News bytes
Snippets of the latest foodservice industry news...
New culinary initiative underway in Pawtucket
PAWTUCKET, RI - The Charles & Agnes Kazarian Foundation recently founded a new Pawtucket Culinary Arts Initiative, an effort to become a culinary center for vegan, vegetarian and macrobiotic culinary arts. The Initiative envisions the building blocks to include approximately a dozen vegan, vegetarian, and macrobiotic restaurants; state of the art culinary classes and educational facilities; health food grocery stores, as well as compatible retail stores. The Initiative will also support daily on-site musical and theatrical events. Initiative co-chairs are currently assessing several locations. Go to pk@kazarianfoundation.org for more information.
Wine dinner series introduced at dbar
BOSTON - dbar introduces a new dinner series with wine pairings on Wednesday evenings with representatives of the wine regions present to guide diners through the four-course dinner, starting Feb. 1 at 7 p.m. featuring wines of New Zealand with representatives of Kim Crawford and Nobilo wines. The dinners, with four glasses of wine included, are $55 per person. Reservations are limited. Go to info@dbarboston.com.
Sonesta f&b director passes the BAR
CAMBRIDGE, MA - Troy Clarke, food and beverage director at the Royal Sonesta Hotel, passed the Beverage Alcohol Resource (BAR), an achievement similar to the Master of Wine or Master Sommelier courses for wine. BAR seeks to propagate the healthy, responsible use of beverage alcohol products through innovative, comprehensive training programs and seminars. Only five Massachusetts bartenders have achieved the distinction and are among 250 bartenders worldwide who have.
Produce group applauds new school meal standards
WASHINGTON - The United Fresh Produce Association applauds the new school nutrition standards which double the amount of fruits and vegetables served in the National School Breakfast and Lunch Programs, the first such improvement in 15 years. "We are very excited that fruits and vegetables will be the stars of healthier school meals. Children like fresh fruits and vegetables and they will be eating more next school year when this regulation takes effect," says Dr. Lorelei DiSogra, United's vice president of nutrition and health.
Pie Face Bakery takes Manhattan
NEW YORK - Pie Face Bakery, a 24-hour takeout shop with savory Australian meat pies and Australian Roast Coffee opened next to the iconic Ed Sullivan Theater at Broadway and West 53rd St. recently, its first US location. Owned by co-founder Wayne Homschek, an American who migrated to Australian 20 years ago, and his partner Betty Fong, the concept has 70 stores in Australian and hopes to open 10 in New York in the next year and a half. The company is also eyeing Boston, Chicago and LA. Go to www.piefacenyc.com.
A toast to healthy hearts
BOSTON - Toast cardiovascular health at the Mandarin Oriental's M Bar and Lounge with special February offerings of Ehlers Estate wines. A tasting party on Feb. 6 will benefit the Boston Chapter of the American Heart Association. The winery raises money for cardiovascular research worldwide and is held in trust by the Leducq Foundation, a supporter of such research. All profits of Ehlers sales goes to the Foundation.
Seafood Show set for Mar. 11-13
BOSTON - The International Boston Seafood Show opens Mar. 11-13 at the Boston Convention & Exposition Center. Attendance is expected to exceed last year's 18,000 attendees from 120 countries. Go to www.divbusiness.com.
Boston Marriott Long Wharf completes major renovation
BOSTON - The Boston Marriott Long Wharf recently unveiled a major four year-long, $30 million renovation project with redesigned lobby, expanded fitness center, new Waterline restaurant and bar and new Harbor View Ballroom.
National Whole Grain Sampling Day planned
BOSTON - Oldways and the Whole Grains Council introduce the first Whole Grain Sampling Day on April 4 for retailers, restaurants, and foodservice establishments to encourage consumers to eat more whole grains. Compass Group has come aboard to offer tastings in corporate cafes, healthcare facilities, public and independent schools. "Tastings are a great way to reduce the fear of the unknown that some customers have when trying a new food. We use this strategy often to introduce new healthful foods. We are excited to participate in the first Whole Grain Sampling Day," says Deanne Brandstetter, MBA, RD, vice president Nutrition and Wellness for Compass North America. Arby's also will highlight the whole grains on its sandwich lineup, while McDonald's, Cooking Light magazine and Indian Harvest will use Facebook to encourage foodservice customers to come up with creative ideas for WG Sampling Day promotions and will award a free case of whole grains to those with the top five ideas. Visit www.wholegrainscouncil.org.
