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Sharing Plates: A Consumer Trend That’s Hurting Restaurant Business

Jan 02, 2024

According to the James Beard Foundation, in 2023, nearly half of restaurants saw decreased check averages and profits, with a 5.3% increase in dining-out costs. To save money, 21% of diners shared meals in 2022, and many plan to continue. This practice hurts restaurants’ bottom line since it reduces individual check sizes.

How are Restaurants Combatting This?

Restaurants are navigating a delicate balance between encouraging customers to order more while accommodating those who prefer sharing dishes or sticking to smaller portions. Their tactics, from creating less shareable dishes to adjusting portion sizes and prices, reflect the challenge of maintaining profits in an evolving dining landscape.

Some restaurants, for example, adapt by charging more for shareable dishes, like Calissa, while others, like Easy Bistro and Bar, modify offerings to encourage ordering additional sides when sharing entrees.

Other Ways to Combat Plate Sharing

Here are some more tactics restaurants might use to discourage plate-sharing:

Pricing Strategies: Adjust pricing to make individual orders more attractive or create incentives for ordering individually rather than sharing.

Menu Language: Use menu descriptions that emphasize individual portions or specify that certain items are unsuitable for sharing. Highlight the exclusivity or uniqueness of a dish to encourage individual orders.

Staff Guidance: Train servers to gently discourage sharing by subtly recommending individual dishes or highlighting the restaurant’s specialty items meant for one person.

shareable dishes


Separate Components:
Serve dishes with components that are difficult to divide or present sides separately, encouraging guests to order their own complete meals.

Visual Presentation: Present dishes in a way that doesn’t lend itself easily to sharing, whether through plating or serving methods.

Communication with Kitchen: Instruct the kitchen not to modify shared dishes to accommodate multiple plates, such as splitting a shared dish onto separate plates or adding extra components for sharing.

Restaurants may implement a combination of these strategies to gently steer customers toward individual orders without explicitly forbidding plate-sharing, aiming to maintain a positive dining experience while maximizing revenue.

 

Sources:

Themessenger.com
Thetakeout.com
Wsj.com
Openai.com

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Ingredient Spotlight: Tahini

Dec 12, 2023

Our latest article delved into what 2024 might look like regarding food trends. Clearly, health and convenience would be at the forefront of consumers’ minds. Regarding flavor, experts believe there would be an interest in using tahini specifically beyond its Middle Eastern roots.

 

In recent years, there has been substantial growth in the popularity of tahini, partially driven by food media and restaurants integrating it into mainstream culture. Social media and other platforms have fueled people’s interest in global flavors, leading to a surge in the appreciation of ingredients like sesame. Amy Zitelman, CEO of Soom Tahini, highlighted the versatility of tahini beyond its traditional use in hummus, noting its ability to enhance various dishes. At events like Expo East, multiple tahini brands showcased products ranging from dips and sauces to chocolate bars and vegan ice cream, reflecting the increasing demand for tahini among home cooks, chefs, and brands. This trend signifies a growing appetite for tahini and its diverse applications in culinary creations.

 

Tahini has a distinct taste that’s rich, nutty, and slightly bitter. It’s made from toasted ground sesame seeds and carries a deep, earthy flavor profile. Some liken its taste to nut butter but with a smoother texture and a more pronounced sesame seed taste. The bitterness can vary depending on the brand or the roasting level of the sesame seeds used to make the tahini. It also has a slightly savory and mildly sweet undertone, which makes it versatile for both savory and sweet dishes.

 

Check out these ideas for using tahini in unconventional ways:

 

Desserts: Incorporate tahini into desserts like brownies, cookies, or cakes. Its nutty flavor adds depth to sweets. Try making tahini-swirled brownies or tahini chocolate chip cookies.

Tahini-Crusted Fish or Tofu: Create a crust for fish or tofu by mixing tahini with breadcrumbs and spices. When baked or pan-fried, it adds a unique flavor and texture to the dish.

Stir-fries and Noodle Dishes: Use tahini as a base for stir-fry sauces or noodle dishes. Combine it with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a splash of vinegar for a flavorful sauce.

