After a two-year hiatus, this years International Restaurant & Food Service Show sponsored by the New York State Restaurant Association opened its doors at Javits Center on March 5th-7th, 2022. This two show, one badge event included the Coffee Fest and International Restaurant & Food Service Show. New York City Mayor Eric Adams help to kick off the Rapid Fire Challenge, addressed members, met with dozens of exhibitors and sampled some of the new plant-based food and beverage items that were showcased in the exhibit hall.
The entire expo was filled with multiple vendors showcasing their latest products. A full listings of timed competitions, panel discussions, food and coffee tastings and demos . Each specialty pavilion had exceptionally displayed products that grasped everyone’s attention instantly as you passed by in curiosity.
This three day expo showcasing new products gathered thousands of restaurateurs, food service and food retail professional from around the world. Attendees had access to Coffee Fest Latte Art World Competition and Culinary Demonstrations.
Coffee Fest, a coffee & tea trade show offered sessions on roasting, sales & marketing and three barista competitions. These competitions of 64 competitor created a buzz like no other before, America’s Best Cold Brew, America’s Best Espresso and Latte Art World Championship and more.
Here are highlights and the winners from the various events.
- The new Humanitarian Spotlight Award was presented via satellite to Nate Mook, CEO, World Central Kitchen for their outstanding dedication to providing nutritious meals to people in devastated regions. Nate accepted the award live from Lviv, Ukraine where he and WCK were on the ground feeding thousands of refugees escaping the war.
- The Torch Award, given each year to an outstanding chef or restaurateur, was presented Anita Lo, a Michelin star Chef, Iron Chef Winner, and Top Chef Masters competitor, and author.
- The Beacon Award which recognizes a woman leader who has truly served the industry through leadership, contributions, and inspiration was presented to Millie Peartree, respected A-list celebrity personal chef, successful restaurateur, and cupcake extraordinaire. Millie founded Full Heart Full Bellies, a charity that provides meals for children and families in need, due to COVID-19 related, canceled and limited food programs.
- Best in Show for Pitch the Press was Prime 6 for their highly dense charcoal providing over six hours of cook time. The following companies were also selected for having innovative new products.
- Coffee Fest had two exciting competitions and an awards presentation.
- Latte Art World Championship Open – Sixty-four baristas competed, bracket style, sudden death format which featured head-to-head competition as “a match” between the competitors. The 1st place winner was Sean Ben-Zvi; 2nd place went to Matthew Bolchi; and 3rd place to Woo Jae Lee.
- US Cold Brew Championships, was a brand-new competition where cold brewers presented a still cold brew and prepared a signature cold brew drink to the judges. The 1st place winner was Tio Conejo, 2nd place was Shelburne Falls, and 3rd place was Kru Coffee.
- The “Best of Fest,” voted on by attendees, Winner: Lotus Energy Drinks White Lotus; Best Non-Consumable: Planetary Design Airscape; and Best Consumable: Torani Puremade Salted Egg Yolk syrup
- The Daniel Lee Giving Tree Award, presented to a latte artist who best embodies gentleness and kindness to others as voted by fellow latte art competitors, was presented to Proph – Brooklyn, New York, a good friend and co-worker of Daniel.
International Restaurant & Food Service Show 2022- New York City Mayor Eric Adams -Speaks (Click Link)
This years expo was a pleasure for us to attend. We were truly delighted to have a first look at this two show expo in one showcase. Thank you, we are truly looking forward to next year.
