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Welcome to the Riviera Produce “Food for Thought” blog. We are a growing local produce wholesaler and restaurant wholesale food supplier and distributor to chefs, restaurant owners, local farmers, grocery stores,  schools, public institutions and so many other businesses in New Jersey.

For decades, we have been writing history in food sourcing and have become NYC’s and New Jersey’s finest wholesale food suppliers.

We have a passion for food sourcing; it has been in our hearts for generations. The Food for Thought Blog was created with a purpose to give any local business or distributor fresh information about fresh wholesale food near them.

Explore tips, tricks, and news about wholesale fruits and vegetables. Discover where to buy food in bulk, how to do it properly, what wholesale produce is best, and when to get it.

Get inspired by restaurant real chef-inspired cooking tips, insight into important food industry news, how to tap into food trends, top wholesale food products, and much more.

Learn how we are source organic fruits and vegetables from local farms and how we manage to do it responsibly as some a distribution food service located in New Jersey.

Check back often, as there’s always something delectable to uncover.

Food For Thought

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The Best Types of Culinary Mushrooms and Why You Need Them in Your Kitchen  

Mushrooms hold a special place in the world of cuisine. With their umami flavor and impressive nutrient density, mushrooms are essential in many recipes worldwide.    Whether cooking with common mushrooms or gourmet varieties, you can create incredibly flavorful dishes with these versatile ingredients.    Today, we dive deep into the fascinating world of culinary mushrooms to […]

2024 Beverage Trends: Stay Ahead of the Curve with Riviera Produce 

Table of contents Navigating the Nuances of Beverage Trends in 2023 & 2024 Additional Trends Reshaping the Beverage Landscape Top 3 Beverage Trends in 2024 The beverage landscape is ever shifting, presenting businesses with a continuous wave of novel flavors and trends. As consumers, we are perpetually drawn to the allure of something new gracing […]

The Great Potato Shortage of 2023 

Table of contents A Brief History of the Shortage of Potatoes What’s Causing the Potato Shortage in 2023? USDA’s Potato Production Trends How Can Chefs Mitigate the Potato Shortage in 2023 & Beyond? Don’t Let the Shortage of Potatoes Slow Your Business Down The humble potato has long been a dietary staple for people around […]

5 Ways to Use Wholesale Frozen Purees to Enhance Your Menu 

Table of contents Using Wholesale Frozen Purees to Add Aroma and Color Making Diners’ Mouths Water: How Do Fruits Affect the Palate? Getting Things Started: Improving Appetizers with Purees The Main Course: Using Fruit Purees in Main Course Dishes Keeping Things Sweet: Wholesale Frozen Purees for Desserts Drinkable Delicacies: Frozen Purees for Cocktails and Drinks […]

How Schools Can Benefit from a Wholesale School Produce Supplier 

Table of contents Why is Fresh Produce Important in Schools? Who are the schools that can benefit from fresh produce? Riviera provides not only fresh produce but also cooking oils, pantry items, frozen fruits, and fries. Benefits of Food Delivery to Schools How Can Riviera’s Product Range Benefit Schools? What Does the Ordering Process Look […]

Top 5 Things to Consider When Choosing a Reliable Restaurant Wholesale Supplier in Philadelphia 

Table of contents Why are Reliable Food Suppliers Important? How do I Know Products are Fresh and of High Quality? Why Does Product Range Matter When Choosing a Wholesale Food Distributor in Philadelphia? Pricing and Delivery and Why They Matter How Should Environmental Practices Affect My Choice What Are the Benefits of Choosing Riviera? Every […]

Wholesale Summer Produce: A Chef’s Guide to In-Season Fruits and Vegetables  

Table of contents Table of contents The Advantages of Choosing In-Season Wholesale Produce Wholesale Summer Fruits: Exploring Flavorful Possibilities Wholesale Summer Vegetables: Vibrant Creations Await Seasonal Pairings: Harmonizing Flavors for Culinary Excellence Sourcing Wholesale Summer Produce from Riviera Produce Every season brings with it a bounty of different fresh fruits and vegetables to add to […]

A Chefs Guide To Radishes: Exploring The Numerous Varieties and Flavors 

Table of contents Watermelon Radish Cherry Belle Radish French Breakfast Radish Daikon Radish Malaga Violet Radishes Purple Radish Pink Lady Slipper Radish Easter Egg Radish Black Radish Green Meat Radish Get Your Radish Orders in Now! Radishes often go unnoticed and underutilized in modern restaurants. However, this humble yet versatile root vegetable can add a [...]