Cheese education symposium planned for May
ANNAPOLIS, MD- – The Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board (WMMB) seeks 10 postsecondary foodservice instructors to participate in an expenses-paid, three-day tour of cheesemaking in Wisconsin and to participate in a developmental symposium for cheese educational resources, May 20-23. Deadline for application is Mar. 16. Send applications to marygpetersen@comcast.net. Notification to successful candidates will be made no later than Apr. 13. Qualified applicants must be able to commit to the three-day tour. Basic expenses will be paid by the WMMB ($500 maximum air-travel allowance). No additional guests are allowed. This event is by invitation only. Information is available at www.CafeMeetingPlace.com under "Contests."
MRA opens nominations for Stars of the Industry
BOSTON - The Massachusetts Restaurant Association is seeking nominations for its annual Stars of the Industry awards to be presented at a gala event May 1 starting with cocktails at 6 p.m. at Lombardo's in Randolph, MA. Send your nominations for servers, hosts, waitstaff and bartenders by Feb. 15 to www.mastarsoftheindustry.com
"You are what you eat," Chef Hamilton says
CAMBRIDGE - At the Royal Sonesta Hotel here, Chef Steven Hamilton of Artbar believes "you are what you eat," so to that end, he's creating a special aphrodisiac dinner for Valentine's Day this year. Food creates the body's response to stimuli, he points out, and his four course menu ($55 or $75 with wine pairings), "celebrates locally aphrodisiac qualities this year. Highlights include oysters, grilled jumbo shrimp
caramel, fennel pollen crusted salmon or vegetarian risotto and sticky toffee bread pudding with caramel sauce and crème fraiche ice cream. Go to www.artbarcambridge.com/blog.html.
Bankruptcy ends for Friendly's
WILBRAHAM, MA- Friendly's, leaving Chapter 11, has now closed some 40 percent of its stores in Massachusetts and 20 percent of the total. Closing an additional 37 stores recently, t he company noted that they reflected situations where more favorable lease negotiations failed. The three-month-long restructuring, says CEO Harsha Agadi, created a better capitalized company.
Japan Pavilion returns to NY Show
NEW YORK- The Japan Pavilion returns this year to the International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York for the sixth year with 400 plus exhibitors of equipment, foods, spirits and sake. A program of seminars includes one on "The A to Z of Opening A Ramen Restaurant," and others on new ways of cooking with umami ingredients, and more.
IHMRS gets new chairman
NEW YORK - Michael Hoffman, president of Turf Hotels based in Albany, NY, was appointed chairman of the International Hotel, Motel + Restaurant Show for 2012.
Darien Social opens in CT
DARIEN, CT - Three longtime operators, Baird Van Beever, Christian Orlando and Mike Boughton, are bringing back the classic American bar and restaurant with Darien Social in the rejuventated downtown, overlooking the Metro North train station. Executive Chef Nicl Bilello formerly owned Burger Bar & Bistro in South Norwalk. The menu offers everything from small plates and burgers to hearty entrees and creative desserts while the beverage program pays homage to classic American cocktails. < p>
Wine consumer trends conference planned
NEW YORK - The U.S Wine Market Council plans a consumer wine trends conference here January 31 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Museum of Modern Arts' Celeste Bartos Theater at 4 West 54th St. The fee for members of the Council is $565 per person. The event features new research on older Millennials and younger "mini-Millennials" selecting and buying wine and the relationship of brands to that process. The 7th annual conference is presented by John Gillespie of the Wine Market Council, Danny Brager, The Nielsen Company and Dr. Greg Carpenter, Kellogg School of Mangement, Northwestern University. For more info contact Sherri Fidel: admin@winemarketcouncil.com or call 707-738-8796.
