The 100 Years Club Installment #136: HOT STUFF #9 What’s for Dessert?

Just like a wonderful meal often ends with a special treat, this is the last installment in my 3-part Top Picks from the Summer Fancy Food Show.

• Imagine a world where we only had salt and pepper? How boring, right? Spices, sauces, and things we sprinkle on our food can make a meal so much more interesting. I call them “food accessories” and this list probably could have comprised 100 items if I had more time at the Show.
• Tech is everywhere in the food and restaurant world. Smart businesspeople visited the booths that offered bytes rather than bites. I included just two in this summary, but if you’d like me to geek out on your food-related tech, just get in touch!
• Swag, swag, and more swag. Branded bracelets and custom bags, PLUS all the great snacks and giveaways from the exhibitors. You can’t have a Show without it!
• As for Girl Dinner, I’ve been eating it for years. A TikTok craze legitimized and rebranded it.  Although I found 10 things to put in this list, pretty much anything I wrote about from the Show can fit the bill. After all, it’s the bougie equivalent of foraging in your fridge when you’re too busy to shop and cook.

For your convenience, here are the links to the products in the video.

Watch for more food-centric content in September. I write about Sex, Life, and Tech year-round and food is indeed part of life!

Food “Accessories”

1. Blair’s Death. I can’t resist a challenge. I survived a “shot” of the world’s hottest hot sauce.
2. Caplanskys. Meeing the man behind the mustard was an honor! (I’ve never been a ketchup fan.)
3. Croutinis. Salads are better with a little crunch, and this variety is protein-packed.
4. Hold the Pickle. As a rim on a Bloody (or Virgin) Mary or mixed into a dip, this unique product enables you to have a pickle fix without the crunch.
5. Perfeito. I’m always looking for spices to glow up my air fryer meals. These are yummy!
6. Primal Kitchen. My refrigerator often looks like their warehouse! A recent addition is a multi-purpose sauce that tastes like a popular fast-casual chicken brand’s condiment (but healthier).
7. Salad Sprinkles. These aren’t your momma’s croutons! I’m so obsessed that I may start carrying them in my handbag and sneaking them out in restaurants.
8. Springs Fireplace. Named after a road in the Hamptons, this brand has its origins at farmers markets. Their fruity hot sauces are fire, as are the founders!

Food Tech

1. GS-1. Don’t know what a 2D bar code is yet? They are coming soon and will revolutionize shopping and storytelling. This non-profit educates companies on their superpowers.
2. Toast. Yup. I’m a geek. I pay attention to the POS terminals that servers use. This company not only has an amazing product, they have a warm and fun team (and fabulous swag). Culture is critical these days. Tech is a commodity but soul is eternal.

Girl Dinner

1. Egglife. Wraps, noodles, and even pre-made sandwich options (if you’re too tired to roll a wrap). I have been eating them instead of bread for a while now.
2. Fishwife. Tinned fish is still trending. So many varieties and colorful packaging!
3. Horman’s Original. They were one of my big clients back in my NY era and I love their new tiny buckets and their timeless varieties. Ask for them in the stores near you and help them make the entire U.S. a little spicier. Still my fave pickle brand!
4. Little Sesame. Hummus never fails as a girl-dinner ingredient. And this brand is so good!
5. Miracle Noodle. It’s truly a miracle that this pasta substitute has so few calories.
6. Painterland Sisters. I am very selective about the dairy I eat, but this brand tops my list. I always buy plain (no sugar) and add my own healthy mix-ins. See #10.
7. Patagonia Provisions. More tinned fish from the wonderful brand that cares about our planet.
8. Peanut Butter & Co: Eat it naked (as in straight from the jar) or on a wrap (see #1) with pickle slices (see #3).
9. Prime Roots. Plant-based deli meat. Another great wrap ingredient! Don’t forget the plant-based cheese and pickles!
10. Sprinkle Bites. We all have a little kid inside us. This is a great way to channel our inner child while still getting a protein fix.

Next week: My topic is MOVING (and what I’ll be watching on big and little screens this summer. My new apartment will have a big-ass TV! ) Follow me on Instagram and you’ll never miss an update!