Finding Your Ideal Seafood Establishment

Seafood is a delicacy enjoyed by many US residents thanks to the country’s bountiful access to both fresh water and multiple oceans. The variety of preparation styles, flavors, garnishes, and other types of dishes are as varied as the fish themselves. Patrons can often find a variety of seafood options and styles at their favorite restaurants, while certain places specialize in preparing their food to a certain region.

Seafood at a Glance

To be considered seafood, the animal in question must come from a body of water that includes both ocean and fresh sources. In addition to sharks and all types of bony fish, crustaceans, mollusks, squid, jellyfish, sea turtles, frogs, sea urchins, and sea cucumbers all fall within the seafood label. From there, the chefs decide their preparation methods, which can include cooking methods like baking, frying, steaming, and poaching, or simply serve raw. Some restaurants focus on styles dictated by the cooking methods, spices, side dishes, and other factors that fall within the preferences of a specific geographic region. Among the most recognized in the US is southern style cuisine.

Southern Seafood

Southern style food itself is also varied based on specific states and other sub-regions. Cajun style is among the most recognizable and popular due to its distinctly strong use of spices. In fact, many patrons will insist that the best seafood plano tx has to offer will be strictly Cajun style, which draws its inspiration from traditional meals as they have been historically prepared in Louisiana. To meet this criteria, food should be primarily boiled in large pots utilizing local ingredients and vegetables, and topped with Cajun spices. Rice usually accompanies the meal, which can range from mild to extra hot spice levels.

When choosing your ideal seafood meal, pay attention to the general cooking style of your restaurant of choice. Those establishments that focus on a specific region will have plenty of options that fit the style of cooking.

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How to Pick the Best Restaurant Concept

Are you planning to start a restaurant business soon? If so, then the first step should be deciding the best restaurant concept. While doing this, it’s important to be careful because the concept must match your location and the cuisine you are planning to offer.

A restaurant concept is simply the theme and general idea of the start-up. It includes the format of the restaurant, and the type of services and cuisine you plan to offer guests.

The most common restaurant formats and types include:

• Quick service restaurants
• Fine dining restaurants
• Casual dining restaurants
• Cafes
• Restro-bars and lounges
• Bakeries
• Food trucks and carts.

Important Things to Consider While Determining the Best Restaurant Concept

While choosing a concept for your restaurant, there are several things you should take into account.

1. Research the Market

First, you should conduct a thorough industrial market research to see what works best in your location. Given that your restaurant is located in a small town, you shouldn’t choose a concept or theme that already exists in the area. For instance, if there are at least three coffee shops in the vicinity, then it is more preferable if you do not follow that format.

2. Make decisions based on your budget

Due to the fact that different restaurant concepts have different investment needs, the budget is the primary factor you need to keep in mind as you choose a restaurant concept. You should have a set budget, which you need to follow. After you have chosen your restaurant format according to your budget, you should also decide your menu and the dining style.

3. Consider the cuisine you want to serve

What have you chosen to serve your guests? Will it be traditional southern cooking with an urban twist, low-key Mexican food or sushi? Whatever it may be, you should understand that not everything will be suitable for the same restaurant. Pick what you want to offer, and maintain simplicity. While choosing the cuisine, keep in mind the insights you got from the industrial market research.

4. How will you price the meals?

This is an important determining factor in picking the best restaurant concept. Charging fine dining prices in a casual dining setting is probably not reasonable. It always helps to do some research to determine the most fitting prices for your dishes.

5. Take into account your target clientele

It is important to know your target consumers. For instance, if you are making plans to target college students, they would probably prefer a quirky setting with a funky interior design and affordable prices.

On the other hand, if your target clients belong to the upper-class group, then you need to have a fine dining concept with prices that are fairly higher which the targeted market will not mind to pay for. According to the customers you want to attract you can mould your establishment’s format to match their type.

6. Pick a concept that matches your location

Your chosen location will greatly impact the most suitable restaurant concept. If your …

How You Package Your Fruit Matters. Here’s Why

There’s nothing worse than biting into a rotten apple or an overripe peach. Ever wondered what causes fruit to go bad so quickly (or stay fresh for longer)? It turns out, the way that fruit is packaged can have a huge impact on its shipment and shelf life. But what kinds of packaging make the biggest difference?

Room to Breath

All good fruit packaging will contain holes or slats to promote adequate air flow. Like people, fruit also need to breathe to survive (okay, not exactly like people). Allowing fruit to have access to fresh air allows them to continue the process of respiration, which releases energy in the fruit and keeps them alive longer. This is why you typically see apples and grapes housed in bags that have small holes in them, or raspberries and blueberries placed in containers that have slits down the sides. If fruits are packaged in air-tight containers or containers without any openings, they will not be able to respire and will rot much faster.

