Latest Food and Drink Articles

Catering in the Credit Crunch

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 23:28:07 -0700

The current financial crisis, or ‘Credit Crunch’ as it has become popularly known, has had an impact on how people go about their lives. At the moment, the majority of customers are actively seeking good value for money in items they buy, from food to clothes and cars. Fear of redundancy or actual redundancy has seen more and more people saving for a rainy day or just lacking their usual disposable income, which can lead to problems for those in the hospitality industry.

In order to stay afloat, many restaurant owners have to introduce better special offers than ever before. Competition between eateries can become quite intense, as they all know that customers will attend those which offer the best quality food at a very reasonable price. Members of the public still want to go out and enjoy good food and companionship of loved ones, possibly even more so to cheer them up through the recession, so owners of restaurants need to find ways in which to supply good value.

In order to pass on savings, there is a need for businesses to purchase supplies at reasonable cost. There is often no need to compromise on quality – those who stock cheap catering equipment often offer good value for money, especially when it comes to bulk orders. Many can provide speedy delivery (some within 48 hours depending on stock levels), which is either low cost or even free.

Ordering in bulk is often the most cost efficient and practical means of achieving savings, both through deals and in terms of delivery. In order to save even more costs long term, upgrading to newer, more fuel efficient refrigeration units, freezers and related items can be of benefit, whilst they often perform better than older counterparts.

Online distributors of cheap catering equipment often offer a range of items to meet numerous needs, for example lighting, cleaning and laundry products. It is possible to get the majority of necessary non consumable products from one retailer, allowing for more bulk purchases and often greater savings. The more savings a business makes, the more it has the potential to pass savings on to customers.

Often contacting retailers of cheap catering equipment direct by telephone or email is advisable. They will have information about all their products, and can advise further on deals and delivery. It is important not to compromise on quality when ordering catering equipment – some items may need to last for some time, and will need to be able to perform under the pressure in a professional kitchen, being used several times a day, seven days a week.

Without reliable catering equipment, staff can be placed under excessive stress and can impact on how well food is prepared and how hygienic the kitchen environment is. When choosing cheap catering equipment, consider quality as well as price.

Those who eat out are becoming increasingly well informed about food and diet in general, and expect those who serve them to meet their needs. With good quality catering equipment, restaurateurs can consider how to meet demand without worrying about too many problems in the kitchen.

Chef’s knives – prioritising quality

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 22:33:38 -0700

Professional chefs have long been part of what is considered a respectable and skilled career. Over recent years celebrity chefs such as Jamie Oliver, Gordon Ramsay and Heston Blumenthal have further increased the status of those who are passionate about food, and have encouraged numerous people to spend more time in the kitchen. There media has paid a lot of attention to issues in the food industry of late, from organic produce debates to matter surrounding animals husbandry. All this interest in food and cooking has also meant that people are paying more attention to the tools they use for food preparation, and chefs knives are no exception.

Both professional caterers and amateur cooks need good quality implements to enable efficient food preparation. Those who work in restaurants or as caterers are only too aware that time is of the element when cooking. Customers expect high quality food in a timely fashion, and disappointing clients is not an option. Chef’s knives originated from blades used by butchers to prepare beef, but soon became widely used as general utility knives.

Today there are several different styles of these knives including French, German and the Japanese santoku. Each of these is excellent for use with a variety of foods such as meat, poultry and vegetables. The highest quality knives have been designed for multipurpose use, and many incorporate different levels of sharpness at different points in the blade. Though the majority of chef’s knives are 20cm long (it is recommended that those new to multipurpose knives utilise this size), lengths can vary between 15 and 36cm, dependent on personal preference.

All knives need to have sturdy handles; those with cheap seeming plastic or wooden handles that have potential to come loose should be avoided at all costs. Today, most professional quality knives are designed to last many years, even when used intensively. Always look for signs of good quality workmanship or stick with trusted brands. Not only should a knife handle be sturdy, it should feel comfortable and be easy to grip correctly.

Blades are also available in a range of materials and designs - some, such as carbon steel and ceramic blades stay sharp for longer, but the former is prone to rust and the latter to chips if dropped. Stainless steel may not reach the same levels of sharpness, but has advantages in that it does not rust and is inexpensive. High quality stainless steel is now available, which can hold an extremely sharp edge whilst resisting corrosion, though it is more expensive than traditional stainless steel products.

Most kitchens regularly use a wide variety of knives, and will have a selection of chef’s knives to suit most user preferences. These will allow each member of staff (or each cook in the family!) to chop, dice, slice and even mince as efficiently as possible, making food preparation a simpler and more enjoyable task. No matter what you are cooking, or who it is to be presented to, having the best quality chef’s knife can help both your confidence and performance.

