Great Taste Magazine

On May 7, Safeway, the second largest grocery chain in the United States, announced that they will begin formulating plans to move toward being a gestation crate-free supply chain.  Mercy for Animals, an organization against animal suffering, has praised Safeway for acknowledging that the practice is cruel, and needs to be phased out.  With this announcement, Safeway is taking a positive step toward animal welfare.

Sizzle: The American Culinary Federation quarterly for students of cooking, the quarterly digital magazine for students of cooking and baking, is now a free app available for the iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Android smartphones, and the Kindle Fire.

Chef John Merlino, Jr. has been named Director of Culinary Development by Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. Merlino will be responsible for culinary and menu development, testing and the roll out of all associated initiatives collaborating with Fleming’s executive team and Corporate Executive Chef Russell Skall.

An industry veteran with almost 30 years experience in the hospitality field, Merlino is a graduate of the California Culinary Academy who began his career as executive chef in private clubs and fine-dining restaurants in California, before landing his first Director of R&D position with Vicorp Restaurants in Denver. In 1996, he was recruited by Claim Jumper Restaurants to lead the fledgling chain as Corporate Executive Chef/Director of R&D during their period of rapid expansion. Among his many contributions to the brand, he created The Elite Culinarian (TEC) program. When Claim Jumper was sold to investors in 2006, Merlino returned to his roots as an Executive Chef and industry consultant while founding a company to manufacture gluten-free products for the retail market.

www.flemingssteakhouse.com

Posted by Suzannaидея за подарък

The anticipation builds for the remarkable Ten Year Anniversary Party of Iva Lee’s Restaurant, a Southern Dinner House that brings the mystic feel of New Orleans to its guests, located on historical El Camino Real in San Clemente. Below is an update and insight into what to expect from this exciting restaurant that brings the unique flavors of the South to Orange County.

Sunday, June 10, 2012, Iva Lee’s Restaurant will be celebrating ten years of bringing New Orleans culture to Orange County! Live music, delicious house-made cocktails, fine wines, and tasty hors d’oeuvres will be offered to guests at our Open House from 4:00-8:00 pm. We cordially invite you to celebrate this joyous occasion with us!

www.ivalees.com

Posted by Suzanna

April 29, 2012 marked the 14th Taste of Huntington Beach, an annual event that raises funds for the children’s programs at the Huntington Beach Library.

Every year, restaurants are invited to enter their “Taste of the Day” to be judged by a panel. Here and the winners for this year including the dish that they created.

Event Categories

Most enthusiastic — Shades at the Hilton

Best decorated — Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory (Main Street)

Food Categories

Appetizers, Snacks & Small Bites – 2nd Floor – Blackened Tilapia Slider

Salads, Sides & Soup – SlapFish – Chowder & Chips

Sandwiches/Pizza – Slater’s 50-50 – Peanut Butter & Jellousy

Seafood – Rubio’s – Grilled Gourmet Shrimp Soft Taco

Chicken – Lazy Dog Café – Spicy Thai Chicken Salad

Beef/Lamb/Pork – Outback Steakhouse – Baby Back Pork Ribs

Desserts/Cakes, Cookies, Cupcakes – Tomgirl Baking Company – Chocolate Mousse, Mini Red Velvet Cupcake & Vanilla chiffon cake with Lemon Mousse filling & Rasberry Jam

Desserts/Other – Simply Layered Cake Design – Rum soaked butter cake with white chocolate macadamia nut butter cream and passion fruit curd.

Best Food Taste – Tomgirl Baking Company – Chocolate Mousse, Mini Red Velvet Cupcake & Vanilla chiffon cake with Lemon mousse filling and Rasberry Jam

Wine Categories

White

1st place – Wente Riva Ranch Chardonnay 2010

2nd place – The White Knight Viognier

3rd place – Cupcake Vineyards Prosecco

Red

1st place – Entwine Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

2nd place – Flip Flop Pinot Noir 2010

3rd place – Alamos Malbec 2010

Best Wine Taste – Entwine Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

Beer Category

1st place – Fireman’s Brew – Red Head Ale
2nd Place – Steelhead Brew
3rd Place – Straube Shock Top Lemon Shandy

Judging Panel

Teri Williams – Great Taste Magazine
Cathy Thomas – Orange County Register
Rich Manning – Gayot & Tasting Panel Magazine
Eva Kilgore – Orange County Register
Chris Christenson – Orange Coast Magazine
Nancy Luna – Orange County Register Fast Food Maven

Having received several honors and awards since opening in Orange County, The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar’s Partners have been named 2012 “Restaurateurs of the Year” by the Southern California Restaurant Writers Association. This organization, formed in 1975 to improve the quality of the restaurant industry in this region, bestows awards upon restaurants and individuals whose standards of quality and service deserve special recognition.

