Inspiration and Information for your Tabletop

In the middle of the hilly forest landscape of North Hesse, there is a real Heppstar: the renowned Hotel Hohenhaus. Surrounded by untouched nature, guests will find an idyllic retreat on the former manor. Johann Sebastian Bach, who came from nearby Eisenach, was probably inspired by the picturesque panorama of the region to create his world-famous symphonies. The time out in the Central German scenery certainly brings no less inspiring and dreamy holiday memories to the visitors of the Hotel Hohenhaus.

Genever: a delightfully herbal concoction made from juniper berries. This name may be unfamiliar to you, but its anglicized cousin you’ll likely recognize: gin.

Winners of the CultureMap Tastemaker awards like Chef Chris Shepherd of Georgia James pictured above were announced last week

This month the CultureMap Tastemaker Awards announced the winners of their annual celebration of Texan culinary talent. According to the CultureMap website, their mission “is to shine a spotlight on the people making the local restaurant scene special and honor their innovation, energy, and creativity.” We were honored to see so many of our customers recognized for their vision, and we are so grateful to work with each and every one.

Photos courtesy of Rosewater Kitchen & Bar

As businesses continue to reopen, you may find your seating capacity greatly reduced to accommodate Covid safety measures. It may be time to think outside the box, or rather, outside the walls. Outdoor dining is a welcome addition to any restaurant, and it creates new opportunities for your business. Here are a few things to keep in mind when expanding or creating your outdoor space:

In-Room dining is a popular option with high-end hotels, and may present new opportunities in a post-Covid era.

In-Room Dining, also known as Room Service, has existed in some way or another for a few centuries now, but its first official record is from the 1931 reopening of The Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York. The Waldorf was already famous for its glamorous and luxurious style. When it was relocated to its present location in Midtown Manhattan this reputation only grew with the addition of modern innovations such as full electric wiring, a telephone in every room, restaurant reservations, and of course room service. This premiere service allowed guests to enjoy meals in the comfort of their own rooms.

Award-winning Chef Chris Shepherd is giving back to the community through his Southern Smoke Foundation

As businesses begin to reopen after months of closure, it’s important to remember that some members of the food and beverage industry are still suffering. Luckily there’s help out there, thanks to James Beard award winner Chris Shepherd. You probably recognize the name of this Houston restaurateur and owner of One Fifth, UB Preserv, The Hay Merchant, Georgia James, and Underbelly Catering.

Plating on porcelain is the best way to present food hygienically and beautifully.

Hygiene and sanitation have always been front-of-mind for those in the hospitality industry and after months of closures and quarantines, we’re thinking more than ever about the hygiene not only of where we’re eating but what we’re eating from. It’s no coincidence that porcelain has always been the choice for food service. Its ability to withstand the rigors of catering makes it perfect for professional applications.

Image from Power of 10 Initiative website

Award-winning DC-based Chef Erik Bruner-Yang recognized very early on in this global health crisis the effect Covid would have on the restaurant industry and determined he didn’t want to sit by and do nothing. He envisioned a way to get workers back on the job while safely re-opening restaurants to feed essential workers and vulnerable members of the community.

Image from Gaido's Seafood Restaurant Facebook page

Amid so much uncertainty, we love seeing acts of kindness from our friends in the hospitality community. One of the inspiring stories from last week came out of Galveston, Texas when Gaido’s Seafood Restaurant and Nick’s Kitchen and Beach Bar both reopened their doors to serve their community. Owner and Chef Nick Gaido released a statement on Gaido’s Facebook page:

When your guests sit down at the table, make the first impression count. An easy way to show off your brand and story is through presentation, and we don’t mean just the food. Every element is important – the food, service, and décor all tell your customers what your restaurant or food service represents.