National Restaurant Association Show

Last Sunday I ate and drank my way through my first NRA ( show at McCormick Place. Due to increased costs in having shows in Chicago, NRA is rumoured to be looking for cheaper alternatives next year. Therefore, I feel lucky I went.

It apparently is not as big as it once was, but what a trip. At one point, I just kept saying “this is insane.” Now, nothing against the “trade show” kvetching thang, I just kept going by booth after booth after booth, not talking....just eating. After an hour, I felt sick. I had eaten or seen, amongst other things, mock caviar, a cuban, fried whatever you could ever imagine, and sushi. I, too, drank: coffee, soda pop, mixed drinks, beer, wine, and juice.

Monin syrups offered a vodka, ice cream, key lime syrup and whipped cream concoction that was terrific.

I took a few photos, but the star of the show was certainly the desserts from Atkins International. This booth is why I gained five pounds in one day...see their website for more:

http://atkins-intl-foods.com/

The biodegradable disposables really fascinated me: wood forks?

Five hours later I emerged with a bag full of goodies to sample. Quite a lot of fun.

A very clever idea: a fruited pineapple faux palm tree.


Organic goodies




Atkins International desserts


Freebies (blurry, I know)

The NRA's decreased size is due to the separation of the Fancy Foods Show into its own show--they used to be combined.