“This is an honor for not only my Partners and myself, but for our entire team. We are grateful to be recognized by a group so dedicated to maintaining a level of quality in the restaurant industry that shares the values and ongoing commitment to excellence shared by this prestigious organization,” commented JC Clow, Managing Partner at The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar. “We look at the ‘Restaurateurs of the Year’ award as a tremendous recognition and appreciate the ongoing support by our friends at the Southern California Restaurant Writers Association.”

This year, The Winery also received the group’s 2011 Five-Star Dining Award and the 2012 Golden Bacchus Wine Award for its exceptional wine cellar.

In previous years, Executive Chef/Partner Yvon Goetz has been named “Chef of the Year” and Managing Partner/Sommelier William Lewis was named “Sommelier of the Year” by this organization. Most recently, The Winery was recipient of the 2011 Golden Sceptre Award for its food, service, ambiance and beverages, and the 2011 Golden Bacchus Wine Award for its exceptional wine cellar.

www.southerncaliforniarestaurantwriters.net
www.thewineryrestaurant.net
2647 Park Ave, Tustin, CA 92782 (714) 258-7600

Posted by Suzanna

Mimi’s Cafe is the first restaurant to nationally sponsor the Go Red For Women movement. The campaign launched on Feb. 3, Wear Red Day.

Well, in approximately two-week’s time, Mimi’s was able to hit its $150,000 donation goal!!!! The goal was achieved this weekend but will continue to raise money to help fight heart disease throughout the month of February (Heart Month).

It is simply amazing how Mimi’s guests, teammates, executives and vendors rallied behind the cause and really gave “their hearts” to Go Red For Women. Mimi’s is ecstatic that it has already reached its goal in such a short amount of time. The restaurant is also looking forward to continuing this momentum and its support of Go Red For Women throughout the month to raise even more money for the courageous cause.

Posted by Suzanna

According to Chameleon Chair’s Celebrity-savvy event stylists, what’s “in” for 2012?

Vintage is out, but the rustic chic look will be all the rage. Natural, traditional elements combined with local florals will underscore the return to the simple beauty of the basics!

New colors will splash onto the event design stage. The combination of deep gray and teal will be a “must feature” look, blended with earthy green and yellow hues (for a look of “go-solar” vibrance that reflects the tonality of the times).

Inspired by the Royal Wedding, dining table and room décor themes will be marked by a touch of old world glamour highlighted by “make a statement” metallic shades, fine fabrics and linens, and bold sophistication.

Individualism will also reign supreme at this year’s special events – serving up colors, textures and creative thematics that reflect the hosts’ personality and the statement of the event in a unique way. The “free to be me” theme will lend itself to never before seen colors, designs and accessorizing, perfect for Chameleon Chairs which creates the most customized special event seating on the market. Chameleons feature unique designs inspired by global fashion and period art- influences from the exotic to the traditional.

www.chameleonchair.com

Posted by Suzanna

The American Culinary Federation recently released a new series of training tools for educators, chefs and foodservice companies. The National Apprenticeship Training Program for Cooks is a series of 10 modules and accompanying CD-ROM resources compiled and published by American Technical Publishers. The 10 modules cover the ACFEF Apprenticeship Program’s 10 kitchen stations.

The 10 modules are available for $25 each, with a 25% discount for purchases of five or more. A compiled textbook, containing content from each of the modules, is also available for $80.

The Cooking Techniques Station module (33 pages) focuses on techniques that can be used throughout one’s culinary career, from sautéing to roasting. The lessons enable learners to prepare a variety of poultry meat and vegetable dishes. The module also includes information on sustainability practices, such as recycling disposable goods.

For more information: www.go2atp.com and www.acfchefs.org

Posted by Suzanna

Posted by Aaron

Hampton Inn and Marriott Are Top Hotel Brands in Customer Experience Ratings, According to New Temkin Group Research. Large-Scale Research Study Rates More Than 200 Companies, Across 18 Industries Based on Feedback Survey of 10,000 U.S. Consumers.