If you’re curious about the kind of packaging most commonly used in your area, simply Google ‘fruit packaging california’ (or your state of residence) to learn about your local standard of practice.

Safe From Damage and Debris

Additionally, strong, sturdy packaging can help protect fruit from damage. Being jostled and tumbled around truck beds or air plane storage areas can damage even the toughest pineapple. Bruises and cuts on the soft skin of a peach or banana can invite all sorts of bacteria inside, causing the fruit to deteriorate faster. Folks are also less likely to purchase damaged looking fruit, which means that these pieces often go to waste. Whether made of plastic or firm cardboard, fruit packaging should stack each piece of fruit in close proximity and seal securely over top of them.

Fruit packaging varies from place to place. To ensure freshness and longevity, fruit packaging should be firm, breathable and protect produce from being damaged in transit.

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Important Tips for Food Safety

When cooking for friends, family or restaurant patrons, food safety should be your number one priority. Contaminates can easily latch onto your ingredients if proper caution is not exercised. Washing your hands with soap and water before handling items is one way to prevent germs from spreading. Listed below are a few ways to maintain food safety.

Sanitizing the Kitchen

A key way to ensure your food is safe from harm is by keeping your kitchen and appliances clean. When preparing a meal on a countertop, remember to scrub down the surface afterwards with hot soapy water. This is a good way to prevent cross-contamination from happening. Consider cleaning out your fridge and freezer once a week and giving each a good washdown.

Organizing Your Food

You should always separate different types of food, whether you are storing them or shopping at the grocery store. Dairy, meats and produce should never be stored in the same spot. Fresh produce should always be washed thoroughly before usage. Never use the same cutting utensil for meat and fresh produce, as this is an easy way for bacteria to spread. Remember to always check the expiration date or “best used by” date. Use date labels for food to plot out when meals should be prepped and served. Cooked items sitting in your fridge for over a week should be thrown out, as they are no longer safe to eat.

Maintaining Temperature

It’s okay for some food items to be kept at room temperature, but others need to be properly refrigerated or frozen. Maintain routine checks on your fridge and freezer units to ensure they are kept at proper temperatures. A food thermometer is also a wise investment. This will help to make sure ingredients are cooked properly and ready for consumption.

Whether you’re running a restaurant or hosting a dinner party, food safety should be your number one concern. By practicing these techniques, you can have a happy and healthy kitchen while impressing your guests with outstanding meals.

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How to Say “Cheers” from Around the World (Delicious Food. To fit your lifestyle.)

No matter where you’re at, alcohol and celebration always seem to come hand-in-hand to the party. In the U.S., “cheers” is the most common thing to say when raising your glass before drinking, and it means good wishes and good health. Numerous other languages have similar mini-toasts, sometimes paired with a specific drink or occasion. Here are five ways to drink to good health if you ever find yourself in the company of good spirits and new friends.

German: Prost

Every September in Munich, Germany, millions of people attend Oktoberfest, a two-week-long festival that revolves around one thing: beer. If you ever get to visit this epic event, you’d better have your “prost” practiced and ready, because you’re going to need it.

Norwegian: Skal

While beer and wine are the more accessible drinks to find in Norway today, their ancestral seafarers, the Vikings, mainly indulged on ale and mead. If you want to drink more like a Viking, click here to discover a brewing company that takes its Nordic history to the next level.

Greek: Yamas

You can say “yamas” before swigging any drink in Greece, but if you’re drinking like a local, your glass will most likely contain ouzo, an aperitif with strong anise flavoring.

Japanese: Kanpai

Kanpai has come to mean “cheers” today, but it began as a way to say “bottoms up” before emptying a cup of sake — a widely popular rice wine in Japan.

Hebrew: L’chaim

Meaning “to life,” this toast can be given followed by a drink of wine or vodka, especially for a special occasion like an engagement.

Afrikaans: Gesondheid

From umqombothi (a beer made from maize and sorghum) to pinotage (a red wine) there will be no lack of opportunities to say “gesondheid” while exploring South African cuisine.

Whether you’re a tourist trying to experience as much foreign culture as possible or a friend trying to adopt another’s customs, it never hurts to have a little language knowledge on your side. Even something as simple as “cheers” can go a long way.

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What’s Cooking for Your Next Vacation?

Themed vacations are growing in popularity, but if dude ranches, ski packages and safaris aren’t your style, maybe you would enjoy a vacation for food lovers. Whether you take your cooking seriously or just like to eat, these vacations or tours may be just the ticket.

Guided Culinary Vacations

These culinary vacations are generally purchased as a package that can be semi-customized, have a guide and may take you to destinations you have only dreamed of visiting. They may be centered on giving you the experience of tasting the local cuisine and participating in the cooking experience yourself. Among these are popular Tuscany cooking vacations.

