Western Foodservice Expo Hidden Latin Secrets

Mexican and other Latin food specialties were not as prominent at the Western Foodservice Expo in Los Angeles last week as in some previous years, but there were some hidden gems, especially in the Sabor Latino sections of the show. Below are some of the more interesting products in the category that publisher Ed Avis and editor Kathleen Furore noticed. The distribution of some of these is not yet fully established, but if you can get them, they would make interesting menu items.

Tamales de Elote (Sweet Corn Tamales) and Chilorio: Chata, a very well-known brand in Mexico, served amazing tamales de elote at the show, paired with their authentic prepared Chilorio (seasoned, shredded pork). The tamales are lightly sweet, so can easily be used on your menu as an appetizer, side dish, or even as part of a dessert. They come frozen, ready to heat and serve. The Chilorio, beloved in Mexico, comes in convenient pouches and foodservice packs. Both products are available through Sysco. https://chata.com.mx/en/

Don Diego: If you need authentic Mexican tomatillos, hominy, fire-roasted chiles or chickpeas, this brand is the right source. “As soon as Mexican restaurants try these, they say, ‘Oh, this is Mexican,’” said Ariel Romero, director of US Sales for the brand. Since these products are grown in Mexico, they have the flavor and texture that is right for many Mexican dishes. Learn more on their Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/Don-Diego-Quality-Foods-1699180330402859/

Nexu Group: A really interesting booth that was part of the Sabor Latino section of the show was from Nexu Group, a coalition of 11 food and beverage manufacturers in Jalisco who are working to establish a U.S. presence. Among the products in the booth were Blue Agave Wine (which can be used to make margaritas in restaurants with only a beer and wine license); Café Morenita Mexican coffee; Freskota aguas frescas; El Moreno hot sauce; Gricha Chapulines; Delisum fruit candy; and other several other products. These products are definitely worth checking out: https://www.nexugroup.com/shop

Hard Frescos: Aguas frescas are popular throughout the Mexican/Latin restaurant world, so it’s logical that a “hard” version would be a hit, too. Hard Frescos, which have 5.7 percent alcohol content, come in three flavors: Guava Citrico, Juicy Jamaica, and Tangy Tamarindo. The drinks, which come in cans and are brewed with real fruit, were very popular among show attendees. Hardfrescos.com

Pez Powder: Los Angeles chef Bret Thompson of Pez Cantina was providing samples of his new chile pepper seasoning that tastes great on chips, fruit, and as a cocktail rimmer. The product is similar to Tajin, but it's a bit milder, with hints of sweetness and lime. The powder was a real hit with the attendees, who lined up for a taste. The product is available through his restaurant now, and Thompson expects to distribute it through other outlets in the near future. Learn more at https://www.pezpowder.com/

El Pirata d’ Cordoba: This company offered samples of their Chipotle Chile Sauce, Pickled Chipotle Peppers, Habanera Hot Sauce, and Macha Dry Sauce. All delicious and tangy, and could be part of many Mexican recipes. www.elpiratadecordoba.com

Athena Chef Apparel: Chef Denise Portillo, who was named Culinary Woman of the Year by the National Latina Business Women’s Association – LA, is developing a line of chef apparel specifically designed for women. She showed a number of her designs at the show, and the appeal was instantly recognizable. The line has not been formally released yet, but you can see some other images on her Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/athenachefapparel/

Mini Crystals Cocktail Rimmers: Dried flowers, herbs, and pure cane sugar are the ingredients of these remarkable cocktail rimmers. They’re sweet and tangy, and come in a wide variety of flavors including cilantro, hibiscus, habanero and mint. They add great color and flavor to margaritas, mojitos and other drinks. http://www.freshorigins.com/our-products/mini-crystals/

Fiesta Latina Agave Beer: The booth of this brewery located in Jalisco was very popular during the show. Their refreshing amber ale is made with blue agave as a key base ingredient (instead of the grains most other beers use), which means it is gluten-free. More important, it tastes great! It has a light, fruity, chocolatey flavor and aroma. Fiesta Latina is available in California now. www.fiestalatinabeer.com

Vida Cheese Bread: This Brazilian bread, made with cassava root flour and white cheddar, is simply amazing. Vida Natural Baking Co., located in Goleta, California, makes the traditional, gluten-free bread in various forms, including long buns that make great sandwiches. They can supply the bread frozen; it takes 20 minutes to bake. http://vidanaturalbaking.com/

Mexican Cheese from California: There’s nothing hidden about Mexican cheese, but the California Milk Advisory Board deserves credit for really emphasizing their members’ Mexican cheese offerings at the show. They were offering samples of many Hispanic cheeses, and handing out a brochure with recipes featuring California Crema Mexicana Agria (sour cream), Queso Blanco, Queso Fresco, Cotija, and other dairy products. Learn more by clicking here.