\The National Restaurant Association (NRA) show took place May 5-8 at McCormick Place for industry professionals and media.
Among the featured events were a speech by former President Bill Clinton, a block party and the Restaurants Rock Industry Party. However, the exhibit was the crown jewel, with more than 1,800 vendors wanting attendees to take interest in their products. Among some of the standouts are the following:
Go-2 Products, Inc. ( www.go-2products.com ): This company offers a huge variety of items such as straws, cutlery and containers. However, what's really eye-catching is the fact that some of the items change color if placed in a hot food or liquidwhich can be helpful as well as entertaining.
Crave ( icravemilk.com ): Not only is this milk absolutely delicious, but because of its unique pasteurization process, Crave can be stored at room temperature just like your favorite soda or juice until you're ready to enjoy it.
Earth Wise ( earthwisebeverages.com ): Another great-tasting product, Earth Wise Beverages come in a variety of fruit-juice blends such as Berry Meadow and Orchard Reds. Juice boxes feature flavors such as Pomegranate Blueberry and (my fave) Orange Carrot Mango. The company says it uses only filtered water and the highest quality concentrated juices.
Aphrodite Divine Confections ( www.AphroditeDesserts.com ): Try to eat just one of this company's chocolate-chip cookies. However, Aphrodite also offers dessert bars, squeeze-and-bake batter and cream-filled sconesants (scone-croissant blends).
Staybowlizer ( staybowlizer.com ): I actually was bowled over by this product, is a device that is used to secure bowls of all shapes and sizes from unwanted movement across a variety of surfaces by applying suction on those applications.
RAAW ( www.RAAWfoods.com ): I was immediately sold on the passion Fruit Wheatgrass juice from this company, but it also sells Raspberry Lemongrass, Cranberry Ginger, Carrot Lemonade, Better Beets and Pineapple Cucumber. (By the way, the products are 100-percent natural.)
Wikki Stix ( www.wikkistix.com ): Designed for kids, this item is a great alternative to crayons, which can be quite messy, of course. The multicolored Wikki Stix are made of hand-knitting yarn, and stick to practically any surface.
Staff Ranker ( www.staffranker.com ): Employers definitely might want to check out this particular product, which lets them rate employees according to a variety of values the boss determines, such as leadership, respect, passion and innovation. Moreover, the software can be used on a smart phone, laptop, desktop or iPad.
Power Express ( www.evse.spx.com ): Offering commercial charging solutions, these products would allow restaurant patrons to charge their electric vehicles while dining. However, there are also stations that would work at home as well.
RealBeanz ( www.realbeanz.com ): This line of nutrient-enhanced iced coffees comes in such flavors as vanilla nut, mocha, cappuccino, diet cappuccino and caramel. There are no artificial flavorings, colorings, sweeteners or preservatives.
Waiter Wallet ( www.waiterwallet.com ): Designed to make a server's life easier, this item comes with a pocket for daily specials, wine notes or other info; another pocket for cash/receipts; a swipe-card pocket; and a formatted pad.
Photos by Andrew Davis