4th Maine Restaurant Week planned in March
PORTLAND - Maine's 4th Annual Restaurant Week is set for March 1-10 with a signature event Feb. 29 at Portland Harbor Hotel starting at 5:30. Once again, there will be People's Choice cocktail and dessert competitions. The Incredible Breakfast Cookoff takes place March 9 at Seadog Brewing Company in South Portland. For information, visit www.mainerestaurantweek.com/events.
On premise gains spur Svedka surge
NEW YORK - Gain in the on-premise side of its business gave Svedka double-digit advances last year moving it beyond Grey Goose to challenge Absolut, says Shanken News Daily. Senior Vice President, Marketing Marina Hahn notes that the company picked up such accounts as Uno, Fleming's, Outback Steak House and Hyatt Hotels, among others.
Submit IHMRS seminar proposals
NEW YORK -The American Hotel & Lodging Association is seeking speaking proposal submissions for the 97th International Hotel, Motel + Restaurant Show this November. Proposals focused on trends, within the areas of lodging ownership and management, consumer travel trends, sustainability and related issues, are preferred. Additional topics can include hospitality design, technology, human resources, hotel operations, food and beverage and sales and marketing. Proposals should be submitted through www.ihmrs.com by clicking the 2012 Speaker Proposal link on the homepage. The process requires a presentation title, brief content description and proposed panelists. Seminars should be structured to fit within a 90-minute timeframe. Questions can be directed to conventions@ahla.com.
LUPEC Boston plans winter Snow Ball
BOSTON -Ladies United for the Preservation of Endangered Cocktails will hold their first winter prom, Snow Ball, from 7 to 11 p.m. on Jan. 30 at Silvertone, collecting clothing donations for Cambridge-based On The Rise which supports homeless or in crisis women. Admission is $10 and guests bringing clothing donations receive tickets for free drinks commensurate with their donation. Visit www.lupecboston.org.
Retail grocer intros upscale sushi bar in Chicago store
CHICAGO Walgreen's recently unveiled a new 27,000 sq. ft. flagship store here with an upscale sushi bar, made-to-order sushi bar, smoothie station and coffee shop with its own barista pouring local coffees, says The Shanken Report. If well received, the model could reportedly be duplicated in high-end neighborhoods elsewhere across the country.
Boston Wine Festival offers three special dinners
BOSTON- The Boston Wine Festival at Boston Harbor Hotel offers three vintner dinners this week: Donelan Family Wines brings its award-winning Rhone varietals focusing on syrah and Grenache in the Old World style on Wed., Jan.18 at 7 p.m. in the Atlantic Room ($145); Beringer Vineyards' Laurie Hook hosts a dinner in the Atlantic Roon at 7 p.m., Thurs., Jan. 19 with many varietals including the Private Reserve chardonnay and cabernet ($165) and on Friday, Jan. 20, Ambassador Alain Junguenet and son, John, host a dinner with the wines of Chateauneuf-du-Pape in the Atlantic Room (seminar and dinner, 6:30 p.m., $185 or dinner only, 7:30 p.m., $155.
Gala Champagne dinner set for Jan. 26
CAMBRIDGE - Chef-Owner Raymond Ost of Sandrine's Bistro holds his first Champagne dinner with guest, Becky Sue Epstein, author of the new book, Champagne: A Global History, a guide to the history of Champagne, its regions, traditions and lore, on Jan. 26 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. The $65 per person includes a copy of the book. Epstein will be available for autographs from 6 to 8 p.m. Each course is paired with champagne or sparkling wine. Call 617-497-5300.
Orinoco opens third unit in Harvard Square
CAMBRIDGE -Orinoco – A Latin Kitchen, brings the flavors or Venezuela to Harvard Square on the site of the pioneering Spanish restaurant, Iruna, which was there 40 years. The restaurant is the third unit of the group which has restaurants in the South End and Brookline, MA, serving arepas and other traditional favorites. Go to http://orinocokitchen.com/
Blue Smoke opens in Manhattan
NEW YORK- Danny Meyer and Chef Floyd Cardoz opened a second Blue Smoke restaurant in Battery Park City. The urban barbecue concept offers new bar snacks and an extensive bourbon, beer and cocktail list. It will also be an outpost of Blue Smoke Bakery with freshly baked pies, cakes, cookies, breads and cupcakes to go.
Bradmer Foods invests in Chesapeake Bay Roasting Co.
