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Showing posts with label FOOD & ACCOMPANIMENTS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label FOOD & ACCOMPANIMENTS. Show all posts

Thursday, August 24, 2023

How to do upselling in a Restaurant?

 Upselling in a restaurant involves persuading customers to spend more by encouraging them to purchase additional items or upgrade their choices. Here are some strategies you can use to effectively upsell in a restaurant:


Train Staff: Your servers play a crucial role in upselling. Train them to be knowledgeable about the menu, including all the specials, add-ons, and upgrades available. They should also be skilled in recommending items without being pushy.


Personalization: Train your staff to engage with customers and understand their preferences. Based on these preferences, servers can suggest dishes or beverages that align with the customer's tastes.


Highlight Specials: Showcase daily specials, chef's recommendations, or limited-time offers prominently. Use descriptive language to make these options sound appealing and unique.


Pairing Suggestions: Train servers to suggest drink pairings with meals. For instance, recommending a specific wine to complement a particular dish can enhance the dining experience and increase sales.


Visual Menus: Use high-quality images in your menu to make dishes look more appetizing. Visual cues can prompt customers to consider additional items.


Bundle Deals: Create bundled options that offer a slight discount when customers order a combination of items, such as an appetizer, main course, and dessert.


Upgrade Options: When customers order an item, offer an upgrade. For example, if they order a burger, suggest upgrading to a premium version with added toppings.


Add-Ons: Train servers to ask if customers would like to add sides, extra toppings, or additional sauces to their orders.


Timing: Timing is crucial. Introduce upsell options after the customer has made their initial choice but before placing the order. Avoid overwhelming them by presenting too many options.


Social Proof: Highlight popular dishes or customer favorites on the menu. People tend to be influenced by what others are enjoying.


Tasting Samples: Offer small samples of desserts or specialty beverages to entice customers into trying something new.


Loyalty Programs: Promote your restaurant's loyalty program and inform customers about the benefits of signing up, such as exclusive deals and discounts for frequent diners.


Limited Availability: Create a sense of urgency by mentioning limited availability or seasonal items. Customers may be more likely to order if they fear missing out.


Suggestive Selling Techniques: Train your servers in suggestive selling techniques, such as using phrases like "Would you like to try our signature cocktail with that?" or "Our customers often enjoy pairing this dish with a side of garlic bread."


Feedback Loop: Encourage customer feedback and pay attention to what customers enjoy most. This information can help you refine your upselling strategies over time.


Remember, the key to successful upselling is providing value to the customer. Make sure the additional items or upgrades genuinely enhance their dining experience. Balancing upselling with excellent customer service will lead to higher satisfaction and repeat business.



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Tuesday, July 18, 2023

What is Sambal and why it is so popular?

 Sambal is a traditional condiment commonly found in Indonesian, Malaysian, and Singaporean cuisines. It is made by blending or grinding together various chili peppers, along with other ingredients such as shrimp paste, garlic, ginger, shallots, lime juice, and spices. The resulting paste or sauce is then used as a flavorful accompaniment to enhance the taste of a wide range of dishes.


Sambal is popular for several reasons:


Flavor: Sambal adds a bold, spicy, and tangy flavor to dishes. It provides a perfect balance of heat, acidity, and savory notes, enhancing the overall taste of the food it accompanies.


Versatility: Sambal is a versatile condiment that can be paired with a wide variety of dishes. It complements grilled meats, seafood, vegetables, rice, noodles, and even snacks. It can be used as a dipping sauce, a marinade, or a seasoning ingredient in cooking.


Regional Variations: Sambal comes in numerous regional variations, each with its unique combination of ingredients. This diversity adds to its popularity as people enjoy exploring different flavors and heat levels across different cultures and cuisines.


Cultural Significance: Sambal is deeply ingrained in the culinary heritage of Southeast Asia. It reflects the vibrant and diverse food culture of the region, and it is often considered an essential component of traditional dishes. Its popularity stems from its long-standing presence in the local cuisine.


Heat and Spice: Many people are drawn to the spicy and fiery nature of sambal. The chili peppers used in sambal contain capsaicin, a compound known to release endorphins and create a pleasurable sensation. The addictive nature of spicy food contributes to its widespread popularity.


