Melamine – Elite Global Solutions

New Product: New Hermosa Items

April 21, 2024

Embark on your next culinary journey with our latest additions to the Hermosa family. Two new sizes of chip and dip plates as well as one ramekin were recently added to the product line. The innovative design includes an attached ramekin for functionally presenting your favorite food with dipping sauce. Complementing this duo is our new ramekin, a petite powerhouse for serving individual portions of sauces, dressing, or condiments.

Pictured above is our new Hermosa ramekins in gray marble, black marble, brown marble and black.

The product line is complete with a versatile range of sizes to cover all serving applications. Embrace the new additions by mixing and matching the styles with other existing product lines. All the sizes are available in four crowd-pleasing color options, black, brown marble, gray marble, and black marble.

Pictured above is our new Hermosa sizes in gray marble, black marble, brown marble and black.

Hermosa lends its name from the geometric seashell design of each unique dinnerware piece. A multicolored melamine pulp provides every item with an individual coloration that sets itself apart from the rest. A pitted matte finish protects your investment by extending the lifespan of the product. The corrugated channels add dimension to your cuisine while minimizing signs of heavy use.

Pictured above is our new Hermosa sizes in gray marble, black marble, brown marble and black.

Hermosa, meaning “beautiful” in Spanish, will surely stun each guest at your table. Transform your dining perceptions with Hermosa, a blend of artistry, durability, and versatility that promises to elevate your dining experience. Contact sales@egsfoodservice.com for more information or to request samples for your business.

Buffet

New Product: Black Tenaya

April 14, 2024

Elite Global Solutions is excited to announce the newest addition to the Tenaya product line – an elegant black color variation. This addition comes in response to popular demand, enhancing our most beloved dinner and serveware collection inspired by the picturesque Tenaya Lake in the Sierra Nevada mountains.

The Tenaya product line, drawing inspiration from the serene lake’s sandy shores and granite stone scenery, now boasts three captivating colors: speckled gray granite, classic black, and an inviting off-white. This nature-influenced pattern offers a handmade aesthetic, providing a perfect backdrop for any presentation.

Pictured above is our Tenaya product line in black.

The unique design of the Tenaya collection brings a touch of nature to your table setting, offering an assortment of rectangular trays, round plates, and bowls. Despite its subtle and dignified appearance, Tenaya is surprisingly durable, providing an excellent alternative to real stoneware.

Crafted with functionality and beauty in mind, the Tenaya product line is tailored for exceptional catering, dining, and buffet experiences. The hammered texture not only adds dimension to your table setting but also effectively disguises fingerprints and watermarks, maintaining a pristine appearance.

Pictured above is our Tenaya product line in black.

Choose Tenaya for a unique blend of natural inspiration, durability, and functionality that will elevate your dining experiences to new heights. Explore the latest addition of the black color variation and bring a touch of sophistication to your table settings. Modernize your presentation, embrace the beauty of nature-inspired design, and let Tenaya redefine your expectations of premium melamine. Contact sales@egsfoodservice.com for more information or to request samples for your business.

Buffet

New Product: Tenaya Serveware

April 7, 2024

Elite Global Solutions is proud to introduce a serveware line made uniquely for exceptional catering, dining, and buffet potential. The new Tenaya serveware products are available in three cutting-edge designs: granite stone, off-white, and black. Tenaya’s design was inspired by the iconic lake in the Sierra Nevada mountains.

The hammered texture of each piece adds to the durability and beauty of the products. Irregular edges and asymmetrical shapes offer an unconventional approach to modern serving concepts. Pair the large platters and trays with rubber-coated steel pedestals to elevate your display and add dimensional allurement.

Pictured above is our Tenaya Serveware paired with our Rubber Coated Pedestals.

Tenaya’s serveware collection seamlessly blends functionality with aesthetics, providing a sophisticated solution for serving culinary delights in various settings. The products boast elegant contours and a sleek finish, elevating the presentation potential of any dish. The premium melamine construction ensures the plates, bowls, and trays withstand the rigor of frequent use.

Pictured above is our Tenaya Serveware in all three colors: Granite Stone, Off-White, and Black.

The product line embraces a variety of styles and designs allowing you to find the perfect match for your preferences. Whether you’re looking for a classic timeless look or a modern aesthetic, Tenaya products cater to every occasion. Improve your dining experience with our thoughtfully curated collection that redefines the art of presentation and service. Contact sales@egsfoodservice.com for more information or to request samples for your business.

