Latest News on Virtual Restaurant Consulting and Industry Trends

People’s tastes are evolving and so are breweries across the country with the rise of independent distilleries. Washington State, Michigan (home to 40 distilleries alone!), and Colorado are just a few states where independent artesian distilleries are paving the way for a new type of culture and one that just happens to taste delicious. Craft Liquor is the New Brewing Game A trend that you’re probably familiar with is craft beer. It’s a movement that’s been around for a few decades now, but be on the lookout for the new trend to cheer—independent distilleries, which make liquor with local grains ... Read More

These days, it seems like there is very little that celebrity chefs cannot do from book deals, cruise ship restaurants and multiple shows of their own on the Food Network channel. Celebrity chefs have just tapped into another brand venture—hotel restaurants. Gordon Ramsey, for instance, is cooking up at the popular Hollywood Hotel, London. This trend proves to be a huge brand builder for both partners, the hotel as well as the celebrity chef, with endless possibilities for culinary masters, foodies and celebrity chef worshipper.Chef Inspired Hotel Restaurants Offer Something Unique Hotels like the MGM Grand and Venetian in Las ... Read More

You may want to bring a different type of appetite to your next dinner out. That’s because the popular and rapidly growing food trend continues to be the small plate offering. It’s taking over menus across the country and for good reason. Whether you want to keep your eating habits in check or you simply want to enjoy a little of this, a little bit of that, small plates give you variety, portion control and a limitless selection of options. Let’s explore what the small plate big taste trend is all about. Plates and PortionsEvery type of eatery—from chain restaurants ... Read More

Mixology, the science and art behind concocting gorgeous and delicious cocktails, has become more on an art form that an act of bartending. It no longer matters if you head to a hole-in-the-wall or a high-end bar you are bound to find mixologists crafting the most beautiful or slightly outrageous cocktails around. That’s because it’s not just a show they’re putting on for the customer but also for each other. The Modern Day Mixology Trend Bartenders are hard at work, pouring, blending, shaking and garnishing innovative cocktails to please the senses. The truth is, he or she makes it look ... Read More

Who said cooking had to be time consuming? Sous vide cooking creates tender, juicy steaks, pork chops or poultry. Sous vide cooking provides flexibility, skill and perfect timing—making anyone a trained and experienced chef. Sous What?A French cooking method that translates to “under vacuum,” this style of cooking is popular with both amateur and professionals alike. Food, most commonly meat, is placed in an airtight bag and sealed or “vacuumed.” The bag is then placed in a temperature controlled water bath, and cooked for a longer period of time and with a lower temperature than you would when cooking on ... Read More

If you’re a chef, then the chance that you’re ever really satisfied—creatively, intellectually and emotionally—is few and far between. To be a chef means that you’re always on a quest to create something new, different or cutting edge. Putting your best foot forward is not enough—putting your heart and soul into each dish—is more like it. These days, chefs aren’t just practicing an experimental way of cooking. They’re bringing in science! Let’s take a look at the modern day chef, and the new types of ingredients he or she is incorporating into their plated artwork. Consider Chefs the New Chemists ... Read More

In December 2015, the notably popular Le Cordon Bleu culinary school announced that it would begin to gradually shut down all of its U.S. schools. The process has begun, with the discontinuation of enrollment for any new students (while remaining open until 2017 for students who are already enrolled and underway with their education). Le Cordon Bleu in Paris became well known for teaching Julia Child how to cook, and since then it’s been responsible for turning aspiring chefs around the world into true professionals. So after all these years, why are the 16 U.S. branches closing, and what does ... Read More

Are you a foodie on the hunt for a great restaurant with a unique blend of cuisine and ambiance? Do you have an experiential take on dining out? If so, the pop up trend in fine dining may be just what you’ve been asking for—and luckily, it continues to be on the rise. In fact, a recent study shows that now more than ever, people everywhere (not just foodies) are embracing eclectic menus, unique environments and creative locations to wine and dine in. Here’s what the pop up movement is all about—and what the trend tells us.A New Twist on ... Read More

Are you feeling like your profits have reached a plateau? Do your customers seem excited to dine at your restaurant, or complacent? According to restaurant marketing research, a redesigned menu—one in which incorporates both your food and drinks on one menu—can boost your profits by ten percent. Why not embrace the New Year with a new menu? Here’s the potential impact it can offer you.Sell More With Food and Drink Pairings As a successful restauranteur, think about the greatest selling tool you have at your disposal: the menu. Is your menu visually appealing? Is it up-to-date? Is it easy to ... Read More