BALTIMORE - Bradmer Foods recently announced an investment in Chesapeake Bay Roasting Co., Crofton, MD. Adam Borden, managing director of Bradmer Foods, becomes CBRC chief operating officer. Bradmer is a private equity and venture capital firm.
Future Chefs hosts healthy school lunch competition
BOSTON - Future Chefs hosted a Healthy School Lunch competition and Career Exploration Day at Quincy High School recently. For the past three months, Future Chefs has been working with a number of public high school students to create, plan and prepare a healthy school lunch item, either an entrée, side dish or dessert. These items are created and presented to a panel of judges and one school team is named victorious. The winning recipe will hopefully inspire change and be incorporated into the school's menus. The goals are to positive, meaningful relationships with peers, learn teamwork, disciplines and lifestyles, and build networking skills through one-on-one relationships with industry leaders. In Quincy, a panel of industry professionals included Matthew Barros, Market at the W Hotel, Alex Emmott, Boston Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, Barry Joiner, The Salty Pig, Tara Lightbody, Belmont Day School, and Bryce MacKnight, Brick & Mortar.
Celebrating Chinese New Year at La Mar Cebicheria
NEW YORK-Chinese Chifa style cuisine is very popular in Peru and this year, the new La Mar Cebiicheria here will celebrate Chinese New Year starting Jan. 23 from 3 to 7 p.m. in the bar with a menu of eight Chifa style bar bites (eight is a lucky number in Chinese culture) for $8 apiece and a special Pisco-based cocktail with Chinese spices for $8.
Lord Jeffery Inn reopens in Amherst, MA
AMHERST, MA-The Lord Jeffery Inn reopened recently downtown after a multi-million renovation under the management of Waterford Hotel Group. The property has served Amherst for more than 80 years.
NRA accepting applications for Inaugural Innovation Awards
WASHINGTON- The National Restaurant Association is calling for nominations for the Inaugural Innovation Awards by March 7. The group seeks to honor individuals in both commercial and non-commercial segments who inspire others to new heights. Nominations will be in five distinct categories: Technology Applications, Sustainability, Menu Development, Food Safety, and Health & Nutrition. An independent panel of judges will narrow nominations to three finalists in each category. Winners in each category, as well as an innovator of the year, will be announced at an evening event featuring cocktails, dinner and marquee entertainment on Saturday, May 5 during the NRA Show. For details, go to www.restaurant.org/show/oiawards.
NYC plans Chili Fest
NEW YORK - Chili Fest takes place January 29 at Chelsea Market presented in conjunction with Dickson's Farmstand Meats and The Cleaver Company. Judges will name the winning Chili Champ team, awarding a $2,000 set of kitchen gear, $500 and the Golden Chili Mug. Runner-up receives a $299 Breville Scraper Mixer Pro. Go to info@chilifest2012.com.
Drink Ribera Wines event coming in March
NEW YORK - Drink Ribera Wines offers a walk-around tasting on March 12 at the Trump Soho New York from 2 to 5 p.m. plus a seminar with Wines of Vega Sicilia from 1 to 2 p.m. and again from 3 to 4. Go to www.drinkriberawines.com/grandtasting.
Locke-Ober chef plans new restaurant
REVERE, MA - David Artiano, chef de cuisine at Locke-Ober in downtown Boston, will open a new restaurant, Pesce Pazzo, on the waterfront here this coming Spring. Menu items will be antipasti ($8-$14), pastas (12-$20) and Secondi (mid-$20s).
Cura Hospitality presents "Taste Sensations"
PITTSBURGH - Chef Cameron Clegg at Providence Point, a premiere retirement community here, recently offered "Taste Sensations," a program that presented residents with tastes of cheeses from around the world as part of the program offering unique foods and ways to flavor them healthfully. The event also included an educational seminar.
The Greene Turtle opens 30th restaurant
ARLINGTON,VA - This franchise restaurant opened its 30th unit here in the Virginia Tech Research Center. The company, which grew 40 percent in each of the past two years, is targeting Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and New England for growth this year, says Marty Welch, director of franchise sales. For information, call 855-846-4646 or e-mail mwelch@thegreeneturtle.com.