Tahini in Cocktails: Create unique cocktails by using tahini as an ingredient. Mix it with components like honey, citrus juice, and spirits like whiskey or rum for a nutty, creamy twist to your drink.

Tahini in Soups: Add a spoonful of tahini to creamy soups like butternut squash, carrot, or cauliflower soup. It can enhance the richness and depth of flavor in the soup.

Tahini’s creamy texture and nutty taste make it a versatile ingredient in savory dishes, elevating flavors and adding a unique twist to various recipes. So, if you’re looking for a new way to spice up your menu, tahini may be just the trick!

 

 

Sources

Foodinsttitute.com
rolandfoods.com
openai.com

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Revitalize Your Restaurant Menu for Success

Nov 27, 2023

In the restaurant business world, menu reengineering emerges as a powerful strategy to elevate your offerings. This systematic process involves thoroughly analyzing and redesigning your menu, aiming to boost sales and profits, enhance operational efficiency, and elevate customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Embarking on this journey can be simple. Let’s dive into the critical elements of menu reengineering:

Evaluate Menu Offerings

Begin by evaluating your menu and dissecting each item to identify strengths and weaknesses. Consider crucial criteria such as sales, total food costs, price, and margin contribution. Uncover opportunities by understanding what makes your star products shine, potentially applying these principles to other menu items. Look externally to differentiate from competitors and showcase unique signature items.

Simplify Menu & Operations Processes

Simplify your menu with tools like TURF (Total Unduplicated Reach and Frequency) Analysis, leveraging consumer research to assess the impact of eliminating items on customer satisfaction and brand loyalty. Streamlining the menu accelerates kitchen operations, reduces inventory, and improves customer ordering experience. Utilize Menu Item Complexity Scores to optimize operations, lowering costs and enhancing efficiency.

menu development

Formulate a Menu Strategy

Review your existing menu strategy or create one if your brand lacks this essential component. Establish clear and measurable business objectives, providing tactical examples for achieving each goal. Prioritize food platforms based on strategic importance, identify new items, and determine which existing items should be eliminated. Maximize revenue and profitability by setting appropriate pricing parameters.

 

 

Strategic Menu Presentation

Reorganize your essential menu communication tools, such as mobile apps, websites, and digital menus, using your new strategy as a guide. Allocate prime space to your highest-selling and highest-margin items. Develop strategic schematic layouts that align with your menu strategy and business objectives.

Menu reengineering is a comprehensive process requiring solid, actionable data and strategic direction. Top management and representation from culinary, food innovation, operations, purchasing, and marketing play a crucial role in its success. Once completed, the next phase involves the development of an enhanced menu communication and design program, utilizing the strategic schematic layouts as a framework for optimized menu communications.

Embark on this journey of menu reengineering to breathe new life into your restaurant’s offerings, maximize sales, and build lasting customer loyalty.

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Menu Innovation: Creating Signature Dishes That Set Your Restaurant Apart

Nov 22, 2023

A signature dish in a restaurant is akin to having a distinct identity or a calling card that sets the establishment apart. It is more than just a mere menu item; it captures the essence of the restaurant’s spirit, the chef’s expertise, and the overall dining experience. A signature dish symbolizes excellence, drawing patrons in and creating a memorable impression that keeps them returning.

McDonald’s has their iconic Big Mac; Red Lobster is known for their Cheddar Bay Biscuits; Starbucks made the Frappuccino a household name. What dishes draw people to your restaurant?

 

Here are some strategies to create signature dishes that can distinguish your restaurant:

 

Culinary Innovation: Experiment with unique flavor combinations, cooking techniques, or ingredients. Blend traditional recipes with innovative twists that reflect your restaurant’s style. Chick’nCone offers a twist on a southern classic—instead of chicken and waffles served up on a plate, Chick’nCone serves their fried chicken nuggets in a waffle cone, looking very much like a savory ice cream!

