“Bowl Cuisine is the perfect one-dish meal. It’s versatile, affordable and distinctly different as it incorporates a multitude of flavors,” said Ryan T. McNulty, C.E.C., Director of Culinary Development for Metz & Associates, Ltd. “A finely crafted noodle or rice bowl is an ideal way of expressing seasonal tastes and culinary creativity, while providing a nutritious meal option for guests.”

Bold, strong and exotic flavors are the driving force behind the growing popularity of the Asian noodle bowl. Famous for its lively, fresh taste, low fat content, and artful composition, Bowl Cuisine is a healthy choice in the world of comfort food. Consumers are mesmerized by the unique flavors and contrasting textures created by the combination of Asian-inspired broths, delicate noodles or rice, crisp vegetables, various proteins and just a splash of spice and finishing sauce.

“We’ve found the traditional, authentic flavors of Bowl Cuisine appeals to people of all ages,” McNulty said. “Using the protein as a flavor-enhancer, rather than making it the focal point of the dish, is an Asian culinary tradition that has made this concept both a healthy and economical choice.”

McNulty created a selection of recipes for the new Bowl Cuisine concept, which include Thai Shrimp & Red Curry Broth, Vietnamese Beef Pho, Pork Lo Mein, and Udon, Tofu & Vegetable Bowl to name a few. After concept and menu development, the Metz & Associates culinary team participated in an intense training program on the concept in general, the recipe file, the recommended product list, portioning and more. They also received hands-on training in the step-by-step preparation of the various bowls.

Bowl Cuisine features Asian-inspired spices and an array of authentic noodles, including whole wheat, soba, udon, Chinese egg noodles and Lo Mein, as well as rice stick, cellophane and bean thread. Rice varieties can include white, jasmine, brown and glutinous sticky rice. Protein selections range from vegetarian, such as legumes tofu or edamame to poultry, pork, beef, fish and shellfish. Vegetable selections change seasonally and may include Daikon radish, bok choy, summer squash, bamboo shoots, shitake mushrooms, bell peppers, sugar snap peas, and many others. Sauces, including sriracha, soy sauce or sesame oil, and an array of garnishes, from black and white sesame seeds, to cilantro, lime, pickled ginger and wasabi paste, are utilized to enhance flavor.

To complete the authentic look and feel of the Bowl Cuisine concept, chopsticks and a selection of Asian inspired bowls, including the Elite Global Solutions Melamine Bowl, the microwaveable Versa Trainer and the Fold Pak Carton, have been carefully selected and purchased for serving in an eat-in or take-out setting. Special serving and display equipment is also being used.

“Bowl Cuisine is ideal for our exhibition style station, Bravo, where guests can select the ingredients and watch as the dish is prepared to order right before their eyes. It is also doing well as a self-serve option for those guests short on time,” said Chef Nello Allegrucci, General Manager, Metz & Associates, Ltd. Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania. “This concept has been extremely popular with our guests, who appreciate the use of locally-grown, seasonal herbs and vegetables and the flexibility to personalize their bowl through a selection of flavorful broths, noodles, vegetables and proteins.”

“The availability of specialty noodles also allows us to accommodate special diets, such as gluten-free, and provides a great option for a vegetarian diet,” Allegrucci added. “Bowl Cuisine also enables our chefs to utilize a high level of creativity through the combination of such a wide array ingredients in the preparation of the various bowls.”

It’s fun, fresh and flavorful, and Bowl Cuisine is appealing to a multitude of customers in an array of settings. As the popularity of this concept continues to grow, Metz & Associates, Ltd. is committed to expanding the reach to even more accounts.

Metz & Associates, Ltd., a premier food service company for the Northeast United States, provides dining and environmental management to clients such as hospitals, assisted living & long-term care facilities, school districts and independent schools, colleges and universities and corporate offices. For more information on Metz & Associates, Ltd., visit our website at www.metzltd.com or call 570-675-8100.