Overall, sambal's popularity can be attributed to its delicious taste, versatility, cultural significance, and the desire for spicy flavors among many individuals.






Sunday, May 28, 2023

Cheese

 1. Introduction


Cheese is a dairy product that has been consumed by humans for centuries. It is a versatile food that comes in a wide variety of flavors, textures, and forms. Cheese is produced by coagulating milk, usually from cows, goats, or sheep, and then separating the curds from the whey. The curds are further processed and aged to develop the unique characteristics of each cheese variety. This report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of cheese, including its history, production process, types, nutritional value, and culinary uses.


2. History of Cheese


Cheese-making dates back thousands of years, with evidence of its production found in ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt. The process of making cheese was likely discovered accidentally when milk stored in animal skins or stomachs curdled due to the presence of rennet, an enzyme that occurs naturally in the stomachs of ruminant animals. Over time, cheese-making techniques were refined, and different cultures around the world developed their own unique cheese varieties.


3. Cheese Production Process


The production process of cheese involves several key steps:


a. Milk collection: Fresh milk is collected from cows, goats, or sheep. The quality and composition of the milk affect the characteristics of the final cheese product.


b. Coagulation: The milk is heated and coagulated using a starter culture of bacteria or fungi, which convert lactose into lactic acid. Rennet, an enzyme, is added to further coagulate the milk, causing it to separate into curds and whey.


c. Curd processing: The curds are cut, stirred, and heated to expel more whey. The size of the curds and the amount of whey removed during this stage influence the texture of the final cheese.


d. Molding and pressing: The curds are placed in molds to shape them and remove additional whey. Pressing helps consolidate the curds and expel remaining moisture.


e. Salting: Salting the cheese enhances its flavor, helps preserve it, and influences its texture. Salt can be applied directly to the cheese or added to the curd during the production process.


f. Aging: The cheese is stored in a controlled environment to undergo the aging process, which can range from a few weeks to several years. Aging contributes to the development of flavors, textures, and aromas in the cheese.


4. Types of Cheese


There are numerous cheese varieties worldwide, each with its own unique characteristics. Some popular types of cheese include:


a. Cheddar: A firm cheese with a rich, sharp flavor that ranges from mild to extra sharp. It is often used in sandwiches, burgers, and as a melting cheese.


b. Mozzarella: A soft, stretchy cheese with a mild, creamy flavor. It is commonly used on pizzas, in salads, and in Italian cuisine.


c. Brie: A soft, creamy cheese with a bloomy rind and a buttery flavor. It is often enjoyed on its own or served with fruits and crackers.


d. Blue Cheese: Characterized by its blue veins and pungent flavor, blue cheese is known for its tangy and salty taste. It can be crumbled over salads or used as a spread.


e. Swiss: Recognizable by its distinctive holes, Swiss cheese has a mild, nutty flavor. It is commonly used in sandwiches and melted in dishes like fondue.


f. Parmesan: A hard cheese with a sharp, savory taste. It is commonly grated and used as a topping for pasta dishes, salads, and soups.


5. Nutritional Value


Cheese is a nutrient-dense food that provides various essential nutrients. While the exact nutritional composition of cheese can vary depending on the type and aging process, the following are general nutritional aspects:


a. Protein: Cheese is a good source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle development, repair, and overall growth.


b. Fat: Cheese is relatively high in fat, but the fat content varies depending on the type of cheese. Some cheeses, like cheddar and mozzarella, have moderate fat levels, while others, like Brie and Camembert, have higher fat content. The fat in cheese provides energy and helps in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.


c. Calcium: Cheese is an excellent source of calcium, which is crucial for maintaining healthy bones and teeth, nerve function, and muscle contraction.


d. Vitamins: Cheese contains various vitamins, including vitamin A, vitamin B12, riboflavin, and niacin. These vitamins play important roles in maintaining good vision, supporting red blood cell production, and aiding in energy metabolism.


e. Minerals: Besides calcium, cheese provides other essential minerals such as phosphorus, zinc, and selenium, which are important for various bodily functions.


It is important to note that the nutritional composition can vary significantly between different cheese varieties and brands. It is advisable to refer to specific product labels for accurate information on the nutritional content of a particular cheese.


