I first came across preserved lemons on a trip to NYC back in 2012. A seemingly ordinary pasta dish suddenly became extraordinary with the addition of one simple ingredient. There was a slight citrus in the dish, but not overpowering; it was soft and subtle, and its aroma rivaled that …
Read More »Risk and the Restaurant Business with Dave Query of Big Red F
What is it about getting older that makes us naturally risk-averse? In our youth we’re fearless. We don’t think twice about cliff diving off a coast into the Pacific, or telling our manager that we deserve to be making 6 figures because we have a graduate degree (and no work …
Read More »Food Trends We’re Tired Of
Usually when an ingredient rises to critical acclaim status it’s because a chef took an innovative spin on its preparation or made it more palatable. Take kale, an ingredient long relegated as a garnish beneath a scoop of chicken salad finally received its turn in the spotlight when it was …
Read More »Support Local Farms – Join a CSA
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) isn’t a new concept, but there are still a lot of people who aren’t familiar with it. If you’re one of those people, not to worry—I’m here to help! Here’s how it works: A CSA program provides individuals with direct access to high quality, fresh produce …
Read More »The Big Eat in Denver, Colorado
What happens when you ask a group of chefs, restaurateurs, bar and general managers to throw a party for the city of Denver? You get The Big Eat, Denver’s signature culinary party featuring more than 70 Denver-area restaurants serving up unlimited small bites, beer, wine and cocktails. Hosted by EatDenver, …
Read More »Commercial Kitchen DIY: Gas Connections
When you decided to open a restaurant, you probably did so because you had a passion for cooking (Hopefully, because it certainly isn’t for the profit margins!). You know your way around a Santoku and chinois, and can set up a proper mise en place blindfolded. From spatulas, knives, mixing …
Read More »Types of Cookware Materials
As a cook in a commercial kitchen, consistency is key to keeping food costs low and customers happy. Knowing which types of pan materials are best suited to the foods you cook is helpful when creating a good menu. For example, if your restaurant specializes in homemade pasta sauces, I wouldn’t …
Read More »Sustainability When You’re On a Budget
By far, one of the biggest criticisms we hear about going sustainable is the high initial price tag. It’s true that you won’t see or recoup the cost of some technologies like high efficiency faucets and LED lights until as much as 12 or even 24 months after purchasing—which, if …
Read More »Tips for Making Even Bigger Tips
Here in the states, the debate for and against the tipping system in the foodservice industry will always be a point of contention. But I’m not here to talk about that. Instead, let’s talk about how to make the best of the system now—like how to make bigger tips. Here at …
Read More »Savory Spice Shop in Boulder, Colorado
To watch Owner Dan Hayward of Savory Spice Shop speak to customers about spices is to watch an artisan at work. This morning I’m in Savory Spice Shop’s Boulder location, a Broadway fixture since July of 2008. A customer walks in holding a handwritten list of spices he’s eager to …
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