Hampton Inn and Marriott were the top rated hotel brands and the only two to receive “good” ratings. The next seven hotel brands earned “okay” ratings while the bottom three hotel brands in the ratings.

The Temkin Experience Ratings evaluates three dimensions of
customer experience:

Functional: Does the company meet consumers’ needs?

Accessible: How easy is it for consumers to do what
they are trying to do?

Emotional: How do consumers feel about their
interactions with companies?

For more information:
www.temkingroup.com

Posted by Suzanna

On March 3rd, 2012, Hospitality Uncorked will honor Sam Nazarian with the 2012 Robert Mondavi Wine and Food Award. Mr. Nazarian, Chairman and CEO of sbe Entertainment Group, has redefined modern hospitality with leadership and creativity that have created some of North America’s most luxurious brands.

Sam Nazarian will be complimented with an all night venue of specialty cocktails, fine wine, entertainment, and guest chefs from Napa Rose Restaurant, The Tar Pit, Cleo, Katsuya by S+arck, L.A. Market Restaurant, and The Collins College of Hospitality Management Student Chefs.

For more information on or to be a part of this celebration, please visit Hospitality Uncorked.

Posted by Sarah.

Fueled by solid same-store sales and traffic results and a bullish outlook among restaurant operators, the National Restaurant Association’s Restaurant Performance Index (RPI) rose sharply in December.  The RPI – a monthly composite index that tracks the health of and outlook for the U.S. restaurant industry – stood at 102.2 in December, up 1.6 percent from November and its highest level in nearly six years.  In addition, December represented the third time in the last four months that the RPI stood above 100, which signifies expansion in the index of key industry indicators.

The RPI is constructed so that the health of the restaurant industry is measured in relation to a steady-state level of 100.  Index values above 100 indicate that key industry indicators are in a period of expansion, and index values below 100 represent a period of contraction for key industry indicators.  Building on a solid November performance that saw the strongest same-store sales results in more than four years, restaurant operators reported even better numbers in December.  Sixty-nine percent of restaurant operators reported a same-store sales gain between December 2010 and December 2011, while only 18 percent reported a same-store sales decline.  This marked the strongest net positive sales performance since February 2004, when 70 percent of operators reported a sales gain and 17 percent reported lower sales.  More news and information from the National Restaurant Association can be found at http://www.restaurant.org/pressroom.

Posted by Aaron

Corona Del Mar’s Five Crowns has been selected to receive one of WeddingWire 2012 Bride’s Choice Awards™ for its outstanding wedding ceremony and reception venue. The annual Bride’s Choice Awards recognizes and celebrates excellence in quality and service within the wedding industry, as determined by stellar reviews from newlywed clients.

Five Crowns is among the top five percent of all vendors in the WeddingWire community, which includes over 200,000 wedding professionals across the US and Canada. Awards were given to winners among 20 service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers.

According to Timothy Chi, WeddingWire’s Chief Executive Officer, “The annual Bride’s Choice Awards program has given us the unique opportunity to highlight the best wedding professionals in each region as reviewed by brides and grooms who have utilized their services in the past year. We are happy to announce that Five Crowns is among the very best wedding venues within the WeddingWire Network, which includes Brides.com, Project Wedding, Martha Stewart Weddings, Weddingbee and WeddingWire.”

For more information: www.weddingwire.com/biz/five-crowns-restaurant-corona-del-mar/e0ccf5d03d7c19d5.html

Posted by Suzanna

Bruxie’s sweet and savory gourmet waffle sandwich offerings, commitment to quality and focus on service have earned it a spot on the list of Top 10 US Yelp Restaurants of 2011, a list of most popular US restaurants last year, according to Yelpers. According to the Director of Consumer and Mobile Products at Yelp, who released the information in a blog post, rank was “determined by how many people in the Yelp community have bookmarked the business in 2011, as well as combined with average star rating, total review count, and total check-ins.”

“Yelp has been a tremendous resource for our guests – from finding out about Bruxie, to sharing their experiences and photos,” commented Dean Simon, Managing Partner of Bruxie. “We are grateful to have generated such loyal fans, many of whom are ‘Yelpers’ in such a short period of time. This recognition is a great achievement for every member of the Bruxie team.”

292 North Glassell Street, Orange, CA 92866

714-633-3900

215 West Birch Street, Brea, CA 92821

714-255-1188

www.bruxie.com

officialblog.yelp.com/2012/01/top-10-yelp-restaurants-of-2011.html

Posted by Suzanna

Happy Birthday Zubie's dry dock!