6. Culinary Uses


Cheese is a versatile ingredient used in a wide range of culinary preparations. Some common uses of cheese include:


a. Cheeseboards and Platters: Different cheese varieties are often served on cheeseboards or platters, accompanied by fruits, crackers, and nuts. This is a popular option for social gatherings and wine tastings.


b. Sandwiches and Burgers: Cheese adds flavor and texture to sandwiches and burgers. Varieties like cheddar, Swiss, and provolone are commonly used for their melting properties.


c. Pasta and Pizza: Cheese, especially mozzarella, is a staple ingredient in pasta dishes like lasagna and spaghetti. It is also a classic topping for pizzas, providing a gooey, melted texture.


d. Salads: Crumbled or shredded cheese, such as feta or Parmesan, is often added to salads for a burst of flavor and creaminess.


e. Cheese Sauces and Dips: Melted cheese can be used as a sauce for nachos, fondue, or macaroni and cheese. Additionally, cheese-based dips like queso and spinach-artichoke dip are popular party snacks.


f. Desserts: Some cheeses, like cream cheese and mascarpone, are used in sweet preparations such as cheesecakes, pastries, and frostings.


7. Conclusion


Cheese is a beloved food worldwide, appreciated for its diverse flavors, textures, and culinary applications. From the ancient origins of cheese-making to the multitude of cheese varieties available today, this report has provided an overview of cheese, including its production process, types, nutritional value, and culinary uses. Whether enjoyed on its own, incorporated into dishes, or used as a flavor enhancer, cheese continues to be a versatile and cherished dairy product.





Thursday, May 11, 2023

Alcohol based Desserts

 Desserts have always been a delightful way to conclude a meal or treat yourself to something sweet. But what happens when you combine the irresistible allure of desserts with the sophisticated flavors of alcohol? You get a tantalizing fusion that takes your taste buds on an exquisite journey. Welcome to the world of alcohol-based desserts, where classic confections meet the captivating spirits.


Alcohol-infused desserts have gained popularity in recent years, enticing food enthusiasts with their unique and inventive flavors. From rich and creamy to light and fruity, these desserts incorporate various types of alcohol, adding depth, complexity, and a touch of sophistication. Whether you're a fan of cocktails or have a penchant for desserts, these delightful creations are sure to satisfy your cravings.


One of the most iconic alcohol-based desserts is the ever-popular Tiramisu. This Italian delicacy combines ladyfingers soaked in espresso and coffee liqueur, layered with a luscious mixture of mascarpone cheese, eggs, and sugar. The addition of the coffee liqueur, often Marsala or Kahlua, lends a distinct flavor and enhances the overall experience of this classic dessert.


For chocolate lovers, a boozy twist on traditional favorites can take your taste buds to new heights. Imagine a rich, velvety chocolate mousse infused with a hint of your favorite liqueur—be it Irish cream, Grand Marnier, or even bourbon. The harmonious blend of chocolate and alcohol creates a dessert that is both decadent and divine, leaving you craving for more.


Fruit-based desserts also lend themselves beautifully to the addition of alcohol. Picture a refreshing sorbet infused with the vibrant flavors of fresh berries and a splash of sparkling wine. The effervescence of the wine adds a delightful twist, making this dessert a perfect choice for a summer soirée or a romantic dinner.


If you're feeling adventurous, you can venture into the realm of infused cakes and pastries. A rum-infused cake, like the classic Caribbean rum cake, offers a moist and flavorful treat that combines the warmth of spices with the distinctive taste of rum. Alternatively, you can try an alcohol-infused pie, such as bourbon pecan pie or a spiked apple pie, for a comforting and indulgent dessert that will leave your taste buds buzzing with joy.


The beauty of alcohol-based desserts lies in their versatility. You can adapt recipes to suit your preferences, experimenting with different spirits, liqueurs, and even fortified wines. From rum to vodka, from champagne to bourbon, the options are endless, allowing you to create desserts that align perfectly with your desired flavors and intensity.


However, it's important to remember that alcohol-based desserts should be enjoyed responsibly. While the alcohol content in desserts is typically reduced during the cooking or baking process, it's still present and can have an effect, especially when consumed in large quantities. If you're serving these desserts to guests, make sure to communicate the presence of alcohol and consider their preferences and dietary restrictions.


