Chocolate-Granola Apple Wedges

Restaurant.org predicts that the year 2015 will bring an overhaul to children’s menus as parents attempt to feed their kids healthier items while dining out.  Expect to see baked chicken rather than fried, and more vegetable or fruit options to replace fries and overly sweet desserts.  Here’s a recipe for Chocolate-Granola Apple Wedges.  We think…

What’s your Wine? A Glossary of Tasting Terms

Wine tasting can range anywhere from the simple to the complex, much like the wine itself.  A lot of knowledge can take you far, but with just a little bit of background information you can start the tasting process and learn as much as you’d like as you go along. Over the next several weeks I will be…

Restaurant Trend #9: The People Behind the Food

With the battle over an increased minimum wage continuing, 2015 is likely to bring some changes to the restaurant business as the spotlight turns to the people behind the food—the servers, the cooks, the bus staff, bartenders, host/hostesses…all the employees who ensure smooth operation on a day-to-day basis. The debate over minimum wage is a…

Restaurant Trend #10: Generation Z

Just when restaurant owners started to figure out how to appeal to the Millennials, in march Generation Zers, with their emoticons and emojis, their iPads and YouTube, SnapChat and Instagram, their tech-savvy minds and digital wherewithal. Before snarling and grumping over these new young diners and all their quirks, perhaps it will be best to…

Fancy Dining 101: What Am I Eating?

Ever go in to a fancy restaurant, take one look at the menu, and think, “Wow, I’m stumped…”? Fear no more, I’ve compiled a list words from the world of fine dining that will help you navigate your way through with confidence and ease! Aioli: a creamy, emulsion spread consisting of garlic, pounded to a…

Making and Keeping Your New Year’s Resolutions

Many of us start the year off looking forward, excited about a new opportunity to start fresh, to throw away old habits and to make new and better lifestyle changes. But did you know that New Year’s resolutions date back to early Roman times? Janus, the god of beginnings and transitions, is commonly described as…

Restaurant Trend #8: Local is Better

For many, eating locally is a necessity—underdeveloped countries simply don’t have the means to eat any other way. But North Americans have grown accustomed to globally sourcing such foods as oranges or raspberries, lettuce, and even oysters, eating them year round because modern farming techniques and transportation allow for it. In recent years, though, diners…

What’s a “Dandy Donkey,” you ask?

The makers of Cock N’ Bull Ginger Beer are at it again. This time, they have added a new flavor to their repertoire with Cock N’ Bull Cherry Ginger Beer, and a custom cocktail to accompany it. Last fall, we introduced you to copper mugs and the Moscow Mule, made with original Cock N’ Bull…

NYE Finger Foods

Planning a New Year’s Eve gathering but have no idea what delicious appetizers to offer?  Here are some easy-to-serve, single-bite ideas to get the planning started. Tomato and Mozzarella Bites Ingredients 20 grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes, halved 20 fresh basil leaves 20 small fresh mozzarella cheese balls ½ cup balsamic vinegar ¼ cup extra…

But First, Coffee…

Whether you are a coffee connoisseur, a college kid trying to stay awake, or a consumer who has just acquired a taste for the bitter-sweet-acidic flavor, knowing some basics about roasting may help you more fully enjoy your morning—or afternoon—cup of joe. Because although the degree of roast may not affect the amount of caffeine…