Zubie's Dry Dock in Huntington Beach will be celebrating its 20 year anniversary on Saturday by rolling prices back to 1992. Celebrate and enjoy food and drink specials all day. Zubie’s is a great casual dining spot for seafood, steaks, ribs, chicken, pizza, and oysters served from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. It’s at 9059 Adams Ave. in Huntington Beach. For more information, call 714.963.6362, or visit www.zubiesdrydock.com.

Posted by Suzanna

Nick Katsoris, author of the acclaimed and award-winning children's book series featuring Loukoumi the fluffy lamb, has gathered the favorite childhood recipes of more than 50 celebrities in his delightfully illustrated new cookbook for children and their families, LOUKOUMI'S CELEBRITY COOKBOOK. A minimum of $2 from the sale of each book will be donated to Chefs for Humanity and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

In LOUKOUMI'S CELEBRITY COOKBOOK, Loukoumi and her friends, Dean the dog, Marika the monkey and Fistiki the cat are playing happily when they become hungry. At Loukoumi's home they discover Fistiki's Aunt Cat Cora, a character based on celebrity chef, restaurateur, and cookbook author Cat Cora, the first and only female Iron Chef, and President and Founder of Chefs for Humanity, which works to reduce hunger around the world. Aunt Cat offers to help them make her childhood favorite dish Grandma's Special Cream Cheese Cake. The story continues as Aunt Cat guides the friends in gathering and measuring ingredients and preparing them for the oven, all the while sharing child-friendly safety tips.

Beginning with Cat Cora's recipe for Alma's Italian Cream Cake, LOUKOUMI'S CELEBRITY COOKBOOK is divided into Weekend Breakfasts, Lunchtime Favorites, After-School Snacks, Family Meals, and Delicious Desserts. With tasty treats for the whole family, the book includes Rachael Ray's French Toast Cups with Fresh Fruit, Oprah Winfrey's Corn Fritters, Ellen DeGeneres' Vegan Sliders, Beyoncés Easy Guacamole with Corn Chip Scoops, Betty White's Chicken Wings, Miranda Cosgrove's Spaghetti Tacos, Nicole Kidman's Rice Pudding, Matt Lauer's Beanie Weenie Stew, Mario Lopez's Chicken Enchiladas, Marlo Thomas' Corn Pudding, and Eli Manning's Lace Cookies, plus recipes from Jennifer Aniston, Katie Couric, Bridgit Mendler, Jay Leno, Constantine Maroulis, Taylor Swift, Justin Timberlake, Amy Poehler, Neil Patrick Harris, Paula Dean, George Stephanopoulos, Faith Hill, Sherri Shepherd, Al Roker, and many others.

LOUKOUMI'S CELEBRITY COOKBOOK also invites children ages 4 to 12 to submit their favorite childhood recipe to Loukoumi's Secret Ingredient Recipe Contest from November 1, 2011, through March 1, 2012, to win a chance to cook that recipe with celebrity chef Cat Cora. The children will be asked to complete the statement: "(Recipe Name) is my favorite childhood recipe because… (in 10 words or less)."

Click here to buy this special book.

Posted by Suzanna

Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report named The Resort at Pelican Hill as its 2012 "Grand Resort" Honoree in the January 2012 Grand Awards Issue.

According to Mr. Harper, the prestigious Grand Awards recognize “the crème de la crème of the properties that I have visited during the previous 12 months.  Each has demonstrated a devotion to personal service and refined hospitality.”

Free of advertising since its inception in 1979, Mr. Harper and his editors travel incognito to write candid and unbiased travel reviews for a private membership service, which provides personalized travel-planning assistance, bespoke tours and valuable travel privileges to its members.

For more information about Andrew Harper, please visit http://www.andrewharper.com and http://www.andrewharper.com/grand-awards-2012

For more information on the renowned Resort at Pelican Hill and their entire list of accolades and awards please visit http://www.pelicanhill.com and http://www.pelicanhill.com/Pressroom_Awards

Posted by Suzanna

Pete Truxaw and Tim McCune, owners Salt Creek Grille in Dana Point, are passionate about educating the public about organ donation. A life-saving heart transplant donation saved Truxaw's nephew Chris 15 years ago at the age of 13, and Truxaw's family has been thankful for Donate Life and Chris' donor ever since.