Whether you're a dessert aficionado or an adventurous foodie, alcohol-based desserts offer a unique and exciting way to elevate your culinary experience. These delightful creations provide a perfect balance between sweetness and a hint of spirit, making them a luxurious treat for special occasions or a memorable way to end a meal. So, the next time you're in the mood for something indulgent, raise a forkful of alcohol-infused delight and let your taste buds revel in the extraordinary fusion of flavors.





Thursday, April 20, 2023

Molecular Gastronomy

 Molecular gastronomy is a modern cooking technique that combines science and culinary arts. The method involves using scientific principles to transform the texture, taste, and presentation of food. The term 'molecular gastronomy' was first introduced by the French scientist HervĂ© This and the Oxford physicist Nicholas Kurti in 1988. In this report, we will discuss molecular gastronomy in detail and its impact on the culinary world.


What is Molecular Gastronomy?


Molecular gastronomy is a science-based cooking technique that involves the use of chemical reactions, physical transformations, and the application of scientific principles to cooking. The method focuses on the chemical and physical changes that occur during food preparation, cooking, and consumption. By understanding these changes, chefs can create unique and innovative dishes that challenge the traditional norms of cooking.


History of Molecular Gastronomy


The roots of molecular gastronomy can be traced back to the 18th century when chemists started to investigate the chemical changes that occur during food preparation. However, the modern concept of molecular gastronomy was introduced in 1988 by the French scientist Hervé This and the Oxford physicist Nicholas Kurti. The two scientists organized a series of workshops that explored the scientific principles behind cooking.


Impact on the Culinary World


Molecular gastronomy has had a significant impact on the culinary world. Chefs around the world are using this technique to create unique and innovative dishes that challenge traditional cooking methods. The method has also led to the development of new cooking tools and techniques, such as spherification, foams, and gels, that have become popular in high-end restaurants.


Benefits of Molecular Gastronomy


Molecular gastronomy has several benefits, including:


Unique and Innovative Dishes: With molecular gastronomy, chefs can create unique and innovative dishes that challenge traditional cooking methods. This allows chefs to push the boundaries of traditional cooking and create new and exciting culinary experiences for diners.


Improved Flavor and Texture: Molecular gastronomy allows chefs to manipulate the texture and flavor of ingredients. This can lead to dishes with improved taste and texture.


Sustainable Cooking: Molecular gastronomy can help reduce food waste by using ingredients that are typically discarded, such as broccoli stems and vegetable scraps. This makes the technique a more sustainable form of cooking.


Challenges of Molecular Gastronomy


While molecular gastronomy has several benefits, it also presents several challenges, including:


Expensive Ingredients: Molecular gastronomy often involves the use of expensive ingredients and specialized equipment, making it more expensive than traditional cooking methods.


Complex Techniques: Molecular gastronomy involves complex techniques that require extensive knowledge and training. This makes it difficult for home cooks to replicate the dishes.


Health Concerns: Some critics have raised health concerns about the use of chemicals and additives in molecular gastronomy. While many of these concerns are unfounded, it is essential to ensure that the ingredients used are safe for consumption.


Conclusion


Molecular gastronomy is a science-based cooking technique that has had a significant impact on the culinary world. It allows chefs to create unique and innovative dishes that challenge traditional cooking methods. While the technique has several benefits, it also presents several challenges, including the use of expensive ingredients and complex techniques. However, despite these challenges, molecular gastronomy is a fascinating and exciting field that will continue to shape the culinary world for years to come.





Monday, January 28, 2019

Ancillary Departments


Ancillary Departments
These are service areas usually acting as the link between the kitchen and the food service areas. They are always behind the scenes or “back-of-the-house” the service themselves are some of the busiest unit of a catering establishments, especially over a service period.
Because of this it is important that, department heads ensure that all staff know exactly what their duties are and how to carry them out efficiently and quickly.
In general, especially in large operations from main service areas can be distinguished

1)     Still room
2)     Pantry
3)     Food Pick up Area/ Hot Plate
4)     Linen Room
5)     Store
6)     Wash up/ Kitchen Stewarding
7)     Silver room / plate room

1. STILL ROOM
This is a service area whose main function is to provide items of food & beverages required for the service of meal and not catered for by other major departments in a hotel such as the kitchen, larder and bakery.

