Kosherfest 2011

Kosherfest, the world's largest kosher–certified products trade event was held last week at New Jersey’s Meadowlands. The exhibit hall was bursting with tasters, testers, and lookers on every aisle. The crowds, and they were substantial, enjoyed noshing their way through the exhibits. According to Bill Springer, Kosherfest co-producer, “This year’s Kosherfest was sold out with a waiting list. It is a good sign … that the kosher symbol is becoming more important to consumers than ever before, and that buyers are eager to see and taste new kosher products and learn about trends in the marketplace.”

Some Buzz from Kosherfest:

1. Tofutti – How busy this exhibit was with a freezer full of parve milk-free frozen snacks. We tried to get a taste of Yours Truly, a parve cone, but alas, too crowded.
   
   

1. The Simply Bar High protein nutrition bars – both milk and gluten free. Seven varieties.
   
   

1. No. 209 – The only kosher for Passover gin in the world. We’ll be tasting this one, and developing some kosher for Passover recipes.
   
   

1. And speaking of drinks – Moses Vodka and their new Date Vodka From Finland - gorgeous bottles, ultra premium vodka, both kosher and kosher for Passover. We tasted it  and loved it - very smooth and a favorite.
   
   

1. Jacks Gourmet Sausage – We've written about this product previously, and were delighted to see them so successful at Kosherfest.
   
   

1. Manischewitz – Wow! A vending machine with hot food. Hope that they place this all around the U.S.
   
   

1. Zelda’s- Their Passover chocolate frogs are now classic. But, wait until you see and taste their newest creature- Kosher for Passover locusts. We also enjoyed their moist, delicious parve everyday cakes especially the caramel apple and lemon flavors.
   
   

1. Michel Cluizel Chocolate – from Paris.  The line is beautifully packaged and OU parve.
   
   

1. The Kosher Cook – Silicone challah mold. This one is for the challah baker who wants to avoid the shaping step. Can’t wait to try it.
   
   

1. Fruit of the Land – Tishbi Passion Fruit and Strawberry Champagne Preserves. 
   
   

1. Schmerling – Rich deep dark chocolate with hazelnuts- irresistible! Parve! Passover!
   
   

1. Mikee’s introducing their new mango duck sauce.

We will be tasting, testing, and reporting on these and other Kosherfest finds in detail over the next few months. There was so much more - crepes, artisan breads, flavored sausages, Asian specialties, frozen ready-to-eat meals, pastries, ice cream, Greek yogurt, and organic juices. And there were the classics like Koppers, Gus’ Pickles, Paskesz, Alprose, Streits, and Osem. We will be reviewing, featuring, and sampling additional Kosherfest products in the coming weeks and months. We just couldn’t taste it all!

KosherEye also had the pleasure of coordinating a pre-Kosherfest Social Media dinner event at Solo Restaurant in Manhattan. Twenty-six members of the kosher media gathered to eat, tweet and meet. The conversation was lively, and the menu exceptional.  We will be sharing the mouthwatering menu, and hopefully some recipes!

The attendees also had the pleasure of tasting Champagne Drappier, introduced and imported by Royal Wine. These are the first authentic French kosher cuvees to come to the U.S.  They were fabulous!

We enjoyed attending an author-blogger event at the show. Moderated by Esti Berkowitz of PrimeTimeParenting.com, and Leah Schapira of CookKosher.com, the chef-author panel featured Levana Kirschenbaum, Jeff Nathan, Paula Shoyer, Jamie Geller, Gil Marks, and Susie Fishbein. The authors discussed growth and trends in kosher food.  Some issues shared were the need for healthier ingredients and less sodium in kosher products.