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Meatless recipes that won’t make you miss the meat

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Meatless recipes

In recent news, we have been warned that the meat supply might become lessened due to the closing of meat factories and farms unable to distribute their goods as they used to. So, in preparation for the potential for going meatless, I found these recipes that can keep us fed without missing out on the meat.

Sticky Sesame Cauliflower

https://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/sticky-sesame-cauliflower/comment-page-2/

Ingredients
  • 1 small head cauliflower, chopped (6 1/2 cups florets)
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup, honey, or agave
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1 ½ tsp toasted sesame oil
  • ½ tsp powdered ginger
  • 1 1/2 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot
  • 1/4 cup water
  • sesame seeds and scallions, for garnish
Meatless recipes
Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 450 F.
  2. Grease a baking pan or line with parchment.
  3. Cut cauliflower into florets, then slice so one side of each floret is flat. Arrange in a single layer in the greased pan.
  4. Bake for 10 minutes on the center rack. Meanwhile, whisk together the soy sauce, sweetener, vinegar, garlic, sesame oil, and ginger in a saucepan. Bring to a boil.
  5. While waiting, stir together the cornstarch and water until cornstarch dissolves fully, then slowly whisk this into the saucepan as soon as it boils.
  6. Turn heat to medium and cook 2 minutes, stirring more frequently once it returns to a boil.
  7. Cook until thick. You can also make the sauce ahead of time if desired, and it thickens more as it sits in the fridge.
  8. Flip cauliflower florets and bake 10 additional minutes. If desired, you can now move the pan to the top rack and broil 1-2 minutes. Pour sauce over florets.
  9. Sprinkle sesame seeds and optional scallions on top, and serve.

Mexican Noodle Bake (MEATLESS)

https://www.food.com/recipe/mexican-noodle-bake-meatless-381943

Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 1 cup onion, chopped
  • 1 cup green pepper, chopped
  • 1 cup celery, sliced
  • 1 (1 1/4 ounce) package taco seasoning
  • 1 (15 ounces) can black beans, drained & rinsed
  • 1 (15 ounces) can red kidney beans, undrained
  • 1 (16 ounces) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (16 ounces) can diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni, dry
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
Meatless recipes
Instructions
  1. Cook macaroni according to package directions, drain and rinse in cold water, set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, saute onion, pepper, and celery in oil until softened.
  3. Stir in taco seasoning, beans, tomatoes, and tomato sauce.
  4. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in cooked noodles.
  6. Spread mixture in a 9 x 13 pan. (or, put in a gallon Ziploc bag and freeze–write baking instructions on the bag, then when you are ready to eat it, thaw in warm water for about 10 minutes, put in pan and bake).
  7. Bake, uncovered at 375 for 45 minutes.
  8. Sprinkle cheese on top and bake five more minutes or until the cheese is melted.

Stuffed spaghetti squash-broccoli and cheese

Quick and Easy Dinner Ideas (Meatless Meals)

Ingredients
  • 1 spaghetti squash
  • 1 c shredded cheddar cheese plus extra to top it
  • 2 T olive oil
  • 1 chopped onion
  • 1 clove crushed garlic
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 c raw broccoli, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp thyme
Meatless recipes
Instructions
  1. Cut spaghetti squash in half and scrape out seeds.
  2. Place cut side down on a baking sheet and bake at 400 for 40 minutes or until a fork can poke it easily.
  3. While your squash is baking, make the filling.
  4. Place oil and onion in a skillet and cook on low until translucent.
  5. Add garlic, red pepper, salt, thyme, and broccoli.
  6. Stir and cook until broccoli just turns bright green. Don’t cook it until it’s tender because it will cook longer in the oven.
  7. Mix in cheddar cheese.
  8. Scrape the strings of squash out of the shell with a fork and place in a skillet.
  9. Mix all ingredients together and place them back in the squash shell.
  10. Top with more cheese.
  11. Bake in a 350 oven until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned.

Breakfast for dinner with homemade pancakes!

