Bruschetta is such a popular item coming straight from Italy with so many different ways of preparation that are all relatively easy. Bruschetta is an Italian word that simply refers to toasted or grilled bread that has been rubbed with garlic and drizzled with a...
For those of you who have heard some of my advice regarding menu development over the years, you understand how important it is to maximize the usage of your ingredients. By following this philosophy, you will enjoy a lower food cost by not wasting product that didn’t...
Love it or hate it, spinach has the potential to be a big hit on your menu and can be utilized in appetizers, pizza, pasta and entrées. I have loved spinach since I was a kid. In sixth grade, at recess, when most kids went across the street with their pocket full of...
No member of pizza’s holy trinity — dough, sauce and cheese — should be overlooked. Without hitting all three out of the park, your pizza easily gets lost in the crowded foodservice landscape. So why do so many operations simply open a can of tomato sauce and roll...
Add variety to your sandwich menu Do you ever stop for just a moment and realize how lucky we are to be in the business of feeding folks every day? Our routines can certainly become a bit repetitive, leaving us with that same old lack-luster routine. Trust me,...
Use current ingredients to expand your menu in new directions OK, friends, International Pizza Expo has come to an end and what an exciting time it was! It just gets bigger and better each year. While I am busy with my involvement with Expo, you probably also saw me...
Flavorful meats and proteins address dietary needs With more attention than ever being placed on healthy menu options, operators are turning to products that are made from healthier ingredients. I’ve noticed how much attention the Mediterranean diet is getting with...
Use your oven for oven-baked bottom-line boosts Let’s talk bottom line for a moment. It’s on all of our minds. We all want to increase our profits or get closer to making a profit and we are relentless in finding ways to bring in new customers to meet those financial...
Manicotti allows operators to use a variety of toppings and fillings for a hearty pasta entrée Manicotti is a tubular shaped pasta that is typically filled with a ricotta cheese mixture. As culinarians, we are always coming up with creative ways to heighten the dining...
Mac ‘n’ cheese isn’t just for kids anymore We all know that everything is better when it’s baked with cheese on it, so I wanted to focus on some amazing baked pasta dishes for you to consider offering in your fine establishment. The great thing about offering some...
Lasagna is such a staple in the landscape of Italian restaurants and in many pizzerias across our great land. We traditionally see lasagna offered one of two ways –– cheese lasagna or meat lasagna, both layered with noodles, sauce and a blend of cheeses. Let’s explore...
Friends, I’m here to tell you that it’s time to stop talking about adding some new items to your menu and just do it. Putting it off is no longer an option. You’ve probably been talking about menu changes or additions for a year now. Sure, our mornings usually start...
