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My passion for food started at a very young age. Experimenting with food was like yet another thing for me. After working in some of the best restaurants in the world, I started Dewintons with the intention to provide the classiest dishes to all type of events.
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What You Need to Know About Fruit Juices: The Facts
If you have been involved in the fruit juice industry for years, you would undoubtedly know some of the terminologies already, such as not from concentrate, from concentrate, and more. On the other hand, if you are starting to manufacture your fruit juice combinations or are thinking of venturing into it, you should know that there are different kinds of fruit juices. Furthermore, just because it says ‘fruit juice’ on the label, it doesn’t stop there – these are rated differently, and some are better than most. So what do you need to know about fruit juices? Here are some essential facts for you.
What is Fruit Juice:
As its name implies, Fruit juice is 100 per cent juice – which means it’s pure and preferably undiluted. Depending on the type, it is made from either the flesh of the actual fruit or the whole fruit itself. Fruit juice is different from juice ‘drinks’ in that you are not allowed to add any sugars, preservatives, sweeteners, colourings, or flavourings to the juice.
Fruit juices are usually categorised into three groups: fruit juice concentrate or ‘from concentrate’, ‘not from concentrate’ (otherwise known as NFC), and freshly squeezed. There may be other variations, such as cold-pressed and smoothies, which is a popular way to consume fruit juice. Smoothies contain purees, fruit juice and crushed fruit, and some have extra ingredients like milk or yoghurt.
- From concentrate
From-concentrate juice is arguably the most common type of fruit juice, and it’s a type of fruit juice that has been manufactured for years. With this, the juice is extracted, and the juice’s water content is decreased by the evaporation of water naturally contained in the fruit. The juice concentrate is frozen, and it is then shipped to a country where it will be used for packing. The packers of the fruit juice will then reconstitute it by adding water back to it.
- NFC or not from concentrate
The fruit juice is extracted from the whole fruit, often in the original country where the fruit comes from, and it is pasteurised and then chilled, frozen, or transported to the location where it will finally be packed.
- Freshly-squeezed juice
In this case, the juice extracted from the whole fruit is used or consumed right away, as is the case with orange juice.
The juice’s shelf life
Different fruit juices come with varying shelf lives, and this will depend on the packing procedure used for the juice. Long-shelf life juices can stay for up to 12 months if it comes with sealed packaging, and because of the method of packing and the pasteurisation process, do not have to be chilled. On the other hand, short-lifespan juices have to be chilled and can last on the shelves for only 30 days.
The UK’s freshly squeezed juices have a 14-day shelf life and are often packaged and delivered within 24 hours.
The most popular flavours
In the UK, the most popular fruit juice flavours include orange (at a whopping 60 per cent), followed by apple at only 13 per cent! Other popular flavours include pineapple at almost 4 per cent and berry flavour at only 2 per cent. Different flavour combinations make up the rest, taking up 17 per cent of the market.
How to Deal with a Low Rating on Your Restaurant
It feels bad to see negative reviews and low ratings on your restaurant. You work hard to keep things going in the right direction, but people don’t appreciate it. However, you can’t force them to like your restaurant. Instead, you should respect these ratings and try your best to do more. The tips listed below could help.
Respond to reviews
The first step is to respond to reviews. Some might be right, but others aren’t. Responding to these reviews will help you change the narrative. As a result, readers will see a different perspective. It’s also an opportunity to correct misinformation. For example, some people might leave incorrect reviews to throw potential customers off. By proving otherwise, visitors will rethink their plans and might consider dining at your restaurant.
Encourage loyal customers
Ratings are an aggregate of scores from different customers. If the average is low, it could be due to many customers who have negative feelings about your business. On the other hand, it could bump the ratings if you encourage people to comment on the good things about your business. It will also bury the negative reviews and replace them with something positive. Remind your customers through emails and social media. You may even redirect them to the right place after they dine. Let them scan a QR code to hasten the process.