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I think that most busy parents have probably made breakfast for dinner at least a couple times (and if you haven’t then you should!). You may also consider making breakfast for dinner if you find yourself low on supplies due to the COVID-19 situation. So, what kind of dishes can you make that work well as breakfast for dinner? Really, it can be any breakfast food that is made and consumed later in the day for dinner. Here are some examples.

Breakfast for dinner with homemade pancakes!: Bacon and Egg Hash

Cheesy Bacon and Egg Hash

https://cafedelites.com/cheesy-bacon-and-egg-hash/#wprm-recipe-container-40509

This recipe uses the following breakfast ingredients:

  • 24 oz (700 g) potatoes, (about 4 medium-sized), scrubbed clean and peeled
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, (or coconut oil)
  • 7 oz (200 g) diced bacon, (trimmed of fat)
  • 2 scallions or spring onions, (shallots) trimmed and finely sliced
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or cheddar)
  • Cracked pepper to season
Sheepherder’s Breakfast

Sheepherder’s Breakfast

This recipe uses the following breakfast ingredients:

  • 3/4 pound bacon strips, finely chopped
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 package (30 ounces) frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
  • 8 large eggs
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Pancakes

Best breakfast for dinner sandwich

This recipe uses the following breakfast ingredients:

  • 150 g extra sharp cheddar
  • 8 slices calabrese or whole-grain bread
  • 4 tsp ketchup
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/8 tsp fresh-ground black pepper
  • 2 tomatoes, thickly sliced
  • 1 avocado, thinly sliced

Chorizo breakfast bowls

This recipe uses the following breakfast ingredients:

For the potatoes:

  • 12 (1 lb) baby gold or red potatoes, quartered
  • 3 teaspoons olive oil
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • fresh black pepper, to taste

For the bowls:

  • olive oil spray
  • 1-1/3 cups cooked turkey chorizo, heated through
  • 8 large eggs
  • kosher salt
  • 2 tbsp crumbled Mexican cheese, queso Blanco, queso fresco
  • 4 ounces sliced avocado, from 1 small Haas
  • cilantro or scallions, for garnish
  • Cholula hot sauce, for serving

I chose to make homemade pancakes with a twist.

Mama’s breakfast for dinner pancakes with a twist!

Recipe by yours truly!

Ingredients
  • Two cups pancake mix
  • Three pouches oats and flax instant oatmeal packets
  • ½ cup to 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 2 cups water (may need more to reach desired consistency)
Instructions
  1. Preheat a countertop griddle to about 350 degrees Fahrenheit
  2. Use a large mixing bowl to completely combine the ingredients
  3. Add water if the mixture is too thick. Add enough water to create a loose batter instead of a dough
  4. Use a nonstick cooking spray to coat the top of the griddle before scooping the pancake batter onto it
  5. Scoop ½ cup size scoops of pancake batter onto the hot griddle and allow that side to cook to a golden brown
  6. Repeat for additional batter scoops
  7. Once the first side is golden brown, flip the pancake and allow this side to also cook to a golden brown
  8. My pancakes began to rise and take on the size and shape of biscuits. Why? I don’t really know. But, due to this odd occurrence, I had to place the pancakes on a cookie sheet after the outsides of the pancakes had cooked on the griddle and allow the insides of the pancakes to finish cooking in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes.
  9. Once the pancakes are cooked through and golden brown, remove them from the griddle (or oven) and stack them onto a plate.
  10. Repeat until the batter is gone
  11. Serve hot with butter, peanut butter, jelly, syrup, whipped cream, fresh fruit, or any other toppings that you desire!
Sheepherder’s Breakfast

The best meatless restaurants and where you can find them

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The best meatless restaurants and where you can find them

What does it mean to be a meatless restaurant? Well, it can be wrapped up in a single term. Vegan. That’s right! If it’s a meatless establishment then it is not likely going to be a vegan restaurant. So, the following are some of the most popular vegan restaurants in the United States!

Alaska

Alaska meatless restaurants

Acai Alaska

https://www.acaialaska.com/

Located at 5905 Lake Otis Pkwy, Unit D Anchorage, AK 99507

Known for their acai fruit bowls and smoothies

Arizona

Arizona meatless restaurant

Green- New American Vegan comfort food

https://www.greenvegetarian.com/

Located at 2022 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85006 is one of two locations for Green in Arizona. The other location can be found at 2240 N Scottsdale Rd #113, Tempe, AZ 85281.

