After a session-filled morning and armed with a license to lunch, I had one mission: to make a meal out of the many samples on the NRA Show floor.
With the show's abundance of riches, it was a fairly easy task. Here’s a roundup of some of the heartier items being handed out:
Tillamook
For the dairy enthusiast, this booth is a great bet. A selection of cheese cube varieties, hard-pack ice cream (the Mudslide flavor was excellent) and quarter-sandwich grilled cheese samples were being parceled out.
MegaMex Foods
Dips and spreads are aplenty at year’s show, but this booth showcased some unique ones. Samples of Wholly Guacamole varieties—ranging from plain mashed avocado to guacamole with varying levels of spice—were on display, as well as the brand’s new line of avocado spreads, featuring flavors such as pesto, sun-dried tomato and sweet jalapeno. All were served with a side of tortilla chips for dipping.
Grecian Delight
This Mediterranean brand was sampling a number of its dips, but the real standout was its create-your-own gyros line. Attendees get their choice of naan or flatbread (or a hummus bowl for those eschewing bread), chicken or beef and lamb, and a selection of four sauces including tahini and tzatziki.
Southern Pride
The design of this booth called to mind a hometown barbecue shack, and its samples certainly did the same. Carrying around our hearty smoked rib portions, my colleague and I were asked by many fellow attendees where they could find their own.
Coca-Cola
All this eating had made me parched, so I made a quick pit stop by the Coke booth to try its Blue Sky beverage line, which is marketed as being all-natural. The black cherry soda was fizzy and refreshing without being too sweet.
Chobani
A favorite booth of mine last year, Chobani again delivered with its take on yogurt parfaits. I thoroughly enjoyed the jicama and corn version, which topped plain yogurt with a fresh veggie salsa and included chips for dipping.
Nathan’s
For me, no trip to the NRA Show would be complete without a stop at this hot dog specialist for half a hot dog with ketchup and mustard.
Palazzolo’s
Looking for one more dessert fix, a dish of coconut almond fudge gelato was the perfect ending to a delicious afternoon.
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