With every bite, Chef Invitational champion and culinary specialist at Gordon Foodservice BB #:100172, Steven Halliday is challenging the status quo, proving that berries are far more than just a snack or side dish. They’re a versatile ingredient capable of transforming ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences.
The 2023 Chef Invitational champion recently participated in the California Giant BB #:121061 Chef Invitational Academy, reinforcing his passion for elevating berries as a menu item. During the academy, Halliday was provided with advanced techniques, culinary insights, and a deeper understanding of blueberries, equipping him with even more tools to create innovative and versatile berry-centric dishes.
Halliday’s dish for the Chef Invitational Academy, a Seven Spice Blueberry Coq au Vin, was inspired by the current culinary climate, combining elements of French cuisine, comfort food, and affordability. He aimed to create a dish that was not only delicious but also easy to prepare, given the current industry challenges.
The Coq au Vin, a classic French chicken stew, featured tender braised chicken in a rich red wine sauce with bacon, mushrooms, onions, and a unique twist of seven spices, plus blueberries. The dish was served with forked Pommery potatoes and lemon blueberry beans, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
The Academy experience was invaluable for Halliday, offering him the opportunity to learn alongside esteemed chefs, connect with industry peers, and deepen his understanding of the blueberry growing, harvesting, and packing process. The camaraderie among the chefs and the insights gained from the workshops on personal branding and food photography were particularly impactful.
“The Academy inspired me to re-focus on the quality of my social media content and to position myself as an educator, rather than simply a spokesperson for products,” shared Halliday. “I’ve since created a personal brand logo and started posting more regularly to share my culinary expertise and connect with a wider audience.”
Halliday’s future goals include becoming a master chef and continuing to improve his culinary skills. He is also dedicated to sharing his knowledge and expertise with others through his work as a culinary specialist and consultant—and, of course, seeking new, avant-garde ways to place berries on the menu.
As Halliday continues to push the boundaries of culinary innovation, one thing is clear: berries are no longer just a garnish. They are a versatile ingredient capable of transforming ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences!
ABOUT CALIFORNIA GIANT BERRY FARMS
California Giant Berry Farms delivers the best berry experience for retailers, foodservice and consumers alike by providing an all-season supply of sustainably grown blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries that represent the highest standards for quality, consistency and smiles. Over the last 40 years, California Giant has grown into a global family of people passionate about delivering the berry best. Quality, consistency and community inspire the mission and values that continue to sustain them.
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Kyla Oberman
Director of Marketing
831.786.7458
koberman@calgiant.com
