ACF Chef's Table SmartBrief
Plus, green vs. red apples: Are there nutritional differences?
Created for NPkvdejmf6@niepodam.pl | Web Version
 
August 20, 2026
CONNECT WITH ACF XFacebookLinkedInYouTubeInstagramBlog
 
 
ACF Chef's Table SmartBrief
Bringing you all the culinary industry news to fuel your passionSIGN UP ⋅   SHARE
 
ADVERTISEMENT
 
Center of the Plate
 
Chefs' mom built Help the House to aid restaurant workers
Kate Meier, inspired by her children's careers in the restaurant industry, founded Help the House to support restaurant workers facing mental and physical health issues. The nonprofit, based in Minnesota but with national reach, provides resources for emergencies, housing and basic needs. Meier's journey began with Craftmade Aprons, a business she started at her children's request, which gave her insight into restaurant workers' struggles. Her leadership connects workers to vital resources and has garnered nationwide support from chefs, food distributors and the broader community.
Full Story: Restaurant Business (8/18)
share-text
 
Are Your Passwords on the Dark Web?
Billions of credentials circulate on the dark web, creating silent vulnerabilities. See if yours are exposed with Keeper's free BreachWatch Dark Web Scan. Scan Now
ADVERTISEMENT 
 
 
 
 
Foodservice News
 
Chef Piscazzi brings Italian flair to Greek cuisine
Chef Luca Piscazzi has transformed Pelagos at the Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens into a Michelin-starred restaurant by blending Greek ingredients with techniques he's learned worldwide. Since opening in 2021, Piscazzi has explored local flavors, creating dishes like caviar pasta and incorporating unique ingredients such as mastic. Piscazzi's innovative approach and commitment to local sourcing have made Pelagos a standout dining destination.
Full Story: Observer (8/20)
share-text
 
Jet's Pizza stands out with commitment to premium ingredients
Jet's Pizza has distinguished itself in a challenging market by prioritizing premium ingredients, even when commodity prices fluctuate. The company's research confirmed that customers are willing to pay more for quality, leading to practices such as hand-cutting vegetables, mixing multiple flours for dough, and grating fresh cheese daily. Rather than joining the industry trend of deep discounting, Jet's emphasized its Detroit-style roots and high-quality offerings through its "It's Not Pizza. It's Jet's" campaign.
Full Story: Restaurant Business (8/19)
share-text
 
 
Learn From 150+ Top Everyday Retailers
Connect with leaders from Target, Sam's Club, DoorDash, and Instacart at Groceryshop 2026 in Las Vegas (Sept 22-24). With 1 in 3 attendees at C-level, unlock high-value networking and actionable insights for your business. Secure your spot today!
ADVERTISEMENT 
 
 
 
 
Nourish: Health, Nutrition and Wellness News
 
Green vs. red apples: Are there nutritional differences?
 
One Green Apple among the Reds
(Ekspansio/Getty Images)
Registered dietitian nutritionist Bonnie Taub-Dix explores the differences between green and red apples, highlighting their nutritional benefits and culinary uses. Green apples, like Granny Smith, are tart and firm, making them ideal for baking, while red varieties such as Gala and Fuji are sweeter and juicier, perfect for eating fresh. Both types offer similar health benefits, including fiber, vitamin C and antioxidants, though green apples are slightly lower in sugar and calories. Taub-Dix emphasizes that the choice between them often comes down to personal preference, as the nutritional differences are minimal.
Full Story: USA Today (8/17)
share-text
 
RDs weigh in on the olive oil shot trend
Taking a daily shot of olive oil, a tradition in some Mediterranean cultures, is gaining popularity on social media for its potential health benefits. Registered dietitian nutritionist Laura M. Ali and RD Johannah Katz highlight olive oil's healthful fats and antioxidants, which support heart, brain and digestive health. However, they recommend incorporating olive oil into meals rather than drinking it straight, as this enhances its health benefits and enjoyment.
Full Story: Martha Stewart (8/17)
share-text
 
 
 
 
Culinary Trends and Innovations
 
Nevada, Hawaii, New York lead in priciest Old Fashioneds
 
Alcoholic Old Fashioned Cocktail classic Bourbon Whiskey, sugar cube and aromatic bitters garnish with orange peel and a cherry
(Heleno Viero/Getty Images)
The average price of an Old Fashioned cocktail varies significantly across the US, with Nevada topping the list at $17.51 and Wisconsin offering the lowest at $10.75, according to a survey by Ground Signal, which analyzed nearly 38,000 orders at over 26,000 venues nationwide. The national average stands at $14.38, with 21 states exceeding this figure. States such as Hawaii, New York, Vermont and Utah also rank among the most expensive for the classic whiskey drink.
Full Story: VinePair (8/18)
share-text
 
Emphasizing ingredient integrity in Indian dining
Indian dining is increasingly focusing on the quality and origin of ingredients, shifting attention from chefs and restaurants to farms and producers. Culinary Director at Aditya Birla New Age Hospitality Rahul Akerkar emphasizes the importance of ingredient integrity, advocating for a food system that supports farmers and maintains ingredient quality from farm to table.
Full Story: Travel + Leisure (8/19)
share-text
 
 
 
 
ICYMI: The most popular stories from our last issue
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Leadership and Management
 
Use coaching questions to prompt new insights
When coaching your team, don't be quick to fix their problems, writes executive coach Dan Rockwell, who suggests turning the exercise into an opportunity to help people better understand themselves. Ask them what they make of whatever has happened, what their reaction may reveal about themselves and what the insight can help them change in the future. "It's easy to see what others need to do. Coaches help us see what we need to do," Rockwell notes.
Full Story: Leadership Freak (8/18)
share-text
 
 
 
 
News from ACF