Depending on its size and the duties to be performed the staffing will be made. Normally the still room is looked after by a still room supervisor. He/she is responsible for staffing, ordering of supplies and effective control of these items when issued to various departments.

Following are some of the items that are dispense from the still room.

a.      All beverages such as coffee, tea, Hot chocolate etc
b.      Assorted fruit juices both fresh & canned
c.      Milk and cream
d.      Sugars {different types like granulated, cube, brown sugar (demerara)}
e.      Preserves: Jam, marmalade, honey etc (They are normally pre-portioned for better control.)
f.       Butter – it can curled or pre-wrapped portions
g.      Toasted bread Slices, Melba Toast
h.      Breakfast rolls such as Brioche, croissants etc
i.        Assorted breakfast cereals- Cornflakes, Rice crispies, Muesli (mixed of all cereals)etc
j.        Pastries, Gateaux and sandwiches
k.      Porridge and boiled eggs.
From the above list, one can easily understand that all the items required are dispense from Still room
Some of the equipments which are required by the still room

        i.           Refrigerator
     ii.           Tea and coffee dispenser.
   iii.           Salamanders or toasters
   iv.           Bread slicing machines
      v.           Working table tops and cutting boards
   vi.           Large double sink
 vii.           Storage cupboard-for all dry items held in stock such as paper napkins, doilies etc.
viii.           Storage space or shelves- for storing crockery, glassware and cutlery.


2. Pantry

It is used to indicate all back area collectively. Still rooms, Pantry, washup area, store are all collectively referred to as a pantry in a commercial operations but pantry specifically refers to that area where mise-en-place (preparation for service) is carried out. It is the most important area and should be given considerable importance in planning stage.

Different activities are carried out in this area such as:

            i.      Wiping of al cutlery, crockery and glassware.
          ii.      Refilling of cruet set, sauce bottle and sugar bowl
        iii.      Storing out dirty and fresh linen.
        iv.      Storage of stationery
           v.      Sometimes briefing is also done in the pantry
        vi.      Ice cube machine is placed in this area.
      vii.      If there is no plate room, cleaning of silverware also takes place in this area.


3. Food Pick up Area/ Hot Plate

This area is also known as Hot Plate Area. The hot plate may be regarded as the meeting point between the food service staff (F&B) and the food preparation staff (kitchen).

This is a place where all the crockery required for service will be kept warm. Care should be taken to make sure that the amounts of chinaware required are properly stacked in the hot case. In some hotels the silver required will be placed on top of the hotplate and used as required.

Normally an ‘ABOYEUR’ (a barker) is in-charge and controls the hotplate over the service periods. The hotplate is usually gas or electricity operated and should be lit well in advance of the service to ensure all the china and silver are sufficiently heated. Once a dish is ready to serve the Aboyeur will announce it loudly so that the respective waiter can pick it up. Once the food has been picked up the KOT (kitchen order ticket) is put into a control box which can be operated only by a member of the control department who for control purposes makes the copy of the food check from the kitchen.


4. Linen Room

Linen storage is necessary in the F&B Department. All linen such as Serviettes, Table cloths, Slip cloths etc are stored in the F&B department as it is very difficult for the service staff to run to the house keeping department each time to get fresh linen and smooth operation is hampered.

Linen is exchanged everyday by the waiter in the Linen room (house keeping department) on a ‘one for one basis’ which means one dirty linen is exchanged for one clean linen. These are entered in the Linen register and if there is any discrepancy it is also entered in the register..
5. Store

The store acts as a area for keeping any supplies that are used during operations. These may include any condiments, soft drinks, juices, disposable items and guest takeaways (such as sugar sachets). There should be adequate supply of the items required during the service and proper requisition of the item should take place, so that there is no short fall.


6. Kitchen Stewarding / wash up Area

This is the most important Ancillary area which influences the functioning of the outlet. The department which is responsible for the supply and maintenance of all F&B equipments (cutlery, crockery and glassware) and kitchen utensils is known as Kitchen stewarding Department. Kitchen stewarding is the backbone of the F&B department.

