Pancake artists at work during the 2023 National Restaurant Association Show. / Photos by Benita Gingerella
There has been no shortage of ideas for the 2023 National Restaurant Association Show, which takes place from 20-23. May at Chicago’s McCormick Place.
From new flavors of ice cream sandwiches to pancake art, here are three innovations on the show floor that could find a home in your business.
1. Use potatoes to create a sweet and salty treat
Philadelphia-based chef Jen Carroll put a twist on an ice cream sandwich with McCain’s potato minimashers as cookies. Carroll pressed the spuds into a cake tin with a stroopwaffle iron and used vanilla ice cream for the filling. The treat was then finished off with sprinkles.
2. Refresh your breakfast options with new toppings
At the Kellogg’s Away from Home booth, waffles were kicked up a notch by replacing maple syrup with whipped cream dusted with espresso powder and chocolate shavings. Berry parfaits were also given a makeover with the addition of Fruit Loops cereal.
3. Spice up small catered events with pancake art
Artists were on site at Kodiak Cake’s booth to create works of art using pancake batter. The artists used squeeze bottles filled with different colors of dough to create everything from famous cartoon characters to contestants’ pets.