Known for their vegan comfort food.

meatlessrestaurants1
Delaware

Delaware meatless restaurant

Roots Natural Kitchen

https://www.rootsnaturalkitchen.com/

Located at 129 E MAIN ST, NEWARK, DELAWARE 19711 is just one of the locations of this franchise. It can also be found in Virginia and Pennsylvania.

Known for its motto: food is a powerful tool. Use it!

Arkansas

Arkansas meatless restaurant

Blue Sage Vegan Bistro

https://bluesagevegan.com/

Located at 60 Magness Creek, Cabot, AR 72023

Known for their uniquely named menu items

Colorado

Colorado

Native Foods Cafe

https://www.nativefoods.com/locations/colorado/glendale/

Located at 680 South Colorado Blvd Glendale, CO 80246

Known for their buddha bowl.

Alabama

Alabama

The Sunflower Cafe

https://www.va-fairhopehealthfoods.com/

Located at 280 Eastern Shore Shopping Center, Fairhope, AL 36532 is one of two locations for The Sunflower Cafe. The other is located in Virginia.

Known for their hummus.

Connecticut

Fire N Spice Vegan Restaurant and Sports Cafe

http://www.fireandspiceveganrestaurant.com/

Located at 491 Capitol Ave Hartford, CT

Known for their fresh baked goods and BBQ tofu

Florida

Florida

Ethos Vegan Kitchen

http://www.ethosvegankitchen.com/

Located at 601-B S New York Ave, Winter Park, FL, 32789

Known for their hearty, homestyle fare.

California

California

Crossroads

http://www.crossroadskitchen.com/

Located at 8284 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, California 90046

Known for their chickpea marsala and meal kits

Iowa

Iowa

Trumpet Blossom

http://www.trumpetblossom.com/

Located in 310 E Prentiss St Iowa City, IA 52240

Known for their red bean veggie burger and falafel wrap

Georgia

Georgia

Viva La Vegan

http://places.singleplatform.com/viva-la-vegan-0/menu?ref=google

Located at 1265 Lee St SW, Atlanta, GA 30310

Known for their dill fries

Hawaii

Hawaii

Umeke

https://my-site-101696-107557.square.site/umekemarketspecials

Located at 1001 Bishop Street #110, Honolulu, HI

Known for their Bombay spinach.

Idaho

Idaho

BBQ 4 Life

http://bbq4life.net/

Located at 930 S Vista Ave, Boise, ID 83705

Known for their vegan loaf

kentucky

Kentucky

Half Peach Bakery

http://www.halfpeachbakery.com/

Located at 4121 Oechsli Ave Louisville, KY 40207

Known for their avocado pesto salad

Michigan

Chive Kitchen

https://www.chivekitchen.com/

Located at 33043 Grand River Avenue Farmington, MI 48336

Known for their beautiful presentation

Louisiana

Seed

https://www.seedneworleans.com/

Located at 1330 Prytania Street, New Orleans, LA

Known for their fried nugget tofu po boy

Maine

Maine

Totally Awesome Vegan Food Truck

https://www.totallyawesomeveganfoodtruck.com/

No permanent location

Known for their maple chipotle tots

Indiana

Ezra ’s Enlightened Cafe

https://ezrasenlightenedcafe.com/menu/

Located at 6516 Ferguson Street Indianapolis, IN 46220

Known for their granola bowls

Massachusetts

Massachusetts

Red Lentil https://theredlentil.com/

Located at 600 Mount Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472

Known for their rustic paella

Kansas

Enjoy Pure Food and Drink https://enjoypurefood.com/

Located at 10573 Mission Rd, Leawood, KS 66206

Known for their morning wrap up

Mississippi

Magic Vegan

https://www.magicvegangulfport.com/

Located at 1723-B 25th Ave GULFPORT, MS 39501

Known for their chickpea wrap

Maryland

Great Sage https://greatsage.com/

Located at 5809 Clarksville Square Drive Clarksville, MD 21029

Known for their artichoke spinach dip

Illinois

Alice and friends vegan kitchen http://aliceandfriendsvegankitchen.com/

Located at 5812 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60660 Known for their no

How to know what to tip for foodservice

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tip for foodservice

Knowing what to tip is truly very important not only for your own wallet but for the wallet you are tipping. The amount of money that should be allotted for the tip will vary depending on the total bill amount, the quality of the service as well as your location. The following information will help you break down what is an appropriate amount to pay and when it is appropriate.

