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81st Annual Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo Recap

As a Foodie and Lifestyle Blogger of particular interest to me was Winning the Confidence of Gluten-Free Diners and Top Nutrition Trends. Of course, 9 Tips For Perfecting Your Social Media Pictures was a must-see event.

Disclaimer: Elise Ho, aka “Dr. Ho” is a Holistic Health & Life Coach. Dr. Ho is NOT a medical doctor, licensed therapist, lawyer, or a bevy of other things. Products or services that Dr. Ho believes in are the only ones that she recommends. Dr. Ho may receive compensation, product, or an affiliate commission on anything you see on this site. This is a personal Website solely reflecting Dr. Ho’s personal opinions. Statements on this site do not represent the views or policies of any organization with which I may be affiliated.

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81st Annual Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo Recap

The Los Angeles Convention Center was host to the 81st Annual Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo.

[ctt template=”5″ link=”TkbW4″ via=”no” nofollow=”yes”]Vice President, Tom Loughran, calls it “the must-attend event for the industry.”[/ctt]
Panel discussions and over 30 educational programs were an additional highlight of the event.
 
As a Foodie and Lifestyle Blogger of particular interest to me was Winning the Confidence of Gluten-Free Diners and Top Nutrition Trends. Additionally, 9 Tips For Perfecting Your Social Media Pictures was a must-see event.
 
[ctt template=”8″ link=”bm4r8″ via=”no” nofollow=”yes”]The prestigious Torch Award was presented to Chef Curtis Stone, Owner of Maude Restaurant, Additionally, Gwen, a specialty butcher shop, and restaurant won.[/ctt]

The Torch Award honors talented chefs for the brilliance of their careers and the impact they have had as a consequence.

 Curtis made his award-winning Barbecued Lamb Ribs Served With Labne And Fresh Herbs.
   
Additionally, Curtis signed copies of his book Good Food, Good Life.
 
However, the time he seemed to have the most pride in his achievements was when discussing his commitment to Chrysalis.
[ctt template=”8″ link=”Bc2ah” via=”no” nofollow=”yes”]Chrysalis is a not for profit organization focused on Changing Lives Through Jobs.[/ctt]

I love that there is a true practice what you preach mentality to Curtis Stone and his behavior.

In my opinion, this is obvious when you realize the number of formerly homeless and incarcerated people he has hired at his Hollywood restaurant.

Other standout chefs and their dishes include some pretty fabulous selections.

  • Chef Shaun O’Neale, Winner of Master Chef Season 7 and Author of “My American Table.” Shaun shared his Roasted Bone Marrow with Apricot-Bacon-Bourbon Jam and Sourdough Toasts paired With Newcastle Brown Ale.
  • Rapid Fire Sandwich Edition Competition winner, Chef Paul Cao of Burnt Crumbs who won for his Fried Chicken Sandwich.
  • Chef Stephen Agosto of Kelsey’s at Pechanga Resort & Casino who prepared a Smoked Lechon Sandwich.
  • Chef Max Schultz of Sessions West Coast Deli who prepared a Summer Zephyr Sandwich.
  • Peruvian Shrimp & Watermelon Ceviche Demonstration By Frankie The Bull.
  • Chef Jenny Ross of 118 Degrees who prepared Lime Coconut And Jackfruit Nachos With Chipotle Cheese And Citrus Snow.
Additionally, there were many innovative products to discover.

The Overall Winner in the Innovative New Product Showcase was Oumph! “The beans of a new generation.”

 
1st Place Runner Up was Pure Napkin.
2nd Place Runner Up was Big Mama’s Gumbo.

Best New Product in the Food Trends Experience was Mommy Sauce.

Best in Show was NavyZebra’s Elephant Foot Stamp Technology.

Additional Western Foodservice Features included:
  • Beer, Wine and Spirits Pavilion
  • Sabor Latino Pavilion
  • Healthy Pavilion.

At the close of the Show, the exhibitors of the Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo donated thousands of pounds of food to the LA Regional Food Bank.

The show, produced and managed by Urban Expositions, is the largest showcase of foodservice products in the Western United States.  It is sponsored by the California Restaurant Association. 

I am curious, if you could present one question to a food service or hospitality professional, what would that question be?

 
Upcoming shows:
  • Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show, Wednesday, October 11 – Friday, October 13, 2017, Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL
  • International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York to be held Sunday, March 4 – Tuesday, March 6, 2018, Javits Center in New York.

The 2017 Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo will be held August 19- 21. 2018 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

 

For information on exhibiting at any of these events visit the show website at www.westernfoodexpo.com.

Please use the comment section below to share your tips, questions, and/or thoughts about this post.

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Naturally Yours,
Elise Ho
Ph.D., D.N. Psych.
Behavioral & Mental Health Specialist

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24 thoughts on “81st Annual Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo Recap”

  1. I just shared your post with my cousin who owns a small chain of mom and pop delicatessens! She wants to attend this and I’m hoping to go with her if I have childcare! Thanks so much for sharing!!

  2. Hey Elise! This Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo does sound like a must see event! I love attending them as well! Sounds like we will be attending something like this in Denver this weekend! Great Share… Thanks, Chery :))

  3. Great recap, Elise. When I lived in Stamford, When I was a food and travel writer, I attended the Fancy Food Show and did a huge write-up for Woman Around Town. I think the question I would ask a food service professional would be “Is your career passion-directed or did you come into by chance and subsequently develop a passion for it?

  4. Looks exciting! This type of event isn’t something I would ever go to, but I attended countless conventions and expositions during my days working in the travel industry so I can appreciate the energy that comes from one of these events.

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About The Author

Dr. Elise Ho

Dr. Elise Ho

Dr. Elise Ho is a Holistic Health & Life Coach with a special interest in emotional health, life alignment, and energy flow.

Elise will partner with you to align your mindset, your energy, your home and your career so that you can live your life's desire with freedom and love.

Elise offers 30 years of experience and multiple certifications and degrees including a Ph.D. in Natural Health and a doctoral degree in Naturopathic Psychology.