Melamine Information

New Product: Maya Collection

March 12, 2024

The name Maya is most linked to Indian cultural origins where it is taken to mean dream or illusion. In this case, the dream of a beautiful multifunctional dinnerware line has come true. Elite Global Solutions is proud to introduce Maya, a collection of unique modern products for residential and commercial use.

Ruffled flared edges, a glossy hammered surface and bright colors define this one-of-a-kind product line. This line is complete with coupe plates, irregular edge plates, pasta and salad bowls, and serving bowls. The color-changing appearance is due to a special manufacturing process where color is carefully added by hand to each piece.

Pictured above is our new Maya collection in all four colors: Red Glaze, Purple Glaze, Green Glaze, and Cream Glaze.

Four radiant color options including Green (CG), Red (RG), Purple (PG), and Cream (CG) exemplify the glazed appearance unique to each individual piece. Like a snowflake, no two products are alike! The hand-tossed melamine color additives create a unique pattern personalized for each piece.

Pictured above is our new Maya collection in all four colors.

This dinnerware line is constructed from commercial grade, premium, and heavyweight melamine which is scratch and chip resistant for maximum durability. All Elite Global Solution’s products are commercial dishwasher-safe and made to withstand cold and hot temperatures from -22 to 185 degrees Fahrenheit. Partner with Elite for incredible custom products and merchandising solutions.

Dining

Setting the Table for a Thanksgiving Party

November 10, 2023

Setting the mood for your Thanksgiving party can be a fun and memorable experience. Creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere is a wonderful way to evoke the essence of the season. The first step is creating a theme or color scheme for your décor. Traditional fall colors like deep reds, oranges, and browns work well for Thanksgiving, but you can also go for a more modern or elegant look with neutral colors or metallic accents.

Pictured above is our Stardust and Pebble Creek product lines in blue.

Making a beautiful and inviting table for your Thanksgiving party is a delicate balance of tradition and personal expression. Ensure you have enough place settings for all your guests, including plates, forks, knives, spoons, glasses, and napkins. Consider using our Elite Global Solutions melamine dinnerware or even special Thanksgiving-themed plates and glasses. Cover the table with a tablecloth that matches your theme or color scheme. Alternatively, use placemats for a more casual setting.

Crafting a Thanksgiving centerpiece is a delightful way to add a touch of elegance and warmth to your holiday table. A well-crafted Thanksgiving centerpiece not only enhances the beauty of your table but also sets the stage for a memorable and festive holiday gathering. Create a stunning centerpiece that serves as the focal point of the table. Consider using a floral arrangement, a cornucopia filled with seasonal fruits and vegetables, candles, or a combination of these elements. Make sure it’s not too tall, so guests can see each other across the table.

Pictured above is our Stardust and Pebble Creek product lines in blue.

Set the table with plates, utensils, and glassware in the order they will be used. Typically, the fork goes on the left, and the knife and spoon go on the right. Place the water glass above the knife and any wine glasses to the right of the water glass. Roll or fold cloth napkins and secure them with decorative napkin rings that match your theme or color scheme. Add decorative details like small pumpkins, gourds, or seasonal foliage to each place setting to enhance the Thanksgiving theme. Consider using candles to create a warm and cozy ambiance.

Pictured above is our Stardust and Pebble Creek product lines in blue.

If you’re not using a full tablecloth, a table runner can add a decorative element to the center of the table. If you have space and want to go all out, you can add additional decorations like seasonal wreaths, string lights, or even a garland along the center of the table. Step back and take a moment to assess the table’s overall look. Make any final adjustments or additions to ensure it looks just the way you want it.

Setting a beautiful Thanksgiving table can enhance the overall dining experience and make your guests feel appreciated. Don’t forget to take photos to capture the memories of your Thanksgiving celebration!

Dining

How to Set the Table for a Halloween Party

November 3, 2023

Setting the table for a Halloween party is a fun and creative task that allows you to embrace the spooky and festive spirit of the holiday. Decide on a specific Halloween theme for your party, such as a classic spooky, haunted house, a gothic vampire, or a cute and kid-friendly theme. Your theme will influence your table decor and color scheme.

Choosing the ideal dinnerware can be a daunting task, luckily, we are here to help! Paper plates are a convenient option, but they aren’t ideal for a formal dining room setting. If you are going through all the trouble of setting the table, you want to lead with your best plate forward. Our shatterproof melamine products are the safest option for a large holiday dinner party. We have some stunning black and white products that are sure to set the tone for your spooky Halloween-themed event.