How to know what to tip for foodservice

Location, location, location.

Yes. Your location is quite important to help you determine how much you should tip. This is mainly due to a general tipping rule of thumb when in doubt double the sales tax. What does this mean? Well, the sales tax varies from state to state and sometimes county by county. So, depending on your location you will have a different sales tax to double to determine how much to tip.

For example, the sales tax in Manhattan, New York City, New York is 8.875%. Therefore, you would double this sales tax amount and get 17.75%. Then you take your bill total and calculate that approximately 18% of the total bill would be an appropriate tip amount. This is just a general rule of thumb, though the standard for foodservice today is thought by some to be 20%. I’d say that 20% is a good tip for exceptional service, not a general standard, but that’s just my opinion.

How to know what to tip for foodservice

Bill amount

This element to knowing how much to tip was already partially discussed. The bill amount is taken into account when determining the percentage for the tip. However, if you choose not to follow this particular general rule of thumb then you may figure out how much to tip based on how much or how little you spent on the service. For example, if you and your family have dined in a high-class restaurant then the menu items were likely higher priced thus leading to a higher total bill.

Now, you probably wouldn’t visit a high-class restaurant if you couldn’t afford it. Let’s say your total bill came out to around $200+. That’s quite a pretty penny to pay for a meal. But, you factor in that this means the waiter was put through the wringer, taking your orders and filling your drinks all evening to accumulate such a high bill.

Therefore, you would feel inclined to tip the waiter generously. Alternatively, if your total bill was $20 and very little was asked of the food service worker then you may only wish to tip $3-$5. These totals are simple examples and they do work out to be a reasonable percentage of the bill total, either way. However, there is one method that has less to do with percentages and bill totals and everything to do with the quality of service that you received.

How to know what to tip for foodservice

Quality of service

While it is proper etiquette to tip your foodservice providers according to the previous two methods, most people take into account the quality of the food and the service that they received to help them determine how much to tip. In this case, you may dine at a restaurant where you build up a $200+ total bill but you are greatly disappointed in the quality of the food or maybe the waiter was inadequate or rude. Or, in the case of delivery services, you may have received a wrong order, cold food, or the driver neglected to handle the food with care.

In this case, some people may feel that a much smaller tip properly fits the experience they had as a whole rather than how much they paid for their bill. Alternatively, I can attest to spending very little for a meal but finding myself so immensely impressed by the quality of the food, as well as the above standard service provided that I tip higher than the average tip percentage.

How to know what to tip for foodservice

What’s for dinner?Garlic butter chicken breast and roasted eggplant sauce spaghetti

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roasted eggplant sauce spaghetti

This incredible garlic chicken breast resting on a bed of spaghetti with roasted eggplant tomato sauce was one of the best meal plans I have made this week! I highly recommend this meal plan either as a combination or even separate, though together they were stellar!

Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast

https://www.primaverakitchen.com/garlic-butter-baked-chicken-breast/#wprm-recipe-container-28120

I consider myself a relatively decent home chef. I have a great palate and natural instincts in the kitchen. I made this recipe with hardly any guidance or thought. As though I have made it 100 times. I have every confidence that a beginner home chef could make this recipe with ease!

roasted eggplant sauce spaghetti
Ingredients
  • 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 4 tbsp butter — melted — use Ghee if you’re doing Whole30.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley — chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic — minced
  • 1 tbsp. olive oil — extra virgin
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  2. Season chicken breast with salt, pepper, paprika and set aside.
  3. In a small bowl mix together the butter, Italian seasoning, parsley, and garlic. Set aside.
  4. In a cast-iron skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  5. When the skillet is really hot add chicken breast. Sear until golden. It’s about 1-2 minutes on each side.
  6. Pour garlic butter mixture over the chicken breast.
  7. Place the skillet in the oven and cook until cooked through. It’s about 20-30 minutes or until chicken breasts get to an internal temperature of 165F.
  8. Remove from the oven. Using a spoon, pour some of the butter sauce left in the skillet onto the chicken breast before serving.

