Latest news with #CulinaryInnovation
RNZ News
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- RNZ News
Cooking hāngī and much more with chef Kia Kanuta
This audio is not downloadable due to copyright restrictions. Kia Kanuta at the Lewisham Awards Photo: Zahn Trotter Kia Kanuta began as a dishwasher at the Avondale RSA. 20 years later, he is Tāmaki Makaurau's most 'Outstanding Chef', recognised at the 2024 Lewisham Awards for his outstanding contribution to Auckland's culinary scene. The head chef of Grey Lynn's Ada Restaurant, Kanuta champions Māori ingredients, innovative hāngī techniques and mentors an empathetic kitchen culture.
Hospitality Net
09-06-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Dario Mazzoli has been appointed Director of Food and Beverage at Four Seasons Hotel Toronto
A new member of the Four Seasons family, Director of Food and Beverage Dario Mazzoli has more than 18 years of experience within the hospitality industry. Dario brings an impressive background in culinary and beverage management, having worked with some of the most prestigious brands in the industry including one of London's most iconic members' clubs known, for its exceptional dining and vibrant nightlife. With extensive experience across global markets including the United Kingdom, China, Brazil, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, India and Morocco, Dario embraces diverse cultural influences that shape his leadership style and inspire innovation in hospitality. His passion for the industry will strengthen the culinary offerings at Four Seasons Hotel Toronto, elevating the overall dining experience to new heights.
Daily Mail
04-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Popeyes sparks fast food war with McDonald's as snack wrap release date announced
Popeyes is unleashing its competitive side after adding Chicken Wraps to its menus this week - as McDonald's finally announced the return date of the beloved Snack Wrap. Popeyes' Chicken Wraps come with lettuce, shredded cheese, and pickles with a choice of Classic, Spicy, or Honey Mustard sauce. 'We wanted to create a Chicken Wrap that was undeniably Popeyes,' said the chain's VP of Culinary Innovation Amy Alarcon. The wraps, available for a limited time, include nearly every ingredient one sees on McDonald's beloved Snack Wraps. The McDonald's item had been a longtime fan favorite item that customers have been waiting for since its 2016 discontinuation. The item, which came with the choice of ranch or honey mustard, was made of grilled or crispy chicken, lettuce, and shredded cheese. The new McDonald's wrap, which will come with a spicy or ranch spread, is set to return at participating locations on July 10, the chain announced Tuesday. While thousands of customers have been reacting to McDonald's Snack Wraps, Popeyes has been busy hinting its intentions to beat the restaurant chain in a fast food war. McDonald's ranch or spicy-flavored Snack Wraps will be available to purchase at participating locations on July 10 Popeyes began its quest on May 30 by mimicking a cryptic X post McDonald's made in April. McDonald's wrote 'Snack wraps 0x14.2025,' making customers believe they would return on the 14th of a month this year. The chicken chain responded on May 30 with 'chicken wraps 0x.02.2025,' which signaled the item would appear in two days on June 2. Popeyes also responded to this morning's Snack Wrap announcement from McDonald's by writing '... y'all good?.' The brand poked fun at the length of the McDonald's social media announcement, writing: 'i ain't reading all that - i'm happy for u tho - or sorry that happened.' As of now, McDonald's has yet to clap back, but its fans were more than thrilled to finally learn the Snack Wrap's release date. Popeyes fans were also excited to try one of its Chicken Wraps and were intrigued by the chains' relationship. 'Popeyes and McDonalds beefing was not on my bingo card,' an X user wrote. I think Popeyes and McDonald's need a debate on the chicken wrap — Loner Skii ⛷️ (@LonerSkii) June 3, 2025 McDonald's and Popeyes chicken wraps this summer: — Public Enemies Podcast (@PublicEnemiesHQ) June 3, 2025 Social media users either rooted for McDonald's or Popeyes, while others were entertained by the disses The battle between McDonald's and Popeyes is nothing new in the fast food world. The restaurant chains challenged one another back in 2019 during the early years of the chicken sandwich wars. Popeyes had already been in a battle with Chick-fil-A over the brands' chicken sandwiches. McDonald's took it to another level by launching a Spicy BBQ Chicken Sandwich. Fast-forward five years into the future, and both restaurant chains are going head-to-head in $5 Meal Deals. McDonald's is still looking to outdo Popeyes in the chicken category and is currently working on three C-suite roles to analyze menu items in three categories: beef, chicken, and beverages and desert. While the two are competing, McDonald's and Popeyes have one thing in common: low first quarter sales this year. Popeyes' same-store sales dropped 4 percent, while McDonald's US sales fell by 3.6 percent. The restaurant chains have not let slipping sales drag them down and, like other fast food brands, are continuing to fight for top dollar.