10 Creative California Avocado Recipes to Add to Your Menus

Table of contents Get Creative with Guacamole Up Your Taco Game Unique Avocado Cocktails Skip the Boring Sides Avocado Desserts Perfect for Brunch The Perfect Avocado Drink Pairings Avocados Are the Perfect Healthy Substitute Stunning Plating Potential Add Some Tableside Flair Get Your California Avocados with Riviera Produce Buttery rich California avocado season has started! [...]

5 Nutritional Benefits of California Avocados: Why Your Customers Will Love Them 

Table of contents California Avocados Contain Healthy Fats They Offer Plenty of Fiber They Contain Lots of Vitamins They Contain Lots of Minerals They Are Naturally Free of Sodium, Sugar, and Cholesterol Purchase Avocados and Deliver California Avocado Benefits Not only are California avocados delicious, but they’re also nutritious! Your diners are guaranteed to love [...]

California Avocados: Delicious and in Season 

Table of contents Avocado Seasonality How Do California Avocados Differ from Other Region’s Avocados? What Kinds of Avocados Grow in California? Hass Avocados Lamb Hass Avocados Zutano Avocados Bacon Avocados Reed Avocados Pinkerton Avocados Gwen Avocados Fuerte Avocados GEM Avocados Why Are California Avocados Better? Where To Buy California Avocados Other Tips and Tricks for [...]

Food Shortage 2023: 10 Difficult-To-Find Foods In 2023 

Table of contents Butter Oranges Corn Flour Bread Champagne Beer Eggs Vegetable Oils Beef Overcome Shortages With Riviera Produce 2023 looks to be ushering in another groceries shortage. Here’s what you need to know. The pandemic led to shortages in everything from toilet paper to personal protection equipment — and it also introduced many food [...]

Restaurant industry insights and price forecasts for 2024

Table of contents Inflation slowdown and price pressure easing USDA food price predictions for 2024 Labor still poses challenges as wage pressures persist Consumer enthusiasm is still strong despite price fatigue 2024 outlook and strategies for the restaurant industry Increased efficiency with the help of technology Creating loyalty and value to attract customers Key findings […]

Restaurant Dessert Boards -10 Easy Steps to A Memorable Dessert 

Table of contents What Is a Dessert Board Choosing the Right Board Tools of the Trade Choosing the Right Desserts Keep Allergies in Mind Arranging Your Desserts Add Some Flair Serving Your Dessert Board Storing Your Desserts Where to Get All of Your Dessert Board Needs Charcuterie boards are all the rage – and we [...]

5 Tips To Elevate Your Vegetable Charcuterie Boards 

Table of contents What Is A Vegetable Board Preparation Techniques for Vegetable Boards The Best Vegetables to Use Add Flair with Sauces and Dips Elevate Your Vegetable Boards Where To Source The Best Vegetables Vegetable boards are a chef’s best friend when it comes to displaying the finest of your seasonal fresh produce. Vegetable boards [...]

How to Incorporate Wholesale Pre-Cut Fruit in Your Menus

Table of contents Nine Ways to Incorporate Wholesale Pre-Cut Fruits on Your Menu Pre-cut seasonal fruit salads Blend up some smoothies with wholesale pre-cut fruit options Complete your Acai bowls with wholesale precut fruits Bake pastries, like rustic fruit tarts Complete breakfast dishes with fresh, pre-cut wholesale fruit Concoct fruit-infused beverages Arrange fruit kabobs for [...]

Top 10 Ways to Use Wholesale Precut Vegetables in Your Menus

Table of contents So, what are some of the top ways to maximize precut vegetables? Stir-fries with pre-cut vegetables Fresh salads completed with an array of pre-cut wholesale produce Make your next soup with fresh, pre-cut produce such as celery, onions, and carrots Veggie-forward sandwiches and wraps Roasted, pre-chopped root vegetables for side dishes Charcuterie-style [...]

Why Wholesale Egg Prices Have Cracked

Table of contents How The Avian Influenza Is Affecting Egg Prices Some States Banned Previous Practices Why Increased Costs Are Affecting Egg Prices Eggs are A Difficult Ingredient to Substitute Consistency Is Key You may have noticed you’ve been shelling out more money for eggs. The reason for the egg shortage and price increase is [...]

Top 10 Wholesale Citruses for Bars and Restaurants

Table of contents Meyer Lemons Finger Limes Key Limes Blood Oranges Navel Oranges Cara Cara Oranges Mandarin Oranges Pomelos Tangelo Minneolas Today, chefs do way more than add a squeeze of lemon to the food. Citrus is used both in the back of the house and behind the bar. Acid is present in many dishes [...]

Black Garlic vs White Garlic : Which One Should You Buy?

