StarChefs “Best in Show”
Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo
August 28 – August 30, 2004
Los Angeles, CA

Eureka! The Innovator Awards Are Here
Every year the California Restaurant Association recognizes the most ingenious new foodservice products by honoring them with Innovator Awards. This year, finalists were judged in July, and the awards will be presented during the Western Foodservice and Hospitality Expo during the VIP Press Reception and Ceremony on Saturday, August 28. Entries were considered in 10 categories: appetizer, entrée, dessert, healthy food, non-alcohol beverage, alcohol beverage, heavy equipment, light equipment, technology and environmental/safety. All the contestants will showcase their products throughout the Expo.

StarChefs was able to get a sneak peak at some of these new and exciting offerings. We received a wide range of items and, after extensive testing we chose our “Best in Show”.

Eggology: On-the-Go 100% Egg Whites
These convenient, microwavable egg whites come individually packaged, and each contains 4 fresh egg whites (with no preservatives). Skeptical at first, we followed the instructions on the package (shake well, remove seal and pop in the microwave) and in less than two minutes we had freshly scrambled egg whites. This product will likely appeal to those individuals already consuming plain egg whites as part of a healthy lifestyle and might even convince others to jump on the low carb bandwagon. The efficiency of this product will also allow smaller establishments with limited kitchen space or only a microwave to provide their customers with a healthy breakfast alternative.

Torani Sugar Free Syrups/Sauces
Expanding on their popular line of flavoring syrups (you’ve seen them at all the specialty coffee shops), Torani has introduced this sugar-free line that is low-cal, low-carb and low fat. We sampled three flavors - chocolate, caramel and white chocolate - in coffee, over ice cream and, of course, straight up. Sweetened with Splenda®, the syrups and sauces will satisfy any sweet tooth on a diet and even those who are not. The caramel was the most popular and the best addition to a standard cup of coffee. Coffee consumers have become accustomed to creating their own custom coffee drink and these Torani syrups allow customers to do so without the added sugar and calories.

Xlerator Hand Dryer
We were “blown” away by this hand dryer from Excel Dryer, Inc. With an automatic sensor, the dryer immediately switches on when you place your hands underneath it. A powerful surge of warm air shoots out, leaving your hands dry in seconds. As with most hand dryers, it is an environmentally friendly addition to a bathroom, eliminating the cost and disposal of paper towels. Although the unit is a bit noisy, it beats out most other hand dryers that typically take forever and leave your hands still dripping with water. Any foodservice location would benefit both from the elimination of additional costs and the expediency of hand drying for both employees and customers.

Tumaro’s Gourmet Tortillas
Pesto and Roasted Garlic, Jalapeno & Cilantro, Honey Wheat and Indian Curry; sounds like an international feast? Well it was when we sampled the extensive product line that Tumaro’s, Inc has to offer food service professionals. These 10-inch tortillas come in 13 savory flavors (the ones mentioned are our favorites), resealable zip-lock bags and are low in fat and cholesterol. Tumaro’s has also introduced a line of low-carb tortillas that are high in fiber, trans fat free and come in 4 flavors - multi-grain, green onion, garden vegetable and salsa. Though the low-carb tortillas are a good option for the carb conscious, our tasters preferred the texture and flavor of the original tortilla. With Tortilla sales growing at an estimated rate of 10% to 15% a year, the popularity and versatility of this product is undeniable.