Imagine a gigantic multi-block convention center filled to the brim with every food trend you ever thought imaginable. Teriyaki mushroom jerky, marzipan petit fours, every kind of artisan chocolate on the planet, nut butter rich granola bars, super fruit smoothies, artisan ice creams, fresh Italian cannolis, French jams of fig or rhubarb paired with butter biscuits, and much more, all ready for your sampling delight. Such is the experience at the annual Fancy Food Show in San Francisco, open to food merchants and purveyors from around the world.
I ain’t gonna lie, covering aisle after aisle of food sampling and you need to prep, perhaps fast the day before? Because when you are a serious foodie this is the time to throw caution into the garbage disposal, and dive into this food tasting experience on steroids! Luckily this year I spent less time eating and more time feeding, doling out samples as a representative of Sadaf Foods, one of my favorite brands of Middle Eastern products. I developed a sampling menu using some of their signature products, like saffron spray, black garlic, California grown pomegranate concentrate, rich feta cheese, and fragrant za’atar. To share this experience with you, and bring you along virtually, I made a mini-music video, as well as a live video feed of one of my recipes–sesame coated feta pan fried till melted and drizzled with honey. Hope you enjoy the quick virtual tour!