Table of contents Garlic 3 Main Taste Differences How to Use Black Garlic vs White Garlic Garlic Health Benefits Where To Buy Wholesale Garlic Garlic Call it Allium Sativum part of Amaryllidaceae family or simply known as Garlic. It’s impossible to create a dish worth serving without adding some of this magical, versatile kitchen staple [...]

Spotting the Difference Between Romano Beans vs. Fava Beans

Table of contents Romano Beans Flavor Of Romano Beans How To Cook Romano Beans Fava Beans Flavor of Fava Beans How To Cook With Fava Beans Where To Buy Fresh Beans While often considered the other’s substitution in many recipes, Romano beans and Fava beans are not the same. Romano beans are commonly referred to [...]

Why Buy Wholesale Pre-cut Vegetables and Pre-cut Fruit for Your Restaurant 

Table of contents What is pre-cut produce? So Why Choose Wholesale Pre-Cut Produce Reduce labor and maintenance costs Minimize staff injuries Decrease the chance of cross-contamination Maintain consistent recipes and presentation Reduce waste and costs associated with waste removal Take time invest in what matters most Pre-cut apples, carrots, onions, and squash, oh my! Pre-cut [...]

5 Valentine’s Day Restaurant Menu Ideas

Table of contents Creative Cocktails Appetizers To Set The Mood Enticing Entrées Desirable Desserts Sourcing Valentine’s Day Wholesale Produce Love is in the air and romantic rendezvous abound as the most chocolate and rose covered day of the year approaches. And in the restaurant business we all know what that means – plenty of table-for-two [...]

The Ultimate 10 Food Trends in 2023

Table of contents Avocados Are Meant For More Than Just Toast Furry Feasts Super Seas The Next Big Tuber Experiential Eating Mood Food Tinned Is In Swicy Food Fantastic Fungi Frugal Foodies How To Incorporate The Latest Food Trends Into Your Menu Finally, the years of closed restaurants and eating every meal on the couch [...]

Oh Snap, The Many Varieties of Fresh Green Beans

Table of contents Spring Varieties Spring – Fall Varieties Spring – Summer Varieties Whether you call them snap beans, string beans, haricot verts, or plain old green beans — there are many types of green beans available. They differ from other beans because they are cooked within their bean pods. This is in contrast to [...]

4 Restaurant Technology Trends to Watch in 2022

What restaurant technology trends can trace your path to digitalization in 2022? Catch up with the ever-evolving restaurant tech landscape to stay competitive and meet rising customer expectations! Where does the restaurant industry stand in 2022? According to Toast’s latest restaurant trends report, the restaurant industry is now fully recovered from the sales damage caused [...]

Roasted, Toasted, and All The Ways To Cook Butternut Squash

Butternut squash is a well-known winter variety. It has a sweet and nutty flavor, bright orange flesh, and dull tan-colored skin. Butternut squash is shaped like a bottle with a long neck and a short bulb-like end. The skin is thick enough to eat, but it is usually removed before or after cooking. The seeds [...]

10 Tips for Quality Restaurant Delivery Menus and Meals

Delivery and togo services are vital revenue streams for restaurants. Online food delivery revenue is predicted to increase by over 9% in the next two years. But there are a few important things to consider before setting up a delivery service for your restaurant — from what kind of packaging you’ll use to what menu [...]

Organic vs GMO: How Do These Labels Reflect the Quality of Food

With consumer interest veering more and more towards healthy eating, the age-old question remains: organic or GMO? Knowing that organic food is inherently healthier and better for the environment, the answer should be easy. However, the drastic difference in price makes it hard to keep choosing organic over GMO. The demand for organic food is [...]

Food Inflation is Spiking: How Can Your Restaurant Survive and Maintain Its Profit Margins 

In an article published at the beginning of 2022, we pointed out that there was no end in sight for rising food prices. Unfortunately, we were right. 2022 has been a particularly worrisome year when it comes to inflation across the board. With less purchasing power and less access to essential goods and services, people [...]

How can Restaurants Fight Food Waste in the U.S.

With over one-third of all food produced in the U.S. ending up in landfills, food waste is shaping up to be a major cause for concern. Each year, over 100 billion pounds of food are wasted in the United States, all along the supply chain. The foodservice sector alone was responsible for up to 10.8 [...]

The Complete Guide to Pesticides in Produce 

Over 70% of fresh produce contains pesticides. Here’s what you need to know. If one were to take a trip to the local grocery store and stop by the fruit and vegetable section to look for the perfect item to add to their menu, they would probably see some packages advertising that their contents are [...]

