News from Lexis Nexis
Poor service puts restaurant jobs at risk
Thousands of jobs in hotels and restaurants could be lost in the recession because visitors to Britain are being put off by poor service, the Government's tourism chief has said.
Thousands of jobs in hotels and restaurants could be lost in the recession because visitors to Britain are being put off by poor service, the Government's tourism chief has said.
Robbers kill bartender execution-style
Bartender John Henderson was quick to pick up a bar tab for a friend and just as quick to tell a mouthy customer to pipe down. "He's just a straight person," friend Gene Leath said. "He doesn't beat around the bush." With his bushy black hair, Henderson was a well-known face in the Cabbagetown and Grant Park area, having bartended for a couple years at Six Feet Under, a popular bar and restaurant on a stretch of Memorial Drive known as the "Memorial Corridor," near Oakland Cemetery and just east of downtown Atlanta.
Bartender John Henderson was quick to pick up a bar tab for a friend and just as quick to tell a mouthy customer to pipe down. "He's just a straight person," friend Gene Leath said. "He doesn't beat around the bush." With his bushy black hair, Henderson was a well-known face in the Cabbagetown and Grant Park area, having bartended for a couple years at Six Feet Under, a popular bar and restaurant on a stretch of Memorial Drive known as the "Memorial Corridor," near Oakland Cemetery and just east of downtown Atlanta.
Restaurant bar restrictions urged
Members of a legislative committee expressed interest Wednesday in banning minors from bar areas in restaurants -- or at least forcing alcoholic drinks to be mixed out of sight of customers.
Members of a legislative committee expressed interest Wednesday in banning minors from bar areas in restaurants -- or at least forcing alcoholic drinks to be mixed out of sight of customers.
Lighting up on patios near restaurants could be illegal
Lighting up on the outdoor patios of cafes and coffee shops may soon be a thing of the past in Los Angeles. The city's arts and parks committee took a first step Wednesday toward a new ban on smoking on restaurant patios or within 10 feet of any outdoor establishment that serves food or beverages. Bars with outdoor areas and other over-18 venues would be exempt.
Lighting up on the outdoor patios of cafes and coffee shops may soon be a thing of the past in Los Angeles. The city's arts and parks committee took a first step Wednesday toward a new ban on smoking on restaurant patios or within 10 feet of any outdoor establishment that serves food or beverages. Bars with outdoor areas and other over-18 venues would be exempt.
80-year-old restaurant chain closes without warning
Jan. 8--Heinemann's Restaurants, a well-known Milwaukee restaurant since 1923, has closed -- the victim of a recession and too much competition. The three Heinemann's Restaurants, in Fox Point, Brookfield and Milwaukee, as well as the company's commissary on E. Locust St. stopped operating on Tuesday with no advance warning. About 115 people lost their jobs. The closing came as a shock to customers. Tugging on the locked doors of the Heinemann's on N. 76th St., customers found disappointment instead of the homey atmosphere and reliable food they had come to expect. Some kept tugging at the door, ignoring the closing announcement posted on the glass. Tables inside were set neatly with white cups and saucers, silverware and condiments.
Jan. 8--Heinemann's Restaurants, a well-known Milwaukee restaurant since 1923, has closed -- the victim of a recession and too much competition. The three Heinemann's Restaurants, in Fox Point, Brookfield and Milwaukee, as well as the company's commissary on E. Locust St. stopped operating on Tuesday with no advance warning. About 115 people lost their jobs. The closing came as a shock to customers. Tugging on the locked doors of the Heinemann's on N. 76th St., customers found disappointment instead of the homey atmosphere and reliable food they had come to expect. Some kept tugging at the door, ignoring the closing announcement posted on the glass. Tables inside were set neatly with white cups and saucers, silverware and condiments.
Home cooking and potluck are the trends for '09
The watchword for 2009 is less, as in: getting by on less; using less expensive ingredients; eating out less often. And more home cooking. The trend will affect families at all points along the culinary spectrum. Bon Appetit magazine, for example, suggests its home cooks substitute truffle oil for more expensive truffles, while Wegmans supermarkets say sales of supplies for home baking and canning are way up. "Over the last year, we've seen increased sales of baking ingredients such as flour, even over the spring and summer when flour prices were rising dramatically," says Josephine Natale, spokeswoman for the supermarket chain. She says a recent spike in sales of salty snacks such as pretzels and chips is evidence people are entertaining more at home. And when folks buy more canned soups and frozen pizza, Natale says, it shows they're making more affordable meals at home.