 

Local Sourcing: Embrace locally sourced ingredients that reflect the region’s specialties. Highlighting fresh, seasonal produce or locally caught meats can add an authentic touch to your signature dishes. Mendocino Farms lets its patrons know they work locally whenever possible when sourcing their ingredients. Further, many, if not all, of their locations serve local craft beers and local wines.

restaurant local sourcing

 

Chef’s Expertise: Showcase the chef’s skills and specialties. Let their culinary expertise shine through dishes that reflect their passion and expertise.

 

Storytelling through Food: Infuse dishes with narratives or histories, linking them to cultural stories or personal experiences. This adds depth and intrigue, making the dining experience more memorable. Rubio’s, for example, tells the story about how founder Ralph Rubio fell in love with fish tacos during his trip to Mexico, which prompted him to start his own taco stand in 1983.

 

Interactive Dining: Offer dishes with an interactive element, such as DIY components or tableside preparations. This interaction engages diners and adds a unique, memorable aspect to the meal.

 

Customization: Provide options for customization to cater to various tastes or dietary preferences. Allowing customers to personalize their meal while still experiencing your restaurant’s essence can create a strong connection. Ike’s Love and Sandwiches is known for their many inventive sandwiches, several of which can be made with vegan options.

 

Consistent Quality: Ensure that your signature dishes maintain consistent quality and presentation. Consistency builds trust and loyalty among customers.

 

Limited-Time Offerings: Introduce seasonal or limited-time specials as signature dishes. This creates a sense of exclusivity and urgency, encouraging patrons to try these dishes before they are gone.

 

Branding and Marketing: Strategically market and brand your signature dishes. Utilize social media, promotions, or partnerships to create buzz and highlight these dishes as iconic to your restaurant.

 

Combining these strategies while staying true to your restaurant’s identity and vision can help create signature dishes that truly set your establishment apart in the culinary landscape.

 

Sources:

Chickncone.com
mendicinofarms.com
ikessandwich.com
Rubios.com
openai.com

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Spooky Halloween LTOs

Oct 12, 2023

Spooky season is in full effect! How are restaurants celebrating? Here are a few ways big-name chains are modifying their menus to ring in the Halloween spirit.

 

Burger King is introducing a Halloween promotion called Trick or Heat, featuring glow-in-the-dark buckets with ghost and ghost pepper designs. These buckets are available for $1 at select restaurants in Nashville, Las Vegas, Charlotte, and Atlanta starting on October 13. Additionally, they are offering a Trick or Heat meal bundle in celebration of Friday the 13th, which includes a Ghost Pepper Whopper, 4-piece Ghost Pepper Chicken Fries, a small fry, a small drink, and a Hershey sundae pie for $13.

 

Wendy’s is bringing back its “Boo! Book” Halloween coupon book, offering five coupons for free Jr. Frosty treats without any purchase necessary, along with an additional coupon for a $1.99 Kids Meal with any purchase, all for just $1. These coupon books can be purchased at Wendy’s locations, drive-thru windows, online, or in the app until October 31, 2023, or while supplies last. The coupons are valid until December 31, 2023. The Boo! Book also supports a charitable cause, with $0.90 of every dollar spent going to Wendy’s founder Dave Thomas’ Foundation for Adoption.

 

McDonald’s is reintroducing its “Boo Buckets” in four different Halloween-themed designs (monster, skeleton, mummy, and vampire) as part of their Happy Meals, starting on October 17. These colorful buckets come in orange, white, purple, and green, with the purple vampire bucket returning for the first time since its original release in 1986. The Boo Buckets were previously a Happy Meal staple during Halloween and made a comeback in 2022.

 

Now through October 31, Krispy Kreme is offering Scooby Doo Doughnuts. These delightfully decorated doughnuts come in the following flavors: Spooky Monster Cookies n’ Kreme™, Jinkies! Halloween Orange Sprinkle, Mystery Machine and Scooby Dooby Doo Doughnut.

 

Sources:

Restaurantbusinessonline.com
Krispykreme.com
shefinds.com
nbcchicago.com
openai.com

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2023 Fall Menu Ideas that Will Make Your Customers Come Back for More

Aug 31, 2023

Entice customers to visit your restaurant this fall with a delicious, season-forward menu. In the realm of gastronomy, where flavors dance and ingredients harmonize, the profound significance of embracing the changing seasons cannot be overstated. As the days grow shorter and a gentle chill graces the air, a palpable anticipation that stirs in the hearts of food enthusiasts everywhere. It’s the time of year when the culinary world undergoes a captivating transformation, unveiling a tapestry of uniquely autumnal flavors.