Flower Power: How to Pick the Best Edible Flowers for Cocktail

We’re used to dressing up our dishes with sauces, herbs, seasonings and even flowers, so why not extend the same courtesy to our drinks? There’s always a reason to raise a glass and plenty of reasons to make drinks as elegant, eye-catching and flavorful as they can be. When it comes to cocktail garnishes, edible [...]

Creating the Ultimate French Fry Board: Useful Tips & Tricks

What’s better than fries? A large selection of delicious fries topped with tasty seasonings and served with delicious dips on a fry board! How to make a fun French fry charcuterie board? The French fry board restaurant is becoming increasingly popular — and it makes sense. People love fries, so why not serve them a [...]

How to Develop and Serve an Epic Tasting Menu in Your Restaurant 

If you’re looking to elevate your restaurant’s dining experience, attract more customers, and showcase your best signature dishes, then a tasting menu might be the right move for you. So, let’s start with the basics: what is a tasting menu? A tasting menu, otherwise known as a degustation menu, comprises several small-sized dishes served as [...]

Designing the Perfect Cozy Fall Menu for Your Restaurant 

Once the first cool breeze of fall rolls in every year, things start to change. Leaves slowly begin to take on new colors, menus shift to accommodate seasonal foods and customer preferences, and before we know it, a new season is upon us. The period between late summer and early fall is one of transition [...]

Get Ready for A Record Apple-Picking Season 

The 2022 fall harvest outlook for apples - the #1 most consumed fruit in the U.S. - is looking very promising. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) predicts that apple yields are hitting new records this year and are up by 3% compared to 2021. With the total production of apples in the U.S. forecast [...]

It’s a Fig Deal: Late-Summer Gems from Sunny California 

We’re quickly moving past the peak of summer and its plentiful harvests, but don’t fret, that just leaves room for more gorgeous end-of-season crops. Figs, for instance, are among the sweetest and most popular harbingers of late summer. These teardrop-shaped fruits with a long and rich history that goes back to ancient Mesopotamia are now [...]

What’s Up with the Decline in Potato Production? 

The USA is currently facing a potato shortage — and it’s affecting everyone from restaurants to stores to consumers. From potato chips to French fries to mashed potatoes, potatoes can be found in several forms in countless stores and restaurants across the country. They’re a staple in many Americans’ diets, and Idaho potatoes support a [...]

The Key to Sourcing the Best Seasonal Produce

Here at Riviera Produce, we let experience guide and inform our every step, decision, and recommendation we make to our customers. And experience has taught us that the best way to have access to the finest quality seasonal produce is by sourcing locally. Now, local seasonal sourcing is not always easy, and things don’t always [...]

Sustainability in the Produce Industry 

In the face of climate change, the depletion of natural resources, and changing consumer attitudes, sustainability is more essential than ever, especially in the produce industry. Our world is warming, and it’s warming fast. Between 2013 and 2021, every year ranked among the ten warmest years. In 2021, the global average surface temperature was 1.51°F [...]

Think Outside the Restaurant: Outdoor Dining Tips 

It’s patio season! Time to think outside your restaurant door and take full advantage of the warm seasons to draw in more customers and boost your revenue. Create the perfect outdoor setting for your guests to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine while you provide delicious food and drinks. Outdoor eating restaurants stand to gain [...]

Jicama: A Root Veggie with Exotic Powers

A potato lookalike with juicy flesh and a slightly sweet, exotic flavor, the jicama is a bit of mystery wrapped in a papery, brown skin. This vegetable is native to Mexico, where it has been cultivated for many centuries. Fun fact: jicamas can grow to weigh up to 50 pounds, but they’re usually harvested before [...]

4 Must-Have Veggies That Will Power Up Your Menu This Summer

Summer is heating up, but there’s no need to worry, we have nature on our side to keep us cool and hydrated. Now is the perfect time to take full advantage of this season’s rich bounty of fresh vegetables and turn them into exciting, memorable dishes for your customers. With today’s technological advances in agriculture [...]

Spiking Fuel Prices and Driver Shortages Take a Huge Toll on The Produce Industry

Following a challenging two-year period of supply chain issues, intermittent shutdowns, rising freight rates and shifting consumer preferences, the produce industry now faces new struggles. The Russian invasion of Ukraine might be taking place thousands of miles away from U.S. borders, but its effects are felt all over the world. Transportation costs are skyrocketing One [...]

A Chef’s Summer Guide to the Perfect Tropical Menu in 2022

Now more than ever, people are seeking food that can serve more than one function: to satisfy their hunger. They want adventure, they want novelty, excitement and a way to connect with foreign, exotic places and cultures that might otherwise be inaccessible. Seeing as the world continues to surprise us with new challenges every day, [...]

