How-To
A sturdy, ergonomic and high-quality forged-steel chef’s knife can cost from tens to hundreds of dollars. The jury is still out on whether it’s actually worthwhile to shell out hundreds of dollars for a handmade knife. However, what is definitely certain is that if you take the time to invest in choosing a good chef’s knife, it’s more than worthwhile to invest in maintaining that knife.
The popular saying goes, “You are what you eat.” But it may be more accurate in the food industry to say, “You are what you eat with.” Diners judge restaurants by a lot of different factors – the taste of the food, the quality of the service, the ambiance. One small detail that sometimes gets overlooked, but that can significantly affect customer comfort and satisfaction, is what they are eating with – the flatware and utensils.
In late August, the Midwest weather just starts to shift from the summer humidity to a more temperate, tolerable fall. The skies are still clear and blue, and the corn is tall, green, and ready to harvest. This part of the county is often referred to as the “corn belt,” highlighting America’s connection with this classic golden grain.
We can all relate to the feeling of biting into a lush, juicy watermelon on a hot summer day. It’s sweet and instantly refreshing. The reason watermelon is so good at quenching your thirst is because, as the name suggests, watermelon is composed of 92% water. The other 8% is sweet fructose and healthy nutrients. It’s no wonder that this larger-than-life fruit causes us to bring up memories of summer, picnics, parties, and vacation. Watermelon is basically a symbol of summer. But, watermelon isn’t the only sweet treat that ripens just as the days grow long and the kids get out of school. There are a number of lesser-known mouth-watering melon varieties to add to your summer menus, and so many ways to prepare melons beyond just slicing and serving.
Imagine the weirdest food combination you can, the strangest cake decoration scheme, or the oddest cooking method, and chances are there’s already a restaurant out there profiting from this oddity. Many chefs are naturally creative, and chaos cooking, an exciting, new culinary trend, gives these cooks a chance to express the full spectrum of their imagination.
Drinks often yield the highest profit margins in any food business, with alcoholic beverages offering even greater returns. During the pandemic, alcohol sales surged, driven by various delivery methods such as online orders, curbside pickups, and QR code pickups. This trend highlighted the demand for alcoholic drinks as people sought comfort during challenging times.
With the pandemic far behind us, bars are experiencing a strong resurgence as people are eager to socialize with friends again. To capitalize on this trend and ensure your bar’s success, it’s crucial to be well-equipped with essential bar tools and equipment. This will enable you to create a diverse array of drinks that cater to everyone, from classic beer and whiskey enthusiasts to craft cocktail aficionados.
Put your signature mark on every touch point of your business by learning the art and skill of what has been coined “Five Sensory Dining.” Have you heard of the cruise ship that offers its customer a “Journey for the Senses?” No matter where guests are dining, onboard or during onshore excursions, they aim to create sounds, sights, smells, tastes, and touch experiences that entertain all five senses. If you work in the foodservice industry and want to edge out the competition, don’t leave customer experience to chance.
The phrase “the sweet smell of success” has never come to life more than in today’s restaurant ‘biz. Increasingly, in what has been coined “olfactory dining,” aromas are being used by foodservice providers to not only whet appetites and entice diners their way, but to generate an orchestrated profit.
If you work in the food or beverage industry and are wondering how to create a restaurant menu that sells, you have come to the right place! It’s common knowledge that great food and drink, above-average customer service, and a super-smooth guest experience are some of the key ingredients to business success. But did you know that the potential power and profitability of a well-crafted menu is often underrated?
Continue reading about creating a standout restaurant menu →
If you work in foodservice and are thinking of opening a Bed and Breakfast (B&B), you are using your noodle wisely! Not only are B&B’s almost always privately owned, giving you plenty of freedom to showcase your wares in any way you fancy, but these special hospitality venues are climbing the popularity charts the world over. No longer viewed as merely cost-effective alternatives to hotel rooms, many B&Bs have taken on first-class status with a reputation for being both personal and posh. As a result, growing numbers of consumers are selecting B&Bs as their number one lodgings selection.