 

How are Restaurants Embracing Fall on Their Menus in 2023?

From Dunkin’ to Starbucks, the competition to launch fall menu items is fierce, given the over $500 million industry that pumpkin spice has become. With a wide array of options, ranging from beverages to baked goods, these limited-time treats are capture customers’ hearts and taste buds. Chains like 7-11, Caribou Coffee, Krispy Kreme, and more are introducing pumpkin spice-inspired concoctions, including lattes, doughnuts, ice cream flavors, and even savory items.

Dairy Queen (DQ) is introducing its fall 2023 Blizzard Treat menu, commemorating the year of the Blizzard’s inception in 1985. To celebrate, DQ is offering limited-time 85¢ pricing on these frozen delights throughout September. The fall Blizzard Treat selection, available from August 28 at participating US locations, includes enticing flavors like the “Pumpkin Pie Blizzard Treat,” merging pumpkin pie pieces with the renowned soft-serve ice cream.

 

Not Just Pumpkin: Other Fall Flavors for your Menu

 

Fall flavors offer diverse options to elevate your restaurant menu and capture the essence of the season. Here are some popular fall flavors you can consider incorporating on your menu that aren’t just pumpkin spice!

 

Apple: Apples evoke memories of orchard visits and warm pies. They can be featured in dishes such as apple crisps, apple salads, or even as a glaze for meats.

 

Cinnamon: This spice embodies coziness. Use it in beverages like spiced lattes, desserts like cinnamon rolls, and savory dishes for added warmth.

cinnamon drink

 

Cranberry: Cranberries provide a tart and vibrant touch to both sweet and savory dishes. Consider incorporating them into sauces, chutneys, and cocktails. Tim Horton’s recently unveiled three fresh additions for enthusiasts of the season to relish, one of which is the Cranberry Refresher.

 

Maple: Maple syrup adds a rich sweetness to dishes. It can be drizzled on pancakes, used in marinades, or incorporated into sauces and glazes.

 

Nutmeg: This spice brings warmth and depth to dishes. It’s commonly found in pumpkin spice blends and can be used in both sweet and savory recipes.

 

Ginger: Ginger adds a hint of warmth and spice to dishes. Incorporate it into beverages like ginger-infused cocktails or ginger tea, as well as in sauces and desserts.

 

Squash: Varieties like butternut and acorn squash can be roasted, pureed, or used in soups, adding a hearty and comforting element to your menu.

 

Pear: Pears offer a subtle sweetness that pairs well with cheeses, salads, and desserts like tarts and cobblers.

 

Caramel: Caramel provides a rich and indulgent flavor. Incorporate it into desserts like caramel apple pie, caramel macchiatos, or drizzled over ice cream.

 

caramel fall flavors
Caramel topped cheesecake

 

Sweet Potato: Sweet potatoes can be used in various ways, from fries and casseroles to pies and even as a base for savory dishes.

 

Cider: Whether hot or cold, apple cider can be a refreshing and seasonal addition to your beverage menu. It can also be used as a base for cocktails.

 

Caramelized Onion: The sweetness of caramelized onions can be used in various dishes, from savory tarts to sandwiches and burgers.

 

Sage: Sage has an earthy and aromatic flavor that pairs well with fall dishes like roasted meats, stuffings, and even pasta dishes.

 

Whether adding a touch of warmth to your beverages, creating comforting soups, or reimagining classic desserts, these fall flavors can infuse your menu with the season’s spirit.

 

Sources

Franchisewire.com
masslive.com
Mashed.com
OpenAi.com

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Navigating Menu Price Fatigue: Strategies for Restaurants to Sustain Customer Loyalty

Aug 28, 2023

In an era marked by rapidly evolving consumer preferences and economic fluctuations, the restaurant industry faces a challenge that resonates with both customers and business owners alike – menu price fatigue. A recent trend suggests that consumers might be experiencing a sense of weariness when regarding the continuous rise in restaurant menu prices. In this article, we delve into the phenomenon of menu price fatigue, its implications, and strategies that restaurants can adopt to strike a balance between maintaining profitability and nurturing customer loyalty.

