"Pour some sugar on me..."

[Ed Note: this post represents part one of three in my NYC foodie weekend]

This afternoon, I attended the International Restaurant and Foodservice Show in New York City. At this event, over 600 exhibitors showcased their exotic foods, gadgets, and chef-y type tools used in restaurants and foodservice businesses. Translation: a Food Sample Paradise that surely beats Sam's Club on a Saturday afternoon. Below were some of the highlights that I found interesting and /or delicious:

Most Carb-ed Out
Bake'nJoy Muffins: Can I say I've died and gone to muffin heaven? The cinnamon chip muffins were fluffy and flavorful... simply divine!

Most Poppin'
CocoPop Ricecakes: Every few seconds, these machines would zing out a rice cake the size of my head. Served with hummus, these rice cakes make a cute and healthy treat!

"Cool"est
Berzaci Gelato: And yes, the gelato was as good as it looked...


"Hott"est
Marukome Miso Machine: Miso soup at the press of a button. How cool (or should I say hot) is that?


Most Bling Bling
Sabatino Tartufi Truffle Sauce: The sauce was made from truffles ground right on site. I felt a tad guilty consuming this exquisite concoction as the word "current recession" danced in my head.


Sweetest Shot
Chambord New York's Dessert Pairings: these desserts pair a cake with a complementary- flavored glass of mousse for a double shot of love!

Most Statuesque
A creation inspired by The Phantom of the Opera made from chocolate and spun sugar.


All and all, a great show filled with some amazing foodstuff and food gadgets that were all winners in my book!

Part 2: Dinner at the Waverly Inn (to be continued during the week)...