ACF Chef's Table SmartBrief
Plus, Szechuan pepper shows potential for digestive, heart health
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March 18, 2026
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ACF Chef's Table SmartBrief
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Center of the Plate
 
T-Mobile Park celebrates Mariners' 50th with revamped menu
 
SEATTLE, WA - OCTOBER 16: A general view of the field prior to Game Four of the American League Championship Series presented by loanDepot between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on Thursday, October 16, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Rod Mar/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
T-Mobile Park (Rod Mar/Getty Images)
T-Mobile Park is celebrating the Seattle Mariners' 50th anniversary with a revamped menu that includes brisket sandwiches and chocolate tacos from Salt Straw. The lineup, crafted by Mariners VP Malcolm Rogel and Chef Craig McAlister, highlights local partners and innovative dishes, enhancing the ballpark experience for the milestone season. "These new dishes, local partners and collectible souvenirs are designed to capture the energy of the season and give fans new ways to enjoy the game, with more ways to take home memories of cheering on the Mariners," says Meagan Murray, district manager at Sodexo Live!
Full Story: FoodService Director (3/17)
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Master Class explores healthy almond creations
Innovation with almonds proves that healthy eating does not mean boring. This video series features delicious creations from chefs and ignites inspiration for nutritious possibilities.
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Foodservice News
 
Monsieur Dior restaurant awarded first Michelin star
 
Atmosphere at the Monsieur Dior event held at House of Dior Boutique on October 17, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by River Callaway/WWD via Getty Images)
Monsieur Dior (River Callaway/Getty Images)
The Monsieur Dior restaurant at Dior's Avenue Montaigne headquarters has received its first Michelin star, just seven months after Chef Yannick Alléno took over the restaurant. "Being awarded this Michelin star for the Monsieur Dior restaurant at 30 Montaigne and bringing the House of Dior its first star is a source of immeasurable pride," Alléno says.
Full Story: Women's Wear Daily (3/17)
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Taco Bell spreads its wings with new chicken dishes
Taco Bell is broadening its menu this spring by adding both new and permanent chicken options. The introduction of the limited-time Crispy Chicken Crunchwrap Slider and the Cantina Chicken Rolled Quesadilla as a permanent item reflects the brand's efforts to innovate with flavors and formats. These additions are expected to attract younger consumers who favor snacking.
Full Story: Nation's Restaurant News (free registration) (3/17)
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Respond decisively, adapt quickly, and stay effective during uncertainty. At Berkeley Executive Education, our programs are grounded in practical application, powered by people, and built for complexity so you can thrive in high-change environments. Learn More
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Nourish: Health, Nutrition and Wellness News
 
Szechuan pepper shows potential for digestive, heart health
 
Chongqing Hotpot , Sichuan Food
(Jackal Pan/Getty Images)
Szechuan pepper is gaining attention for its health benefits, including supporting gut health, reducing inflammation and promoting cardiovascular health. Unlike other peppers, Szechuan pepper contains hydroxy-α-sanshool, which creates a tingling sensation instead of heat. Studies suggest that the pepper's antioxidant-rich profile can help lower cholesterol and improve the diversity of gut bacteria.
Full Story: Food & Wine (3/16)
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Texas schools see nutrition push via CIA workshops
The Texas Department of Agriculture, in partnership with the Culinary Institute of America, has launched Farm Fresh Culinary workshops to improve school nutrition. The first of 10 workshops recently concluded in San Antonio, training 21 school nutrition professionals in about 100 healthy recipes. Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller says the initiative aims to enhance the quality of school meals statewide.
Full Story: East Texas Radio (3/17)
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Food Safety Watch
 
FDA withdraws two COVID-19 guidances for FSMA
The FDA will withdraw two temporary guidances issued during the coronavirus pandemic under the Food Safety Modernization Act that relate to onsite audits. The guidances, which will be withdrawn June 16, addressed preventive controls, Foreign Supplier Verification Programs and the Accredited Third-Party Certification Program.
Full Story: Quality Assurance & Food Safety (3/17)
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Secure Your Enterprise: Embrace AI Safely
Enter the era of automated enterprises driven by AI, where rapid scaling challenges conventional security limits. Unveil key hurdles from skill shortages to potential breakdowns, and implement a robust framework for Agentic AI safety online. Read the report today.
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Culinary Trends and Innovations
 
Global cuisines flavor some of the hottest new trends
Fluffy juice, a trend that started at Dante aperitivo bar in New York City, has evolved to encompass a variety of aerated fruit juices beyond the initial orange. Using high-speed juicing to whip juice into a frothy texture, the technique is now being applied to grapefruit, pineapple, watermelon and peach juice. Other hot trends popping up on more menus this year include Japanese crepe cones that can be filled with sweets like gelato or Nutella, or savory options like chicken teriyaki. A third trend, Turkish-inspired Halloumi fried eggs, feature halloumi cheese fried with eggs to create a crispy, high-protein dish.
Full Story: Restaurant Business (3/17)
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