This recipe was a surprise! I’m a huge eggplant fan but many people can’t handle the texture.

Pasta with Eggplant Sauce {Pasta Alla Norma}

https://www.errenskitchen.com/pasta-with-eggplant-sauce-pasta-alla-norma/#wprm-recipe-container-11443

This recipe was a surprise! I’m a huge eggplant fan but many people can’t handle the texture. I was afraid that the texture of the roasted eggplant would turn my husband off of the dish and I was pleasantly surprised to see that he ate the whole thing!

Garlic butter chicken breast and roasted eggplant sauce spaghetti
Ingredients
  • 1 pound pasta
  • 4 small eggplants cut in half
  • cooking spray
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 14 ounces can plum tomatoes
  • 1 cup white wine
  • fresh basil A big handful
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 400F. Place the eggplant halves face down on a baking sheet. Spray with cooking spray and roast for 30-35 minutes (you’ll know they’re done when the skin shrivels). When ready, carefully scoop out the fleshy center with a spoon and run a knife through it to cut into strips.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a roaring boil, and cook the pasta until about 2 minutes underdone.
  3. While the pasta cooks heat the oil over medium-high heat in a large, deep sauté pan. Add the garlic and cook until just brown.
  4. Add tomatoes followed by the wine. Raise the heat and allow the alcohol to cook off the wine. While the wine cooks down, crush the tomatoes with a potato masher or the back of a spoon.
  5. Add the eggplant and basil to the tomatoes and mix well to combine, lower the heat and allow to simmer while the pasta finishes cooking.
  6. Before straining the pasta, with a ladle or strainer, use a mug to remove a cup of pasta water. Then drain the pasta and mix it into the sauce in the pan with half the cooking water. Cook for 2 – 3 minutes (adding more pasta water if it starts getting a bit dry). Check to see if the pasta is cooked. When done, add freshly grated cheese to the pasta and mix well to incorporate.
  7. Taste for seasoning and season with salt and pepper as needed.  Serve with more grated cheese.
roasted eggplant sauce spaghetti

The best ”dessert only” restaurants

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Best desserts

Sometimes you need to satisfy your sweet tooth and aside from making your own desserts at home, you may want to treat yourself to a dessert night out. Or, maybe you’re celebrating with your spouse and want something seductive? Or, maybe you want to give the kids a treat? No matter what your reason for eating dessert out, you need to know where to go!

The best dessert only restaurants

Better than sex-Key West, Florida

https://www.betterthansexdesserts.com/

This ”dessert only” restaurant has locations in

  • Key West, Florida
  • Pano, Texas
  • Savannah, Georgia
  • Orlando, Florida
  • Los Angeles, California
  • Nashville, Tennessee
  • St. Petersburg, Florida

So you have plenty of options to choose from! Speaking of options, let’s look at their menu options. Now, based on the name of the restaurant itself, you shouldn’t be surprised that the menu is chock-full of menu items with seductive names. For example, you can order some Cookie Nookie Pie, an Italian Stallion cake, or even some S’Mack and Cheese as a savory dessert option.

What makes them special?

I think the theme, the names of their menu items and unique dessert presentations make the Better than Sex dessert restaurant quite special. This is definitely the place to go for a romantic night out with your spouse!

The best ”dessert only” restaurants

Spot Dessert-New York City, New York

https://www.spotdessertbar.com/

Spot Dessert is similar to the Better than Sex dessert restaurant as it too has several location options. These locations include a variety of locations in New York City and an additional location in Flushing, New York.

The menu here at Spot Dessert features dessert items created by Iron Chef, Ian Kittichai. These items include:

  • Matcha lava cake
  • Coconut monkey bread
  • Chocolate hazelnut sundae

What makes them special?

