again next year. There was nonstop activity at the APPCA booth during the show and that tells me that there is still a tremendous amount of interest in the Personal Chef business. It goes without saying, that APPCA has established itself as the premier accrediting authority for personal and private chefs through-out the industry. “Thank You” Candy, for being so gracious and you always make it a pleasure. It’s greatly due to your efforts that I’m proud to say, “ I’m a member of the APPCA”!

Once again, Happy Easter!
Chef Bill