FRESCO by Ferraro - June 2023

FRESH FLAVORS

The word “fresh”, along with its many definitions, inspired this month’s FRESCO by Ferraro. On one hand, it refers to the ingredients side of our business and how this time of year brings crisp vegetable and fruit options to the table that may not be available year round. It also is a great time to take a look at your menu to see if it could use an update or, in other words, freshening up! This is the perfect time to test out those unique LTO menu items to see how your customers respond. In this issue, you will find hot new items, menu inspiration and a few sizzling summer trends!

We didn’t name this publication FRESCO for nothing!

Have a slice day!

Ferraro Foods

JUNE 2023

SUMMER TRENDS

Read about sizzling summer trends including fresh produce and ethnic fusion.

Page 5

JUNE INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

Some ideas and tips on how to incorporate fresh ingredients into your menus.

Page 7

NEW ITEMS

A few of our new items that we are especially excited about.

Page 9

VENDOR SPOTLIGHT

We sit down with Tory Profaci, Regional Development Manager at Grande

Page 11

RECIPES

Summer menu inspiration

Page 13 & 15

CUSTOMER SPOTLIGHT

Take a step inside Fast Greek Cafe

Page 19

SizzlingSummerTrends

Fresh Produce

Summer is synonymous with an abundance of fresh veggies from fresh herbs and scallions to peppers and corn that are perfect to toss on a hot grill. Using fresh ingredients in your dishes enhances recipes, building layers of flavors that have been picked at their peak.

Menu Suggestions:

Lemon + Herb Farro Salad

Burrata With Nectarines And Corn

Bistecca Fiorentina

Lemon Ricotta Orecchiette with Basil and Peas

Ethnic Fusion

Ethnic fusion is continuing to flourish, with Italian/Asian fusion restaurants becoming increasingly popular. Both Asian and Italian cuisine share common elements, most notably, an emphasis on seasonality and simplicity.

Here are some Italian/Asian dishes we’ve seen popping up on menus:

Mackerel Carbonara

(tagliatelle, smoked & cured mackerel, egg, cream, parmasean, chives)

Korean Fried Chicken Parmesan

(Korean-style fried chicken, angel hair, fresh tomato sauce, chives)

Coconut Miso Salmon

(curry crusted salmon fillet on a bed of black rice and a pool of miso coconut)

Comfort Foods

Comfort foods such as mac and cheese, burgers, and sliders remain popular, as people are nostalgic for simpler times and familiar options.

Beverages

On the beverage side, the no & low trend is growing, with Gen Z being a non-boozy generation. Creative non-alcoholic cocktails are in demand, with halvsies emerging as popular callouts where only half the spirit is used. No-alcohol beer and spirits are expected to be available also.

Nixie Sparkling Waters are a refreshing and delicious used in a cocktail, mocktail or straight from the can!

Watermelon Mint (Ferraro# 5100351)

Lime Ginger (Ferraro# 5100352

Strawberry Hibiscus (Ferraro# 5100353

Overall, there’s plenty to look forward to in the summer season, with an emphasis on fresh and innovative food and beverage offerings.

https://www.barandrestaurant.com/food-beverage/summer-food-trends

In Season Summer Produce

June July August

Arugula

Beets

Blueberries

Broccoli

Cabbage

Carrots

Chard

Cherries

Chili Peppers

Chives

Currants

Garlic

Green onions

lettuce

Melons

Mesclun

Peas

Radishes

Rhubarb

Scallions

Spinach

Strawberries

Summer Squash

Tomatoes

Zucchini

S e r v e t h e s e c h i c k e n w i n g s a l o n e a s a n a p p e t i z e r o r p a i r t h e m w i t h f r i e s f o r a n e n t r é e !

Country Brand’s fully cooked steamed breaded wings are ready to fry and eat! They are available in both mild and hot & spicy.

P R O D U C T F E A T U R E S

F u l l y c o o k e d f o r f a s t e r p r e p a n d i n c r e a s e d f o o d s a f e t y

S t e a m c o o k e d t o r e t a i n m o i s t u r e

A s s o r t m e n t o f b o n e - i n w i n g d r u m e t t e s a n d f l a t s

C u s t o m i z a b l e - s e r v e a l o n e o r p a i r w i t h a n y s a u c e

As a restaurant operator, fresh ingredients can be a catch 22. On one hand, the flavor and texture of fresh ingredients can sometimes set a menu item above the competition. This type of differentiator is a great loyalty tactic for getting return business.

An easy and trendy way to begin incorporating fresh ingredients on your menu is by using peppers and even hot peppers in certain applications. Surveys show that customers still like a little exploration in their food choices even if they are at their local pizza shop.