Unraveling Menu Price Fatigue

Menu price fatigue, as the name suggests, refers to the growing resistance among consumers toward consistently increasing prices on restaurant menus. With rising costs in labor, ingredients, and operational expenses, it’s no surprise that restaurants have adjusted their prices to accommodate these changes. However, customers’ budgets cannot always keep up with these frequent adjustments.

The Impact on Customer Behavior

The constant rise in menu prices can significantly impact customer behavior. While valuing the dining-out experience, consumers may become more selective about where and when they choose to dine. Frequent price hikes could lead to fewer regular visits, opting for more budget-friendly alternatives instead.

Maintaining Customer Loyalty

To navigate this challenge, restaurants must prioritize maintaining customer loyalty while maintaining profitability. Here are some strategic approaches:

  1. Value-Driven Menus: Craft menus that highlight value propositions. Offer bundled deals, special promotions, or discounted meal combinations that provide customers with more for their money.
  2. Transparent Communication: Be transparent about price adjustments. Clearly communicate the reasons behind changes in menu prices, such as ingredient quality improvements or sustainability initiatives.
  3. Menu Engineering: Strategically design menus to emphasize dishes with higher profit margins. Highlight signature items that offer a unique experience, giving customers a reason to justify their spending.
  4. Enhance Dining Experience: Focus on enhancing the overall dining experience. Stellar service, ambiance, and personalized interactions can offset menu price concerns, making customers feel they are getting more than just a meal.
  5. Loyalty Programs: Implement loyalty programs that reward customers for their repeat business. Discounts, exclusive offers, or free items after a certain number of visits can create an incentive for customers to return.
  6. Feedback and Adaptation: Regularly solicit customer feedback to gauge their perceptions of menu pricing. Use this input to make informed adjustments that resonate with their expectations.

Balancing Profitability and Customer Satisfaction

Balancing the need for profitability with customer satisfaction is a delicate task. Restaurants must be agile in their approach to pricing. Careful consideration of consumer sentiment, market trends, and competitive analysis is essential to make informed decisions.

The phenomenon of menu price fatigue presents an intricate challenge for restaurants to overcome. By focusing on value-driven menus, transparent communication, and enhancing the overall dining experience, establishments can mitigate the impact of rising prices on customer loyalty. Navigating this landscape requires a strategic blend of creativity, adaptability, and a deep understanding of consumer preferences. Ultimately, balancing pricing and customer satisfaction is crucial to sustaining success in a competitive culinary world.

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Catering to the Growing Appetite: Unlocking Culinary Creativity to Satisfy Today’s Plant-Based Tastes

Jun 26, 2023

As the demand for plant-based options continues to soar, restaurants must embrace the challenge of satisfying today’s plant-based tastes. With a growing number of individuals adopting plant-based diets or incorporating more plant-based meals into their routines, offering innovative and delicious plant-based options has become a culinary imperative. Here are some exciting ways to cater to the plant-based palate, ensuring that everyone can experience the joy of indulging in flavorful and satisfying plant-based dishes.

 

Embrace Plant-Based Proteins: Plant-based proteins have come a long way, offering a wide array of delicious and nutrient-rich alternatives to traditional meat-based dishes. Incorporate popular options such as tofu, tempeh, seitan, and legumes into your menu. Experiment with different preparations, seasonings, and cooking techniques to create mouthwatering plant-based protein dishes that satisfy even the most discerning taste buds.

