TableCraft at Catersource 2011: FAQ's

Everyone at TableCraft is excited for the 2011 Catersource Tradeshow and Conference this week!

Here are some FAQS about Catersource to keep you in the know!

What is the Catersource Tradeshow and Conference?
Catersource is the largest networking resource for professional caterers. Catersource offers information, education, discussions, insights, vendors and industry awareness.

We know it's coming up -when and where is Catersource this year?
Catersource is February 27th- March 2nd at The Cosmopolitan Hotel in Las Vegas.

We've heard about the TableCraft booth- where can we find you guys?
We are at Booth 1206. Come see our amazing booth, grab one of our new 2011 catalogs and talk to a TableCraft pro. We'd love to have you visit us and learn more about TableCraft!

Who is Eric LeVine?
Eric LeVine is on TableCraft's chef council and he will be giving an education session/releasing his cookbook at Catersource 2011. Chef Eric is also the Chefs' Corner forum moderator on Catersource's website. For more info on Chef Eric, his education session or his cookbook, click here: http://www.catersource.com/Conference-tradeshow/attend/education/speakers/eric-levine

How many people attend this show?
This year Catersource is expecting 6,000+ attendees for the Conference & Tradeshow combined.

For more info, visit the show's website here: http://www.catersource.com/
or their facebook page here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Catersource/122257917819037

2011 Catalog!

The 2011 catalog is here! Have you requested yours yet? If you haven't, make sure to ask your local sales rep or request one at our website at http://www.tablecraft.com/storefrontB2CWEB/inquiry

All 2011 new products are located in the front few pages in the 'New Products' section, making it easy to find out what's new for 2011. New products are also located in more detail throughout the catalog within each category section.

Be sure to check out all the fabulous ideas and uses for our products showcased in the catalog, and stay tuned to our blog for our newest feature- "Spotlight on New Products" happening each month!

TableCraft at The NAFEM Show 2011: FAQ's

Our sales directors and top executives are busy gearing up for the NAFEM show this week! Here are some FAQS about The Nafem Show to keep you in the know!

What does NAFEM stand for and what does that mean?
The North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers (NAFEM) is a trade association of more than 550 foodservice equipment and supplies manufacturers that provide products for food preparation, cooking, storage and table service.

We know it's coming up -when and where is the Nafem show this year?
The Nafem Show begins this Thursday, February 10th and runs through Saturday, February 12th. The 2011 show is being held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL

We've heard about the TableCraft booth- where can we find you guys?
We are at Booth 3622. Come see our amazing booth, grab one of our new 2011 catalogs and talk to a TableCraft pro. We'd love to have you visit us and learn more about TableCraft!

Who attends this show?
Over 500 exhibitors have booths at the show, showcasing the best of the industry. You can find a complete list of exhibitors on the Nafem Show Website (link below)

In terms of attendees, NAFEM attracts 20,000+ visitors, spanning all across the industry representing over 30 major catagories including:
-Independent Restaurants
-Full-service Chain Restaurants
-Fine dining Restaurants
-Country Clubs
-Sports Venues
-College/Universities
-Hotels and Country Clubs

For more info, visit the show's website here: http://www.thenafemshow.org/

TableCraft at Hospitality Show UK

Hospitality 2011 in Birmingham UK was a great success! With our 2011 spotlight on our growing global market, our booth showcased Tablecraft's commitment to being at the forefront of the food service industry in Europe with our innovation, creative design and commercial quality. Our next generation of products, the SaferFoods Solutions dispensers, were launched at the show and were extremely well received in the European market. We look forward to Hotelympia 2012 in London!

Our Polycarb Shakers are now BPA Free! But what does that mean?

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a controversial chemical that can be found in polycarbonate plastics. Since BPA is an endocrine disrupter and may cause developmental or behavioral effects, many researchers have expressed concern over current human exposure to BPA. TableCraft knows how important safety is to the restaurant industry and has developed BPA free products in response to the recent studies.




Check out this informational article from Scientific American for more insight on BPA- http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=plastic-not-fantastic-with-bisphenol-a

2010 Favorites! Part I

From TableCraft classics to innovative new pieces, here are some of our 2010 favorites to ring in the new year!





(From L to R- 71 beverage dispenser, FN1611 Blackwell Collection™ rack and bowl, 6618 Authentic Collection™ shakers)



71



Seen at classy brunches around the world, this beverage dispenser will always be a favorite way to dispense juices, but that's not why it's a TableCraft favorite this year. The 71 makes our list because in 2010 we've been seeing it used more and more in spas and resorts to dispense fruit infused water. Try adding sliced cucumber or citrus fruit to your ice water- the see through chamber adds that extra touch for your guests to see the fresh goodies added for their refreshment!

FN1611


The Blackwell Collection™ has always been a favorite due to it's modern look, but the FN1611 tops our list due to its versatile functionality. Whether you use it as a display dish or bowl, on the table, or as piece of art, it's always going to be a fabulous addition to your venue!

6618

A bit hit in 2010 that's sure to continue in 2011 is the green glass trend. Our Authentic Collection™ shakers top our list for their ability to add a bit of nostalgia mixed with new trends on your tabletop. (PS- We love our 6619 Authentic Collection™ oil & vinegar dispensers too!)

Gorgeous Gigantic Bowls: Not only for food!

Gorgeous, gigantic bowls are not only for food- they're also a great decor piece! Here are some inspiration pictures of how with a little easy design, we turned these bowls into works of art!



Turn your hobby into art! With an office full of golfers, we LOVE the way the GB154 is featured in our catalog. The marketing department also has this bowl displayed in our office- we filled it with coffee beans and it looks and smells GREAT!



