Column Dave Turner Galea, Chef + Sommelier
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“I have had a passion for dinnerware for as long as I can remember” In his new column for Tableware International, Dave Turner – an industry stalwart – gives his hot takes on things that matter. This month, Dave talks about the products that made him sit up and take notice… One of the great privileges of spending more than four decades in the tabletop business is that you get to see an incredible amount of creativity. Every year, manufacturers from around the world introduce new products they hope will make a difference in the dining experience, whether at home or in restaurants. Some are evolutionary. A few are revolutionary. Most fall somewhere in between. Some lead a trend, and others simply follow with their version of something already successful. Over the years, I’ve learned the products worth paying attention to aren’t always the ones with the biggest launch or the flashiest stand at a trade show. They’re the ones that make you stop for a moment and think, “now, that’s interesting.” Sometimes it’s a new product, sometimes it’s a product that’s been around for a while and now is their time – and sometimes it is a product that is rediscovered. To me, it’s simply a fresh way to up the dining experience game. The products I’ve chosen for this column did exactly that for me. They are
interesting. They are creative. They make a difference in the dining experience. And that your guests will be impressed. This isn’t intended to be a “best of ” list, nor is it a catalog of every noteworthy introduction to reach the market recently. It’s simply a collection of products that caught my attention - and, more importantly, will definitely
So, let’s get to it in the dinnerware and glassware categories…… Dinnerware I have had a passion for dinnerware for as long as I can remember. I believe it is what the dining guest sees first and, therefore, sets the tone for the entire meal. What I like and believe matters right now seems to be a return to classic
“Over the years, I’ve learned the products worth paying attention to aren’t always the ones with the biggest launch or the flashiest stand at a trade show”
white dinnerware, with fresh, new embossments as part of the overall shape of the plates, bowls, and hopefully, an occasional unique serving piece for sharing. Global supplier Steelite continues to lead with great new launches that validate my thinking across several price points and quality levels – their new Morella being a great starting point. Morella works well as a refined fusion of historical inspiration and Lucy, Caskata
make a difference. They also help me see where I believe our industry is heading. Because that’s what interests me most these days.
About Dave Turner Dave Turner is a longtime tabletop and hospitality industry executive, entrepreneur, writer, and category advocate whose career spans more than four decades across
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consumer products, HoReCa, and luxury tabletop brands. Most recently, he served as CEO of Stölzle Lausitz Inc. USA, where he launched and led the U.S. subsidiary of the German glassware manufacturer. His tabletop experience also includes senior leadership roles with Villeroy & Boch and Woodmere/Castle China, where he served as President and equity partner.
David is the founder of TabletopJournal, a highly respected digital platform covering the global tabletop and hospitality industry. Through his work, he has become known for championing the role tabletop plays in hospitality - that Tabletop Matters - not simply as product, but as an essential part of design, presentation, storytelling, and the guest dining experience.