In Kitchen Stewarding department, the wash up area occupies the maximum area and is fitted with different equipments. The wash up area is further divided into two:

a) Pot wash: This area is also known as “Scullery”. It is a place for cleaning kitchen pots, pans and other kitchen utensils. It is usually located near the main kitchen.
b) Ware wash / dish washing area: This section is responsible for cleaning off all types of service equipments. It is generally located near the restaurant and room service elevator to minimize the distance of carrying soiled equipment by the waiter. In dish washing area, all cutlery, crockery and glassware are kept separately (to avoid any breakage) and all food debris is put into wet garbage bin and all dry garbage like paper doilies, paper napkin in a separate garbage bin known as dry garbage bin.
DISH WASHING METHODS
When washing the crockery and cutleries one must make sure that the temperature of the water being used is around 75oC. This is done for two reasons:-
1) To sterilize the plate and remove oil stains
2) The china ware or crockery will dry by itself (because of high temperature) without using a wiping cloth therefore being more hygienic
1) Manual or tank method: - This method is used in smaller hotels where the turnover of the crockery’s and cutleries is not very high. In manual wash, two sink method or three sink method is used.
In the cleaning process, washing of equipment with hot water and detergent and rinsing takes place in first sink (in case of three sink method; washing and rinsing in separate sinks). These are then transferred to another sink for sanitization. This method tends to have higher breakages.
2) Automatic conveyor method or Dish washing Machine: - This is used in hotels where turnover is very high. To operate the machine continuous supply of water is required.
In the cleaning process, Plates are arranged on the racks and are rinsed before placing them on the conveyor belt, where it enters the machine. The machine comprises of three chambers. In 1st chamber, the equipments come in contact with water at high pressure from top as well as bottom. In 2nd chamber, the equipments come in contact with a spray of mixture of soap and water at 85oC from above and below and in 3rd chamber the equipments are sprayed with hot water at 90-95oC from top and bottom and sterilization takes place. The cleaning cycle is completed in 21/2 to 3 Minutes.

7. Plate Room/Silver Room
The silver room holds the complete stock of silver and other equipments required for service of all meals along with slight surplus stock for emergency. The various types of silver are kept here on labeled shelves, with all the service plates of one size stacked together. Heavier items should go on the shelves lower down and lighter items higher up. Cutlery, flatware, hollowware and other smaller items are usually stored in drawers lined with baize, as this helps to reduce noise, slipping and scratching.

In very large establishments, the silver and the plate room may be two separate units, but in the majority of places they are combined and in some cases it is a part of wash-up area.

The service equipments in stores should be cleaned and polished periodically. There are many methods available for cleaning silverware:

a)     Burnishing method: It consists of revolving drum half filled with small ball bearings. The silver to be cleaning is placed in the drum, which is then half filed with water, detergent and is closed tightly and machine is switched on for 10 minutes. This method is not suitable for forks and knifes.

b)      Polivit Method: In this method, Polivit plate which is made up of Aluminum is placed in a container with washing soda and silverware is dipped in the container, with atleast one piece touching the plate. Piping hot water is poured to cover the silverware and chemical reaction cleans the utensils. This method is suitable for large pieces of silverware.

c)     Silver Dip Method: In this method, the silver to be cleaned is kept in a wire basket and is immersed in silver dip, which is a pink colour liquid. It is left in the solution for a very short period and is rinsed afterwards. This method is quick but may damage the silverware sue to chemical reaction.

d)     Plate Powder Method:  This method is ideal for the articles that cannot be cleaned by the above methods. In this method, plate powder (which is pink in colour) is mixed with spirit and is rubbed over the surface of the article. Once the paste is dry, it is rubbed with a clean cloth and is rinsed with hot water. This method demands more labour and time and is suitable for cruet, toast rack etc.


e)     Quick Dip Method: In this method, hot water, along with crushed aluminum foil, lemon juice and salt is placed in a container and stirred. Tarnished silver is dipped in this solution for 2-3 minutes. It is then removed and wiped properly




What role does Glycerin plays in the production of Beer?

  Glycerin, also known as glycerol, can play a role in beer production, particularly in the context of brewing high-alcohol beers or address...