Inspiration and Information for your Tabletop

Featuring Nara Grey by Playground, Stuttgart Yellow-Gold by Bauscher, Pantone's Colors of the Year, Bento Boxes by MyGlassStudio, and Purity Favorites by Bauscher

A new year begins, and Pantone’s Colors of the Year have been chosen! That’s not a typo, by the way. For only the second time in history, TWO colors have been chosen for 2021: Ultimate Gray (a warm, light gray) and Illuminating (a sunny lemon yellow).

Photo courtesy of Wallace Wong's website: sixpackchef.com

Wallace Wong has come a long way since helping his grandparents in the kitchen as a child. Our Canadian friends in particular may recognize his name from a variety of Food Network television programs: he's won Fridge Wars and Chopped Canada, finished 3rd in Top Chef Canada, and placed as a top 10 finalist in Bake It Possible. We recently asked The Six Pack Chef some questions about his illustrious career. 

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.