Their desserts are uniquely created by their awarded Iron Chef and he creates new ones all the time. The desserts are beautifully presented and truly demonstrate Ian’s passion! This is the perfect place for something unique!

The best ”dessert only” restaurants

Chikalicious-New York City, New York

https://www.chikalicious.com/

Unlike the previous two dessert restaurants, Chikalicious in New York City, New York only has one location which is 203 E. 10th Street. They are remaining open during these uncertain times, though days and times are limited. This dessert menu offers some classics such as cheesecake, ice cream, pudding cakes, tarts, cheese plates, and wine pairings! Each menu item may seem classic but the talented chefs here have put their own spin on them! Chikalicious offers an extensive wine list that is perfect for pairing with any of their desserts or cheese plates.

What makes them special?

I think what makes them unique is their ”fancy” twists on classic desserts. This is a more upscale dessert restaurant compared to some. This is the perfect place to visit for a formal dessert experience.

The best ”dessert only” restaurants

Sweet life dessert experience-Western New York

This franchise is unique in that it can be found under two names, Sweet Life Dessert Experience, and White Rabbit Dessert Experience.

http://www.sweetlifedessertexperience.com/

This is a dessert restaurant franchise that is popular in Western New York. Currently, they have one location in Buffalo, New York and they are creating a new location in Rochester, New York. This franchise is unique in that it can be found under two names, Sweet Life Dessert Experience, and White Rabbit Dessert Experience. They offer an extensive dessert menu that is very popular with the locals. These menu items include:

  • Espresso bar
  • Hot tea
  • Milkshakes and smoothies
  • Crepes and waffles with ice cream
  • Sundaes
  • Banana splits
  • Cake with ice cream
  • Cake with fruit
  • Homemade ice cream
  • Gluten-free options
  • Flourless chocolate cake desserts

What makes them special?

Sweet Life Dessert Experience franchise offers homemade ice cream as well as in house-made Belgium chocolate sauces made fresh every day. This is a perfect dessert restaurant for families to enjoy together!

How to best market your restaurant

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Online marketing

Tips on how to best market your restaurant in this modern-day society

Are you preparing to open a new restaurant? Maybe you’re new to the industry? Maybe you’re a restaurant veteran but the business has declined and you need to bring patrons back in? Well, here are some tips to help you market your business and hopefully make it thrive!

How to best market your restaurant

Social media sites can be your best friend!

How to best market your restaurant

It should be no surprise to you that social media sites are at the top of the list. Social media can be a very useful tool when marketing your business. Nearly everyone between the ages of 16 and 60+ years old are members of at least one social media site. Many of them allow you to not only have a personal page but, you can also make a page specifically for your restaurant or bar. With this page, you can list daily specials, your menu, location, pictures of your establishment, introduce your staff and so much more!

Many times people will go to the search engine of the social media site in search of a specific restaurant, bar, or type cuisine and if your establishment is listed then you are going to pop up and likely bring people in. It will also boost your chances if you offer online ordering through this (or a compatible) site. I know when I’m looking for a place order from, I almost always choose a place that offers online ordering.

Build an attractive website

How to best market your restaurant

If you choose to have a social media site for your restaurant or bar then you may not need to build an attractive website, though it can’t hurt to have both. The two will offer many of the same features and content. The one thing that a website may have going for it that a social media site may not is that it will reach the ”non-social media” members that scour the internet.

How to best market your restaurant

Offer email subscriptions

Whether you use a website or social media, you will have to have a business email. This is where customers, bloggers, and critics will be able to reach you without phoning in. You can manage the emails yourself or assign email management to someone you trust such as the restaurant manager, bar manager or a veteran employee with whom you have assigned special responsibilities.

You can also use this email to send newsletters to subscribers which will keep them invested in your business and can also provide a personal touch that many patrons enjoy!

Bloggers and critics

How to best market your restaurant

Bloggers and critics can work in your favor as well. Many people only choose restaurants and bars based on reviews provided by past customers. So, inviting them into your establishment and showing them an out of this world experience will surely earn you points and boost your reviews. Another important thing to keep in mind is consistent customer service and quality of food. Bloggers and critics are not the only people leaving reviews anymore. Many customers will leave reviews on Google and other social media sites. This means that every customer should be treated fairly and with respect.