Garlic: Bland Food’s Worst Enemy

If you’re looking to add some character to your dishes, garlic is definitely the way to do it! Although garlic is rarely consumed by itself or used as a main ingredient in cooked food, it never fails to create a lasting impression with its uniquely strong, pungent flavor. Cooking with garlic is a centuries-old tradition [...]

Rhubarb: Is it a Fruit or a Vegetable?

Rhubarb, with its reddish stalks and sour taste, is one of the tell-tale signs of spring. However, it is often mistaken for fruit. Why? It is regularly sugared during preparation and associated with sweet culinary dishes such as sweet soups, jams, drinks, sauces, pies, and tarts. To add to the confusion, the U.S. Department of [...]

Cherry vs Campari vs Plum Tomatoes – The Best Variety for Every Occasion

Can you imagine pizza without the quintessential tomato sauce? Or a garden salad without fresh chopped tomatoes? With tomatoes being some of the popular garden vegetables everywhere, it’s hard to even imagine life without them. They’ve made their way into virtually every cuisine in the world and have become key ingredients in many dishes we [...]

The Rise of the Frozen Food Market Following the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a powerful and lasting impact on the food industry, shifting previously established patterns and leaving way for new ones to emerge. The early days of the pandemic were particularly damaging for the food production and distribution sectors. As more and more countries were forced into lockdown, manpower declined drastically and [...]

6 Restaurant Ideas for a Memorable Mother’s Day Celebration

Mothers are precious and they should be celebrated every day. But on one day of the year, we should go the extra mile and show them how much we appreciate them. That goes for anyone that fits the role of a mother, be it a grandmother, big sister, teacher and so on. If you’re thinking [...]

A Brief Guide to 6 Most Popular Mushroom Varieties 

There are many species of edible mushrooms available on the global market right now, about 300 varieties in total. Each has their own distinct look and flavor profile, as well as cooking applications. Since they are widely appreciated by people all around the world, it would be a great idea to capitalize on their popularity [...]

Radishes: Spring’s Rad Crunchy Treat 

Crisp and refreshing with a hint of spiced sweetness, radishes are a veritable spring treat often overlooked or not used to its full potential. These crunchy little vegetables pack a lot of flavor and nutrients, and they are extremely versatile. So don’t hesitate to make them a key ingredient in your favorite restaurant dishes. Keep [...]

The Ultimate Guide to Preparing Your Restaurant for Easter and Passover

With Easter and Passover fast approaching, it’s wise to plan ahead and prepare your restaurant for the upcoming holidays. Many restaurants feature special menus and organize festive events to draw in customers for this occasion. Knowing that, your menu and décor need to be remarkable to stand out from the crowd. Traditionally, both Easter and [...]

Pineberries – all you need to know about these delicious tropical-tasting berries

When pineberries were first introduced to the world over a decade ago, this new breed of berries left people wondering if they are indeed a real fruit or a GMO crop. They were first discovered in South America at the beginning of the century and are now cultivated and sold in many areas of the [...]

Vertical Farming – is it worth the hype?

Farming as a way to sustain oneself is a practice as old as time. However, just like us humans, it had to evolve to keep up with population growth, climate changes, labor force dynamics and many other factors. Vertical farming is one of the latest innovative paths farming has taken to adapt to the ever-changing [...]

A Chef’s Guide to the Flavors of Spring: Alliums

Spring and sunshine have brought with them the flavor of the season— Alliums. These members of the onion vegetable family are groups of flowering plants that sometimes have bulbs at the base and long stalks (scapes) that yield edible flowers. There are many allium varieties. We’re talking chives, ramps, scallions, onions, leeks, shallots, and garlic, [...]

What’s So Special About Blood Oranges?

Blood oranges have been around for hundreds of years, but recently it seems like they’re on everyone’s radar. These sweet tangy treats are so popular that people are getting extra creative with them, from color-popping margaritas to refreshing salads. So, what are blood oranges? They’re a close cousin to navel oranges but are smaller and [...]

St. Patrick’s Day Menu

16 Food and Drink Ideas for your Restaurant Leprechauns are coming and guess what? Your restaurant is about to get lucky. St. Patrick’s Day falls on March 17 and is one of the best holidays to capitalize on, with millions of Americans all over the country flocking to restaurants to celebrate the luck of the [...]

The complete guide to microgreens: why you need them in your menu

Microgreens have been gaining widespread recognition and appreciation in the culinary world because of their exceptional nutritional value and intense flavor. These tiny plants have become a staple garnish in many high-end restaurants, adding a pop of vibrant color, bold flavor, and fresh texture to any dish. In this comprehensive guide to microgreens, we’ll explore […]

Restaurant Pricing Strategies For A Successful Business

You're a passionate chef or restaurant owner who loves what they’re doing. You genuinely take pleasure in offering your guests a beautiful place where they can enjoy delicious food. We admire that about you. You’re one of the reasons we care so much about this industry. That’s why we have to remind you of a [...]

