ACF Chef's Table SmartBrief
Plus, craft breweries draw customers with value-driven menus
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February 19, 2026
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ACF Chef's Table SmartBrief
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Center of the Plate
 
Michelin Guide returns to Las Vegas after 17 years
The Michelin Guide is returning to Las Vegas after a 17-year hiatus, as part of a new Southwest edition. This move could significantly impact the city's dining scene by boosting renowned chefs like José Andrés and the late Joël Robuchon, and increasing competition among major resorts. Local restaurants such as Sparrow + Wolf also stand to benefit from increased visibility.
Full Story: Eater (2/19)
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Chocolate + almond butter inspired creations
The health benefits of almonds meet the indulgence of chocolate in a partnership consumers love. Learn the sensory possibilities of chocolate + almond butter applications in this Masterclass series. Read the Article.
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Foodservice News
 
FC Dallas, Legends Global debut new menu at Toyota Stadium
Legends Global has introduced new menu items at Toyota Stadium for the FC Dallas 2026 season, focusing on animal-based proteins. The menu includes a BBQ bacon jam and cheddar burger, brisket cotija tacos and pernil nachos, along with a plant-based kale, sweet potato and pepita salad.
Full Story: FoodService Director (2/18)
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Just Salad expands dinner appeal with customizable plates
 
Just Salad expands dinner appeal with customizable plates
(Just Salad)
Just Salad has expanded its menu with Market Plates, positioning the brand as more than just a salad spot, with a focus on courting the dinner crowd. The Build Your Own Market Plates offer a balanced meal featuring a base, protein, side, garnish and a choice from 27 sauces. The initiative is part of Just Salad's strategy to respond to customer demand for more meal flexibility and heartier options, keeping pace with competitors like Sweetgreen.
Full Story: Restaurant Business (2/18)
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Philly bakery Fiore brings lesser-known Italian pastries to US
Fiore, a bakery and restaurant in Philadelphia, stands out by introducing lesser-known Italian pastries to American customers. Pastry chef and co-owner Justine MacNeil draws inspiration from Italian traditions, offering items such as schiacciate, cornetti and budino di riso. Some pastries, such as maritozzi, have gained popularity, while others, such as fiocco di neve, have struggled to find a following.
Full Story: Bon Appetit (2/17)
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Nourish: Health, Nutrition and Wellness News
 
RD: Support heart health with 10 fiber-dense foods
 
homemade rustic healthy breakfast styled concept - oatmeal with raspberries and honey, elegant visuals
(Anneleven/Getty Images)
Registered dietitian Lindsey DeSoto spotlight the benefits of fiber-dense foods for heart health, emphasizing the role of foods like oats, beans, chia seeds and avocados in lowering LDL cholesterol and supporting blood pressure management. DeSoto discusses how foods that provide soluble fiber and healthful fats contribute to reducing the risk of heart disease. She also provides practical tips for incorporating more fiber into the diet gradually to maximize health benefits.
Full Story: Health (2/17)
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Food Safety Watch
 
FDA to consider revoking GRAS status for processed foods
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the Trump administration will respond to a petition from former FDA Commissioner David Kessler seeking regulatory changes for ultraprocessed foods. The petition requests that sweeteners like corn syrup no longer be classified as "generally recognized as safe."
Full Story: Axios (2/15), NOTUS (2/16)
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Culinary Trends and Innovations
 
Craft breweries draw customers with value-driven menus
Breweries across the US are introducing value beer menus to attract customers navigating economic challenges. Drawing inspiration from fast-food value meals, places like Three Roads Brewing, Von Ebert Brewing, and Austin Street Brewery now offer daily deals with affordable pints -- some as low as $3. These menus have become staples, encouraging guests to linger and try more drinks. By focusing on quality at accessible prices, breweries aim to maintain brand value while making taprooms more inviting for budget-conscious drinkers.
Full Story: VinePair (2/18)
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ICYMI: The most popular stories from our last issue
 
 
Pecking House chef reveals fried chicken sandwich recipe
Bon Appetit (2/17)
 
 
Burger King president gives out number to boost engagement
Nation's Restaurant News (free registration) (2/17), Restaurant Business (2/17)
 
 
Exploring the breakfast habits of centenarians
Real Simple (2/13)
 
 
 
 
Leadership and Management
 
The career ladder is broken. Here's how to navigate now
The traditional linear career path has become obsolete amid the rise of the gig economy and AI, and workers need to adapt by building transferable skills, networking across industries, experimenting with new roles and redefining success on their own terms, Thomas Oppong writes. "The uncertainty is the opportunity. Every unexpected change in your career. Every time the path disappears. That's where you get to choose who you become," Oppong writes.
Full Story: Fast Company (tiered subscription model) (2/12)
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News from ACF
 
Ingredient of the Month: Napa cabbage
 
chinese cabbage on white background
(Zontica/Getty Images)
Napa cabbage is a cornerstone of East Asian cuisine with a history spanning over 1,400 years. Originating in northern China, it likely arose from a natural hybrid of turnip and bok choy and was prized for its tender texture, adaptability to cool climates and excellent storage qualities. As it spread across East Asia, napa cabbage became central to culinary traditions, foundational to Korean kimchi and a key ingredient in Japanese hot pot and preserved vegetable dishes. It later traveled to Europe and the United States through immigrant communities, earning a place in global cuisine for its mild flavor and versatility.

Visit the Online Learning Center and take the quiz on napa cabbage to earn 1 CEH. Learn more.
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