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VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Dec. 01, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Stationed at the restaurant’s marbled Oyster Bar, Chef Kenta Takahashi quietly focuses and prepares himself for the evening ahead. Accompanied by his sous chef, Evelyn Tsai, the two diligently go through each dish’s component, its placement, and the timing for the event’s specially created dessert menu.

An award-winning pastry chef in his home country of Japan, Kenta Takahashi worked in several restaurants in Tokyo and Kanagawa, before coming to Vancouver to hone his craft under renowned pâtissier and chocolatier Thierry Busset. Combining his classically trained chef skills with the discerning eye of a true artist, he oversees the tantalizing dessert menu available at Boulevard. Not only does he bring the requisite traditional French panache to the line, but his Japanese heritage lends a modern and sophisticated influence to each exquisite dessert made. Kenta ensures that guests are treated to delicious varieties of their in-house prepared flaky pastries and fresh-baked bread each day.

In recognition of his exceptional creativity and passion, Chef Kenta once again obtained the well-deserved title of ‘Best Pastry Chef’ in Canada for 2023. Having previously won this accolade in 2020, what was the difference for the Executive Pastry Chef this time around? “I completely changed how I operate – instead of a singular focus on my creations, I concentrated on training my team” Kenta advises, “It’s a different way to achieve the same award, but requires more team effort. I needed to work alongside them and help them understand the importance of quality rather than only creating unique desserts.”

He also credits Executive Chef Alex Chen’s ability to infuse both plate and palate with an elegant yet understated flair as a constant source of culinary inspiration. “Alex is extremely talented and passionate” shares Kenta, “Each dish he creates has a big impact but is also very delicate in terms of presentation and taste”. He finishes by saying “Some people might say that this is boring, especially for a restaurant dessert. However, I have now been awarded twice by the biggest culinary judge in Canada. That has given me a little bit more confidence to continue along this path.”

With his 16 guests comfortably seated in the restaurant’s private dining room, Chef Kenta welcomes them and begins to describe the goal of the evening. More common in Japan, he wanted to use his knowledge to create a unique culinary experience that highlights the natural flavours of his desserts. With his incredible sugar art creations dotted around the room, he explains the inspirational source for his masterpieces and dishes. “Sometimes it comes from history, the background culture of the dish, or its ingredients. Sometimes it comes as a result of the environment around me” Kenta explains. “Then I think of what it is we want from a dessert, what we want to taste and how can I bring that to life.”

In 2024, Chef Kenta will continue to host his dessert-tasting menu event, exclusive to Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar. Aptly named ‘A Symphony in 5 Courses’, it has been designed to deliver a balance and variation of sweet, sour, and savory elements ensuring guests leave feeling invigorated. During each sitting, Chef Kenta will explore the colors, harvest, inspirations, and emotions of the season - presenting a different menu and showcasing the expression, artistry, and technique of one of Canada's true culinary artists.

To book any of the 2024 ‘A Symphony in 5 Courses’ dates, please visit https://boulevardvancouver.ca/in-restaurant-events/ for further information.

 
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MONTREAL, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 – Keurig Canada Inc., doing business as Keurig Dr Pepper Canada (“KDP Canada”), is thrilled to announce the appointment of Jean-Philippe Leblanc as the Vice-president of Coffee, effective December 4, 2023. In this pivotal role, Jean-Philippe will lead the strategic growth of the company's coffee business, overseeing appliances, coffee brands, revenue growth, category management, and partnerships. Bringing over two decades of experience as a seasoned executive in the consumer-packaged goods industry, Jean-Philippe’s years at Procter & Gamble, Hills and, most recently, Agropur, as Vice-president of a large category, were marked by a strong track record of driving significant growth.

Jean-Philippe's accomplishments include expanding portfolios with retail private labels, securing new business gains in the food service sector, and successfully integrating new brands within the Agropur ecosystem. A versatile leader, he has managed diverse sales teams, as well as marketing, research and development, and cross-functional teams.

Olivier Lemire, President of KDP Canada, remarks, “Jean-Philippe brings a wealth of experience, a fresh perspective, and a robust professional network to the role of Vice-president, Coffee. Coupled with his industry knowledge and shared value system, Jean-Philippe’s proven collaboration skills make him the ideal candidate to work with internal and external partners to drive synergies, engagement, and results for our clients and consumers alike.”

With Jean-Philippe at the helm of the coffee business, KDP Canada looks forward to a dynamic and successful future, further solidifying its position as a leader in the beverage industry.

 
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CHARLOTTE, N.C. – November 28, 2023 Dole Food Company announced it is now offering high quality Dragon Fruit to consumers across the western United States and Canada.

As the year 2024 approaches, ushering in the Year of the Dragon according to the Chinese calendar, the DOLE® Dragon Fruit, a visually captivating and nutritionally rich delicacy, is poised to tantalize taste buds and foster health and well-being for countless fruit enthusiasts across North America.

Grown under ideal conditions in Ecuador, DOLE® Dragon Fruit is meticulously cultivated to meet the company’s rigorous quality standards. Importing in Dole’s atmosphere-controlled containers results in less dehydration of the fruit compared to more common non-containerized shipping.

The exotic Dragon Fruit, also known as pitaya, has become increasingly popular in recent years for health benefits that include:

1.Rich in Antioxidants: Dragon fruit is loaded with antioxidants like vitamin C, which help protect the body against free radicals and promote healthy skin.