Need extra surface space?

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 03:02:18 -0700

At certain times of the year, caterers and restaurateurs are under increased pressure. This is extremely common around Christmas time in the UK, as families, friends and companies arrange their seasonal meal. The majority of venues begin to take bookings in advance, some even as early as August, in order to ensure they are completely prepared for the increase in demand. Even with the very best prior planning, the festive season can put a strain on both kitchen and waiting staff. Sometimes it can be hard to accommodate large parties who attend meals, and this is one instance in which a folding table proves its worth.

Folding tables are extremely useful items to purchase, for home, cafes, pub, restaurant and hotel businesses. Of course the list does not stop there, numerous other places can benefit from these versatile surfaces. One of the most positive attributes of these items is that they can be folded for ease of storage when not in use, as the majority of businesses do not have room for spare non –collapsible tables.

As well as providing extra dining space in times of needs, stainless steel folding tables can be used to ease pressure on surfaces in the kitchen area. These portable tables can be cleaned hygienically, and are sturdy enough to withstand the weight of some larger items of catering equipment (check individual specifications) as well as vigorous food preparation. Whether you need additional space to set up a buffet, more worktop area or extra dining tables, foldable models are a practical solution. Schools, care homes and town or village halls have a need for large numbers of folding tables, as one large room often serves multiple purposes so ordinary tables are not an option.

It goes without saying that caterers can benefit from spare tables at any time of year. Those who cater for corporate events or weddings often need to vary the amount of seating at meals, and also often need surface space for buffet food or canapés. Being able to accommodate the differing needs of customers is something that most businesses need to be prepared for. Satisfied customers are vital to the future success of those in the food industry, and word of mouth ‘advertising’ can generate a lot of custom. Having the catering equipment necessary for your business is absolutely essential.

Catering equipment suppliers can often provide these convenient tables, both as a one off item or as a bulk order. Often the best deals can be found if ordering in bulk, so even if there is no requirement for more than a couple of folding tables, it may be worthwhile checking to see if any other vital kitchen equipment needs replacing or upgrading. Online suppliers are often able to cater for a whole spectrum of catering needs, from staff clothing, kitchen utensils and machines through to pest control devices. Delivery is usually fast and efficient, often within 48 hours – those who supply the catering trade are aware of the importance of timely delivery.

Contact grill – tasty results, efficiently

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 02:20:03 -0700

Spurred on by health advice from government and by numerous television shows, healthy eating is taken seriously by a large proportion of people from all walks of life. Although low fat food is not always associated with eating out, the public today expect restaurateurs to serve good quality and caringly prepared meals and snacks. There are ways in which professional chefs, cooks and those who cook at home can prepare meals more healthily.

Whilst choosing high quality unadulterated produce to start with is important, the way in which the meal is cooked is also vital. Recently more and more are choosing to grill or roast meats instead of shallow or deep frying and are steaming vegetables instead of boiling them (thus losing fewer nutrients). As consumers become more price savvy due to the recession, restaurant owners have to compete in terms of value as well as quality, and kitchen staff need to operate as efficiently as possible

Those who work in professional food preparation environments are under pressure to serve good meals and fast. Diners expect their food to be served relatively quickly, even when restaurants are packed with customers. Cooking healthily under this strain can be a challenge, but combining suitable preparation before service and good quality kitchen equipment can make all the difference.

Due to its speed and versatility, the contact grill is now found in cafes and restaurants of all kinds across the country. Easy to use and to clean, these grills are suitable for cooking a variety of meat items (burgers, chicken breast and salmon steaks to name just three) as well as paninis, toasted sandwiches and certain vegetables. If you need a new or a replacement contact grill, always make sure you have researched model specifications to ensure your purchase will meet your needs.

There are numerous manufacturers to choose from, including Lincat, Dualit and Buffalo, so you are sure to be able to find the right contact grill for your kitchen. If in any doubt as to which model to choose, it is worthwhile contacting manufacturers and retailers, who will be able to provide you with the information you need.

In the current financial climate, people who eat out are increasingly looking for value for money. Due to the ‘Credit Crunch’ they are enticed by special offers of various kinds, but also expect well prepared and tasty food. In such a competitive industry, it is vital that caterers provide good food and excellent customer service. Often those who eat out are not looking for a particularly unusual meal, they want a breakfast, lunch or dinner that they know they will enjoy.