 

Elevate Vegetable-Centric Cuisine: Vegetables are no longer just side dishes but have become the star of the show. Showcase the versatility and flavors of vegetables by creating innovative and visually appealing dishes. Experiment with roasted vegetables, marinated salads, vegetable-based pastas, and grain bowls. Add depth and complexity by incorporating herbs, spices, and unique dressings to enhance the overall taste experience.

vegetable forward menu
Veggie-centric main dish


Get Creative with Plant-Based Substitutes:
From plant-based cheeses and milks to vegan butter and mayonnaise, numerous substitutes are now available that can transform traditional recipes into plant-based delights. Explore the diverse range of plant-based alternatives and experiment with different brands and flavors to find the perfect substitutes for your recipes. Incorporate these substitutes into classic dishes like burgers, pizzas, and baked goods to cater to plant-based tastes while maintaining the familiar flavors and textures.

 

Fusion of Global Flavors: Draw inspiration from cuisines around the world to infuse plant-based dishes with exciting and vibrant flavors. Incorporate spices, herbs, and unique ingredients from various cultures to create fusion dishes that excite the taste buds. Experiment with Mexican, Mediterranean, Asian, and Middle Eastern flavors to add depth and variety to your plant-based offerings.

 

Prioritize Fresh and Seasonal Ingredients: Emphasize using fresh, locally sourced, and seasonal produce to enhance the flavor profiles of plant-based dishes. Utilize farmers’ markets and local suppliers to obtain the highest quality ingredients bursting with flavor. By focusing on seasonal offerings, you can create ever-changing menus that intrigue and satisfy customers.

produce
Seasonal ingredients

 

Engage with the Plant-Based Community: Connect with the plant-based community by hosting special events, workshops, or collaborations. Partner with local plant-based influencers, nutritionists, or chefs to share their expertise and offer unique dining experiences. Engaging with the community helps build relationships, gain valuable insights, and create a loyal customer base.

 

Satisfying today’s plant-based tastes is no longer a challenge but an exciting opportunity for culinary exploration. By embracing plant-based proteins, elevating vegetable-centric cuisine, incorporating innovative substitutes, exploring global flavors, using fresh ingredients, and engaging with the plant-based community, you can create a vibrant and diverse menu that delights plant-based eaters and attracts a broader customer base. Let your creativity flourish, and embark on a journey to fulfill the growing demand for delicious and satisfying plant-based options.

 

Remember, the possibilities for satisfying plant-based tastes are endless, so let your culinary imagination run wild!

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Summertime LTO Drinks

Jun 22, 2023

In the dynamic and competitive restaurant industry landscape, including special Limited Time Offer (LTO) beverages on a menu holds immense importance. These carefully crafted and curated drinks bring excitement and anticipation, enticing customers to explore new flavor profiles and indulge in unique experiences.

Now that summer is here, it’s a great time to share seasonal inspiration for your beverage menu offering. Check out these non-alcoholic drink ideas that will appeal to a vast crowd of patrons. Click here for mocktail recipes.

Summer Beverage LTO Ideas

Watermelon Lemonade:

Recipe: Blend fresh watermelon chunks and strain the juice. Mix with freshly squeezed lemon juice, water, and sweeten to taste with honey or sugar.

 

Iced Tea with Fresh Fruits:

Recipe: Brew your green or black tea and let it cool. Add sliced fruits like lemon, orange, berries, or peaches for a burst of flavor. Sweeten with honey or sugar if desired.

summer tea

Strawberry Mint Lemonade:

Recipe: Blend fresh strawberries with lemon juice and water. Add a few sprigs of fresh mint and sweeten with sugar or honey.

 

Pineapple Coconut Smoothie:

Recipe: Blend fresh or frozen pineapple chunks with coconut milk or coconut water. Add a splash of lime juice and sweeten with honey or sugar if desired.

 

Cucumber Limeade:

Recipe: Blend peeled and chopped cucumbers with lime juice, water, and sweetener of your choice. Strain the mixture and serve over ice.

 

Mango Iced Tea:

Recipe: Brew a strong black tea and let it cool. Blend fresh mangoes with a bit of water to make a puree. Mix the mango puree with the cooled tea and sweeten it if desired.

 

Sparkling Berry Punch:

Recipe: In a large pitcher, combine sparkling water with a mix of fresh berries (such as strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries). Add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice and sweeten it with honey or sugar if desired.

 

Citrus Spritzer:

Recipe: Mix equal parts of freshly squeezed orange, grapefruit, and lime juice. Add sparkling water and sweeten with a touch of agave syrup or honey.

