Chefs Innovate with California Grapes on Fall Menus
Fresno, CA - It’s not all about beef with Black Angus Steakhouse this fall, as the restaurant introduces a new Baby Kale Salad with grapes being tested in select locations for the season. The restaurant is one of several menus to “Go with Grapes” in partnership with California table grapes.
“Chefs continue to create exciting new menu items with fresh grapes,” said Courtney Romano, Foodservice Consultant to the California Table Grape Commission. “Grapes offer versatility, great flavor, and visual appeal, and deliver desirable acidity and sweetness that can make the dish.”
The promotion theme of “Go with Grapes” presents California grapes in snack boxes, as grab ‘n go options, and smoothies, the Commission said.
In addition to Black Angus, Morrison Healthcare, Nordstrom Restaurants, and Restaurant Associates have also joined the grape train.
“Exploring the culinary possibilities with grapes resulted in a flood of creativity from the team and some really great new concepts,” said Corporate Chef Keith Brunell.
At Nordstrom Restaurants, the culinary team created eight new fall menu specials with California grapes offered in all 128 company units. The option kicked off in September and is running through October. The new grape offerings include, among other items:
- A smoothie
- Risotto
- Pizza
- Entrée salad
Morrison Healthcare featured California grapes in its 800 healthcare units during the month of September, according to a press release, offering them as an add-on side option for burgers and sandwiches at the grilling stations, in grab ‘n go grape-only cups, and snack boxes. Grapes were also featured as a signature ingredient in seven recipes, including a flatbread, a pasta, and a new sandwich.
Restaurant Associates has 150 corporate dining and education facilities throughout which it will promote California grapes.
Company chefs have developed new, unique recipes featuring grapes as part of the Chef’s Table throughout operations, including new appetizers, a sandwich, and entrée dishes.
As the Commission and those it partners with look to widen the grape gaze of consumers, AndNowUKnow will continue to bring you the latest in strategies, campaigns, and more.