Grilled foods such as steaks and burgers are an affordable family favourite, and thanks to the contact grill, they can be prepared quickly and efficiently, meaning they are also a favourite for many chefs! As with many things, food fashions change over time and dishes phase in and out of popularity. Due to the versatility of the contact grill, it has the potential to be an essential kitchen item for years to come.

Catering equipment suppliers for businesses big and small

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 05:07:30 -0700

Owning and/or managing a restaurant or similar business can be a difficult and sometimes stressful job. Customer satisfaction is key to the catering trade, it is vital that diners enjoy their experience or they may never return, favouring other eateries and even putting other potential customers off giving your place a chance.

In order to achieve the standards that you want, you will need to place trust in both your own staff and those who work with you as suppliers and for general maintenance. Restaurant customers today are often very knowledgeable about food, a lot of media attention is paid to health and hygiene and as such diners expect to receive the very best for their budget.

The actual food produce you order in can have a big impact on how your restaurant is perceived as well as on the quality of the meals. There is a definite leaning towards fresh and even organic ingredients, as opposed to meals which have been enhanced with unnatural chemicals or ordered in readymade and microwaved.

It is advisable to choose produce suppliers who reflect the image you want for your eatery, and who share your concerns about food quality. With good raw ingredients, well trained, polite staff and a clean, inviting dining space you are half way to a winning formula. However, without catering equipment suppliers, food preparing and presentation would be extremely awkward!

The pressure on kitchen staff to prepare food quickly and perfectly can become very intense, especially when there is a full house of diners. Customers sitting at a table are ideally served their food at about the same time, even though their meals may be very different. In order for those in the kitchen to keep up with demand and meet quality standards, having the right catering equipment is essential.

Most restaurants have needs in common, for example chef’s knives, pans, cutlery and crockery, but some need more than this. Depending on the style of cuisine you serve, you may need pasta machines, pate moulds or food smoking apparatus. Those with a bar area need to ensure that bar equipment is also kept up to date and in good working order. Your catering equipment supplier may need to deliver certain items more frequently than others – whereas some kitchen appliances can last for years, glassware and crockery may need replacing occasionally due to breakages.

Catering equipment suppliers are not only invaluable providers for the restaurant trade, but for numerous other organisations. Bakeries and cake shops need good quality tools, as do business cafeterias, school canteens and care homes. The majority of catering equipment suppliers have user friendly web sites which detail bulk offers and delivery terms.

If ever in doubt as to whether your supplier can provide additional items such as spares, laundry apparatus or even fly and pest control equipment, you can either check online or enquire by email or phone. Remember that catering equipment suppliers rely on your business in the same way you rely on your diners, so they aim to meet your requirements in terms of product availability and speed of delivery.

The Benefits of Buying Professional Chef Knives Sets

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 04:17:01 -0700

There are many benefits to owning a professional knife set. They can be bought on the mass market, they are not overly expensive and they have a variety of uses for both domestic and professional kitchen users.

Home users tend to buy knife sets with a range of uses; usually, they include a bread knife, a chef's knife, a slicer, a utility knife and a paring knife. These tend to come in a knife block, which can be wooden or metal, and looks decorative in the kitchen area.

Restaurants, regardless of the menus they serve, will find buying chef knives sets to be a real bonus. Because of the versatility of the individual knives, even vegetarian restaurants will be able to use them; it is a common misconception that some knives are primarily used for meat but this is not true. There are specialist vegetable knives available that are especially easy to handle when chopping vegetables, herbs and small fruits, although bigger fruits, such as watermelons, require bigger knives for safety purposes.

The professional chefs knives sets tend to be much larger than those sold for domestic use, with more knives in the set –in a busy restaurant kitchen there may be more than one chef, so there have to be enough knives to share around. Additionally, different chefs will need to use different knives, dependant on the size and shape of their hands; what suits one may not suit another. People with smaller hands will be better using flattened handles rather than moulded ones.

Other benefits of buying chef knives sets include the fact that these are often manufactured with the professional environment in mind. This means they tend to look quite stylish, often with features such as magnetic knife blocks or sleek cases to store the knives in before and after use. Also, it is often quicker to use a knife for processes such as slicing, mincing or chopping food than it is to use an electric food processor, as this involves the assembly and taking apart of the components to wash afterwards. As speed is key in a restaurant business, this is a very important factor to bear in mind.

It is very important that the knives are kept in good condition; after all, when you have spent good money on chef knives sets, you will want to ensure they are looked after and are hygienic and clean for use. They should be sharpened regularly with a steel (which is usually included with the set upon purchase) as otherwise they will become blunt very quickly, especially in a busy kitchen environment. They should also always be washed by hand, as items in dishwashers can hit the knives and break them.