The Best Valentine’s Day Restaurant Ideas

Going on a restaurant date is a top choice for couples on Valentine’s Day. What better way to celebrate their love other than with tasty food (and butterflies) in their belly?  In fact, Valentine’s Day is the second busiest day of the year for restaurants. It’s a great occasion for chefs to showcase their creativity […]

Truck driver shortage: What to expect in 2022

What’s Causing The Truck Driver Shortage? As shipping backups at big U.S. ports start to lessen, concerns over supply chain growth continue to heighten as the U.S. and Canada impose a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for cross-border truckers, which could cause further disruption for the fresh produce industry. How can we solve the truck driver shortage? […]

We’ve Partnered Up with the West Side Campaign Against Hunger!

”Everyone Can Be Part Of The Solution” On a mission to fight hunger on the streets of New York, West Side Campaign Against Hunger provides free healthy food options and support services out of well-organized basement quarters at the Church of Saint Paul and Saint Andrew on the upper West Side in NYC. In recent […]

Rising Food Prices in 2022 – Here’s Everything You Need to Know!

The rising food prices have been a subject of lengthy debate throughout 2021. So let's look at how this trend will impact restaurants and other foodservice establishments this year! Less for More According to The Wall Street Journal, food prices are estimated to rise 5% in the first half of 2022, while other sources point [...]

Unique Restaurant Menu Ideas for 2022

Are you ready for the new year? Spice up the appeal of your establishment with these unique restaurant menu ideas for 2022! Another problematic year shaped by the global COVID-19 pandemic is drawing to an end. The world has yet to find a sound solution to the crisis that has profoundly reshaped – for better [...]

8 Types of Citrus Fruits and How to Use Them Best

It's the citrus fruit season! But how many of these seasonal delicacies have made it on your restaurant's menu? Citrus fruits: we tend to think of the usual lemons, oranges, and grapefruits. But citruses come in all sizes, shapes, and — most importantly — taste profiles. We're talking about a cornucopia of flavors that may [...]

5 Restaurant Food Trends to Look out for in 2022

Restaurant food trends are constantly changing. As the clock ticks and 2022 draws nearer, it's crucial to know what customers might expect to find on next year's menu. Yes, Food Trends Shape Customer Expectations! The New Year is knocking on your busy kitchen door. With it, a new wave of food trends will set out [...]

Food and Wholesale Prices Rising Yet Again as We Approach the End of 2021

Inflation spike: U.S. wholesale prices keep surging as we approach the end of 2021, and we have yet to see what the following year holds in store for the food industry. On top of many staple items – including mushrooms – getting scarcer and scarcer, you might have noticed a significant (and rising) spike in [...]

Chipperbec Potatoes – The Perfect Spuds for Chef’s French Fries

Do you know why Chipperbec Potatoes have become the chefs' favorite spuds for fries and chips? Find out what makes them unique and where to buy them at peak quality and price just in time for the holidays! Behold the country's finest chipping and frying potatoes: the novel Chipperbec! Grown specifically for use in chips [...]

5 Thanksgiving Table Decor Tips for Your Restaurant

Is your restaurant ready to host a bountiful Thanksgiving? Aside from a well-crafted special menu, a festive tablescape is an absolute must on Turkey Day. If you’re out of ideas, read on for some of the best Thanksgiving table decor tips and quick crafts! Thanksgiving is quickly drawing near, but is your restaurant ready to [...]

A Chef’s Guide to Cooking with Persimmons

Welcome to a helpful introduction to the cherished persimmon fruit and its most widespread varieties, Fuyu and Hachiya. We'll visit everything essential on their seasonality, prep, recommended uses, and much more! For a fruit that was thought to scare tigers away in Korean folklore, dried persimmons make for a delicious fall dessert. This is not [...]

The New Steps of Service in Fine Dining

The new steps of service in fine dining greatly enhance core business processes while also catering to evolving customer needs. Get a glimpse of the best restaurant customer service tips to ensure your establishment is not lagging far behind this innovative nationwide model! Out With the Old Hospitality businesses have been under heavy pressure during [...]

Chanterelles Rarity, Flavor & Texture in One Perfect Mushroom

Chanterelle mushrooms are the golden stars of the forest, sensational in looks and taste alike. We'll talk about their remarkable health benefits, what they taste like, how to store them, and all the other qualities that make them so popular with chefs! Sculpted like a funnel, this mustard-yellow fellow is a well-received sensation in any [...]

