By Dawn Straccia

 The 2013 International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York came to an end on Tuesday March 5.

  As expected the show definitely brought to the table everything that a foodies heart desires.  Some 500 plus exhibitor's filled the Jacob Javit's Center for 3 full days of tasting and bringing new and innovative equipment to restaurateurs. Included in the extravaganza was the whole top floor dedicated to Wine from all over the country.

  Opening day started off with the 24th Annual U.S Pastry Competition presented by Paris Gourmet which was established in 1983 and is a leading specialty importer or Gourmet & Pastry ingredients.  "Women" this years theme, brought together fifteen rising star pastry Chefs to compete for the coveted title, Pastry Chef of the Year. All with there distinctive design brought forth wonderfully beautiful masterpieces.

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 Exhibitors included, just to mention a few small companies that have a distinguished product;  "Primo" Truffle Oil from Urbani Truffles, Lorenzo #1-5 Olive Oil , "Silky" Gelato from mec3, and  Blue Marble Ice Cream.  Big companies that have been in business for decades; Master Purveyors since 1957, who's home is in the Bronx, N.Y. "meat that is a cut above the rest" from natural grass feed stock,  Micro-Vegetables & Flowers from Koppert Cress is an innovative way to bring "fresh to the dish", Boneworks Culinarte Stock, masters at making stock in big batches and Pastrami Sandwiches that would put a frown on some of New York's best. 



  Across the food map everything was covered including beverage's.  There were Beet, Carrot & Cucumber Juice, Dr. Smoothie Pour & Blend Natural Smoothies, a company called Sea Breeze who has mastered the Egg Cream out of the Soda Fountain! Which I would highly recommend.   The  Coffee's from all over the world including Lacas Coffee Co.

 
  Also included were newbies such as Hey Shuga "not refined but defined as liquid gold", The Teaologist who hand blends different Herbs & Spices to make unique tea's.      

  Not only was it about food, but equipment that could squeeze 100 pounds of Oranges for fresh squeezed Orange Juice, Convection Ovens, Tableware, Furniture, Paper Products and even a Company that is in the business of designing Food Trucks.

  As the show closed on Tuesday it was bittersweet.  Make sure to keep your calander open for next year.  With more new and innovative products that will be brought to you..