Safety should always be paramount when using chefs knives sets; a lot of accidents can occur when people are not careful enough when handling the knives. A chef with a missing finger is not a great way to start the evening, so ensure that proper practices are observed at all times!

Refreshment made easy

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 03:12:43 -0700

The overwhelming majority of people who eat out also have a drink or two (or more!) with their meals. They may have fruit juice or a carbonated drink, or they may have alcoholic drinks such as beer, wine or spirits. No matter what your customers’ chosen tipples are, as the owner of a restaurant you will need good quality bar facilities.

This will include items such as glasses, spirit dispensers, wine coolers, and other essential items, one of which is the ice maker. No matter what the time of year, people of all ages like to have cold beverages, and adding ice makes for a thoroughly refreshing drink.

Ice is suited to a number of uses in the catering environment, in buckets for cooling wines and even for the presentation of some foods. Some catering businesses gain a lot of business from their bars, and as such it is an important area to maintain correctly. Having a wide selection of different drinks available is extremely important, including spirits such as vodka, gin and whisky, alco-pops and a variety of wines as well as some champagne.

As consumers become more environmentally aware there is an upsurge of interest in locally sourced food and drink, and many license holders sell a number of local ales and ciders as well as more commonly known brands. This not only appeals to those who wish to be ‘greener’, but also to a sense of pride in local heritage and community. When it comes to non alcoholic drinks, a variety of both fizzy and flat is a good idea, some prefer water, fruit juice or squash, others like lemonade or coke.

For the health conscious, there are usually low sugar or diet versions of drinks available. Not only are these drinks great on their own with some ice fresh from the ice maker, they serve as good mixers for a number of spirits.

Having polite, well trained bar staff is as important as having waiting staff with these qualities. For pubs and clubs which do not serve food, the attitude and approachability of bar staff is possibly even more important – they are often the only members of the team that customers get to see.

Having what customers want is vital in any business, and as those who like a drink often like to have ice in it, there are a number of ice makers available on the market. The manufacturers of these machines are aware of the needs of those who own pubs clubs and restaurants, and provide models with a variety of capacities, which are designed to be easy to use and to take up as small as space as possible.

Hygiene is a crucial matter when making ice, so many ice makers are designed with ease of cleaning in mind. As with any piece of kitchen equipment, if you are uncertain about which ice maker is best for you, contact either a manufacturer or retailer who should be happy to advise you in your choice.

Buy the Best for your Restaurant

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 03:23:14 -0700

When running a restaurant, there are many different factors to take into consideration. It is essential to ensure that the patrons of your dining establishment are happy and will return to further sample the cuisine. Keeping your customers happy is the main focus of any well run and organised restaurant, as obviously this keeps the money coming in and the bills being paid.

One of the best ways of ensuring returning custom is to view the dining experience through the customers' eyes. Customers like to feel they are in a clean, hygienic and pleasant environment; therefore it is very important to make sure the restaurant catering equipment you are using is the best quality possible.

Customers will be impressed if the utensils and crockery they are being served with are clean and of a good quality, and the restaurant staff are wearing professional waiting clothing. Additionally, signage is always a high priority as diners like to know where essential rooms such as the toilets and cloakrooms are. Items such as display machines and buffet tables should always look smart and be in correct working order.

Another aspect to consider when viewing your restaurant through your customers' eyes is after the meal has been eaten. It is important to have waiters with clearing trolleys or trays ready to take away dirty crockery, utensils and glasses as soon as possible; these come in a variety of shapes and sizes. After that, if your restaurant has a bar or seating area patrons may want to relax there to digest their food in peace and enjoy the ambience; features to consider for this space are mainly aesthetic such as ornaments, decoration and soft lighting.

The final part of the dining experience for the customer is when they go to pay their bill. The cash register is a focal part of the dining area; it is important to make sure this is in full working order and preferably as new and modern as possible.

However, it is not only customer facing restaurant catering equipment that is important. Aspects such as chefs' clothing, aprons, footwear and cookware are just a few examples of the key things to consider when taking into account what to buy for behind the scenes.

It is crucial that your staff have catering clothing that is protective, as kitchens can be hazardous places. Well made, professional catering clothing helps to ensure that workers are protected from risks such as burns, spillages and slips – this is where proper catering footwear is vital as floors can become greasy and cause accidents.

Catering cookware comes into its own field; products on the restaurant catering equipment market today are made with safety as a paramount concern. There is a huge variety of items to select from to cater for all genres and tastes; from oriental cookware to egg rings, from pizza pans to steamers, it is imperative to make sure you choose the best quality possible. Furthermore, the taste and quality of the food being made will be enhanced by using good restaurant catering equipment, as there is less danger of the items breaking off into the food.