The watchword for 2009 is less, as in: getting by on less; using less expensive ingredients; eating out less often. And more home cooking. The trend will affect families at all points along the culinary spectrum. Bon Appetit magazine, for example, suggests its home cooks substitute truffle oil for more expensive truffles, while Wegmans supermarkets say sales of supplies for home baking and canning are way up. "Over the last year, we've seen increased sales of baking ingredients such as flour, even over the spring and summer when flour prices were rising dramatically," says Josephine Natale, spokeswoman for the supermarket chain. She says a recent spike in sales of salty snacks such as pretzels and chips is evidence people are entertaining more at home. And when folks buy more canned soups and frozen pizza, Natale says, it shows they're making more affordable meals at home.
QSR box meals reviewed
Fast-food value meals come in a sack, so a meal that's big enough to fill a box must be really valuable, right? That's what KFC and Taco Bell are hoping, as they square off with new box meals that seem to hold enough food for two people. Talk about super-sizing. It will be fun refereeing this heavyweight boxing match.
Fast-food value meals come in a sack, so a meal that's big enough to fill a box must be really valuable, right? That's what KFC and Taco Bell are hoping, as they square off with new box meals that seem to hold enough food for two people. Talk about super-sizing. It will be fun refereeing this heavyweight boxing match.
Bad economy means fewer franchises
Franchise owners may close 10,000 locations this year, the first decline on record, as U.S. consumers spend less at stores and restaurants. The number of U.S. franchise locations may fall 1.2 percent to 854,000 in 2009, the International Franchise Association said today. That translates to a loss of 207,000 jobs, or 2.1 percent, and $4.2 billion in economic output, the Washington-based group said.
Franchise owners may close 10,000 locations this year, the first decline on record, as U.S. consumers spend less at stores and restaurants. The number of U.S. franchise locations may fall 1.2 percent to 854,000 in 2009, the International Franchise Association said today. That translates to a loss of 207,000 jobs, or 2.1 percent, and $4.2 billion in economic output, the Washington-based group said.
What discontinued restaurant dishes do customers yearn for?
Jan. 8--Restaurants can be so... cruel. They introduce delicious menu items, get you hooked on them, and then for whatever reason -- cost, lack of demand or a demented desire to mess with the minds of customers -- they yank said menu items, leaving a salivating public in their wake.
Jan. 8--Restaurants can be so... cruel. They introduce delicious menu items, get you hooked on them, and then for whatever reason -- cost, lack of demand or a demented desire to mess with the minds of customers -- they yank said menu items, leaving a salivating public in their wake.
Can fast food be a healthy breakfast?
got tips? New restaurants, new dishes, new chefs - we want to hear from you when you find a great place to eat. E-mail us at yourcorner@pilotonline.com By Judy Bander
got tips? New restaurants, new dishes, new chefs - we want to hear from you when you find a great place to eat. E-mail us at yourcorner@pilotonline.com By Judy Bander
Burger joints excel at comfort food
Before you read on, just know that I'm not advocating a total disregard of medical advice or personal goals, especially at a time when most people have gone through some introspection and goal-setting. But I find it odd that, just when people need the heft of warming, filling food, we shovel in salads and other ascetic things that are as warming as fishnet stockings. Resolutions aside, I'll go out on a limb and say it's perfectly all right to indulge in a mighty fine burger. Upscale burgers (essentially, the antithesis of fast-food creations) have been the rage. But in these lean times, American Kobe beef is extravagant and altogether unnecessary for proper burger therapy. The appeal in the hamburger is that it's simple, approachable and affordable. This week, we take a look at three locally run burger havens: Hires Big H, Crown Burger and B&D Burger. I realize by limiting the article to three, I'm omitting other noteworthy places. But understand that, however delightful, a greedy girl can only go so far in breaking her resolutions.
Before you read on, just know that I'm not advocating a total disregard of medical advice or personal goals, especially at a time when most people have gone through some introspection and goal-setting. But I find it odd that, just when people need the heft of warming, filling food, we shovel in salads and other ascetic things that are as warming as fishnet stockings. Resolutions aside, I'll go out on a limb and say it's perfectly all right to indulge in a mighty fine burger. Upscale burgers (essentially, the antithesis of fast-food creations) have been the rage. But in these lean times, American Kobe beef is extravagant and altogether unnecessary for proper burger therapy. The appeal in the hamburger is that it's simple, approachable and affordable. This week, we take a look at three locally run burger havens: Hires Big H, Crown Burger and B&D Burger. I realize by limiting the article to three, I'm omitting other noteworthy places. But understand that, however delightful, a greedy girl can only go so far in breaking her resolutions.
