Winter Fancy Food Show attendees will have the opportunity to taste specialty products from Japan during the 2024 Winter Fancy Food Show, which kicks off this Sunday in Las Vegas. Japan is the first Asian country to serve as Show partner.
The Japan Pavilion, organized by Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), will feature gastronomic delights from more than 50 companies showcasing the breadth of Japanese-made offerings.
The Pavilion will emphasize the country’s diverse seafood selection with cooking demonstrations incorporating products including hotate (scallop), hamachi/buri (yellowtail), tai (snapper), and amadai (tilefish). Small, artisanal farmers and makers will present products ranging from soy sauce, to plant-based products, to Japanese condiments and dashi. Additionally, A4 and A5 Wagyu beef, rice, and various seasonings and sweets will be highlighted at the Show.
“The Specialty Food Association is very excited to partner with the Japan External Trade Organization for the 2024 Winter Fancy Food Show,” said Bill Lynch, SFA president. “Japan has an abundance of culinary treasures, and I look forward to our buying community experiencing them at the Show.”
Taste it Live!
Attendees will be able to taste seafood-forward plates from Japan during Taste it Live! cooking demonstrations this Sunday, January 21, and Monday, January 22.
On Sunday, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., chef Timothy Hollingsworth, owner of Los Angeles-based restaurant Otium will blend French techniques and sustainable ingredients to bring dishes such as sautéed hotate with caramelized endive and passionfruit emulsion to Show attendees.
On Monday, from 1:30 – 4 p.m., master Kaiseki chef Hiroo Nagahara will walk attendees through traditional techniques using fish dishes. Nagahara has refined his culinary talents at Michelin-starred restaurants throughout Japan and the U.S. Some offerings may include the kombu-jime fish curing technique to highlight the tsukurimono (sashimi) method, tempura amadai to present the agemono (deep-fried) process, and a shabu shabu (hotpot soup) dish featuring buri.
Both events will be hosted by emcee Victoria Recaño. TV personality and reporter for Inside Edition. She has worked with many star chefs and was a celebrity judge on Iron Chef America.
Related: Japan is Winter Fancy Food Show Partner Country; SFA to Host After Dark Events in Las Vegas