Improve the waiting time
Apart from terrible taste, another reason for low ratings is waiting time and the non-availability of the food or drinks in the menu. You can’t let people wait too long before the arrival of their orders. It helps to buy the ingredients in bulk to speed things up. For example, if orange juice is a best seller in your restaurant, you can invest in orange concentrate. Then, when your kitchen staff have everything they need, orders will be out quickly.
Listen to your customers and employees
You can’t decide the next step alone; you must consider other people. Start with your customers. They should have the freedom to say what they think can improve your business. It’s even more critical for recurring customers as they’re the backbone of your business. So, try your best to satisfy them.
Furthermore, you must also take your employees into account for they will undoubtedly have ideas on improving the restaurant. They’re the ones who interact with people each day, and they will tell you the truth. You won’t know everything, and you will grow by listening to others.
Hire more employees
You should hire more people to help run the business. It’s even more critical if your company is growing since you can’t keep up with the demands if there aren’t enough employees. Delays will happen, and mistakes will be more common. Don’t hesitate to spend more on employees’ wages since you’re getting a lot in return.
The ratings will gradually rise with these changes. Be patient since it takes time to change reality. You should also try your best to satisfy everyone. When you reach your goal, you can’t be complacent. Again, the numbers are fluid, and they will change at any point. Consistency is key to achieving a high rating.
4 Ways to Host the Ultimate Cocktail Party at Home
Cocktail parties are intimate social gatherings that were quite popular in the past but are now back on the scene. These gatherings were excellent for entertaining close friends, colleagues, or business partners. The invitees are limited to about ten guests, making it less stressful for the party host to manage. Cocktail parties have also been successful in events such as wedding receptions and open houses. Another reason why cocktail parties are popular is that it doesn’t last as long as your typical parties. You can expect the party to wrap up in two or three hours.
Additionally, seating arrangements at more formal events are unnecessary as guests are usually on their feet, mingling with other guests. Finally, the food you serve is simple, from finger foods to canapes and other cocktail party appetizers. Thus, hosting a cocktail party will not be as stressful with careful planning and having tips and cocktail party ideas in mind.
Concerning hosting a cocktail party at home, there are some details you need to handle. You have to decide how many guests you want to include, the entertainment, the decor, etc. Apart from that, you want to be a part of the cocktail party, mingle with your guests, and enjoy the party you prepared. Like other events where guests are invited, planning a cocktail party can still take up time and effort. Below are some ways to keep things simple on your end while hosting the ultimate cocktail party at home.
1. Create a cocktail party theme
Most people imagine that a party theme is only for more significant occasions. However, having a cocktail party theme adds spice to your event. It becomes more exciting for guests to dress in a specific way, depending on the theme you select. They are involved in the event, making it more memorable for them. There are many party themes you can think about, from a luau by your pool to a retro cocktail party with the music of the era playing in the background. Your party theme also helps you decide on the type of food spread you serve your guests and how you decorate your home for the event. A party theme can indeed liven up a cocktail party.
2. Start preparing early
It is always best to start preparing early, so you have time to relax before and during the cocktail party. You can begin by having a checklist of things to do and ticking each one off after taking care of it. Check out your glasses and ensure that they are well-polished. Start chopping fruits and vegetables that are prepared for the table. Get your garnishes ready, though avoid doing it too early as they could wilt. Check out your decor, adding final touches if you need to. Ensure that the house is clean, the guest bathrooms are spotless, and everything is in order. When you start early, you ensure that all the details are covered, and the party will flow smoothly while you enjoy it. You also have spare time left to prepare yourself without rushing. It is an efficient way to reduce your stress levels because you are not pressed for time.
3. Prepare your cocktails and other beverages
The focal point of a cocktail party is the drinks you serve. It would be good to hire a bartender for the occasion, so you have a professional handling your drinks. You can anticipate that each guest may consume around three drinks, so plan for that. Have a ready stock of beer, wine, and water, and ensure that you also have non-alcoholic beverages for guests who do not drink. There are some ways you can choose to serve your beverages. You can opt for a full bar and have your guests pick out what they prefer to drink or prepare a drink list to urge them to try something different. Apart from the usual cocktails, have one or two specially prepared for your cocktail party and make it a unique experience.