Luxury shops, restaurants yield to low-end retailers, eateries
The recession is changing the tenant mix of Hong Kong's prime street-front office and retail space as restaurants and vendors of luxury goods quit their leases because of falling sales. Among the new tenants lining up to take over the space at much-reduced rentals are medium to low-priced restaurants, shops selling discounted cosmetics, and even hard-bargaining banks looking for longer leases - a trend that presents landlords with a dilemma, agents say. "In a rising market, owners generally prefer retailers to banks as tenants because they are more willing to pay a premium above market rentals to secure a good location," said Joseph Leung Lik-wang, a director in the retail department at property consultants Savills (Hong Kong). "Banks, on the other hand, are generally willing to pay only market rentals and usually negotiate longer-term leases that limit the ability of landlords to increase rents or switch tenants."
The recession is changing the tenant mix of Hong Kong's prime street-front office and retail space as restaurants and vendors of luxury goods quit their leases because of falling sales. Among the new tenants lining up to take over the space at much-reduced rentals are medium to low-priced restaurants, shops selling discounted cosmetics, and even hard-bargaining banks looking for longer leases - a trend that presents landlords with a dilemma, agents say. "In a rising market, owners generally prefer retailers to banks as tenants because they are more willing to pay a premium above market rentals to secure a good location," said Joseph Leung Lik-wang, a director in the retail department at property consultants Savills (Hong Kong). "Banks, on the other hand, are generally willing to pay only market rentals and usually negotiate longer-term leases that limit the ability of landlords to increase rents or switch tenants."
Try to digest all of these food trends this year
Jan. 7--Local food supplanted organics among the hot food topics last year. On the depressing side, concerns about food safety soared with the worst outbreak of foodborne illness in 10 years, and high prices sent shivers through budget-crunched consumers. High prices have hurt restaurants, too. More people are staying home and cooking. Prices also have people looking for ways to save a few dollars on grocery bills.
Jan. 7--Local food supplanted organics among the hot food topics last year. On the depressing side, concerns about food safety soared with the worst outbreak of foodborne illness in 10 years, and high prices sent shivers through budget-crunched consumers. High prices have hurt restaurants, too. More people are staying home and cooking. Prices also have people looking for ways to save a few dollars on grocery bills.
10 trends will dominate 2009's nutrition landscape
Our troubling economy, concerns about the environment and the desire to prevent age-related ailments are behind many of the top 10 food and nutrition trends that will shape supermarket shelves and restaurant menus in 2009. 1. Recession-proof eating: The economic crisis has made frugal the new black, and has brought comfort food, nostalgic brands and at-home cooking back in style. Expect to see a continued focus on value, especially the concept of maximizing nutrition on a budget. 2. Stress reducers: In these uncertain times, look for new foods and beverages to help you de-stress, such as Dasani Plus Calm + Relax water, Arizona Rx Stress tea and Blue Cow relaxation drink. Chill-out claims will likely increase as companies spike products with purported calming ingredients, including botanicals (kava-kava and chamomile) and amino acids such as GABA, L-theanine and tryptophan.
Our troubling economy, concerns about the environment and the desire to prevent age-related ailments are behind many of the top 10 food and nutrition trends that will shape supermarket shelves and restaurant menus in 2009. 1. Recession-proof eating: The economic crisis has made frugal the new black, and has brought comfort food, nostalgic brands and at-home cooking back in style. Expect to see a continued focus on value, especially the concept of maximizing nutrition on a budget. 2. Stress reducers: In these uncertain times, look for new foods and beverages to help you de-stress, such as Dasani Plus Calm + Relax water, Arizona Rx Stress tea and Blue Cow relaxation drink. Chill-out claims will likely increase as companies spike products with purported calming ingredients, including botanicals (kava-kava and chamomile) and amino acids such as GABA, L-theanine and tryptophan.
Utahns eat in and watch their food budgets
On my blog, Flavors, I recently listed Food & Wine magazine's 2009 trend predictions. And in last week's column I listed a roundup of what food editors across the country thought were the nation's top 10 food stories of the year. A responding reader asked me to comment on any local trends. Here are a few that I've noticed: 1. Coming home for dinner.
On my blog, Flavors, I recently listed Food & Wine magazine's 2009 trend predictions. And in last week's column I listed a roundup of what food editors across the country thought were the nation's top 10 food stories of the year. A responding reader asked me to comment on any local trends. Here are a few that I've noticed: 1. Coming home for dinner.