Use a delivery service/app

How to best market your restaurant

Delivery service will bring people to your establishment as well. Especially during these uncertain times with travel restrictions in place. I have personally struggled with finding restaurants that offer delivery but, if I find one that does, then they get my business, it’s as simple as that.

Flyers, media ads, and word of mouth

Do these marketing options sound old school? Yes, they do! But, they still work! However, they should not be your only marketing avenues.

How to best market your restaurant

Address bad online reviews and make necessary changes

Everyone has an ”off night” and sometimes these ”off nights” can cause a blogger, critic, or customer to leave a negative review. Regardless of who wrote the review, address it, personally, apologize for the mistakes and then address the issue with your staff to create a ”fix it” plan.

Cook like a southern belle

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southern belles

Each region of the country, and of the world, seems to host a variety of unique dishes that represent who they are at their roots. In the southern states in America, there are several dishes that are unique to this part of the country but, can be made anywhere the ingredients exist!

Cook like a southern belle

Buttermilk-brined Southern Fried Chicken

https://www.sweetteaandthyme.com/southern-fried-chicken-buttermilk/ Nothing is more southern belle than a good fried chicken recipe!

Cook like a southern belle
Ingredients

BRINE

  • 10 pieces of chicken
  • 5 cups buttermilk
  • 1 tbsp hot sauce
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 3 tbsp kosher salt
  • 2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper

FLOUR COATING

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup cornstarch
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 2 tbsp garlic powder
  • 2 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1-2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tbsp black pepper
  • Vegetable oil
Instructions
  1. In a large bowl or two gallon-sized zip-top bags, put brine herbs and spices in. Pour buttermilk into the bowl and whisk up to mix buttermilk and seasoning together. Add chicken pieces and make sure each piece is submerged in the buttermilk. Refrigerate at least 4 hours, overnight most preferred. You can brine the chicken for up to 24 hours.
  2. When you’re ready to start frying, begin bringing a 6-quart enamel cast iron dutch oven (or any other large, heavy bottom pot) filled half-way with vegetable oil to temperature. Use a candy/oil thermometer to bring oil to 325 degrees F. When you place the stem of a wooden spoon in the oil, it should start to bubble around it. That’s when you know it’s ready. This is a good way to test the oil temperature if you don’t have a thermometer.
  3. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F.
  4. While oil is coming to temp, in a large bowl whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and spices and herbs. Splash a bit of brine, about 4 tbsp, into the flour.
  5. Take each piece of chicken out of the brine and coat well in the flour mixture. Let rest on a plate, repeat until each piece is coated in flour. Let rest for 5 minutes, then dip each piece back into the flour mixture and let rest again for 5-10 minutes.
  6. Have a wire rack over a baking sheet prepared on a counter next to your range. Fry your chicken pieces, 2-4 pieces at a time, for about 20-22 minutes. When a batch is done, place on a prepared wire rack over the baking sheet and put it into the warm oven. This will keep the batches warm while you finish frying. Repeat this step until complete.
  7. Serve immediately.

Southern Peach Cobbler

https://leitesculinaria.com/134286/recipes-southern-peach-cobbler.html

This is a perfect fish for a southern belle to make for her hardworkin’ husband and family!

Cook like a southern belle
Ingredients
  • 1 stick butter (4 oz)
  • 4 cups peeled and sliced peaches (from about 6 large peaches or 2 pounds)
  • 2 cups granulated sugar, or less to taste
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • Pinch salt
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, for serving (optional)
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil.
  2. Plop the stick of butter in a 9-by-9-by 2-inch (23-by-23-by-5 cm) square baking dish or a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate or a 10-by-2-inch (25-by-5 cm) round casserole pan and place it in the preheating oven just until the butter melts. You may want to let the oven door slightly ajar (even if it is summer) so you don’t forget about the butter and let it burn.
  3. In a large bowl, gently toss the peaches and 1 cup sugar and let it rest while you prepare the cobbler batter until the peaches release some of their juices.
  4. In a medium bowl, sift together the remaining 1 cup sugar, the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Add the milk and vanilla and stir just until combined. Pour the batter over the melted butter but do not stir.
  5. Spoon the peaches and their juices carefully on top of the batter without stirring or otherwise disrupting the batter. Place the baking dish or pie plate on the lined baking sheet. Bake until the cobbler topping rises to the surface and is golden brown and bubbly, 40 to 45 minutes.
  6. Serve warm or cold, topped with ice cream or whipped cream if desired.