Winter Squash Varieties & Where to Bulk Buy Different Types of Squash

Squash season is still going strong! We'll talk about the most popular types of winter squash, what makes them stand out, and where to buy the best wholesale squash for your seasonal delicacies! Squash is a fall and winter staple that resurfaces every year for a good reason. Nutritious, versatile, and remarkably storage-friendly, it's a [...]

Potato Varieties and Cooking Guide

Some potato varieties are always in high demand! We’ll talk about the most popular types, when to use them, and where to buy the best wholesale potatoes in bulk. Oh, spuds, the ultimate comfort food! When you think about potatoes, a few types come to mind: sweet, starchy, red, russet. But did you know that [...]

The Coziest Bar & Restaurant Fall Decor Ideas

We bring you a few ingenious café and restaurant fall decor ideas go with the chilly weather this autumn! The chilly days of fall have settled in well. But, truth be told, showcasing your seasonal menus alone might not convince the occasional (shivering) bypasser to set foot in your restaurant. It’s a whole different story, [...]

Why Apples Must Make it on Your Fall Menu – Apple Nutrition & Health Benefits

When it comes to local apples, there's more to it than the taste! These apple nutrition facts give you all the more reasons to add them to your seasonal menu. An apple a day keeps the doctor away...and we firmly believe it also draws more clients to your restaurant! Fragrant, sweet to tart, and highly [...]

Mushroom Shortage, Among the Latest Consequences of the U.S. Labor Issue

The unforeseen mushroom shortage is the latest labor-related issue to hit the foodservice industry, and this doesn't bode well for restaurants. With September widely known as National Mushroom Month, it's no wonder that people are trying to fill up their plates with these delicious low-calorie, fat-free, and low-sodium goodies. What fules the hype? Mushrooms have [...]

A Beginner’s Guide to Pairing Fruit and Cheese

Having company over? Nothing impresses quite as much as an exquisite charcuterie board or a delightful cheese platter – well, provided that you know the secrets to pairing fruit and cheese properly. As you start working on that picture-perfect platter you had envisioned only minutes ago, it suddenly hits you, ‘Wait, what fruit goes with [...]

A Chef’s Essential Guide to Heirloom Tomatoes

The intriguing colors, the odd shapes, the maximum flavor punch. Sounds familiar? We certainly hope so! Most of us have probably laid our eyes upon an uneven and multicolored bunch of Heirloom tomatoes at some point in our lives but settled for some shiny-red, perfectly round Beefsteak tomatoes instead. But was that truly the best [...]

How to Store Produce for Peak Freshness and Longer Shelf Life – Best Practices FAQ

Dedicating a bit of time to understanding how to store produce properly can significantly and positively impact both your eating habits and the environment at large. We had another blog on this critical topic last week, covering factors that influence storage life and what to avoid at all costs when storing your vegetables. Of course, [...]

How to Store Vegetables – Factors that Influence Storage Life & What to Avoid

Yes, it sounds like common knowledge. But do you actually know how to store vegetables properly inside or outside the fridge to avoid early spoils and keep your produce not only safe to eat but also at peak freshness? This is crucial with wholesale vegetables and wholesale produce in general: that's because whole, organic, unsprayed [...]

Pinkglow Pineapple – Everything You Need to Know about this New Summer Sensation

Yes, they’re “legit”! Even if they sound like something straight out of a fairy story, Pink or Pinkglow Pineapples aren’t the product of a fruitful fantasy – at least not anymore! They go by Pinkglow™ (also known as Rosé Pineapple), and they were first engineered and produced by Del Monte® Foods. Yes, pink pineapple is […]

NYC to Require Proof of Vaccination for Entry to Restaurants

As public health specialists anticipate a high spike in Delta strain infections, NYC takes action. NYC to ask for proof of vaccination upon entering indoor dinings, gyms, and enclosed entertainment venues. The program, called “The Key to NYC Pass,” is the first of its kind in the US. Check out the public announcement shared via […]

Restaurant Inventory Management Tips To Enhance Your Business Performance

We can’t stress it enough: restaurant inventory management done right is the key to optimizing your day-to-day operations and getting a better grip on your bottom line. In short, inventory management refers to a series of concurring practices that regulate your stock – both perishables and non-perishable items in your restaurant’s storage. Using the proper […]

8 Fantastic Menu Engineering Tips to Spice Up Your Restaurant

It’s called restaurant menu engineering for a reason. It means there is far more to a restaurant menu than its immediate visual impact – things like layout, color scheme, and illustration.Fashioning your restaurant’s menu should feel like engineering a seamless system. When done the right way, it will simplify purchases, enhance the way clients perceive […]

