California grapes featured on menus nationwide
Foodservice operators, including those that service restaurants and healthcare companies, are using California grapes on their menus this fall.
Companies using California grapes, according to a news release from the California Table Grape Commission, include:
- Morrison Healthcare
- Nordstrom Restaurants
- Restaurant Associates; and
- Black Angus Steakhouse.
“Chefs continue to create exciting new menu items with fresh grapes,” Courtney Romano, foodservice consultant to the grape commission, said in the release. “Grapes offer versatility, great flavor and visual appeal, and deliver desirable acidity and sweetness that can make the dish.”
Morrison Healthcare featured California grapes at 800 hospital and healthcare systems during September, as a side option at its grilling stations, in grab-and-go cups and snack boxes, according to the release. Grapes were featured ingredients in seven recipes, including pasta and a new sandwich.
At 128 Nordstrom Restaurants, eight fall menu specials feature grapes in a promotion that began in September and lasts through October. The offerings include an entrée salad, smoothie, risotto and pizza.
“Exploring the culinary possibilities with grapes resulted in a flood of creativity from the team and some really great new concepts,” Nordstrom Corporate Chef Keith Brunell said in the release.
Restaurant Associates is promoting California grapes at 150 corporate dining and education facilities. Through the Go with Grapes theme, the California fruit is in snack boxes, grab-and-go options and smoothies. Grapes are featured as part of the Chef’s Table, including appetizers, a sandwich and entrées, according to the release.
Black Angus, which has 41 locations, created a Baby Kale Salad that is being tested in select locations this fall.
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