Our premium Durango Formal dinnerware collection is sure to captivate your guests with the stark black and bright white color pattern. The brilliant white backdrop is the perfect blank canvas for your cuisine while the black accent color provides an ominous tone to your table setting. Try layering the dinnerware to give each place setting a dimensional expression. We recommend stacking the DB651GM soup bowl on top of the DG1098GM dinner plate respectively.

Place additional ingredients such as cranberry sauce or gravy in the middle of the table in a small bowl, preferably with a handle. We recommend using our D42RR small bowl with a handle in black and white.

If you are also serving a salad as an appetizer, place the salad bowl just above the dinner plate and slightly off-center. The salad being just slightly to the left will leave room for an optional name card or party favor to be placed in front of each guest. If you are looking for the perfect salad bowl, we recommend using our 40oz D1008RR bowl in black and white. The soft matte texture on the outside contrasts the glossy, white-dimpled surface on the inside.

Double-check that your final touches are in place. If you are serving drinks, make sure to have appropriate drinkware and serving stations for your beverages. You can also add Halloween-themed drink stirrers or straws for extra flair. Check your table for symmetry and turn on any lighting or props to enhance the spooky atmosphere. Remember that Halloween is all about creativity and having fun, so don’t be afraid to get creative with your table decorations and make your Halloween party a memorable and spooky experience. If you are looking for some other fun and festive dinnerware products for your Halloween-themed dinner party, consider checking out our Pebble Creek, Tenaya, and Della Terra product lines.

Dining

Table Setting Guide

October 13, 2023

A make-or-break element for any party is a well-appointed dinner table. It has become one of the most important parts of any event including fancy ballroom dining, holiday parties, garden parties, and casual dinner parties. There is more to table setting than folding napkins and placing centerpieces. The art of table setting comes down to a simple five-step process to elevate your dining experience. The steps may vary depending on your party style, occupancy count, cuisine and table size.

The first step to any place setting is centering the table with a colorful runner to set the tone. An optional trick to adding dimensional color to your tabletop is layering two runners, one slightly smaller than the other. The runner should span the entire table and drape over either end to be proper length. Make sure to choose colors that will match the rest of your table settings to keep things cohesive. We decided to use our Vintage California collection to match the table runner.

Phase two involves placing the plates and bowls according to your table size. Place the bread plate on top of the salad bowl to save space and time. Ensure the dinnerware and serveware are designed to be compatible with each other before stacking. Traditionally speaking, the bread plate is placed in the upper left corner and the soup bowl goes on top of the salad plate.

In the third step, place the utensils next to each place setting with the dinner fork placed directly to the left side of each plate with the salad fork added to the furthest left. The knife goes directly to the right of the plate, followed by the spoon with dessert spoons lying horizontally above the plates. If using assigned seating, place a name card above the dessert plate.

The fourth step is placing the drinkware in its proper place. Place the wine and water glass in the upper right with the wine glass behind the water. If you are serving more than one type of wine, place the white wine glass to the left and slightly lower than the red wine glass. If you choose to add a coffee mug, place the mug on a saucer underneath the wine glasses. It’s common to replace drinkware in a formal setting to reduce clutter.

The last and final step includes folding the napkin and placing it on top of the plate stack. To add another focal point to the table, use a napkin ring to adorn your table like jewelry. Mix and match the napkins for a pop of color. To enhance the table setting more, place a beautiful centerpiece such as candles or flowers, just be sure to not block the view of the guests sitting across from each other.

Melamine Information

Is Melamine Microwave Safe?

September 12, 2022

Why is melamine not considered safe to use in the microwave? Melamine is an insulator and not a conductor of heat or cold. This means that when melamine is heated in the microwave, it will stay hotter longer than the food in most circumstances. The chemical properties of melamine promote thermal insulation and have low opportunities for transferring thermal energy. Insulation is an excellent quality to have in a buffet or cafeteria cold well, but it is not ideal when reheating food items.

The chemical properties of melamine allow temperatures as cold as -22 degrees Fahrenheit and as hot as 185 degrees Fahrenheit without breakage. According to the FDA website, melamine will not migrate or transfer into food unless it is heated above 180 degrees Fahrenheit. Melamine is known for its low acute toxicity and is not classifiable according to its carcinogenicity in humans. The FDA has concluded that under normal use conditions, melamine migration can be 10 parts per billion parts of the food item, which is well below the risk level.