Salt Creek Grille sponsored the Donate Life Float that was featured in the January 2nd Rose Bowl Parade. A floral portrait of Chris' heart donor, 10 year-old Tommy Weiss, was etched on the float. Weiss was in a car accident that left him in a coma. He later died in the hospital. "The float is a reminder of Tommy and his mother's gift of life," Truxaw says.

Along with the parade float, Truxaw and McCune have been avid Donate Life promoters for years, setting up donor sign-up lists at each of their southern California restaurants, including the new Mama's on 39, and two New Jersey restaurants, in Princeton and Rumson.

“My family and I are grateful every single day for the heart transplant that Chris received and want to do as much as possible to raise awareness and funding for the cause,” Truxaw said.

For more information on Salt Creek Grille, please visit www.saltcreekgrille.com.

and Donate Life www.donateLIFEcalifornia.org or www.doneVIDAcalifornia.org.

Posted by Suzanna

Steven Layt has been announced as Applebee Services Inc.'s new senior vice president of operations. With a 23-year background in franchise coaching and executive operations for companies such as Buffet Holdings, Inc and Pizza Hut, Layt's new position with Applebee's comes just in time to help them restructure a company-wide revitalization, from menu changes to building construction plans, says Applebee's President, Mike Archer. Reporting directly to Archer, Layt's arrival at Applebee's brings fresh ideas to company branding with a solid background of experience.

Applebee's is the world's largest casual-dining restaurant chain, with over 2,000 locations in 49 states, 15 countries, and one US territory.  Based in Lenexa, Kansas, Applebee's takes pride in providing a welcoming, neighborhood environment where everyone can enjoy the dining experience.

http://www.applebees.com

Posted by Suzanna

Over 700 guests attended the November opening of Tamarind of London, sister restaurant of Indian-fare centered, Michelin-stared Tamarind in Great Britain. Dressed in saris and traditional Indian attire, attendees that included Hollywood and Bollywood celebrities dined and danced the night away while supporting a great cause.

Lending a helping hand in the night's food to Executive Chef Shachi Mehra was Chef Alfred Prasad, executive chef of Tamarind's flagship location in London.        

General Manager Maneesh Rawat said the restaurant will donate more than $7,000 to the James Beard Foundation, dedicated to celebrating, nurturing and preserving America's diverse culinary heritage and future. "We take great pride in introducing Tamarind of London to the community while benefiting a most worthy organization, the James Beard Foundation,"  Rawat said.

Situated in Newport Beach's Crystal Cove Promenade, Tamarind of London is a more than fitting addition to Orange County's growing eclectic food scene.

Tamarind of London

862 East Coast Highway

Newport Beach, CA

949 – 415 – 8865

Hours are Monday – Saturday 5 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Happy Hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily

http://www.tamarindoflondon.com

Posted by Suzanna

The Vollrath Company, LLC, a leading manufacturer of quality smallwares and equipment for the foodservice industry, has been awarded the Supplier of the Year award by the Allied Buying Corporation (ABC) for the second consecutive year. ABC, a national network of independent foodservice equipment and supply dealers, works with the best suppliers in the industry to provide customers with high quality products at competitive prices. At its recent fall conference, ABC recognized its top suppliers based on quality performance in eight areas, including (1) representation, (2) products and services offered, (3) accuracy, (4) warranty, (5) service, (6) return policies, (7) general enthusiasm and (8) group support. ABC honors suppliers in four unique areas: Light Equipment & Furnishings, Heavy Equipment, Supplies and Tabletop.

Mark S. Mednansky, CEO of Del Frisco's Restaurant Group, is pleased to announce that Sullivan's Steakhouse has raised $125,000 for the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF). Throughout the month of October, Sullivan's featured its "Pink Menu", a three-course prix fixe selection for $39.95. Five dollars was donated to NBCF every time someone ordered the Pink Menu. This is the third consecutive year that Sullivan's has supported breast cancer research.

As 2011 is drawing to a close, the family at Sapphire is excited to welcome their fifth Winter Holiday Season. This is the time of year when festive spirits are everywhere. The Holidays bring us together with family, friends and neighbors; it is a time to appreciate our blessings, offer and receive gifts of thanks, and to share food – all of our favorite food. In this spirit, we are raising our glass, wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful Holiday Season and a Happy and Healthy New Year!
For the fourth consecutive year, Sapphire hand delivered a full Thanksgiving meal to the ER staff at both Mission Hospitals. It is our way of saying Thanks to those who work around the clock and miss out on having the traditional meal with their families.