I spent this past Tuesday and Wednesday at the Meadowlands Exposittion Center together with my good friend, successful commercial photographer and former Chair of the Photo Department at Fashion Institute of Technology – Irving Schild. I’ve been to Kosherfest quite a few times and as good as they were this one leaves those before it far in the dust. Not only was it far bigger (more exhibitors), it had far more visitors who were more informed, more health conscious, than ever before.
There were many new and exciting products, that will be hitting the store shelves soon, as well as non-food items that caught our attention:
This company used a very creative way to show us their line of products, no words were necessary… just good old fashioned candle making.
Argentina, a country right across the river from where I grew up, distinguished itself by having Marumatok snatch the Kosherfest’s Best New Wine of the Year (Fincas Marumatok Cabernet Sauvignon Malbec). Marumatok has a nice line of wines at very reasonable prices, they may be hard to find but are well worth the search!
Costa Rica had its own booth promoting kosher travel tours in that country.
To me one of the main highlights was a panel discussion with various cookbook authors where new and upcoming trends were discussed:
Various bloggers were allowed to ask questions to the authors, making this an interesting information packed hour.
There were far too many interesting items and products for the scope of this brief post, but we’ll talk about a few more in the 2nd part of this series. Especially worthy of mention, however, is the Best Overall New Product winner: Tishbi Passion Fruit and Strawberry Champagne Preserves. Ora Tishbi truly outdid herself for the second year in a row. I’m not into preserves but these are truly delicious
Seyman once again had an incredible display of superb European cheeses… that Manchego, the Gruyère, the Halumi, the Parmegiano Reggiano… just remembering the taste makes my mouth water and I wasn’t even taking part in a Pavlovian experiment!
The Petrini Gelato Shoppe, introduced a new dimension of flavor. Both their milchig and parve lines were outstanding
The French chocolates from Michel Cluizel, were miniature works of art. Their taste incomparable, far above any other chocolates this chocaholic ever tasted before!
CS
How sad there were no Sephardic Cookbook Authors invited to the panel. I think that there should have had Claudia Roden and Poopa Dweck…they are amazing and their cookbooks are legendary.
LikeLike
Reyna,
I reviewed Poopa Dweck’s Aromas of Aleppo and also interviewed her on my BlogTalkRadio show. Hers is one of the most beautiful cookbooks I ever owned!
I can’t talk for the panel’s organizers, nor do I know what their criteria was, BUT the authors present seem to have one thing in common, they all published within the last 18 months. By the way, Lévana Kirschenbaum IS Sephardi (Moroccan) and her recipes reflect that heritage, even when she does French, Italian, or Latin cuisine demos.
LikeLike
What a fun idea to have a “taste test” activity with your family! I was just telling my husband about this last night – it would be fun to do with soda, pizza, juice, ice cream, chocolate, etc.Also: congrats on making the “top 10” list! That’s wonderful!
LikeLike
There are still Shtetl’s in the world?
LikeLike