4. Keep the food simple
A cocktail party does not call for full course meals, so you need not prepare for that. Instead, keep your food spread tasty but straightforward. The drinks are the star of the show, and the finger foods are there if guests want to nibble on something. Crackers with spreads, veggie sticks and a cheese platter are just some typical cocktail fare. You can also include something different, a unique finger food you concocted for the occasion.
Hosting a cocktail party need not be stressful. Start your preparations in advance, and get ready for an enjoyable cocktail party.
Pair Your Food With The Perfect Drink
Food and drink go together like two peas in a pod. Many people will agree they can’t eat a meal without a beverage ready to wash it down. A drink naturally accompanies a meal, but what are the best combinations? What if there were a drink that compliments the heavenly flavours of food?
Below, you will find some of the best food and drink pairings that will change how you think about food and drink.
Red Wine and Beef
Deciding on what drink to pair with food is based on the strength and acidity of both the food and drink- the aim is to ensure the two are comparable. Red meats are often rich and need a full-bodied drink to balance out the deep flavour of the meat.
Tannins molecules in red wine soften the fat in red meat and help release the flavour. They also make meat not taste as rich. Merlot is the perfect compliment for simple red meats. Richer meat dishes are better paired with a more full-bodied wine, such as a Petite Sirah.
Green Tea And Mild Green Curry
Green tea is an aromatic, delicate drink most commonly consumed in the morning. Many won’t know that it compliments a mild green curry beautifully. You can order speciality teas online that would be the perfect accomplice for your next Thai-inspired night.
Although it may seem like a surprising combination, the earthy flavours are perfect for vegetarian dishes such as mild green curries. Mild, being the keyword. Green tea will do you no favours with a spicy green curry. The flavours don’t balance!
White Wine And Seafood
The two main types of white wine are sweet or dry. Different wines pair well with different foods-most of them being seafood. White wine complements the seafood well because of the higher level of acidity, which brings out the flavours of the fish.
Sauvignon Blanc is the best pairing of most seafood dishes as it is not too dry or sweet with hints of fruit. Experts suggest Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand is the best- largely because of the cool climate and mixed soil.
Creamy Pasta And Beer
People consistently rank pasta dishes as one of the most popular food groups worldwide-if not number one. Creamy pasta dishes are on nearly every restaurant menu, with dishes such as a carbonara being one of the most popular. A creamy dish like a carbonara calls for a drink with a modest amount of tannin to boost the drying sensation in your mouth. They help contrast the sometimes too creaminess of the dish.
Beer is the perfect option. Light beers prove to be the most popular. The bubbles in larger, in particular, help to cleanse the palate and boost that drying sensation.
There are so many exquisite food and drink combinations that send your tastebuds dancing. Pairing the right drink with your meal may elevate your dining experience and provide you with a taste sensation. Consider the perfect drink for your next meal, and remember to balance those flavours!
Branding Ideas for the Hospitality Industry
The brand image and professional presentation of a catering company or restaurant are as important as the quality of the food. There’s no doubt that without the latter the former will cease to matter, but if you successfully present a professional brand image to your clients or customers, it will help you grow the business substantially.
The brand image of a catering company or restaurant is dependent on a number of factors. In the case of restaurants, the facade and signage play a very important role.
It needs to look inviting and provide a clue regarding the food and service on offer once the customer walks inside. The decor of the restaurant is very important as well. You might be able to entice customers in once by a well-designed facade and signage, but there won’t be any repeat visits if the ambience inside doesn’t impress.
Hospitality uniforms look great and are critical as well, besides the quality of the service itself. To begin with, the uniform should complete the circle started with the facade/signage and decor/ambience. There must be a synergy between the three. If your restaurant has a fun, youthful vibe, the staff uniform can be t-shirts or polo shirts, while in a fine dining restaurant, the staff uniform should be formal.
Catering companies don’t need to worry about signage and interior decor. Staff uniforms are a the key branding tool for catering companies. Make sure you have a at least 2-3 different uniforms to suit the different ambiences you’re likely to encounter at different client events.