2.Low in Calories: Dragon fruit has just 60 calories and 3g fiber per serving, making it a perfect choice for those looking to maintain a healthy weight.

3.High in Fiber: Dragon fruit is a good source of dietary fiber, providing 3g per serving. Fiber aids in digestion and promoting a feeling of fullness. 

4.Vitamin-Packed: Dragon fruit is packed with essential vitamins like vitamin B, vitamin B12 (cobalamin), and iron, which contribute to overall well-being and energy. 

5.Hydrating: With its high-water content, dragon fruit helps keep you hydrated, especially in warm climates.

6.Deliciously Unique: Dragon fruit’s sweet and mildly tangy flavor with tiny edible black seeds provides a delightful and unique taste experience. 

“Dole is constantly responding to market demands with its innovative product offerings,” stated Nelson Montoya, President of Dole Fresh Fruit North America. "We are excited to bring the incredible flavors and health benefits of Dragon Fruit to households across the western U.S. and Canada. This exotic fruit aligns perfectly with Dole’s dedication to providing our customers with the very best in fresh produce."

1. https://storage.googleapis.com/journal-uploads/wjpps/article_issue/1522486769.pdf

2. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/2344729/nutrients

 
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Oakville, ON, Nov. 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Salads often get a bad rap… they’re too frou-frou, not filling enough, it’s like eating rabbit food. Well, the down-to-earth and delicious salad lineup at The Chopped Leaf, featuring the new Steak Fajita Salad, puts to bed all of those objections!

The Canadian fast casual restaurant chain offers a wide range of customizable salads, bowls and wraps, made with the freshest, high-quality ingredients. The Steak Fajita Salad is being featured for a limited time until January 7, 2024. It’s a good source of plant protein on its own; add the steak, and it’s an excellent source of protein. 

“Our Steak Fajita Salad will boost your energy and satisfy all your hunger needs – perfect for the holiday shopping season,” said Karen Paradine, head of Marketing, The Chopped Leaf. “This meal contains all 3 macronutrients - carbohydrates, protein and fat. And you can modify or add based on your preferences and tastes, doubling down on the protein, or creating a vegetarian or vegan-friendly version.”

All of the Chopped Leaf’s salads, bowls and wraps can be ordered as suggested, or customized by adding items or modifying to make it your own. The Steak Fajita Salad is made with sour cream & salsa, romaine, avocado, grape tomatoes, black bean corn salsa, red & yellow peppers, tortilla strips and cheddar, plus steak.

“The Steak Fajita Salad tastes great, plus it has so many healthy benefits! It packs the proteins which helps fill you up. Romaine lettuce is not only a functional food, but a superfood, bursting with antioxidants. Avocado supports heart health, and the black bean salsa is an excellent source of fibre,” adds Paradine. “If you’re active and looking for higher carbs, order the Steak Fajita as a wrap or bowl. Either way, top it off with one of our proprietary signature dressings, like chipotle lime citrus or chopped balsamic. It’s a delicious lunch or dinner on the go, made with high quality ingredients, and at a great value.”

Find nutritional information for all menu items, restaurant locations and even order online at: https://www.choppedleaf.ca/. Dietary filters help you build a gluten friendly, vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free or nut-free option.

 
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Taco Bell has emerged as the predominant force in online discussions, capturing 32% share among the top 10 quick-service restaurants on Reddit throughout 2023 (01 January to 31 October). Reddit conversations on Taco Bell app were predominantly about order inaccuracies, application glitches, and usability challenges, reveals the Social Media Analytics Platform of GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

The remaining nine quick service restaurants include Starbucks Corp, commanding a 21% share of voice, followed by Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc (14%), McDonald's Corp (13%), Burger King Corp (6%), KFC Corp (4%), Subway LLC (4%), Pizza Hut (2%), Domino’s Pizza Inc (2%), and Chick-fil-A Inc (2%).

Redditors predominantly express dissatisfaction with the Taco Bell app, citing order inaccuracies, glitches, and usability challenges. Complaints include incorrect items and issues with the rewards system. Discussions also highlight the need for Taco Bell to reassess its pricing strategy due to perceived value inadequacies. Concerns extend to food quality, with users questioning the freshness of ingredients. These multifaceted discussions underscore crucial considerations for Taco Bell's app functionality, pricing approach, and overall customer satisfaction.

Shreyasee Majumder, Social Media Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The Reddit community holds diverse opinions on Starbucks' recent financial performance in Q3 (July to September) 2023. Positive opinions center on higher revenue, earnings, and efficient operational techniques, whereas sustainability discussions are sparked by concerns about how soaring costs are affecting business profits.

The Redditors’ discussions around McDonald’s surged after the company experienced a 14% revenue rise during Q3 2023, surpassing the forecasts of professionals. This success was attributed to the strategic price increase that counteract the difficulties caused by a decline in foot traffic in the US restaurants.  Conversations on McDonald's predominantly center around users sharing their personal experiences and preferences related to food. Furthermore, there were discussions concerning employee working conditions, along with comparisons between McDonald’s and other fast-food chains, including Burger King and Chick-fil-A.

Redditors have diverse perspectives on Chipotle's price increase. Some express dissatisfaction, citing its impact on affordability and culinary choices, while others defend the necessity of adjusting prices for economic sustainability, considering factors like inflation and operational costs. Health-related discussions delve into meal digestibility, allergies, nutritional value, and flavor consistency. Despite concerns, positive sentiments emerge for specific menu items such as chipotle chicken, salsalito turkey, and unique combinations like the chipotle chicken panini.

 

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