Decor globes are another easy way to make these bowls look fashionable, adding style and add creativity to your venue. These wicker and wood globes give off a nice natural vibe and texture and look great against our tinted glass.

November 2010 Trend: Gorgeous Gigantic Bowls!

Functioning as both display pieces to add to your ambiance and great serving bowls capable of holding enough delicious delectables for your whole party, these gorgeous, gigantic bowls are perfect for the approaching holiday season. Must haves for any venue wanting to make a gorgeous, gigantic statement!



Keep checking our blog this month to see lots of TableCraft bowls that fit this fashionable trend!

October 2010 Trend: Creative Cocktail Hours!

Stainless steel doesn't have to be boring! With the right pops of color and creative plating techniques, stainless is the perfect way to showcase a creative cocktail display, be it beverage or hor d'oeuvres.

We love the simple, mod lines of the R2013 for plating delicious treats. The innovative curved shape of the dish instantly makes any food display look fab.



The R244 is truly a unique piece. Impress your guests with this sleek, airy display that turns bite sized appetizers into showcased pieces of art.



Stainless isn't only good for appetizers- check out how displaying cocktail presentations on stainless easily provides a classy upgrade.

Stock Your Bar September: Chilling with Class

Stainless steel beverage tubs are a great way to chill and display beverages with class.

One of our favorites is the BTB1610. With its texturized surface and sleek base, this tub is both functional and creatively designed. We also love the handles for easy transportation and the fact that it can hold all of our favorite champagne bottles with ease! Pop the cork- let's celebrate!

Want a fabulous, easy and low cost way to upgrade your beverage presentation with an item you already own? The RS1537 Designer Tote Frame fits around our standard totes for a stylish upgrade in no time. Extra bonus: Folds flat for easy storage!

September 2010 Trend: Stock Your Bar September!

TableCraft's 1st Annual Stock Your Bar September! Whether you're looking for revamped classics like the Proper Pour Collection or new innovations like our designer tote box frame, TableCraft has everything you need to stock your bar!


This week we're focusing two item collections that every bar should have- Proper Pour™ measured pourers and Pour Master® Completes.




Venues love our Proper Pours™ because of their unmatched accuracy. Accurate pouring = Consistant drinks and boosted profits!




Pour Master® Completes are a great way to keep your bar organized. Featuring an easy grip neck, the complete sets include the container, a snap-tight color-coded spout and a color-coded cap for easy storage. This set is an absolute must have for every alcohol serving establishment!

The Little Black Basket: Unique Bread Baskets

This week we're focusing on our favorite bread baskets to dress up your tabletop - our favorites include pieces from our Bouclé and Mediterranean Collections™.




Our Bouclé Collection™ is sure to be a fan favorite for creative bread baskets. Its airy design creates a light and pliable illusion, but this basket is actually very sturdy. Not only does it keep its shape- it can hold all of your favorite rolls with ease. Pass the bread, please!




Looking for a classic Tuscan feel in your venue? The Mediterranean Collection™ epotomizes class and simplicity and will remind guests of the Old Country, no matter how far away they are. Passare il pane, per favore!

The Little Black Basket: Chic & Stylish

The ultimate Little Black Dress of the Tabletop! The creative design of this versatile basket (and the rest of the baskets in our Grand Master Transformer Collection) allows you to create endless unique displays. Easily transform its shape to create new presentations like you'd change accessories to create a whole new outfit!




We love the BC7209's chic sharp style! This basket always causes a doubletake on tabletops because of its interesting lines and modern design. A must for any edgy, fashion forward venue.

August 2010 Trend: The Little Black Basket

The Little Black Dress of the restaurant industry. Classic. Fabulous. Always in style.

During the month of August, 2 new innovative and fabulous black baskets will be featured on the blog each week, so keep checking back!

Restaurant Classics: Evoking Nostalgia

Restaurant classics are the perfect way to evoke nostalgia in your venue. Two of our favorite nostalgic pieces are our 18 coffee pot and our 714CH straw holder. The 18 is a classic staple in mom and pop breakfast spots everywhere and the 714CH reminds us of the "good ole days" of soda and malt shops. I'd like a vanilla shake and a piece of blueberry pie, please!

Restaurant Classics: Bigger isn't always better

We love the classic look of our mini salt and pepper shakers! Our 30S&P's are ideal for adding extra consideration and convienience to room service trays or for when you need mulitple shakers on long, rectangular tables. Sometimes mini is just better!

Restaurant Classics: The "TableCraft Test"

Having grown up around TableCraft (my father gave me the TableCraft catalog as reading material when I got my tonsils out), I can easily and quickly identify TPC pieces by their design and material. Over the years, my friends have developed something they call a "TableCraft Test" to see if a product is TableCraft. As soon as they see something they think is ours, they hold it up above their head and search for the TPC logo on the bottom. If it's TableCraft, they send me goofy pictures of themselves posed with the item and we all get a kick out of it. Since the start of "The TableCraft Test", I've accumulated more silly pictures of friends with our classic ketchup squeeze bottles and (my favorite item!) our 1074 red basket than all the other items combined, making hot dog places the ultimate place to do "The TableCraft Test". Next time you're in one, try it! If you're feeling daring enough, send us a photo to Jennifer@tablecraft.com and we'll post it to our Facebook!

July 2010 Trend: Restaurant Classics

This month we're focusing on pieces that exude simplicity, classic style and nostalgia. Seen in venues all over the world, these pieces are truly restaurant classics.