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<\/a>Just part of the convention floor! Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n
The Expo showcases all sorts of items and services that go into the making of a restaurant. And it\u2019s not just one<\/em> show\u2014included are two others, located adjacent to the main one. There\u2019s the Healthy Food Expo West, (the title of which needs to be corrected to \u201cHealthful<\/em> Food.\u201d Many people do<\/em> accept the two words as synonyms these days, but the more literate among us are aware that \u201chealthful<\/em>\u201d denotes an entity that will create<\/em> good health, such as fruits and vegetables, while\u00a0\u201chealthy<\/em>\u201d refers to the condition<\/em> of a person<\/em>.) The other is the Coffee Fest (which is big business in the world, but you all know that I<\/em> will be sitting this one out\u2014I hate coffee so much that I can\u2019t even smell<\/em> the stuff!!!)<\/p>\n A line to sample some good quality beef last year. Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n In case you\u2019ve missed my many past articles about the Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo, it is about so much more than just food! You\u2019ll discover everything<\/em> to do with restaurants there. It\u2019s incredibly educational, especially if you\u2019re looking to open your own establishment. The Expo features tableware, cutlery, all kinds of equipment, alcohol, cleaning services, signage, patio umbrellas, payroll services, aprons and chefs\u2019 shoes, and even ovens<\/em>! And so much more. You\u2019ll learn about aspects of eateries that you\u2019ve never even thought<\/em> of!<\/p>\n And each of the three days has a whole line-up of special events, from cooking demonstrations by major chefs, to a battle of bartenders, to awards presentations, to educational talks, (including one entitled Mental Health and Wellness in Restaurants<\/em>, which is sooo 2019! And so appreciated, especially by potential customers.)<\/p>\n This was the booth with my favorite color scheme last year. I seriously may paint my house to match it! Photo by Karen Salkin.<\/p><\/div>\n There\u2019s even a contest (of sorts) that yours truly is usually a judge for–Pitch The Press<\/em>. I\u2019ve done it every year except for one since its inception, but I don\u2019t know about this time\u2014I have to see how my early morning schedule goes! (It happens at 11AM, which is the crack of dawn for me!) But even if I do not<\/em> help out this year, the vendors can always pitch this<\/em> press (meaning me<\/em>, along with my INAM team members who will be with me at the Expo,) because you know that we always apprise my readers of the latest culinary news. (The entire schedule of activities is listed on the website at the bottom of this preview.)<\/p>\n So, if you have anything to do with the restaurant scene in California (and beyond,) I highly recommend that you come to the LA Convention Center downtown any time on August 25-27. Since it\u2019s happening later than usual this year, I\u2019m even giving-up watching the first two days of my beloved US Open to be there, so that should tell you how important this Expo is!<\/p>\n I hope to see you all there, especially if you have anything to do with the cleanliness ratings system\u2014boy, do I have a story for you! Come up and say hi, and we will discuss. (Just not while we\u2019re sampling the food\u2014it\u2019s far from an appetizing tale.)<\/p>\n I\u2019m really looking forward to the Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo this year\u2014I love learning!!! And food, too of course.<\/p>\n For all the official<\/em> information, and to register for the Expo, just click here: www.westernfoodexpo.com<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" WESTERN FOODSERVICE & HOSPITALITY EXPO 2019 PREVIEW I suggest that all my fellow SoCal professional foodies join me at this upcoming fabulous function! The Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo begins this Sunday, August 25, and goes through Tuesday. It\u2019s one of my favorite events all year! [Note: It\u2019s not open to the public. But if<\/p>\n<\/a><\/a>