CHICAGO — The annual NRA Show, which was held last weekend in Chicago, once again set the North American standard in innovation and new technology for the restaurant industry. Highlighted by the 10th anniversary of the Kitchen Innovations Awards, the 2014 event also featured winners in the Food and Beverage Innovations category as well as an extensive Technology Pavilion, which included education sessions as well as networking facilities linking buyer and supplier.
Reflecting the view of many exhibitors and attendees, Connor Martin, executive chef and sales director of Eloma USA, which sells ovens, among other accoutrements, commented, “After a walk around this year’s NRA show floor, the most noticeable trend is the broad use of computer technology in foodservice equipment,” he said. “Equipment is becoming quite sophisticated now, but in some cases also more difficult to operate. For Eloma, our focus has been to simplify the end user’s interaction and daily use, yet maintain a powerful and robust user interface. We worked extremely hard to accomplish this balance.”
Some of the innovations that captured attention at the NRA Show are highlighted below.
Tork Foodservice Cleaning Wet Wipe
A superior front-of-house tabletop cleaning solution, the Tork Foodservice Cleaning Wet Wipes come in a re-sealable, portable, apron-sized pack that wait staff can carry conveniently with them at all times. The disposable wet wipes can be used on their own or with a standard sanitizing solution. The wipes clean oil, grease and food residue, saving server time and improving guest satisfaction as cleaning is done with a fresh cloth that doesn’t leave residue behind. SCA Care of Life
Multiplex Blend In Cup
Foodservice operators can add blended beverages to their operation — frappes, slush drinks, cocktails — with the Multiplex Blend In Cup workstations that feature the exclusive EasyTouch control. The system makes beverage preparation and administration simple with inventory management, visual training, cleaning, maintenance and data collection. The dual-blending stations mix each drink, then thoroughly rinse the chamber to sanitize and prevent flavour crossover. The storage cabinet holds up to eight beverage flavours. The Manitowoc Company, Inc.
The Convotherm 4
The new Convotherm 4 prepares food using low-energy and offers a new functional but aesthetically pleasing design for back- or front-of-house cooking. The combi-steamer is available in seven sizes, each available in eight basic versions.
Manitowoc Foodservice
Flat Tables
Australia-based Flat Pty Ltd. has introduced its patented Flat table bases to the U.S. and Canadian market. The product automatically stabilizes and enables the leveling of tabletops. The unique leveling ability enables operators to use more small tables and configure them as needed for larger groups and catered events. Flat Pty Ltd.
Genius MT Combination Ovens
A new multi-touch, picture-driven, interface makes it easier to use the latest Eloma Genius MT Combination Ovens. New commands can be entered through the pad or the user can select from hundreds of pre-installed cooking and baking programs. The system can perform nine cooking functions, including thawing, poaching, braising, steaming, roasting, broiling/browning, grilling, baking and regenerating. It stores the last 20 cooking processes used. The Genius MT is available in a range of size and power configurations. Eloma North America
Shuttle Oven
A Kitchen Innovations Award Winner at this year’s NRA Show, the ventless impingement Ovention Shuttle Oven transitions from shuttle mode (with doors closed) to a high-performance conveyor mode. The system stores cook settings for up to 1,000 menu items. In both modes, the system is fast without the use of microwaves; no hood is required and the machine’s performance surpasses UL grease emissions standards. Ovention, Inc.
Flexsil-Lid
Australia-based Flexsil-Lid, has introduced a re-useable silicon lid to the North American market, which can snap onto all standard Gastronorm or steam pan containers, replacing plastic film and aluminum foil. Its patent-pending “lip-lock” technology consistently keeps food fresher than plastic wrap. The lid is NSF-certified, meets FDA standards and is dishwasher safe. Lids are designed to withstand temperatures as low as -40°C if used in freezers and up to 220°C when cooking in ovens. Flexsil-Lid USA
Sweet Choice featuring Fuzionate
Sweet Choice featuring Fuzionate is purported to be the first fully-integrated frozen dessert machine to produce nine soft-serve flavours. Configured for front- or back-of-house, crew members or customers simply select one of eight flavours (or vanilla) and pull down the lever. The Fuzionate technology dispenses frozen yogurt, ice cream or gelato. Electro Freeze
Modular Beverage Blending System
The frozen drink Modular Beverage Blending System, which uses less than 30 linear inches of counter space, has been created for high volume, drive-thru and quick-service restaurants. Automated portioning dispenses precise amounts of ice, purée and water (optional) to provide faster, more accurate, hands-free recipe builds of smoothies and other blended beverages. Operators can incorporate items such as frozen fruits and vegetables by adding The Quiet One component. Vitamix
Bolt Carafe Brewing System
The first foodservice commercial-grade Bolt Carafe Brewing System is designed to brew a 64-ounce pot of coffee in approximately two minutes, compared the four minutes it takes with other leading 120V commercial coffee brewers. The innovation earned a Food and Beverage Innovators Award at this year’s NRA Show. Keurig Green Mountain, Inc.
