From snacking occasions to restaurant menus, new flavors and regionally inspired ingredients can be used to create an elevated experience that makes every day a special occasion. What’s more, items carrying a premium perception don’t need to come with a higher price point—a “win-win” for consumers, manufacturers and operators alike.
The idea of safe experimentation rings especially true here, since an innovative flavor, format or preparation method can turn a familiar favorite into something that’s both approachable and exciting at once. For example, retail products ranging from Kobe steak-flavored potato chips to maple-infused hot sauces help consumers bring premium touches to snacking occasions as well as omelets, sandwiches, tacos and other meals frequently consumed at home.
In foodservice, operators are finding affordable ways to incorporate distinctive ingredients into the menu items patrons love. A quick service burger chain in Singapore offers Wagyu patties topped with portobello mushroom sauce, while an empanada shop in Argentina calls out the use of Roquefort in their ham and cheese variety. Even the humble flatbread gets an upgrade when topped with prawns, sun-dried tomato and shallots—found at a fast casual Australian pizza franchise. These indulgences take everyday dining to the next level, without breaking the bank.
Discover Chef James' Story
The culinary concept of Elevating the Everyday has resonated with Chef James Stamp, our featured culinarian, throughout his career. For a contemporary take, watch him create The Perfect Burger with Griffith Foods Black Garlic Ketchup and Griffith Foods Umami Burger Seasoning in our latest video.
Taking approachable indulgence to the next level
Innovative flavors, formats and preparation methods can turn familiar favorites into retail products and menu items that are both exciting and approachable. Find more ways to elevate the everyday in our interactive flipbook.
Throughout this book, you’ll find these themes brought to life through our incredible culinarians. Their stories may be personal, but the values they stand for resonate with us all. As you read, I encourage you to think about your own culinary stories and the ways in which we can nourish the world, together.
VIEW FLIPBOOK
CREATE AND INNOVATE
The Custom Culinary team is here to inspire innovation, thinking about classic dishes, snacks and proteins that can be elevated in surprising new ways. Start with a familiar format and get creative, because this platform is all about how customers and patrons can enjoy simple, yet unexpected, culinary treats.
FOODSERVICE:
Knowing that consumers patronize foodservice establishments for one of two things—to enjoy something they love or to try something new—consider bridging the gap. With elevated everyday dishes, they can try new flavors in familiar formats.
SNACK INDUSTRY:
Calling out provenance is a great way to help snacks stand out in a crowded field. As some savory examples, rather than labeling as “Salt and Vinegar,” consider “Cornish Sea Salt and Balsamic Vinegar,” or “Parmigiano Reggiano and Roasted Cipollini Onion” instead of “Cheese and Onion.”
PROTEIN PROCESSORS:
To elevate around proteins, consider additions like seasoning rubs and compound butters. These flavor-packed solutions take proteins to the next level without straying too far from customers’ comfort zones.
Pil Pil King Prawns with Smoked Potato Aioli
Spin classic tapas recipes gambas pil pil and patatas bravas into a single dish with this elevated take. Marinate king prawns in olive oil, garlic, chile flakes and smoked paprika, bake and chill. Serve with a garlicky baked potato aioli, along with a drizzle of parsley oil, a sprinkle of smoked tomato powder and crisp pickled shallots.
5 EASY WAYS TO ELEVATE
The beauty of elevating “everyday” recipes is the built-in appeal that these concepts feature, catching the eyes of consumers as they skim a menu or a retail shelf. Get inspired with these easy transformations, featuring global flavors, gourmet ingredients, new techniques and more.
Avocado Toast
• Umami-rich Japanese furikake seasoning
• Mexican-inspired toppings: Cotija cheese and pickle jalapeños
• Mediterranean flavors like feta, za'atar and sumac
Mac N Cheese
• Truffle oil and wild mushrooms
• Gruyère, smoked gouda or manchego in place of cheddar
• Lobster, pulled pork or chorizon as a protein additions
Popcorn
• Truffle oil and a sprinkle of Parmsen
• Melted white chocolate, dried cranberries and pistachios
• Melted butter infused with rosemary, thyme and garlic
Loaded Fries
• Short ribs, caramelized onions and demi-glace
• Buffalo chicken, bleu cheese crumbles and a hot sauce drizzle
• Madras curry sauce, cilantro and lime
Chicken Thighs
• Gochujang marinade and sesame seeds, server with pickled vegetables
• Yogurt-based marinade spiced with cinnamon, cumin and saffron
• Italian rosemary, lemon and garlic marinade, served with poltenta
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Classics Bring Comfort
Inventive operators and manufacturers are breathing new life into the enduring comfort food trend, as consumers seek solace wherever they can get it.
Breakfast Benny Burger
Give your customers their favorite Eggs Benedict dish, beyond the morning daypart! Serve a smash burger with American cheese, hashbrowns, Canadian bacon and a poached egg on a toasted brioche bun, topped off with Breakfast Secret Sauce made with Custom Culinary® Frozen, Ready-to-Use Hollandaise Sauce and everything bagel seasoning. A craveworthy option to wake up your breakfast or brunch menu!
Mediterranean Style Macaroni and Cheese with Harissa
Familiar ingredients brought together in an innovative format for a twist on a classic dish. Featuring Custom Culinary® Gold Label Harissa and Custom Culinary® Gold Label Ham Base, Mediterranean Style Macaroni and Cheese with Harissa brings together the bold flavors of Velveeta cheese, breadcrumbs, milk, butter, and macaroni pasta.
Quesabirria Grilled Cheese
Gooey, savory grilled cheese sandwich with Monterey Jack cheese and shredded beef stuffed between two crisp slices of brioche, served with a cup of Birria Broth for dipping. Finished with cilantro and lime.
Spicy Coney Dog Dippers
All the bold flavors of a classic coney dog in a bite-sized twist! Charred beef franks wrapped in a flour tortilla, served with a sweet-heat spicy Dijon mustard dipping sauce.
Tikka Masala Tomato Soup with Naan Grilled Cheese
Embrace the 'newstalgia' trend with this twist on a childhood classic. Our Tikka Masala Tomato Soup with Naan Grilled Cheese features Custom Culinary® True Foundations® Tikka Masala Sauce, paired with a flavorful naan grilled cheese. A comforting and nostalgic meal with an Indian-inspired twist.
Tonkotsu Poutine
A cravable dish full of rich umami notes loaded with ingredients that will delight your guests time and time again. Featuring Custom Culinary® Tonkotsu Ramen Broth and Custom Culinary® PanRoast® Brown Gravy Mix, Tonkotsu Poutine combines of Tonkotsu ramen flavored brown gravy, tofu, kimchi, green onions, sweet red peppers, all loaded onto crispy French fries.