The Men of Konopelski’s Meats and Their Very Cool Hats! (All Photos By Gail)
Over the past few years, I’ve enjoyed covering the slow return of various favorite trade shows, such as the Affordable Art Fair and NY Now while holding-out for what I like to call ‘The Big One.’Â Finally, after an absence of two excruciating years, the Summer Fancy Food Show (sponsored by the Specialty Food Association) made what can only be called a triumphant comeback in June of this year. It has taken me this long to distill the experience because, wow, the show was just overwhelming on so many levels.
For a food blogger, there is no better way to kick off the summer in style than with the three-day tour de force that is the Summer Fancy Food Show, which took over Manhattan’s massive Javits Center in its entirety from June 28th to 30th. With over 5,000 exhibitors from around the globe, Summer Fancy Food is the most exciting Specialty Foods product showcasing event of the year for restaurant owners, gourmet vendors, and foodies alike!
The Summer Fancy Food Show – which is sponsored by the Specialty Food Association – takes over NYC’s Jacob Javits Convention Center for three days each July, and it is the most fun thing imaginable for people who like food. This year’s event took place from Sunday June 29th through Tuesday July 1st, and while you really do need three days to “do” the show, I had to cram my visit into just one day (Sunday). My foodie friend and fellow writer Anne and I blazed a trail across three floors and two entire wings of Javits, coming away with very full tummies, even fuller bags of food swag and samples, and a ton of (mostly) hilarious photos, some of which I will share here. Enjoy!
Gummi Candy Bandaids – taste like fruit!
Whoop Ass Hot Sauce Bottles that look like little Cowboys.
Hotter than Hot. In other words, Very Hot.
Amoretti Martini Mixes
Now, this is a great product! Just add alcohol!
To demonstrate how delicious this butter is, they fried bits of cheese in it.
Cheese Fried in Butter: Yes, Delicious.
I wish had had made a note of the exhibitor in the booth where I took the picture above, because he was a complete dick to me. Dick.
Pink Hot Chocolate
Black Heart Licorice
I wonder if Bethenny Frankel is their spokesperson?
It’s a Birthday Party in a Bon Bon!
Giant Easter Candy Display from Sweet Works Chocolates!
Just Mayo: a mayonnaise product from Hampton Creek made with plant emulsifiers instead of eggs. Just Delicious!
Takeya Iced Tea’s Gets Super Arty.
Mr. Cucumber Head for Rick’s Pick K.O. Pickles!
Whirley Pop Popcorn Popper!
Sexy Pop Popcorn for use with the Whirley Popper!
Counting Sheep Coffee: Relaxing Coffee with Valerian Root. This product was a big hit at the show!
Red Velvet Cake Flavored Milk Chocolate.
Pulque Can Mariachis!
Image not Photoshopped
One of the great finds of the day was Holy Crap Breakfast Cereal. Anne and I asked the lady in the booth why it is called Holy Crap, and she replied, “Because it is very high in fiber!” “Ohhhh…” we replied in unison.
Icee Cherry Cake Bite Petit Four.
These little statuettes are Sofi Awards – “Sofi” standing for Specialty Outstanding Food Innovation – which are awarded to outstanding specialty foods and beverages across 32 awards categories. These Sofis belong to Dancing Deer Baking Company.
The GoGo Gang. To make you “go” I guess.
3D Sugar Cake Topper by created by 3D Systems.
Coco Libre Coconut Water Giant Inflatable Display!
For more information on The Fancy Food Show, visit the Specialty Food Association’s website at This Link. See you next July!