The uniform suitable for a birthday bash won’t be suitable for a funeral, while the one suitable for a funeral won’t work for a corporate event. You will need a little time to understand the types of events you’re getting hired for most, and then customise a few uniforms to suit those types of events.
While selecting uniforms, as part of a branding exercise, do not completely disregard comfort and quality as your staff members will be wearing the uniforms for several hours at a stretch – which will impact their energy and how they come across throughout the day.
Cocktails you probably haven’t tried, but should
The Snowball
This tropical cocktail is a mixture of 1 ounce of flavored coconut vodka and 3 ounces of Hypnotiq Harmonie. To finish this drink, add ice cubes in the glass and garnish the top of the glass with bits of freshly shredded coconut.
Basilico
To formulate the basilica you need to mix a quarter of apple liqueur, half an ounce of peach liqueur, one and a half ounce of citron vodka, quarter of syrup, quarter of lemon juice along with a fresh strawberry and few basil leaves in a shaker and pour it in a glass topped with ice cubes. Recommended garnish is a slice of strawberry.
Red velvet shortcake
You need one and a half ounce of red velvet zing vodka along with two ounce of cream soda, two strawberries and a hint of lemon juice. Shake and mix all the essentials in a cocktail shaker except cream soda and then strain and pour it in a glass topped with ice. Then add the cream soda along with a final garnish of strawberry.
Raspberry le flor
This drink is formed by blending one and a half ounce of raspberry vodka, half an ounce of elderflower liqueur, lemon juice and simple syrup respectively and a quarter ounce of water and garnish with few raspberries.
Hot n sassy
To make the hot n sassy, you require 1 ounce of sour apple vodka and lime soda respectively, three slices of jalapenos, two slices of clementine and hint of lemon juice. Shake the peppers and clementine and strain into a glass of vodka and ice, and lastly, pour lime soda and splash lemon juice.
Cherry and coke
The famous cherry and coke can be easily made by using 2 ounces of Grand Marnier cherry coco-cola poured in a glass topped with ice and often garnished with a cherry and lemon.
Whiskey Smash
You need 2 ounces of scotch whiskey with a single teaspoon of sugar, two slices of lime and three mint leaves. Then mix the mint leaves, lemon, and sugar in the shaker and strain it in a glass having whiskey topped with ice.
The gold rush
Add ingredients such as 2 ounces of Buffalo Trace bourbon with 1 ounce of honey syrup and a 3/4th ounce of lemon juice in a shaker and after shaking pour into a glass filled with ice.
Fountain of youth
To replicate the fountain of youth shake and mix 1 and a half ounce of Russian vodka with 2 ounces of pomegranate juice and a half once of very thinly sliced ginger coupled with ice cubes and pour into a glass.
When in Rome
Add 1and 3/4th ounce of Grey Goose vodka along with a 3/4th ounce of lemon sour, ½ ounce of agave nectar, three raspberries, two blackberries, a slice of jalapeno and a hint of soda in the cocktail shaker and mix it up. Then pour it into a glass topped with ice cubes.
Island Margarita
To complete the island Margarita, you need 2 ounces of coconut sake, one ounce of silver tequila and half an ounce of Grand Marnier, agave nectar and lemon juice, respectively. Then add and shake all the ingredients in a shaker and strain into a glass.
The half Windsor
You need one and half an ounce of Voli vodka, a 3/4th ounce of fresh cucumber juice and half an ounce of agave nectar and lemon juice, each. Add all the ingredients in a glass and stir and there you have it.
Gilded grapefruit
You need to shake all the ingredients and strain it into a glass topped with ice. The components required are one and half an ounce of Courvoisier Gold, an ounce of grapefruit juice and half an ounce of raspberry syrup and peach puree, respectively.
Sports legend
It requires one, and a half ounce of Hennessy, one ounce of pineapple juice and cranberry juice respectively placed into a glass filled with ice and merely stirred.
Bold bruschetta
Add 2 ounce of Beluga vodka with a quarter once of olive juice, three cherry tomatoes, a single basil leaf, a slice of garlic, sprinkled with salt and pepper and a slice of lemon in a shaker. After shaking, pour in a glass centered with ice.