From Amman to America: MEZETE Showcases Authentic Middle Eastern Cuisine with Live Chef Tastings at NRA

MEZETE, the Amman-based brand bringing authentic, clean-label Middle Eastern cuisine to more than 50 countries worldwide, will showcase its product lineup at the National Restaurant Association Show (NRA, May 16–19) with live culinary demonstrations and chef-prepared tastings at Booth 13708 (Chicago, Ill., McCormick Place).

Bringing the flavors to life this year is Chef Rob Kettring, a classically trained culinary professional whose global journey began while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he traveled throughout the Middle East and Southeast Asia and developed a passion for international gastronomy.

A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu (Grand Diplôme, AOS Culinary Arts) with a business degree from Arizona State University, Chef Kettring has worked across the culinary spectrum—from fine dining and wood-fired pizza to cafés and large-scale food manufacturing. With more than 15 years in B2B foodservice production and distribution, his expertise spans both artisan craftsmanship and commercial innovation.

At NRA, Chef Kettring will prepare a rotating selection of MEZETE’s authentic recipes and product applications throughout the show, highlighting the brand’s bold flavors, premium ingredients, and versatile formats.

Working from MEZETE’s condensed cookbook and adapting recipes to the booth’s live-demo setup, Chef Kettring will create approachable, chef-driven dishes featuring:

• Classic Hummus and Zesty Za’atar Hummus
• Baba Ghanouj
• Muhammara
• Shatta Sauce
• Lentil (Adas) Soup
• Tahini-based creations and more

All MEZETE products are clean-label, ready-to-eat, preservative-free, and made with no added oils—offering 18-month shelf-stable convenience without compromising authenticity or flavor.

MEZETE continues its rapid global growth, expanding into the U.S. market after reaching distribution in over 50 countries. The brand has earned industry acclaim, including “Best New Vegan Product” recognition from VegNews, feature coverage in Forbes as a trending global flavor brand, and a SIAL Shanghai Innovation Award for its “To Go” snacking range.

“NRA is the perfect stage to experience MEZETE the way it’s meant to be enjoyed—through fresh preparation, sampling, and storytelling,” said a company spokesperson.

“Chef Rob brings energy, global perspective, and technical expertise that beautifully showcases the depth of Middle Eastern cuisine.”

MEZETE proudly serves the foodservice and hospitality channels with authentic, high-quality offerings.

Press Appointments & Booth Information:

Media Contact: Vicki Jakubovic; VICKIGJPR; 973-519-8926

Booth Contact/Press Appointments: Jim Dragovich

Visit MEZETE at Booth 13708 and savor authentic Middle Eastern cuisine—straight from Amman to America.