The 2008 Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo Opens Today at the Los Angeles Convention Center

Starting today the table is set for a feast of insights, ideas, and opportunities at the 2008 Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo. Today's highlights include:

-- The Hot Spot Culinary Extravaganza, an interactive, and entertaining
       theatre featuring celebrity chefs and guest appearances to satisfy all.
       Today's Features Include
       -- 12:00 pm - Food Network Personality Guy Fieri and Restaurant
          Marketing Expert and Author Linda Duke
       -- 1:30 pm - Top 10 Most Renowned New Chefs Taylor Boudreaux
       -- 3:00 pm - Founder of Intermezzo Roseanne Tully
    -- The LA Wine Expo will be open from 12 noon to 5:00 pm and brings the
       opportunity to sample wines from over 40 winemakers from around the
       globe, speak directly to the wine makers and other wine principles, and
       pick up tips on serving, pricing, and selecting the right vintage.
    -- Keynote Speaker Nolan Bushnell, founder and former CEO of Atari
       Corporation and Chuck E. Cheese's Pizza Time Theatre and CEO of uWink
       will speak at 12:30 pm.
    -- The Ultimate Barista Challenge brings professional baristi to face
       challengers all preparing their signature espresso beverages for a
       panel of judges.
    -- The Innovative New Product Gallery is the place to source new food,
       beverages, desserts, ingredients/condiments, equipment, environmental
       safety, technology, and solutions in the industry.
    -- The Second Annual Ferdinand Metz Foodservice Forum today's featured
       seminars include:
       -- Brewing Your Way to Profits
       -- Get Smart, Go Green
       -- Four Star Marketing and Promotions
       -- Sustainable Food
       -- Avoid Legal Landmines
    -- Thai Cooking Theatre - Thai and Fusion Cuisine has taken the world by
       storm, today's chefs include:
       -- 11:15 am - Chef Ben Diaz
       -- 12:15 pm - Chef Sal Mario
       -- 1:15 pm - Chef Ray Haynes
       -- 2:15 pm - Chef Tommy Tang

    WHEN:  Saturday, August 23, 2008    10:00 am - 5:00 pm
           Sunday, August 24, 2008      11:00 am - 5:00 pm
           Monday, August 25, 2008      11:00 am - 4:00 pm

    WHERE: The Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles, CA

PRODUCED AND MANAGED BY:

The Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo is produced by Reed Exhibitions and sponsored by the California Restaurant Association.