The Best Bites from the Winter Fancy Food Show | culture: the word on cheese
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The Best Bites from the Winter Fancy Food Show


At this year’s Specialty Food Association Winter Fancy Food Show in Las Vegas, the culture team came, saw, and ate some of the best bites from around the country and world. The show, which previews new and exciting innovations and products in theyou guessed it—fancy food space, showcases this year’s flavor trends in addition to global snacks you sometimes can’t find anywhere else. Want to know our favorites? Then read on.

Alexian’s Vegetable Pate.

“The bite that stood out the most to me was a lemon ricotta-stuffed ripienissimi/gnocchi. … It was fabulous. My second choice would be the Alexian Vegetable Pate. I absolutely love it.”—Natalie, National Brand Manager 

Regalis Yellowfin Ventresca.

Regalis Yellowfin Ventresca was a unique favorite for sure. It was buttery and rich! Something out of the ordinary. I’m not even a big fan of tinned fish, and I may have been starving, but it was delicious. I found about five or so remaining crackers in my cabinet to pair with. If only I had a baguette!”—Shauna, Retail Partnerships & Event Manager

An assortment of Plucky Pickle dips, including Mallory’s favorite: Original Dill.

“Some of my fave bites were:

  1. Kris Lloyd Artisan Monet Crackers
    These are works of art. They’re perfectly thin and crispy with just a touch of salt. Fabulous with any of Woodside Cheese Wrights cheeses.
  2. Wildwood Fennel Pollen Caramels
    These bite-sized chewy caramels had a nice salty-sweet balance with notes of browned butter and ever-so-minty fennel. Definitely craveable and would pair well with a fudgy blue for an indulgent dessert.
  3. Smoking Goose Duck Prosciutto
    All of the charcuterie booths had nice products, but Smoking Goose’s Duck Prosciutto stood out. Not too gamey with a hint of citrus, it’s a great replacement for a classic cured meat on a board.
  4. Cypress Grove Olive & Herb Goat Cheese
    There is definitely a trend of mimicking or incorporating classic cocktail flavors in cheese, and this one hit the mark for mirroring martini vibes. Perfectly stackable. … Just add gin.
  5. Plucky Pickle Dip: Original Dill
    I absolutely love a pickle. And pickled veggies are definitely having a moment. Combine crispy pickles with a smooth mix of cream cheese, beans, herbs, and spices and you have a party dip for crowd pleasing (or indulging solo).”—Mallory, Executive Content Director 

BelGioioso’s Aged Fontina.

“Cheeses that stood out to me were Central Coast Creamery’s Dream Weaver, BelGioioso’s Aged Fontina, and Schattbuch by Kaeskuche. My non-cheese faves were uni butter from Marin Food; Piedmont Pennies Original Sharp Cheddar Baked Biscuit Bitesthese were reminiscent of a Southern cheese straw, but a little less sandy in texture with the addition of puffed rice to add some fun crunch; and Fra’Mani Salame Rosa with pistachios. My best bite was Vermont Creamery’s Hooper with aged Iberico and honey on a Raincoast crisp.”—Josie, Digital Strategy Lead

Top: Rulo de Cabra.

“There were SO many good bites! My favorite non-cheese bites included a passionfruit marmalade from Yakami Orchards, Campo d’Oro’s Sicilian Lemon Curd, Finocchiona salami by Island Sausage, and Hudson Valley Farms duck prosciutto. Cheese-wise, my favorite bites were Rulo de Cabra, a creamy Spanish goat cheese, and Dulses, a smoked Belgian cheese gorgeously flecked with purple seaweed.”—Alana, Social Media Manager

Alana Pedalino

Alana Pedalino's work has been featured in Chicken Soup for the Soul, Bon Appétit, and The Buffalo News. She's currently serving as culture's social media manager. She loves to write poetry, eat spaghetti carbonara, and kayak. Follow her @APstyle on X. Read more by her here: https://alanapedalino.com/#/.

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