Another way to showcase your FRESH side is to have 1 or 2 globally inspired salads on your menu, according to the National Restaurant Association. In the same study, they also said that local fare and cultural additions to menu basics are the top macro trend for 2023.

Top Growing Salads

Source: Datassential’s MenuTrends, year ending Q4 2022

HOT TREND TIP

The appetizer section of the menu is also a nice place to ease into using more fresh ingredients because of the portion size. You can gauge the popularity of the item by testing it out as an appetizer! This can also go for desserts. A fresh peach slice on top of mascarpone or gelato could change the game!

MOST POPULAR PEPPERS IN ITALY AND HOW TO USE THEM

Pimento Peppers

Add to mild roasted vegetables or serve with sweet Italian sausage.

Friggitello Peppers

Stuff and serve as an appetizer.

Cubanelle Peppers

Use in salads and on pizza, or stuff with a savory filling.

Cayenne Peppers

Use in the preparation of stews, hot sauces, casseroles and in fishbased meals

Calabrian Chili

Use on pizza, pasta dishes and sauces.

of operators believe that fresh veggies and ingredients are a trend that is here to stay in our industry.

Our ready-made Italian dessert collection has you covered from morning to midnight . From breakfast bites to after-dinner indulgences, and everything in between, Bindi brings you the best quality since 1946.

PREMIUM TRUFFLE PRODUCTS

ADD A TOUCH OF SOPHISTICATION TO ANY DISH WITH ITALIAN TRUFFLES

Sea Salt with Summer Truffle

This premium gourmet seasoning enhances any recipe with a touch of luxury and sophistication. Perfect for seasoning meats, fish, vegetables, and salads.

Ferraro# 5000801 | 12/3.5 oz

READY-TO-SERVE DON’S SALADS

DELICIOUS, HIGH-QUALITY SALADS

Traditional Sides

• Picnic Potato Salad

Chunks of redskin potatoes mixed with eggs, celery and onion in a creamy dressing.

Ferraro# 5050510 | 2/5 lb

• Bruschetta

Fresh, diced tomatoes, chopped basil, red onions, garlic & vinaigrette

Ferraro# 5050513 | 2/5 lb

• Marinated Mushroom Salad

Premium Black Truffle Sauce

Ready-to-use gourmet sauce that is that is great for traditional truffle favorites such as risotto, pizza and fries.

Ferraro# 5000802 | 6/17.6 oz

Squeezable Truffle Sauce

Add a bold and earthy flavor to your favorite savory dishes with this easy-to-use squeezable bottle.

Ferraro# 5000803 | 12/33.5 oz

Truffle Dust Seasoning

This truffle seasoning can be sprinkled on pasta, pizza, salads, eggs, french fries, and anything else you can think of!

Ferraro# 5000804 | 12/5.29 oz

SWEET & CREAMY Pasticiotti

DELICIOUS ITALIAN CREAM FILLED PASTRY

Indulge in the sweet and creamy flavors of the Italian Pasticciotti. The perfect Italian pie pastry filled with a Creamy Pastry Cream Filling and then baked to perfection. Pasticiotti Tarts are usually served for breakfast in Italy, but they can also be eaten throughout the day or served as a dessert!

Fresh whole button mushrooms, artichokes, black olives, red peppers and herbs marinated in a tangy Italian dressing.

Ferraro# 5050512 | 2/5 lb

Seafood Salads

• Deluxe Seafood Salad

Imitation crab meat and shrimp tossed in alight sauce of real mayonnaise, celery and seasonings.

Ferraro# 5050515 | 2/5 lb

• Deluxe Shrimp Salad

Large plump, tender shrimp in a blend of real mayonnaise, bread crumbs, celery and real spices.

Ferraro# 5050514 | 2/5 lb

Pasta Salads

• Cheese Tortellini Pesto Salad

Cheese Tortellini pasta in a creamy pesto dressing.

Ferraro# 5050511 | 2/5 lb

Protein Salads

• White Meat Chicken Salad

Chunks of all white meat chicken in a mixture of celery, real mayonnaise and seasonings. Ferraro# 5050511 | 2/5 lb

Ferraro# 3600070

4 oz. pieces/12 per case

Vanilla Orange Cream

Ferraro# 3600068

4 oz. pieces/12 per case

Chocolate Cream Pasticiotti

YOU DIDN’T GET INTO THIS BUSINESS TO BE AVERAGE. NEITHER DID WE.

VENDOR SPOTLIGHT GRANDE CHEESE COMPANY

Interviewed: Tory Profaci, Regional Development Manager – NY/NJ

How did Grande begin? How have you evolved?