Whatever genre of food your restaurant caters for, it will always be essential to keep an eye on the restaurant catering equipment that is available on the market. Safety and hygiene laws and practices are continually evolving and it is very important to ensure your restaurant meets this criteria. Unhappy customers will not return so to keep the orders coming in, provide them with the best dining experience their money can buy.

Catering equipment – not just for the kitchen

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 02:27:08 -0700

Caterers and restaurateurs are only too aware of the competitive nature of their business. Even relatively small towns tend to have a range of eateries for the public to choose from, and although these may represent different kinds of cuisine and dining, they are still competing for custom.

Often the choices made by diners reflect the circumstances of the meal; they may be out for a birthday or anniversary celebration, entertaining business partners or just need a quick meal for convenience’s sake. Whether you run a take away business, a cafe or an haute cuisine restaurant, you need to provide the very best service and food to customers to ensure repeat business.

Although the kinds of food you prepare will have an impact on the catering equipment you use, quality kitchen tools are a must for professional chefs and keen amateurs alike. Items such as chef’s knives, pans and scissors are a must in any kitchen environment, but those who own restaurants and hotels tend to take the view that catering equipment goes way beyond the basic food preparation tools.

Quality needs to extend to other aspects of a business, so that bar areas, table ware and condiments are presented properly. It is best never to forget that the majority of diners do not get to see the kitchen in which their food is prepared.

They trust that quality and hygiene standards will be high, so whilst chefs and waiting staff appreciate good equipment in the kitchen, customers are more likely to judge the standard of an eatery on items and objects they can see, on cleanliness and quality of food produced, not to mention front of house staff performance.

When determining which items of catering equipment you need, it can sometimes be easy to overlook certain items, especially if you are new to the industry. Don’t forget proper clothing including shoes and headwear for those in the kitchen, and items such as ice makers and wine coolers for bars.

Kitchen utensils come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and initially purchasing all the items necessary can be very costly. There are numerous places to buy bargain priced catering equipment, but be sure to choose good quality, as this is by far the best long term investment.

Everyone in the business of food should be aware of the legalities and moral obligations involved, to protect both customers and staff. Catering equipment should be replaced when worn or damaged, and upgraded when necessary. Damaged kitchen implements, white goods and related items can endanger both patrons and staff.

Poor service can cause customers to feel alienated and they may not return to a restaurant, they can also recommend that others do not visit. Issues surrounding hygiene, health and safety can ultimately ruin a food business, so it is imperative that every effort is made to ensure that all staff are properly trained and equipped to do their jobs.

Eating out is supposed to be an enjoyable and relaxing activity, designed to allow diners to enjoy food, friends and family without the stress of cooking and cleaning, treating customers well can mean the difference between success and failure for the catering industry.

Why Are Commercial Dishwashers So Vital To Many Businesses?

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 02:07:19 -0700

Do you own a business that requires the use of dishes? If you do, then you need to know why commercial dishwashers are so important to have. There are many different reasons why these are a must for any business that uses dishes. Knowing what these reasons are will help you see why you must get one for your business needs.

1. When you use dishes in your business, you have to make sure that they are cleaned after every use. By having a dishwasher clean them, you can be sure that they get clean. If you try serving food on plates that are dirty, then you will start losing business fast. Dishwashers are the best way to ensure you have clean dishes.

2. Did you know that there can be bacteria left on dishes if they are not cleaned in water that is hot enough? Many people don’t realize this, but it is true. By having a dishwasher clean your dishes for you, you can be sure that the bacteria are gone because these machines use water hot enough to kill any germs and bacteria.

3. Dishwashers will save you and your employee’s time. Time is a valuable thing when you are trying to serve customers food or beverages. You can’t waste time. By having a dishwasher washing your dishes for you, this frees you and your employees up to do other important things, but still let you have the clean dishes you always need when they are needed.

4. Did you know that there are commercial dishwashers that will also dry your dishes? It is true and this is important to know because your customers want dry dishes that don’t have spots. If you were to let your dishes air dry, there would likely be spots on them. This can be avoided by having your dishwashing machine dry them for you in just a few minutes time. Since presentation means a lot in business, clean dishes without spots are a must.

These are the most important reasons why it is vital for every business that uses dishes to have commercial dishwashers. Just remember that you need to take time to check out all of your options before deciding on the right one. That way you will be sure to get one that can handle all of your dishwashing needs. Also remember that a dishwasher will help your business in many different ways.