Another reason behind melamine’s microwave restrictions stems from the degradation of the product when exposed to high heat for extended periods of time. Due to the material properties of melamine, the wood pulp being the base component, it is not recommended for use in the microwave. Wood pulp is porous, and the moisture content greatly affects the durability of each piece. When melamine is repeatedly exposed to temperatures above 185 degrees Fahrenheit, the pieces dry out and begin to weaken, which correlates to shorter service life.

Microwaves, heat lamps, and convection ovens are all extremely damaging to melamine long term and typically will void your warranty. Normal wear and tear can be kept low by maintaining enough stock to keep the recommended three dinnerware sets per daily guest count. This 3-to-1 rule keeps your guests from having to use wet plates or bowls and allows the pieces proper time for cleaning between use. If all manufacturer recommendations are followed closely, your replacement rate should only be 10%-20% of your melamine annually.

Resources: https://www.fda.gov/food/resourcesforyou/consumers/ucm199525.htm

Melamine Information

Retail vs. Commercial Melamine

September 7, 2022

What are some of the key differences between retail and commercial-grade melamine products? It is common for food service operators to explore this question when stocking for their business. Just like traditional dinnerware, there are degrees of quality that may justify your investment requirement.

Melamine qualities vary depending on where it is purchased, the manufacturing process, material thickness, design features, and intended use. Retail-grade melamine is known for its low price point, thinner material and smaller quantities. Retail melamine has low requirements for safety when compared to commercial-grade options. The melamine available from retailers is meant for light-duty use and will not stand up to the abuse of everyday use.

Alternatively, commercial-grade melamine is extremely sustainable and made to withstand heavy use and commercial dishwashers. The design features are centered around durability and high safety standards. Commercial melamine is usually thicker and sturdier than retail-grade melamine and is consistent throughout every piece. Higher safety standards include FDA-approved materials, factory audits, product testing, and bacteria-free surfaces.

The availability of retail melamine is typically low and inconsistent, whereas commercial products are stocked for many years and the options remain consistent. Retail sales rely on one-time sales while commercial sales rely on large reorders of products. Due to these larger runs of production, the colors of commercial pieces usually remain available for long periods.

When choosing the right product to accommodate your needs, take these general practices into account. Remember that not every melamine piece is created equal and high quality comes with a higher price tag. If you’re purchasing melamine for a commercial environment, make sure to purchase commercial-grade products to protect your investment.

Melamine Information

All About Melamine

June 28, 2022

What is Melamine?

Melamine, which begins in a powdered form, is an organic nitrogen-rich compound used for manufacturing a wide array of items including utensils, bowls, plates, serving trays, and drinkware. Melamine is a hard plastic that is heated, molded, and cured with strengthening compounds. The finished product becomes an extremely durable product ideal for a variety of useful applications.

Is Melamine Safe?

Elite Global Solutions’ melamine items are all BPA-free, FDA-approved and backed with a limited two-year warranty. The FDA’s Safety and Risk assessment of melamine states that the chemicals used in the production process will not migrate, or transfer, into food if it is not heated above 180 degrees Fahrenheit. Melamine is known for its low acute toxicity and is not classifiable according to its carcinogenicity in humans. The food-safe anti-bacterial properties of melamine make it an easy-to-clean alternative to traditional serveware.

Is Melamine Tolerant to Heat and Cold?

Melamine should never be used in a conventional oven, microwave oven or placed under a heat lamp for extended periods of time as it is an insulator, not a conductor, of hot and cold temperatures. The chemical properties of melamine allow temperatures as cold as -22 degrees Fahrenheit and as hot as 180 degrees Fahrenheit without breakage. Melamine’s insulating qualities make it ideal for cold food buffets, salad bars and deli display cases. Our premium melamine products are commercial dishwasher safe and come with specific care and use instructions to provide optimal cleaning results.

How Durable is Melamine?

Our 100% premium heavyweight melamine is scratch and chip-resistant to withstand heavy abuse over time. The melamine resin, after being heated and cured with strengthening compounds, becomes a shatterproof substance perfect for indoor and outdoor dining. The reusability of melamine products creates a substantially lower impact on the environment when compared to single use dinnerware. Due to decreased breakage, many restaurateurs enjoy the benefits of lower overhead costs associated with shrinkage. Although melamine is extraordinarily sturdy, it should never encounter serrated knives, harsh abrasive cleaners like chlorine bleach, or metal scouring pads to protect the surface.