Grande has been known for making “the finest Italian cheeses money can buy®” for over 80 years. Today, we are not only known for the highest quality cheeses, but also for our unique sales approach with our customers. As operators continuously look for ways to improve and differentiate themselves, our dedicated Sales Associates spend time learning about their needs and bring them products and services to help them compete.

What is different about your cheese?

We adhere to traditional cheese making processes for all our products, resulting in a clean label. There are no additives, fillers or preservatives in any of our products. This allows our cheeses to pair well with any other toppings.

What is your favorite product that you sell and why?

That’s a tough one, but if I have to pick, I’d say it’s Grande’s East Coast Blend. It provides the best of both worlds – 50% Part Skim and 50%

Whole Milk Mozzarella. It delivers the perfect buttery flavor and has great appearance when baked.

What would you be doing if you weren’t working in the food business?

Working in the food business. My grandfather started importing food products in 1921. I’ve grown up in the industry. It’s in my roots.

Best thing about working at Grande?

I’ve been with Grande for over 20 years and work with a great team of Associates. Everyone shares the same goal and takes pride in delivering high quality products and services to help operators be successful.

What is on the horizon for Grande?

Continuing to make the Finest Italian cheeses money can buy.

What is your favorite type of pizza?

My favorite pizza is a New York Style pizza with a base of our Grande East Coast Blend, cubed Avorio Fresh Mozzarella and topped with hand crushed plum tomatoes and basil.

SAVOR THE FLAVOR

I n d u l g e y o u r s e l f i n t h e j u i c i e s t , m o s t t e n d e r c h i c k e n s l i c e s w i t h t h e p e r f e c t b a l a n c e o f f l a v o r a n d t e x t u r e , u s i n g o n l y l o w - f a t c h i c k e n b r e a s t m e a t f o r o u r C o u n t r y B r a n d C h i c k e n S t e a k s !

10% MARINATION | 10 LB

F e r r a r o # 2 1 0 0 4 2 7 - 4 o z

F e r r a r o # 2 1 0 0 4 3 3 - 5 o z

F e r r a r o # 2 1 0 0 5 6 9 - 6 o z

F e r r a r o # 3 9 0 0 7 3 0 - 7 o z

F e r r a r o # 3 9 0 0 7 3 1 - 8 o z

25% MARINATION | 10 LB

F e r r a r o # 3 9 0 0 2 4 7 - 4 o z

F e r r a r o # 3 9 0 0 1 4 2 - 5 o z

F e r r a r o # 3 9 0 0 7 1 6 - 6 o z

F e r r a r o # 3 9 0 0 7 1 7 - 7 o z

F e r r a r o # 3 9 0 0 7 1 5 - 8 o z

BRUSCHETTA PUTTANESCA

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 10 mins

Yields: 4 Servings

Adding capers, olives, and anchovy paste to chopped tomatoes creates the perfect topping for grilled bread.

Ingredients

1. 4 Cups Cherry Tomatoes, Halved Ferraro# 0000074

2. 2 Garlic Cloves, Minced Ferraro# 2000015

3. 3 Teaspoons Salted Capers, Rinsed Well & Chopped Ferraro# 2000116

4. 1/4 Cup Pitted Kalamata Olives, Chopped Ferraro# 1400184

5. 1/4 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil Ferraro# 1000041

6. 1 Teaspoon Anchovy Paste

7. 2 Tablespoons Finely Chopped Fresh Basil Ferraro# 0000200

8. Salt & Pepper To Taste

9. 8 Slices Crusty Bread

10. Small Basil Leaves For Garnish

Directions

1. In a medium size bowl, mix together the tomatoes, garlic, capers, and olives and gently toss to mix.

2. In a small bowl, use a fork to blend the anchovy paste and olive oil until blended.

3. Spoon the olive oil mixture over the tomatoes, add the basil and toss.

4. Taste, and season with salt and pepper.

5. Grill or broil the bread slices until lightly browned.

6. Place the bread slices on a platter, and spoon the topping on the bread.

7. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.

Fresh Summer Appetizer Inspiration

• Grilled Corn Salad

• Whipped Ricotta Cheese Spread with Roasted Tomatoes

• Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad

• Caprese Stuffed Zucchini Flowers

• Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

• Calabrian Chili Grilled Shrimp

SUMMER RISOTTO

WITH ZUCCHINI, ZUCCHINI FLOWERS & PESTO

Prep Time: 15 mins

Ingredients

Cook Time: 10 mins

1. 2 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter

Ferraro# 0920163

2. 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil

Ferraro# 1000041

3. 1/2 Cup Finely Chopped Onion

4. 1 1/2 Cups Arborio Rice

Ferraro# 5160520

5. 1 Cup Dry White Wine

6. 5 Cups Vegetable or Chicken Broth, Heated

Ferraro# 5230158

7. 1 1/2 Cups Finely Diced Zucchini (1/2inch dice)

