Narsai David At San Francisco's Fancy Food Show

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) — Earlier this week the Fancy Food Show was held at San Francisco's Moscone Center, but one of the more interesting things wasn't even food — it was chef specs.

What they are is magnifying glasses designed not to fog over in cooking situations. If they fall into the sink or dishwasher, don't worry, they're perfectly safe.

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But what would a fancy food show be without chocolate? My goodness, there were more chocolate foods than I've ever seen. Gluten free is still big news, but kosher and halal foods are popular too. A lot of people think that they're safer and more sanitary.

Central Mills had a product called sprouted grain. The grain is sprouted, ground and then frozen into huge blocks for delivery into bakeries. Then it gets defrosted, they add yeast, let it ferment and it becomes the most wonderful chewy loaf. It makes me wish it were available at retail.

I visited Koda Farms (they're the ones responsible for Kokuho rice) and I use it for making my grape-leaf dolmas. It also makes the most wonderful risotto or even delicious paella. Forget foreign-famed rice. We have our own right here in California.

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Narsai David is the KCBS Food and Wine Editor. He has been a successful restaurateur, chef, TV host, and columnist in the Bay Area spanning four decades. You can hear him Saturdays at 10:53 a.m., 12:53 p.m. and 4:53 p.m., and at 2:53 a.m. Sunday on KCBS All News 740AM and 106.9FM.