MGM Resorts eyes Brimfield, MA for new casino-resort
BRIMFIELD, MA -MGM Resorts reportedly plans to work with David J. Callahan of Palmer Paving to open a resort casino here at a 300-acre site on the town's west side, according to the Worcester Telegram & Gazette.
Wines of Italy trade tasting on January 20
BOSTON- www.theredwhiteboston.com will hold a trade and press tasting of Wines of Italy, Friday, Jan. 20 from 2 to 5 p.m. with a sit-down tasting from 2:30-3:30 and walk-around tasting from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at WGBH Public Broadcasting Station at One Guest St., Boston in the Cahners Conference Room. Winemakers will be present from Tuscany, Puglia and Lombardy. Dr. Michael Apstein will be moderator. Producers include Cascina La Pertica, Lombardy, Castello San Sano, Podere Sapaio, Poggio Bonelli, and SADA, Tuscany, plus Albea, Amastuola and Torrevento, Puglia. Call 702-528-3717 or e-mail cathy@theredwhiteboston.com. Space is limited.
Two yogurt concepts target Northeast
MONTREAL- Two yogurt chains, Yeh! Yougurt Glace & Café based here and Menchie's out of Encino, CA, expect to open in the Northeast this year. Yeh!, a four-year-old concept owned by Grace Yeh and Jean-Daniel Nadeau, is reportedly eyeing locations in Boston and Albany for self-serve stores. Separately, Menchie's, with a dozen units in CA and several more worldwide, has franchise plans for China, Mexico and across the US including ME, VT, NH, RI, NY and PA.
Chefs compete Jan. 16 at Tremont 647
BOSTON -Tremont 647's The Great Tapas Challenge takes place Monday, Jan. 16, when chefs Andy Husband of 647 and Jason Heard of East Coast Grill take on the reigning champion, Chef Matt Audette, of Eastern Standard for the title of Tapas King 2012 at 6 p.m. in the South End. The dinner, at $29 a head, includes all of the passed appetizers and one Sangria, The three courses of tapas will be followed by 647's Catalan Style Bread Pudding with Salted Caramel Cream for dessert. The first course in the challenge is oyster, the second is chicken and the third, sustainable seafood. Reservations may be placed at 617- 266-4600.
Manchester, NH gears up for primary
MANCHESTER- Across this small New England city, restaurants are readying for the New Hampshire Primary. New on the scene in this election year is Copper Door in nearby Bedford, which opened recently, owned by Tom Boucher's Great NH Restaurants. The menu offers traditional comfort foods – pork Porterhouse with baked beans, caul fat wrapped meatloaf and more. Also new on the scene this year is Corks, a wine bar at the Bedford Village Inn.
Schlow to open casual food concept in Kenmore square
BOSTON Happy's Bar & Grill will be the next new concept from Chef Michael Schlow, owner of Via Matta, Alta Strada, Radius and Tico. Schlow plans to offer a homemade pastrami sandwich along with traditional diner fare, he says, in a published report.
Burtons Grill thanks loyal guests
PEABODY, MA - Burtons Grill's seven locations are asking loyal customers to join them at a cocktail party in their lounges in January on Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m. with complimentary appetizers as a thank you for their business.
SIAL Canada set for May 9-11
MONTREAL - Sial Canada 2012 opens May 9-11 in the Palais de Congres de Montreal Exhibition Center this year. The show alternates between Toronto and Montreal. Last year's event set records for exhibitor participation and Pan-Canadian attendance and reserved exhibit space for this year is already ahead of year-ago levels. In 2011, 12,415 visitors attended from 62 countries. The 8th edition this year of Olive d'Or will again bring competing virgin olive oils to the show. Coffee Cup by SIAL will take place for the second consecutive year as well. Other features will include an official USDA endorsed USA Pavilion with 25-plus US companies on 3,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space. For more information, go to http://www.sialcanada.com
Bob Towers resigns at Ark
NEW YORK- Ark Restaurant Group President and COO Bob Towers leaves after 28 years in various posts with the chain to pursue other interests.
