ACF Chef's Table SmartBrief
Plus, district's new central kitchen supports better nutrition
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September 15, 2026
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ACF Chef's Table SmartBrief
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Center of the Plate
 
Brutø's open kitchen, lab foster a spirit of innovation
Brutø, a fine-dining restaurant in Denver, is known for its experimental approach to cuisine, combining Colorado agriculture with Latin American influences. Culinary Director Carolina Zubiate incorporates her Peruvian heritage into the menu, working closely with Executive Chef Kelly Whitaker and Beverage Director Caroline Clark. The restaurant features a research and development lab, Studiø, where new ideas are tested and fermentation is explored.
Full Story: Michelin Guide (9/14)
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Elevate Your Menu With Artisan Flatbread
Stonefire flatbread turns everyday dishes into high-margin menu stars. Versatile, oven-ready, and made with authentic ingredients, it's the easy way to boost check averages and wow diners. Request free samples and see why chefs are adding Stonefire to their menus.
 
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Foodservice News
 
Farm to School grant program yields return on investment
The California Farm to School Incubator Grant Program generates $2.10 in economic activity for every $1 invested, according to a report by researchers from the University of California, Cornell University and Food Insight Group. The program has led farmers to expand production and sales without replacing existing markets, and the report highlights the need for continued investment in staffing and infrastructure to sustain progress.
Full Story: University of California System (9/14)
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An unexpected city emerges as a culinary destination
 
The skyline of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, US, ahead of the Republican National Convention (RNC), on Thursday, July 11, 2024. The Republican National Convention, where Donald Trump is expected to formally receive the GOP nomination for president, will kick off on July 15 in Milwaukee with a program focused on the economy. Photographer: Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images
(Bloomberg/Getty Images)
Milwaukee has emerged as a culinary destination, attracting attention from the Michelin Guide and the James Beard Foundation. The city's food scene has expanded beyond its German-inspired roots to include a diverse array of cuisines, with restaurants like 1033 Omakase and Ca'Lucchenzo receiving national recognition. The inclusion of Milwaukee in the Great Lakes Michelin Guide is expected to further elevate its status as a food destination.
Full Story: Men's Journal (9/14)
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Avoid these 5 costly grocery mishaps
Poor restocking choices lead to revenue loss through overstocking, spoilage, and stockouts. Optimize your strategy by mastering efficient replenishment. Download the guide »
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Nourish: Health, Nutrition and Wellness News
 
RDN highlights broccoli as an underrated "superfood"
Registered dietitian nutritionist Julie Stefanski, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, highlights broccoli as an underrated vegetable. She emphasizes its affordability and nutritional benefits, including fiber, folate, potassium, calcium, and vitamins C and K. Despite being overshadowed by trendy "superfoods," broccoli offers cancer-fighting properties and can be prepared in various ways to enhance its appeal. Stefanski also recommends other overlooked foods, such as raisins, cabbage, apples and pears, for their health benefits.
Full Story: Verywell Health (9/9)
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District's new central kitchen supports better nutrition
 
A close-up shot of hands chopping leafy greens on a wooden cutting board in a kitchen setting. Fresh vegetables such as a red bell pepper, lemon, and tomatoes are scattered around the cutting board. The scene depicts a vibrant and healthy food preparation process with a focus on fresh ingredients.
(Ekaterina Goncharova/Getty Images)
The Vacaville Unified School District in California held a grand opening for its new Central Kitchen facility, part of an effort to improve student nutrition with more fresh, made-from-scratch foods. The idea for the kitchen came about during the COVID-19 pandemic, when universal meal measures prompted the district to widen meal eligibility to all students.
Full Story: Daily Republic (Fairfield, Calif.) (9/15)
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Inventory Errors: The Silent Budget Drain
Without real-time oversight, errors span from intake to delivery, silently wasting funds. Enhance visibility to correct unnoticed bottlenecks and financial leaks. Take action to save costs. Download the Whitepaper
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Food Safety Watch
 
National Food Safety Month focuses on practical resources
 
National Food Safety Month focuses on practical resources
(National Restaurant Association/ServSafe)
The National Restaurant Association and ServSafe have launched the 2026 National Food Safety Month campaign with the theme "Recipe for Food Safety Success," providing weekly bundles of resources such as checklists, meeting briefs and quizzes to reinforce fundamental food safety practices. The campaign aims to build a strong food safety culture through education and daily practices.
Full Story: Quality Assurance & Food Safety (9/11)
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Culinary Trends and Innovations
 
IHOP balances nostalgia, innovation with Stuffed French Toast
 
IHOP balances nostalgia, innovation with Stuffed French Toast
(IHOP)
IHOP has reintroduced its limited-time Stuffed French Toast nationwide after a six-year absence, giving the popular menu item greater prominence by featuring it as its own menu category. The relaunch includes two varieties, Strawberry Vanilla and Blueberry Vanilla, and is part of IHOP's strategy to harness nostalgia and its core strengths to drive customer traffic. By offering a premium, indulgent breakfast item alongside its everyday value platform, IHOP aims to drive traffic through both affordability and signature experiences.
Full Story: FSR magazine (9/15)
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