ACF Chef's Table SmartBrief
Plus, chefs, breeders lead push for return to taste in US food
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May 29, 2026
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ACF Chef's Table SmartBrief
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Center of the Plate
 
Vasconi's lamb neck pierogi offers a new take on a classic
Chef Chris Vasconi of Pitt Eats/Chartwells Higher Ed has created a signature dish, Lamb Neck Pierogi, that elevates traditional pierogi by incorporating braised lamb neck, Tellegio cream, miso black garlic roasted mushrooms, crispy leeks and lamb jus. Vasconi's journey with pierogi began with simple potato and cheese fillings, but his experience at Lola in Cleveland inspired him to experiment with meat-based fillings. The dish, described as "something familiar but new," has become a standout, offering a unique umami flavor profile.
Full Story: FoodService Director (5/28)
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Foodservice News
 
NYC launches $26 dining deals for World Cup visitors
Mayor Zohran Mamdani has introduced a citywide $26 dining deal, offering specially priced meals and drinks at hundreds of NYC restaurants and bars. Dubbed the Five Boroughs Winners Specials, the deal features prix fixe menus, food and drink pairings, and drink-only options, making it significantly more affordable than typical Manhattan restaurant prices. The program encourages both locals and visitors to explore diverse dining options across all five boroughs during the six-week promotion.
Full Story: Eater (5/22)
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Hawaiian Airlines taps chef Sheldon Simeon for new menu
 
TOP CHEF -- "Adios Charleston, Hello James Beard" Episode 1411 -- Pictured: Sheldon Simeon -- (Photo by: Paul Cheney/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images)
(Bravo/Getty Images)
Hawaiian Airlines will offer a menu by Maui-based chef Sheldon Simeon in the main cabin for flights between Hawaii and the US mainland starting July 1. The menu features dishes such as crispy mochiko chicken and French toast with banana bread syrup. The meals will be served in compostable or recyclable packaging, aligning with Hawaii's environmental initiatives.
Full Story: Food & Wine (5/28)
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Roy Choi brings Korean American flavors to Target's Good & Gather Collabs
Target has partnered with James Beard Award-winning chef Roy Choi for its latest Good & Gather Collabs line. Choi, recognized for his innovative Korean American cuisine and influence on the food truck scene, brings his signature multicultural flavors to the retailer.
Full Story: Store Brands (5/28)
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Nourish: Health, Nutrition and Wellness News
 
Legumes top the list of weight-management-friendly carbs
Jillian Kubala, a registered dietitian, recommends legumes as the most weight-management-friendly carbs due to their fiber and protein content, which promote satiety and help reduce calorie intake. Studies show that increasing legume consumption can lead to significant reductions in body weight and fat mass. Other beneficial carbs include sweet potatoes, raspberries, and teff, which are dense in fiber and nutrients. While refined carbs are linked to obesity, replacing them with complex carbs can support weight management and overall health.
Full Story: Health (5/27)
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Refreshing tomato lemonade offers health benefits
Tomato lemonade, a new summer drink gaining popularity, combines antioxidant-providing tomatoes and lemons. According to dietitians Kristen Kuminski and Johannah Katz, this beverage offers health benefits due to its lycopene and vitamin C content, which can enhance antioxidant absorption. However, the drink's nutritional value varies based on preparation, particularly the amount of added sugar, which can offset its health benefits.
Full Story: Verywell Health (5/27)
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Food Safety Watch
 
FDA seeks stakeholder input on traceability rule
The FDA has released a discussion paper to engage stakeholders on potential flexibilities for the final rule "Requirements for Additional Traceability Records for Certain Foods." The paper seeks to inform discussions at a public meeting June 15, for which registration is required. The FDA is accepting feedback on the paper until July 15.
Full Story: Quality Assurance & Food Safety (5/28)
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Culinary Trends and Innovations
 
Chefs, breeders lead push for return to taste in US food
US food has lost much of its flavor because of industrial farming prioritizing yield and durability over taste, experts say. Sweetcorn breeder Bill Tracy and flavor scientist Arielle Johnson highlight the decline, noting that flavorful varieties often aren't marketable. Chef Dan Barber and plant breeder Harry Klee are among those working to restore flavor by promoting crops grown in healthy soil. "Flavor is an effective proxy for a broken system. Restore flavor, restore the health of the system," Barber says.
Full Story: The Guardian (London) (5/28)
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Bartenders are using salt to elevate cocktails
 
Single glass of Margarita cocktail with a rim of salt sitting on a shadowy table with space for copy.
(Catherine Falls Commercial/Getty Images)
Bartenders have recognized salt as a powerful tool for enhancing cocktails, much like its role in the kitchen. By incorporating salt -- whether as a rim garnish, flavored blends, or dissolved in drinks -- they're able to brighten citrus notes, mute bitterness and create a more balanced, dynamic flavor experience. This practice has grown in popularity, with both professionals and home bartenders leveraging salt to elevate classic cocktails like margaritas, daiquiris, negronis and martinis.
Full Story: Food & Wine (5/28)
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ICYMI: The most popular stories from our last issue