Hotshots in the restaurant biz (part two)

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Hotshots in the restaurant biz

1.   Emeril Lagasse

https://www.emerils.com/

What is he known for?

Born in Massachusetts, Emeril Lagasse started his culinary career by working in a Portuguese bakery. It was there that his passion for the culinary arts was realized and he proceeded to apply to Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School. He would later turn down acceptance into the New England Conservatory of Music to attend Johnson and Wales University where he studied the culinary arts and was awarded an honorary doctorate. Eventually, he became a head chef and held that position for years before eventually opening his own restaurant in New Orleans, Emerils. Emeril also made appearances in several Food Network shows and eventually hosted his own.

He is largely regarded for his French, Portuguese, creole, and cajun recipes.

Emeril Lagasse
Denise Gould, according to File:Emeril Lagasse, USAF.jpg / Public domain

What are his secrets to success?

Emeril explains his secret to success in one of the best ways I have ever read. In an article about Emeril https://www.wfmz.com/business/emeril-lagasse-shares-his-secret-to-success/article_706c4884-4954-59a9-905a-8c44d4f075a6.html he says the following:

“I look at it like I’m the quarterback and that I have really surrounded myself with a great team,” he said. “The other thing is I’ve had really great support from my family.” Emeril then adds ”Failure happens when you don’t pay attention. Failure happens when you don’t have the right deal,” Emeril said.

2.   Mario Batali

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mario_Batali

What is he known for?

Another famous American born chef, Mario Batali, was born in Washington state. Like Emeril, Batali attended school and eventually worked his way through the culinary world becoming a television personality on the Food Network and others. Batali was well-known for his simplicity cooking style which was popular with American households. Unfortunately, Batali would later become a newspaper headline featuring sexual harassment charges.

Mario Batali
Pete Souza / Public domain

What are his secrets to success?

Batali has 3 tips for success:

https://www.mic.com/articles/176041/3-secrets-to-success-according-to-celebrity-chef-mario-batali

  • ”Lose yourself in your work, in a good way”. This tip generally highlights the thought ”if you love what you do then you’ll never work a day in your life”.
  • ”Embrace the chaos of teamwork”. This tip talks about working together as a team to support a single goal even if you do not personally like everyone you’re working with.
  • ”Know you can break the rules if you have high-quality people”. With this tip, he talks about not following the typical business school rules. Instead, he believed in only opening a new restaurant when a current sous chef was ready for an executive position.

3.   Julia Child

https://www.pbs.org/food/chefs/julia-child/

What is she known for?

Julia Child
Elsa Dorfman / CC BY-SA
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)

Julia Child is possibly the mother of the culinary arts here in America. She introduced American households to French cooking through her French cookbooks and cooking shows. Julia Child was born in California in 1912 and passed at the age of 91 in 2004. I find Julia so interesting because she came from a family with money. She was tall for a woman (six feet two inches), she played sports, and she earned a degree in history. Her family had a cook but her passion for cooking didn’t come around until Julia met her husband, Paul.

Aside from her culinary influence, Julia is also known for her foundation which supports gastronomy and the culinary arts. https://juliachildfoundation.org/

What are her secrets to success?

“Find something you’re passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it.”

-Julia Child Julia Child came from a family with money, drive, and possibilities. She admits that her life didn’t really begin until her 30’s. She grew her passion for cooking from her husband’s interest in it and then she attended culinary school and the rest is history. The point is, she had the means to do anything, to be anything or to do nothing at all and still be well off. What did she do? She found something she was passionate about and continued to find ways to stay interested in it.

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