Coffee Fest Latte Art Championships set
NEW YORK- The New York Coffee Fest Latte Art Championships take place Mar. 9-11 at the Javits Center with a purse of $2500, first place, $1000, second place and $500, third place. Two-time US Barista Champion Heather Perry MCs the event this year. For complete information on the Show, go to www.coffeefest.com.
BRA approves Phase 1 of Pier 4 project
BOSTON - Boston Redevelopment Authority approved Phase 1 of the Pier 4 project – a three phase program on 36 acres of Northern Ave. The first phase ($150 million) includes transformation of Anthony's Pier 4 restaurant, patio, surface parking and the pier into a mixed-use project with 625,000 sq. ft. of residential units and 20,000 sq. ft. of ground floor retail space. Phase 1 offers 35 affordable housing units. A one acre Waterfront Park and new Waterfront Plaza, Harborwalk and Waterfront Commons will include a water taxi and waiting area, public restrooms, and an All-Seasons gathering area linked to the civic space. The pier will include a fish cleaning station and bait and tackle shop plus "touch and go" dock. The Pier 4 project will bring residential, hotel, retail/restaurant, civic and commercial uses to the waterfront with new open space and a pedestrian and vehicular network.
New World Tavern opens
PLYMOUTH, MA - New World Tavern opens on Main St, with a list of some 40 beers and ales and a menu of pub food.
Virtual courses online for food writers
NEW YORK - Check out a series of online courses, www.cooknscribble.com, led by food writer/chef Molly O'Neill. Cook 'n' Scribble virtual seminars combine interviews with some of the world's leading food voices with intensive, hands-on assignments, professional editing and intimate workshops. Register early and learn from numerous acclaimed writers including Ruth Reichl, Nora Ephron, Calvin Trillin, Amanda Hesser, and many more.
BNE plans new venture in downtown Boston
BOSTON -Big Night Entertainment, which opened Red Lantern earlier in 2011 and announced plans for a project in the Seaport, will reportedly open GEM at 42 Province St. downtown. The restaurant and lounge is said to be planning a menu of comfort fare from Chef Kevin Long.
NRA sees promising signs in November performance
WASHINGTON - The National Restaurant Association reports its Restaurant Performance Index showed positive same store sales for sixth consecutive month and operators "increasingly optimistic" outlook boosted the RPI to its highest level in five months to 100.6. It was the second time in the past three months that the index has been above 100, a sign of expansion in the index of key industry indicators, NRA says. Net positive same store sales were the highest in more than four years and customer traffic was also up in November. Capital spending also rose and 47 percent of operators intend to make expenditures for equipment, expansion or remodeling in the next six months. Visit http://www.restaurant.org.
Cambria Suites eyes NY expansion
NEW YORK - Choice Hotels announces a partnership with Meyer Jabara Hotels for a new Cambria Suites property in White Plains, NY. The news came on the heels of two additional development deals in New York City. The 130-room hotel will be part of a $47 million mixed use development on Main St. The hotel will include Reflect, a casual dining/gathering area.
Boston's Zócalo plans hottest foods event
BOSTON -Zócalo Cocina Mexicana plans a special "Bailando con el Diablo" event on January 17 offering some of the world's hottest food and drink. The three course prix fixe menu will be $38 per persons and includes dishes made with some of the world's hottest chiles, as well as a special hot and cool cocktail menu from the restaurant and Jim Beam® Devil's Cut™.
NYC issues RFP for Tavern space
NEW YORK - New York's Parks & Recreation Department is resort would like to see a more moderately priced operation with an outdoor café and bar, according to The Wall Street Journal. Proposals are due March 30 with an on-site tour scheduled for Feb. 1 for interested parties.
Sea Coast Management selects FitzVogt
WALPOLE, NH -Sea Coast Management Co. selected FitzVogt to manage foodservice operations at Ocean View at Falmouth and The Highlands of Topsham, continuing care communities, as well as at The Highland Green, an adult resort community and golf club in Topsham, ME.
New Yorkers spent more on meals this year
NEW YORK - Thirty-two percent of New Yorkers surveyed for Zagat's 2012 New York guide report spending more on meals this year while 54 percent report no change in spending levels and only 14 percent spent less than a year ago. Service continues to be the biggest complaint (60 percent) followed by noise (24 percent) and prices (eight percent). Among the top trends cited by respondents were Southern cooking, retractable roofs for all-season dining and on-premise gardens with ultra-fresh produce.