Don’t Throw Away! 5 Splendid Ways to Use the Overripe Fruit in Your Restaurant

Oh, lovely summer bounty! While we relish the blazing sun and gaze at gardens flush with vibrant fruits and vegetables, we muse on how heated July has already bestowed us with a large harvest. Needless to say, the overabundance of fresh produce has us purchasing under a spell. We think of the fragrant, luscious fruit […]

Watermelon 101: Picking, Cutting, Storing & Drink Recipes

Did you know that watermelon is one of the world’s healthiest foods? It owes its claim to fame for its high water content, its high content of lycopene, and its high levels of vitamin A and carotenoids including cancer-fighting lycopene. Best of all, it’s low in calories, high volume, filling, satisfying, and thirst-quenching. Plus it’s […]

How to Choose the Right Wholesale Food Supplier for Your Restaurant

Whether wholesale purveyors, green farms, or local food markets, a restaurant food supplier plays a critical role in delivering a memorable gastronomic experience. There are many different sorts of restaurant food suppliers out there. Still, we’ll focus on those carrying produce and perishables such as fruits, vegetables, dairy, eggs, fish, and meats. Due to their […]

Why More and More Restaurants Turn to Locally Sourced Produce

The term local (or locally produced, or locally sourced) is among the most subjective ones in our industry. On the one hand, it could refer to foods cultivated between 10 and 100 miles away from your restaurant…or even farther than that. For example, USDA’s Natural Agricultural Library (quotes the 2008 Farm Bill) states that locally […]

A Practical Guide on Reducing Food Waste in Your Restaurant

According to the UNEP’s Food Waste Index Report from 2021, around 17% of the global food production is consigned to the waste bin. And we were shocked to find that 26% of that waste comes from the foodservice industry alone (versus 13% from retail). But is it really that much of a shock? Anyone who […]

Fermented Foods Are Among the Healthiest Trends

How often have you bought kefir from the supermarket in the past month? How hard was it to find that fantastic Kombucha brand? And when will you get the chance to restock on some Korean kimchi? That cider you had with your friends, the wine you enjoyed with your lover last summer…! Apart from tasting […]

Food Industry Challenges – Making Ends Meet in the New Shortage Economy

While the entire global economy grasps at straws, the food industry takes one massive hit after another. Shortages continue to breach most areas of the supply chain, from warehousing, transportation, shipping, rents, and labor to various resources such as gas, lumber, chicken wings, and even computer chips! As demand quickly increases, industry professionals now strive […]

The Eden of Edible Flowers: More than Embellishment

If you thought restaurants only add flowers for extravagant plating, you might be in for a surprise or two. Far from being a modern-day gastronomic addition, edible flowers have found extensive use in the old times of Ancient Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, and Chinese. Many such early civilizations have skillfully blended them into their ritual, medicine, [...]

If Millions Are Unemployed, Then Why Can’t Companies Find Workers?

You must have heard about the spiking unemployment rate ascribed to the worldwide pandemic: this is no news. So what’s the labor shortage of 2021 all about? According to The Wall Street Journal, this spring has seen more job openings in the U.S. than before the pandemic hit in March 2020. Despite that, so many restaurants have found […]

Know Your Stone Fruit – A quick guide to this season’s best picks!

Wait a second…what’s a Stone Fruit? As the name hints, a stone fruit, also known as a drupe, generally describes a thin-skinned fleshy fruit containing a pit with a ‘stone’ (essentially a tough seed) at its center. Hence the silly name. Common examples include almonds, mangos, plums, olives, cherries, peaches, lychees, blackberries and raspberries (the [...]

Bananas vs. Plantains – What’s the difference?

So what’s all the confusion about bananas and plantains? They look similar, and they’re both fruits that are very nutritious. Well, although there are many similarities, they are also very different, and here’s why. How are Bananas and Plantains different? Coming from the same family of plants, bananas and plantains are both considered fruits that […]

Everything You Need To Know About Asparagus

Known around the world as the queen of vegetables, asparagus isn’t just healthy but delicious too. Harvested at its peak, spring is the perfect time to purchase and enjoy them. They’re full of flavor and nutrition, as well as being reasonably priced. It’s also a great way to sneak some fiber into your diet as […]

Cantaloupe: Storing, Health Benefits & Fun facts

Want to control your weight? Eat cantaloupe! Potassium-rich cantaloupe has been shown to reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke. It contains a relatively high amount of water, fiber, and is low in calories. So, the next time you go shopping and need to pick a deliciously sweet fruit, this melon is a […]