8. 10 to 12 Zucchini Flowers, Stamens

Removed & Diced

9. 1 Tablespoon Basil Pesto

Ferraro# 5240885

10. 1 Teaspoon Lemon Juice

11. Salt & Pepper

To Finish:

1. 1 Tablespoon Unsalted Butter

Ferraro# 0920163

2. 1/3 Cup Grated Pecorino

Romano Cheese

Ferraro# 0800110

Yields: 4 Servings

Directions

1. Place the olive oil and half the butter in a heavy bottomed saucepan and heat until sizzling over medium heat.

2. Add the onion, and cook until translucent, stirring often, about 5 minutes.

3. Add the rice, and stir to coat the rice completely with the oil mixture.

4. Cook for an additional 3 minutes, stirring often.

5. Add the wine to the pot, stir to mix, and continue to cook over medium heat until the wine has been absorbed.

6. Add a ladleful of warm broth and continue to cook, stirring constantly.

7. Halfway through the cooking period, or 10 minutes, add the diced zucchini.

8. As each addition of broth has been absorbed, add another, stirring constantly until the rice is just slightly firm to the bite, about 20 minutes.

9. With the last addition of broth, add the chopped zucchini flowers, pesto, and lemon juice.

10. Stir to mix, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

11. Cook another 3 to 4 minutes, then remove from the heat.

12. Stir in the butter and the grated cheese, and stir until the cheese has completely melted into the rice.

13. Serve immediately on warm plates.

HIGHEST QUALITY P H I L L Y S T E A K

DISTINGUISH YOURSELF FROM THE COMPETITION

• Solid Muscle

• Less Fillers More Meat

• All Choice Steer Steaks

COUNTRY BRAND LOINTAIL STEAK

FERRARO# 4001769 - 3 oz

FERRARO# 4001767 - 5 oz

FERRARO# 4001768 - 6 oz

L I M I T L E S S POSSIBILITIES

FULLY COOKED SPICY HAND PINCHED ITALIAN SAUSAGE

FERRARO# 4000056 | 2/5 lb

FULLY COOKED HAND PINCHED ITALIAN SAUSAGE

FERRARO# 4000064 | 2/5 lb

Menu Inspiration

Italian Sausage Bruschetta

Italian Sausage hoagie

Italian nachos

SAUSAGE stuffed Mushrooms Pear & Sausage Pizza

COUNTRY BRAND BREADED CHICKEN FRITTER

Country Brand’s Chicken Tenderloin Fritter has an eye catching golden color along with a flavorful and crunchy bite!

FERRARO# 3900001

PACK/SIZE: 2/5 lb

These chicken fritters are perfect for a variety of appetizers and center-of-the plate applications. Serve them with classic condiments like ketchup or a variety of your signature dipping sauces!

COUNTRY BRAND BREADED CHICKEN TENDERLOINS

Country Brand's Chicken Tenderloin has a golden color that will be sure to catch your customer's attention!

FERRARO# 3900002

PACK/SIZE: 2/5 lb

Use these chicken tenders as an entree or appetizer. Pair them with your signature sauces, a side of honey mustard or elevate your menu by offering a sauce flight!

CUSTOMER SPOTLIGHT

Fast Greek Cafe

Myrtle Beach, SC

Opening in March of 2022, Fast Greek Cafe is a tasty and healthy Mediterranean Restaurant in Myrtle Beach, SC, serving authentic gyros, healthy bowls, Greek salads, soups, and more. Fast Greek Cafe prides itself on only offering dishes made with the freshest and healthiest ingredients.

Fast Greek Cafe is a unique dining experience being one of the few Mediterranean Restaurants in the Myrtle Beach area. Known for their delicious Gyros, they also offer many vegan/vegetarian options such as a veggie gyro, quinoa salad and plenty of sides like eggplant dip and hummus.

Next time you’re in the Myrtle Beach area stop by Fast Greek Cafe for their delicious, fresh Greek food and stay for the cozy atmosphere!

FRESCO

Individually Wrapped

Decadent Cookie Dough

Individual Desserts

Gourmet Cookie Dough

New York Style

Cheesecake

Brownies

Gluten Free Items

Layer Cakes

GYROS BOWLS

SALADS SKEWERS

Sliced Pepperoni

The most popular pizza topping in America is pepperoni! Our Il Buon Sapore pepperoni is perfectly formulated to please every pizza lover but who says you have to stop at pizza? Brighten up fresh and exciting sandwiches, salads and appetizers.

Ferraro# 4600011 | 2/12.5

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