Brooklyn Grange receives Green Roofs for Healthy Cities award
LONG ISLAND CITY, NY - Brooklyn Grange received the Green Roofs for Healthy Cities award of excellence recently in the Intensive Industrial/Commercial category, one of eight award winners from North America. Brooklyn Grange is a commercial, sustainable farm on the roof of the Standard Motors building here, the larges privately owned/operated rooftop farm in the US, raising local food for the community, sold in green markets and through a CSA program. Visit www.greenroofs.org for more information.
Dunkin' raises $36,562 for Special Olympics RI
PROVIDENCE - Dunkin' Donuts raised $36,562.05 for Special Olympics RI on National Coffee Day in September. The chain's donation was the latest in 20-plus years of sponsorship,
Boston's Clio marks 15 years of operation
BOSTON- Ken Oringer's Clio celebrates 15 years in January, offering a nine-course "Clio Classics" menu with dishes from its past, present and future from Jan. 9-14 before closing for a redesign. The meal is priced at $124 a head.
Sale approved for Hotel Syracuse
SYRACUSE - The City Council reportedly approved the sale of the Hotel Syracuse for $1 million to a New York private equity firm, according to Syracuse.com. The 1924 property is said to owe nearly $470,000 in taxes.
Milk Street Café closes in Manhattan
NEW YORK -Boston's Milk Street Café closed its less than year-old new 23,000 sq. ft. Financial District Kosher restaurant here following police barricades that remained in front of it for weeks, although Occupy Wall Street protesters no longer remained in nearby Zuccotti Park.
New lounge menu at Rowe's Wharf Sea Grille
BOSTON - The Sea Grille at Boston Harbor Hotel introduces a special new lounge menu with selections that are updated bi-weekly and paired with innovative new cocktails with seasonal flavors and ingredients. Each dish is priced at $12 and is only available in the lounge. Go to www.roweswharfseagrille.com.
Ultimate Beverage Challenge LLC announces 2012 dates
NEW YORK - Ultimate Beverage Challenges LLC will hold three Ultimate events in '12 – Spirits, Wine and Cocktail, starting with Spirits on March 5-9 at Astor Center here. Unlike other events, no medals are awarded – just analysis and evaluations based on a 100-point scale. Deadline for Spirits entries is February 27. The WINE Challenge is scheduled for Apr. 23-27 with wines judged on their merits against their beers with a top wine named for each varietal. Entries close April 6. The Ultimate COCKTAIL Challenge takes place June 4-8 with entries through May 18. Judges, led by F. Paul Pacult and assistant chairman Sean Ludford include Dale DeGroff, Jim Meehan, David Wondrich, Doug Frost, MW, MS, Steve Olson, Julie Reiner, Mary Ewing Mulligan, MW Jennifer Simonetti-Bryan, MW and more. See www.ultimate-beverage.com for details.
Subway created 21,000 jobs in 2011
MILFORD< CT - Subway added 21,000 jobs this year as it opened 2,100 units and plans 2,500 more in 2012. The world's biggest restaurant chain, it reduced sodium content across the menu and fortified its bread with calcium and Vitamin D. The year continued a move into more non-traditional sites from a Goodwill Industries training center to a floating restaurant aboard a river boat.
Siena Farms opens in Boston's South End
BOSTON - Sudbury, MA-based Siena Farms opened a small shop off Tremont St. in Boston's South End, bringing fresh produce to city dwellers who've been customers at its Farmers' Market sites each summer on a year-round basis. For complete details, call Farmer Chris at 978-262-5365.
Anchor Distilling launches two products in Boston
BOSTON - Anchor Distilling brought No. 3 Gin and The King's Ginger liqueur to this city this fall at Eastern Standard in Kenmore Square. In attendance were Joy Richard (The Citizen, The Franklin), Nicole Lebedvitch (The Hawthorne), Elizabeth Powell (Descent), Chad Arnholt (The Citizen Pub, The Franklin Café), LUPEC Seattle's Wendy Miller, and Paris-based ex-pat Forrest Collins (52 Martinis). David King, president of Anchor Distilling, Dennis Carr, vice president of sales for Anchor Brewers and Distillers and Rusti Porter, marketing director, Anchor Distilling.
