2026 Education Program

Roasted Broccoli Ricotta Gnudi in a Cheesy Velouté: A Nostalgic Twist on a Comfort Food Classic

Comfort food has always held a powerful place on restaurant menus, but what happens when you reimagine a beloved classic through a modern culinary lens? Join Chef Sarah Wade, acclaimed chef/owner of Stillwater and Sloane’s, as she prepares her Roasted Broccoli Ricotta Gnudi in a Cheesy Velouté, a playful, elevated riff on the nostalgic flavors of broccoli cheese soup.

In this engaging live demo, Chef Wade will showcase how familiar flavors can be transformed into a refined, menu-worthy dish that surprises guests while still delivering the emotional satisfaction of comfort food.

Beyond the recipe itself, Chef Wade will explore the strategic power of nostalgia in menu development. Learn how tapping into diners’ emotional connections can drive curiosity, increase orders, and create memorable dining experiences. She’ll also dive into the versatility of gnudi-the delicate cousin of gnocchi-discussing technique, texture, and creative variations that operators can adapt across menus.

Attendees will walk away with:

• Inspiration for modernizing comfort food classics
• Insight into using nostalgia as a menu-writing strategy
• Practical knowledge of gnudi preparation and applications
• Creative ideas for riffing on familiar flavor profiles

Whether you’re a chef, operator, or menu developer, this session delivers both culinary creativity and business-minded takeaways. Come hungry for ideas and comfort food reimagined.