 

Peach Iced Tea:

Recipe: Brew a strong black tea and let it cool. Blend fresh peaches with a bit of water to make a puree. Mix the peach puree with the cooled tea and sweeten it if desired.

 

Coconut Water with Lime and Mint:

Recipe: In a glass, combine coconut water with a squeeze of lime juice. Add fresh mint leaves and stir well.

 

Going Further

 

Feel free to experiment with functional herbs and spices to turn these tasty drinks into a healthy tonic. Some ideas include adding adaptogens like mushrooms and ashwagandha. Throw in a culinary twist and transport your patron’s tastebuds—play with Mexican and Asian ingredients, for example. Add coconut, tamarind, mochi, or yuzu to your LTOs.

tamarind
Tamarind

You can even cut down on some of the preparation by using canned non-alcoholic cocktails and then dressing them up as you please.

 

There are so many options for a tasty summer LTO beverage menu! We hope you are inspired to venture into the test kitchen to try some of these recipes.

 

Sources

nutritionaloutlook.com

openai.com

restaurantbusinessonline.com

 

 

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What to Feature on Your Summer Menu This Season

Jun 08, 2023

Cooking with in-season produce is highly advantageous for several reasons. Firstly, in-season produce is at its peak freshness, meaning it has been harvested recently and is packed with flavor, nutrients, and vibrant colors. This freshness enhances the overall taste and quality of the dishes, making them more enjoyable for diners. Secondly, in-season produce is typically more abundant and readily available, which often translates to lower costs and greater affordability. Additionally, cooking with in-season produce supports local farmers and the regional economy while reducing the environmental impact associated with long-distance transportation. Overall, embracing in-season produce allows chefs to create dishes that are delicious and nutritious but also sustainable, cost-effective, and reflective of the best flavors each season offers.

In the United States, summertime brings an abundance of fresh, flavorful, and vibrant produce.

 

Here are some foods that are in season during the summer, along with ideas for incorporating them into your restaurant menu:

 

Tomatoes: Summer is known for juicy and ripe tomatoes. They can be featured in salads, salsas, and bruschetta, or used as a key ingredient in pasta dishes, pizzas, and sandwiches. Consider creating a refreshing tomato gazpacho or a Caprese salad showcasing fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.

 

Corn: Sweet corn is a staple of summer cuisine. Utilize fresh corn in dishes like corn on the cob, corn chowder, or grilled corn salads. You can incorporate corn kernels into tacos, fritters, or vegetable stir-fry, for added texture and flavor.

summer menu ideas

Berries: Summertime brings an array of berries, including strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. These can be incorporated into desserts like pies, tarts, or fruit salads. For a savory twist, consider adding berries to salads or using them as a glaze or sauce for grilled meats.

 

Peaches: Juicy peaches are a beloved summer fruit. They can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. Feature peaches in desserts like cobblers, crisps, or ice creams. Alternatively, incorporate them into salads, salsas, or alongside grilled meats for a delightful combination of flavors.

 

Zucchini and Summer Squash: These versatile vegetables are abundant in summer. They can be used in various ways, such as grilling, sautéing, or spiralizing them into “zoodles” as a healthy pasta alternative. Incorporate zucchini and summer squash into salads, frittatas, or a side dish with a burst of seasonal herbs and spices.

 

Melons: Watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew melons are refreshing and hydrating choices for summer. They can be used in fruit salads, smoothies, or as a base for chilled soups. Try combining melons with feta cheese, mint, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a unique and delicious appetizer or salad.

 

Fresh Herbs: Summer is an excellent time to experiment with fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, mint, and dill. Infuse these herbs into dressings, sauces, and marinades, or use them as a finishing touch on various dishes. Create herb-infused cocktails, mocktails, or refreshing flavored waters to enhance your beverage menu.

 

Embrace the abundance of fresh produce, herbs, and lighter ingredients to create meals that highlight the season’s flavors and provide a refreshing dining experience.

 

Sources:

https://snaped.fns.usda.gov/

https://foodprint.org/

https://www.canr.msu.edu

https://openai.com/