By now, you’ve probably heard a thing or two about the David Michael Innovation Roadshow – whether on our Twitter feed, an industry magazine, or right here on this very blog. If you’re a procrastinating gal (or guy) like myself, you may be thinking, “oh yeah…I’ll have to look into that…”

Well, I’m here to tell you that time is running low! We are a mere FIVE weeks away from our eighth annual show – and registrations are at an all-time high.

So, if you’re in need of a little push, I’m here to give it. Below are our top 10 reasons to attend this year… 

1. The Innovation Roadshow is a FREE event! There is no cost other than your travel and accommodations.
2. You will experience innovative flavors and applications – from out-of-the-box concepts to ideas that are ready for market.
3. Learn from experts on technologies and regulatory issues that impact product formulation in today’s marketplace.
4. Re-charge your innovative edge – we’ll get you thinking in new ways!
5. See and taste product concepts in a variety of categories – from confections and baked goods, to distilled spirits and ice cream!
6. Learn how to adapt these concepts to your own product line. Think a savory frozen snack concept doesn’t have applications for your cookie line? Think again.
7. Learn how to create, or adapt, a brand that is market flexible – how to remain authentic, yet appeal to local tastes.
8. Interact with David Michael’s global creative team, as well as others in your field.
9. Learn more about current and emerging food and beverage trends.
10. Taste exotic flavors from around the world!

Want to register? There’s no time like the present! Click here!

Another season, another Fancy Foods Show! Last Monday I hopped the train to New York and breathed in the scents at the Javits Center.

Perusing the booklet before hitting the show floor, I got pretty excited to see one product in particular – black garlic. I first caught wind of black garlic late last year, and have seen it pop up in a number of foodie blogs since then. More recently, it was written up in the Washington Post and Gourmet, but I still had yet to try it. Black garlic is an ordinary garlic bulb that has fermented for about a month, resulting in what you see below. The taste is unexpected – sweet, fermented, and almost smoky. It has a subtle garlic flavor, but not at all overwhelming, and the texture is very soft. I brought a sample back to the office for our chefs to try, and they were blown away by the flavor. While at the booth, I also tried the black garlic jam, which was tasty and sweeter than the actual clove, and experienced a number of visitors running up to the booth excitedly yelling, “we love this stuff!” While I had read about this new flavor phenom in a number of blogs, this was honestly the first commercial product I had found – most foodies have been making it on their own. Expect to see black garlic grow on restaurant menus in the near future. Also, the folks at Black Garlic, Inc. were featuring a black garlic energy drink. Since black garlic claims to be loaded with antioxidants, it’s possible that this foodie favorite may also grow as a healthy ingredient.

Now to the important stuff – chocolate!! Grazing the show floor, a girl could make a mean meal on the stuff (and did, by the way). In flavors, sea salt prevailed, as did varietal dark chocolates, caramel, tea flavors and even some florals, like lavender. But at the Vosges booth, it’s still all about good old-fashioned bacon. Those fabulous cocoa gods and goddesses debuted more bacon chocolate goodness – a dark chocolate version of the Mo’s Bacon Bar, a bacon chocolate toffee, and even, dare I say, bacon chocolate pancakes! Alas, I got to the booth a smidge too early for the pancakes – and I’m still kicking myself…

Now, I’m not much of a honey fan myself (I know, I know…how can I not love honey), but I was impressed by the concept of varietal honey from Savannah Bee Company. These varieties have been specially chosen to pair with tea, cheese and grilled foods.

Of course, there is way more to talk about from this year’s show! Check back next time, we’ll talk about Peruvian flavors and Skyr!

It’s that time of year again…time for the IFT Food Expo! As always, David Michael will be there. Check us out at the Anaheim Convention, booth #837 from Sunday, June 7^th to Tuesday, June 9^th.

We’re serving a delicious, California spa-cuisine menu this year. Enjoy veggies in Sweet Vanilla Onion Dip, with our signature Soup & Salad Savory Side Bars. In Caramelized Onion, Garlic Butter Herb and Black Pepper Parmesan flavors, these biscotti-like bars will deliver a delightful taste of sweet and savory. Wash that down with a Yumberry Rooibos Tea Slushie – perfect for beating the heat!

While you’re there, don’t forget to enter our contest to win a free trip to this year’s Innovation Roadshow®. To learn more about what we’re showing at the IFT, please click here.

Not going to IFT? No worries, it’s strawberry and rhubarb season here in the Northeast, and what better excuse to sample this month’s recipe, Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble Pie. So yummy, you won’t even want to share!