Daily Mail
02-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Popeyes adds new items to its menu
Published: | Updated: As of Monday, June 2, the fast food chain has introduced Chicken Wraps to its nationwide menu. According to a press release, the wraps offer 'the craveable flavor of Popeyes, now wrapped and ready to go wherever you do.' Each wrap includes Popeyes' hand-breaded chicken tenders, crunchy lettuce, shredded cheese, and pickles, all tucked inside a tortilla that's infused with flavors reminiscent of the brand's iconic biscuits. Customers can choose from three flavor options: Classic, Spicy, or Honey Mustard. The wraps are priced at $3.99. The new offering is available for a limited time at participating locations across the country. 'With our new Chicken Wraps, we've taken our iconic chicken tenders and wrapped them in something completely new, bringing all that craveable crunch in a fresh, portable way,' said Chef Amy Alarcon, VP of Culinary Innovation at Popeyes. She went on to explain: 'We wanted to create a Chicken Wrap that was undeniably Popeyes. Infusing the flavors from our famous biscuit into our wraps was the perfect way to ensure our signature flavors shined through.' McDonald's Snack Wrap Comeback
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Unilever Food Solutions Future Menus 2025 Sparks Culinary Innovation in Southeast Asia
BANGKOK, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Unilever Food Solutions successfully hosted the FUTURE MENUS EVENT 2025 IN BANGKOK, bringing together over 330 chefs, entrepreneurs, and food service experts to explore the future of dining. Under the theme "Unleash the Taste of Asia," the event spotlighted four key trends shaping innovation in the evolving restaurant industry. Attendees engaged with forward-thinking ideas through immersive experiences, panel discussions, and live cooking demonstrations, redefining modern dining. Key Trends Shaping the Future of Dining Street Food Couture elevated bold street flavors into premium cuisine, featuring Spicy Fermented Salmon Salad in Pani Puri Shells (Thailand) and Small Crab Sticky Rice (Vietnam). Culinary Roots honored heritage flavors with Arsik Ikan Fish (Indonesia) and Nasi Lemak (Malaysia), celebrating Southeast Asia's rich culinary traditions. Borderless Cuisine blended global influences, exemplified by Beef Pares Style Tacos (Philippines) and Green Peppercorn "Tigermilk" (Singapore). Diner Designed – A showcase of personalization in dining, focusing on bespoke culinary experiences rather than specific menu offerings. Creativity and customization took center stage. Culinary Innovation Meets Data-Driven Strategy Beyond food trends, the event emphasized the power of data in modern dining. Entrepreneurs Krittikul Chumkaew (After Yum) and Rungsun Promprasith (QueQ Thailand) shared insights on using data to optimize restaurant operations and enhance customer experiences. An Inspired Culinary Finale & Industry Insights Future Menus 2025 culminated in a stunning four-course dinner curated by Chef Pam - Pichaya Soontornyanakij and the Unilever Food Solutions chef team, featuring dishes inspired by event trends. Reflecting on the event's impact, Kulnipa Lertpimonchai, Managing Director of Unilever Food Solutions SEA Mainland, described Future Menus 2025 as more than just a trend showcase. She emphasized its significance as a platform where visionaries can exchange ideas and drive progress in the food service industry. Meanwhile, Angela Klute, Global Chief Marketing Officer of Unilever Food Solutions, underscored the industry's evolving landscape, as Gen Z embraces personalization, Asian flavors gain global popularity, and consumers seek accessible luxury. She reinforced Future Menus 2025 as a key driver helping chefs and restaurateurs adapt to these transformative shifts. With its resounding success, Future Menus 2025 solidified its position as a landmark event driving culinary innovation in Southeast Asia, reinforcing Unilever Food Solutions' commitment to shaping the industry through creativity and forward-thinking ideas. View the Gallery: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Unilever Food Solutions
