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The 2008 Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo Opens This Weekend

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Starting this Saturday, August 23, 2008 the table is set for a feast of insights, ideas, and opportunities at the 2008 Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo. The thousands of industry professionals who attend will be able to demo, touch, taste, smell, compare, and source the latest in products and services necessary for running a successful business. Among dozens of stories, here are the highlights:

-- The Hot Spot Culinary Extravaganza, an interactive, and entertaining theatre featuring celebrity chefs and guest appearances to satisfy all. This year's show brings Food Network Personality Guy Fieri; Restaurant Marketing Expert and Author Linda Duke; Top 10 Most Renowned New Chefs Taylor Boudreaux; Founder of Intermezzo Roseanne Tully; PBS Personality Tommy Tang; Italian Renowned Chef Leonardo Curti; Hell's Kitchen Star Aaron Song; Kosher Caterer Jeff Stansfield; Culinary Artist Ray Duey; and Sugar Bowl Bakery Chef Kevin Ly.

-- New to this year's line up, The LA Wine Expo brings the opportunity to sample wines from over 40 winemakers from around the globe, speak directly to the wine makers and other wine principles, and pick up tips on serving, pricing, and selecting the right vintage.

-- The Ultimate Barista Challenge brings professional baristi to the Expo to face challengers all preparing their signature espresso beverages for a panel of judges. The showdown will feature three flights of espresso frappe, espresso cocktails, and beautiful cafe latte art. Winners will be invited to compete in the Grand Finale in NYC in March 2009.

-- The Innovative New Product Gallery is the place to source new food, beverages, desserts, ingredients/condiments, equipment, environmental safety, technology, and solutions in the industry. Be among the voters by picking your favorites. On Monday afternoon, the Best in Show, First Runner Up, and Second Runner Up will be named.

-- The Second Annual Ferdinand Metz Foodservice Forum will feature industry experts handpicked by Master Chef and Head of the Culinary Institute of America for more than 20 years, Ferdinand Metz. These sessions provide restaurateurs the keys to success, new trends, increasing revenue & loyalty, lower costs & turnover, building winning teams, delivering optimal experience, enhancing menu, cuisine & profits, minimizing risks, and operational excellence.

-- Thai Cooking Theatre where attendees will learn from world-renowned chefs, including Tommy Tang. Thai and Fusion Cuisine has taken the world by storm and this theatre will provide restaurateurs all the necessary tools and information they need to participate in this quickly moving popular trend in the food industry.

-- Keynote Speakers include Nolan Bushnell, founder and former CEO of Atari Corporation and Chuck E. Cheese's Pizza Time Theatre and CEO of uWink, Mark Sanborn, best-selling author of The Fred Factor; and Ted Balestreri, owner of The Sardine Factory.

    WHEN:         Saturday, August 23, 2008            10:00 am - 5:00 pm
                  Sunday, August 24, 2008              11:00 am - 5:00 pm
                  Monday, August 25, 2008              11:00 am - 4:00 pm

    WHERE:        The Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles, CA

PRODUCED AND MANAGED BY:

The Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo is produced by Reed Exhibitions and sponsored by the California Restaurant Association. For more information visit www.westernfoodexpo.com or call toll free 1-800-840-5612.

SOURCE Reed Exhibitions

Tags: ,FOD,RST,TRA,LEI,TDS,CA-FoodServHosp-Expo

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