Chicagoland Equipment & Supply (CES), a portfolio company of Cooper Management, LLC, and a leading supplier of equipment, supplies and service to the food industry, has acquired United Fast Food & Beverage Service, a leading supplier of equipment and service to convenience stores and fast-food restaurants. The transaction closed on January 5, and an official announcement was made to UFFB’s employees at the company’s Elk Grove headquarters the following day. The acquisition is a continuation of CES’ efforts to expand its equipment offering and service capabilities. Cook M&A (cookma.com)... Read More

Date nights are hard to come by when you work full time and have been married for what seems like forever. Throw a small child into the mix and you may as well forget about it. Although childless, my husband and I frequently plan date nights together. Oftentimes date night in our house consists of trip to Qdoba for take-out, followed by 30 minutes deciding on what to watch on Netflix. I swear, for a platform that has everything, it’s impossible to agree on one show to watch. Our usual plans were thrown out the window when my husband came home with tickets to see a show at the Ellie Caulkins Opera... Read More

It’s not every day that you’re invited to attend a private preview of Denver’s newest food hall, three days before they officially open for business. That. Just. Happened. Well, technically that happened earlier this week, and I’m still ecstatic. I have to admit, I’m still getting used to possessing a press pass, so when I am cordially invited to anything that is food-related, I am elated…and apparently I rhyme when I’m thrilled. Oh, boy. When Denver’s first food hall, The Source, opened its doors and introduced locals to the “food hall” concept, I thought, “What is this?... Read More

There are many ways to experience one of the preeminent cities in the world, Denver, Colorado. A young, active, and diverse community has built a culture like no other, and the payoffs come in many different forms. If you’re like me, one of your favorite new aspects of living in Denver is the world-class food. While not historically known as a culinary mecca, Denver is showing that an old city can learn new tricks! Actually, in 2017, Zagat rated Denver the 4th most exciting food city in the Nation! That said, what better way to see the city then by a food tour? Enter Delicious Denver Food Tours;... Read More

While proper knowledge on which knives to buy is essential as there are so many choices in today’s society, knowledge of the food you are making whether it is at home or in the restaurant is easily of the utmost importance. A good portion of the list provided below is based on books I use at home and at work, and I have included a few suggestions by Chef Dylan Montanio and Jeremiah Gray; to make the list easier to follow I have broken it up into the following categories: Essential References- 4 books Alternative Cuisines- 2 books For The Advanced Cook- 3 books Others Worth Noting- 7 books The... Read More

Notes: This is a continued topic from my article last week “Chef Knives: What Do The Professionals Use?” So, if you have any questions about the content or persons mentioned, please refer to my previous article. Thank you! So, now that we know what some of our beloved local professionals use in their kitchens, you have enough knowledge to go out and find your own knives, right? Well, yes, but there are other factors to consider, like the pros and cons of a specific metal over another. While it is a given to go and buy a really nice stainless steel Chef knife, there are also carbon Chef knives... Read More

            This article is to not serve as a promotion for any businesses mentioned below   We have all been there, watching the food channels on the television, and the thought occurs to you: What are these professionals using? Which knife brands should I be looking at? While we all love a celebrity chef, let’s consider the local professionals that work hard to bring quality to your plate, whether you used a delivery method to eat at home, or you are dining in, you matter. In the same breath, the quality of their tools matter, it is easy to understand that a sharp knife... Read More

Let’s paint a picture; when we sit and think about the culinary industry it is almost natural to imagine a man with a thick British accent screaming at the cooks about everything they are doing wrong, tearing everyone down piece by piece. Is that what really happens though? In some cases, yes, but not in every single kitchen around the world, let alone just here in Colorado. Most of the Chefs I have met here in Colorado are, honestly, downright mellow; sure, it is natural to have a bad day here and there where you lash out at everyone and everything around you, but it’s not a constant occurrence.... Read More

Colorado is known for more than just skiing, craft breweries and sports teams. After gold was first discovered in 1859, Colorado became home to the Gold Rush, bringing thousands of people west hoping to strike it rich. Mining proved to be profitable, as over 8 million ounces of gold was found throughout the state, which allowed Colorado to establish its statehood and gain a colorful reputation for success. Although the gold rush ended in the early 1860’s, each September the Colorado mountains showcase their most famous gold assets – Aspen leaves. While the arrival of fall colors came early... Read More

Shrub cocktails are all the rage in hipster cocktail bars and underground secret door speakeasies all around Denver.  A shrub is a concentrated syrup that combines fruit, sugar, and vinegar and results in a sweet, acidic mixer that can be enjoyed on its own or used in a variety of mixed drinks. Herbs and spices are also used to created interesting flavor combinations that tantalize the tongue.  Why not impress guests at your next dinner party with a homemade shrub that’s as easy and thrilling to prepare as it is to drink! I will never forget the complex flavors that I untangled with my tongue... Read More