Experience Local Fare

A Tuscan vacation, of course, would take you to Italy. You may visit major cities such as Rome, small, picturesque towns such as Pienza, winemaking villages such as Montepulciano, or even tiny hillside villages such as Cortona. You might enjoy local pasta dishes including linguini with clam sauce, bucatini or carbonara along the way. Scenic and unforgettable places you only imagined you could visit may unfold right before you, drawing you in with their sights, smells and tastes.

A Culinary Vacation is More Than Just Cooking

Your vacation may include visiting unforgettable Italian cities and landmarks, perusing the many artists, vendors, shops and boutiques. You may taste the fare at a number of wineries, restaurants and outdoor cafes. You might also have the opportunity to visit a number of local artisans to learn how cheeses or loaves of bread and other staples of Tuscan cuisine are made.

Hone Your Cooking Skills

Of course, the main reason for these vacations is to get some hands-on experience in local kitchens (cucinas) where, you may learn to make your own hand-made pasta, ragu, risotto or gnocchi. You might learn the art of cooking rustic sauces or the techniques used in preparing fish and seafood Mediterranean style.

Whatever your interest in cooking, you are likely to walk away with life-long memories and an appreciation for the satisfying flavors of Italian cuisine.

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Natural Solutions from the Sea: Green Shell Mussels

When looking for alternatives to prescribed medication, many people turn to natural supplements derived from nature to help improve their health. From fish oil to shark cartilage, the sea can provide many natural alternatives to medication. Green shell mussels, also known as green-lipped mussels, are a shellfish found in the waters of New Zealand, and they have recently been studied for their health properties. While the health community is still learning all the positive aspects of greenshell mussel powder, researchers have already identified conditions that can be improved with the addition of a green mussel supplement.

Inflammation Reduction

Green shell mussel powder or extract contains an Omega-3 fatty acid similar to that found in fish oil. This fatty acid blocks the compounds within the body that lead to inflammation and can be helpful in the treatment of chronic conditions like arthritis and asthma.

Joint Protection

Another important compound of green shell muscle extract is mucopolysaccharides. These proteins build up cartilage and increase joint fluid to protect against normal wear and tear activity of daily life. This can aid in slowing down the signs of arthritis with age.

Stomach Protection

Lipids, also known as fats, in the green mussel extract help protect the sensitive lining of the stomach. For people who are undergoing chemotherapy, this can reduce the nausea side effects that can occur with treatment. If a person has to take a daily non-steroidal medication like aspirin, green shell mussel extract can buffer the erosive effects of the drugs on the stomach lining.

Antioxidant Source

In nature, antioxidants in our food are known to boost the immune system. Green shell mussel extract also contains antioxidants that that decrease damaging compounds called free radicals inside the body. By decreasing free radicals in our systems, we can decrease overall cell damage.

By turning to nature, manufacturers can provide more organic and holistic choices for those invested in alternative approaches.

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Gourmet Gift Baskets Really Hit the Spot

You may have that certain person in your life that is difficult to shop for, but that you want to give something special. Or you may be invited to a dinner party and want to take a hostess gift. What do you give when you can’t think of anything that sounds right? You might consider gourmet gift baskets to suit their taste.

Choose Unusual Ingredients

The fun of receiving a gourmet food basket is finding things inside that you may not always have around but would enjoy trying. Such ingredients as smoked salmon, specialized mustards and exotic teas star in these baskets. Quality Camembert, Brie and wine–flavored cheese spreads, or caviar, Greek olives and smoked almonds may hit the spot. Imported candies and cocoa can bring a smile to anyone’s face.

Match the Container to the Recipient

Gourmet baskets may be arranged in refined stitched leather boxes, rustic wooden crates, or even velvet-trimmed containers. You might also find them in lovely woven baskets and elegant scroll-topped metal tins. You can really order them in as fancy or casual a container as suits the occasion. A galvanized tin pail filled with smoked meats and cheeses is someone who likes entertaining outdoors in the summer.

For Special Occasions or Everyday

Finding a unique gift for a special birthday is easy when you choose a basket full of gourmet treats, but sending one to someone for no other reason than to show them you care can be a memorable experience for them. For a wedding gift, choose a silver container with a classic sheer charcoal and silver harlequin design. If it is a housewarming, you might select a rustic wooden box tied in a big red bow to resemble a ribbon cutting. The sky is the limit.

So the next time you feel stuck and uninspired, consider a gift basket full of gourmet goodies. It’s sure to be a hit!

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Cold Room Hire Makes Excellent Business Sense

Around the world, the ability to hire cold room facilities at a competitive fee has become an invaluable resource. Used by event organisers, outdoor caterers, hotels, restaurants and hospitals to ensure that food, drink, medicines, samples and flowers remain in their optimum condition, there is no reason to risk health and safety, the integrity of items or service levels by working without cold rooms.