More Mexican moles than you can imagine
The multitude of moles at East Los Angeles' Moles la Tia might just complete a culinary color wheel: Circle through the menu and you'll find the cheery yellow of the passion fruit mole, the herbaceous green of the finas hierbas mole, the pristine ivory of the velo de novia mole. These sauces don't seem so much cooked as they do composed, every ingredient mindful of its place in the restaurant's oeuvre. Housing these often extraordinary moles is a dining room with familiar design ideas (a clean and classic terra cotta-colored space), but also a telling aesthetic: On the walls hang landscape paintings and portraits cut with cubist corners, each crafted in a sort of fractured geometry that pairs with chef Rocio Camacho's modern moles.
The multitude of moles at East Los Angeles' Moles la Tia might just complete a culinary color wheel: Circle through the menu and you'll find the cheery yellow of the passion fruit mole, the herbaceous green of the finas hierbas mole, the pristine ivory of the velo de novia mole. These sauces don't seem so much cooked as they do composed, every ingredient mindful of its place in the restaurant's oeuvre. Housing these often extraordinary moles is a dining room with familiar design ideas (a clean and classic terra cotta-colored space), but also a telling aesthetic: On the walls hang landscape paintings and portraits cut with cubist corners, each crafted in a sort of fractured geometry that pairs with chef Rocio Camacho's modern moles.
Q&A with Chef BRIAN ROLAND
Title: Executive Chef of M Waterfront Grille, Village on Venetian Bay, 4300 Gulf Shore Drive N. Naples, 263-4421. Hometown: South Brunswick, N.J. What is your experience? "I am a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, N.Y. I worked at Chops at Bonita Springs and worked in restaurants in Manhattan." What inspires you? "It has a lot to do with the experience of creating something and to put a smile on someone's face. It is a symphony of the five senses."
Title: Executive Chef of M Waterfront Grille, Village on Venetian Bay, 4300 Gulf Shore Drive N. Naples, 263-4421. Hometown: South Brunswick, N.J. What is your experience? "I am a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, N.Y. I worked at Chops at Bonita Springs and worked in restaurants in Manhattan." What inspires you? "It has a lot to do with the experience of creating something and to put a smile on someone's face. It is a symphony of the five senses."
Tobacco industry, others to fight smoke ban
Jan. 7--Business and tobacco interests said they will fight Gov. Timothy M. Kaine's latest attempt to prohibit smoking in Virginia restaurants, while public health groups are seeking a broader workplace ban.
Jan. 7--Business and tobacco interests said they will fight Gov. Timothy M. Kaine's latest attempt to prohibit smoking in Virginia restaurants, while public health groups are seeking a broader workplace ban.
Getting children invested in their food choices
Many parents with overweight children would be willing to break the bank to help their kids reach a healthy weight, but luckily, that's not necessary. Some of the simplest and easiest ideas for reshaping eating habits are also the cheapest, nutritionists say. Parents should enlist their children's help to come up with ways to tighten the family food budget while eating healthier so that kids are invested in the changes, says Keith Ayoob, a registered dietitian at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York who works with overweight children and their families. It sounds like a tall order, but if parents put some suggestions out there, children can build on them, he says.
Many parents with overweight children would be willing to break the bank to help their kids reach a healthy weight, but luckily, that's not necessary. Some of the simplest and easiest ideas for reshaping eating habits are also the cheapest, nutritionists say. Parents should enlist their children's help to come up with ways to tighten the family food budget while eating healthier so that kids are invested in the changes, says Keith Ayoob, a registered dietitian at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York who works with overweight children and their families. It sounds like a tall order, but if parents put some suggestions out there, children can build on them, he says.
Employers want to keep good workers, who want to keep paychecks
A year into a global recession, businesses across the economic spectrum are trying to avoid layoffs -- or prevent more -- by down-shifting operations. They are reducing hours, freezing wages and suspending matching 401(k) programs. They're also asking employees to make other, seemingly smaller, sacrifices for the collective good: downsizing client dinners to business lunches, replacing catered meetings with brownbag teleconferences, cleaning offices less often.
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A year into a global recession, businesses across the economic spectrum are trying to avoid layoffs -- or prevent more -- by down-shifting operations. They are reducing hours, freezing wages and suspending matching 401(k) programs. They're also asking employees to make other, seemingly smaller, sacrifices for the collective good: downsizing client dinners to business lunches, replacing catered meetings with brownbag teleconferences, cleaning offices less often.
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