The ICCA Summit is where leaders in new menu development gather to learn, network and be inspired. Some of the nation’s most innovative chefs and expert speakers share their vision for future trends in the foodservice industry. This year’s event was very exciting with the addition of numerous celebrity chefs from South Florida who shared insights into the flavors and traditions from countries in Central and South America. Simon Majumdar, Lorena Garcia, Michelle Bernstein, Michael Schwartz, Jeff McInnis and Norman Van Aken were just a few of the expert chefs and researchers who will offer key takeaways for you and your menu development staff to use in the future. This is the first of numerous articles chronicling the educational programs from the event. Each week we will add a new educational program and video for you to see what ICCA members learned from the Miami Summit. See this video summarizing the 11th Annual ICCA Summit. (add video link) The ICCA Summit in Miami from June 23 – 26 was a feast for the mind and an inspiration for new menu ideas. Beginning with Simon Majumdar’s presentation that spanned the globe for new flavors to Jeffrey McInnis who showcased the hottest trends for new Southern Cuisine, The ICCA Summit was a huge success. Simon Majumdar began with a whirlwind tour of flavors including street foods from Asian and South America plus his latest research on US restaurants as he prepares to write his next book, “Fed White & Blue; Breaking Bread with America.” This latest book showcases his travels through the USA as he becomes a citizen, one meal at a time.
Simon is an author, food writer and broadcaster known for his roles in Iron Chef America, Next Iron Chef, Thee Best Thing I Ever Ate, Extreme Chef and Back In Time for Thanksgiving. His current books include: Eat My Globe and Eating for Britain. Hi presentation was both informative and entertaining as the video will show you. He also stayed to network with ICCA members for the Culinary Road Trip and the Annual Dinner Cruise aboard the Venetian Lady on Biscayne Bay overlooking the cityscape of Miami and Key Biscayne. He hit on all of the top trend indicators, but also added new International flavors to think about including: Filipino Lumpia, Adobo and Lechon Malaysian and Singaporean Checken Rice, Laksa and Satay Korean Fried Checken, Rice Balls, Bao and Gojuchang Peruvian Anticucho, Causa and Yuquitas Rellenas Cuban Pastelitos, Croquetas and Boliche Brazilian Feijoada, Acaraje and Pao de Queijo Ecuadorian Civeche de Langostinos and Patacones Panamanian Sanocho, Yucca Frita and Gallo Pinto See the attached video for a taste of the Brazilian Acaraje.