In the UK, we may not have the Rio de Janeiro Carnival to cater for with day time temperatures of 30 degrees Celsius and overnight lows of 21 degrees or contend with Australian summer days when the beach could be 30-40 degrees and barbecue ingredients can part cook themselves or go off and become host to myriad bacteria, just by sitting beneath the sun on hot sand, but attention to refrigeration is vital.

Maintaining temperatures in cold climates is as important as in hot ones. You may wonder why during a Canadian winter with sub-zero temperatures enterprises would need to refrigerate cans of fizzy drinks. The answer? Because the contents freeze and cause the cans to explode posing a danger; at least when they are in cold rooms the temperature is maintained at viable levels.

Imagine that another Beast from the East occurs and you have a street catering business; your stock cannot necessarily sit happily at -10 or -15 or even -5 degrees; food items freeze, the quality could deteriorate and you’ll find that you unwittingly pose a health and safety risk to diners.

For florists, keeping plants cool and fresh is a priority but freezing blooms will burn; it isn’t worth the risk to hope for the best. The cost of cold room hire is far less than writing off stock day after day.

Medical and scientific establishments must maintain medications and samples at stable temperatures to ensure accuracy and rewarding results. Consider a blood sample taken at 10a.m. which the lab assesses five hours later. At room temperature the sample could be affected, unfit for assessment or the results inconclusive so another sample would be required, the process restarted, and the patient left worried for their wellbeing as no prognosis can be made by the experts.

Cold rooms for day to day or peak season use, removes this distressing and time-consuming probability.

Cold rooms suppliers like Newbury based Icecool Trailers serve numerous business sectors, NHS trusts and research centres. Whatever your needs, there is a cost-effective solution one call or e-mail away. Emergency facilities are available 24/7 through Icecool Trailers and all cold rooms are well maintained, meet legislative requirements, are hygienic and can enhance your operations.

You may be hosting a one off event, a series of weddings or opening a country house and gardens to the public; you can never be sure what the Great British weather will thrown at us so rain or shine, snowdrift or on sand dunes, ensure that you speak to professional cold room hire specialists about accessible solutions that maximise safety.

Please contact Icecool Trailers today …

5 Fatty Foods That You Need in Your Diet

The irony of fat being stigmatized is that people have resorted to eating more sugary, processed food instead. This has only made people sicker and obese. Since more research has been done on the health effects of fat, we’ve realized that saturated fat in particular is not nearly as bad as it was made out to be.

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As a result, more fatty foods are being put back into the healthy category, with some even becoming superfoods. Granted, you won’t find any foods here that are purely included for their fat content. These foods are all great for your health and come with a number of other benefits thanks to their high vitamin and nutrient content.

Cheese

Apart from being delicious, natural, unprocessed cheese is also highly nutritious and comes with a number of health benefits. This is explained in-depth in the book The Big Fat Surprise. Did you know that to make a single slice of cheese, an entire cup of milk has to be used?

This contributes to the nutritional content, which includes a healthy dose of vitamin B, selenium, calcium, phosphorus, and so much more. The fatty acids in cheese contribute to a decreased risk of heart disease. A slice of cheese also contains the same amount of protein that you’d get from a glass of milk.

Dark Chocolate

Granted, one should avoid sugary white and brown chocolate like the plague, but dark chocolate is an exception to this rule. The smooth, tasty texture of dark chocolate is home to tons of fiber, manganese, copper, iron and magnesium. Dark chocolate also helps reduce your risk of heart disease, protects your skin from sun damage and improves brain function.

Eggs

For many years, whole eggs have been put aside due to their high fat and cholesterol content. However, the cholesterol contained in eggs doesn’t actually affect your blood, eliminating any negative effect that this would have. Eggs provide the best protein to price ratio, along with a plethora of other nutrients.

Nuts

By now, everyone should know that nuts are extremely healthy and chock-full of nutrients. Many healthy fats, fiber and protein can be found here. There’s also tons of magnesium and Vitamin E. Health benefits aside, natural, salt-free nuts also taste great and make for the perfect healthy snack.

Olive Oil

There’s a reason olive oil is so much more expensive than canola or sunflower oil. Extra virgin olive oil is an essential component of many diets thanks to its high levels of antioxidants, along with Vitamins E and K. Olive oil can help lower blood pressure levels, improve your cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart disease as well.

Other healthy fatty foods to considered include fish, coconuts, full-fat yoghurt, chia seeds and avocados. They’re all tasty, highly nutritious foods that make for a complete and healthy diet. What is your favorite fatty food from our list? Let us know what it is and why you love it in the comments below.…