Proprietary sauce introduced by Grill 23
BOSTON- Leave it to Chef Jay Murray to come up with an all natural, peppery, smoky, slightly sweet and tangy sauce made from natural Brandt Beef stock and non-GMO corn syrup, butter, red wine and fresh herbs and spices. Twelve-ounce bottles of A Useful Sauce Indeed is now available for $9.99 at the Back Bay restaurant for use with everything from scrambled eggs and the Bloody Mary to pork butt slow cooked with veggies! The restaurant celebrates its 28th year with continued commitment to all natural farming and ranching and sustainability.
Anti-alcohol groups target social drinking
WASHINGTON - The American Beverage Institute recently urged citizens to push back against efforts by anti-alcohol groups to marginalize responsible social drinking, pointing to groups seeking to restrict and stigmatize alcohol consumption by lowering blood alcohol content arrest thresholds below the current .08 level, pushing for alcohol detection devices in all vehicles and banning alcohol advertising as well as raising alcohol taxes. Visit www.TheNewProhibition.com for full details.
Boston hotels report strong Oct. results
BOSTON- Greater Boston hotels saw an average 86.1 percent occupancy in October with average daily rate up 2.5 percent to $204.41 and REVPAR up 1.3 percent from the year ago month, according to PKF Consulting USA. REVPAR growth was driven by the increase in ADR although occupancy fell 1.2 percent in Back Bay, Downtown and Cambridge submarkets, attributed to a decrease in Group and Leisure demand. Increases in lodging demand and property level net operating income led to optimism that hotel property values are heading upward, says PKF.
Dunkin' opens 10,000th restaurant
CANTON, MA - Dunkin' Donuts opened its 10,000th unit in Xi'An, China recently along with other new locations in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Bogota, Colombia and Kingsland, GA.
Traceability program initiated for Gulf of Mexico oysters
OCEAN SPRINGS, MS - The Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission's Oil Disaster Recovery Program approved an exploratory phase of a project to design a voluntary pilot solution, working with Trace Register, a global seafood traceability company which will analyze current systems. Results will be used to design an electronic tagging method to track oysters step by step to the end point-of-sale. If the project is approved, the next step will include running a pilot of the new system with a representative group of businesses including harvesters, processors, shippers, grocers and restaurants.
NRA reports top trends for '12
WASHINGTON - The National Restaurant Association's "What's Hot in 2012" survey of 1,800 chefs predicts the top 10 menu trends will be locally sourced meats and seafood, locally grown produce, healthful kids' meals, hyper-local items, sustainability as a culinary theme, children's nutrition as a culinary theme, gluten-free/allergy conscious items, locally produced wines and beers, sustainable seafood and whole grain items in kids' meals.
2 NYC hotels undergo renovations
NEW YORK - Two older properties here, the Milford Plaza and the Grand Hyatt New York are in renovation mode this year, with Milford Plaza now undergoing a major upgrade to its 1,300 rooms and Grand Hyatt completing its $130 million project which included its 1,300 rooms, according to published reports.
Intl. Restaurant & Foodservice Show offers new features Pavilion
NEW YORK - The 19th annual International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York, March 4-6 at the Javits Center, will introduce a new showroom display area to help operators find ways to enhance dining rooms, bars, foyers, and special event rooms. The Front of the House Experience will present five displays using sponsors' products and designers' concepts. Another new area, the Healthy Solutions Pavilion and Demonstration Theater, will provide education and cooking demos with the demonstration theater showcasingf executive chefs from top NYC restaurants. Certified Master Chef Fritz Sonnenschmidt, Master of Charcuterie and Hell's Kitchen Season 6 contender Executive Chef Kevin Cottle, Betsy Craig, CEO of Kitchens with Confidence, and others will offer information on healthy solutions from gluten free and food allergies to reducing fat and sodium and calorie posting and menu labeling. In another highlight, the NY Wine Expo will over samples of more than 640 wines from 160-plus winemakers in the Grand Tasting. Go to www.internationalrestaurantnuy.com.
Italian Wine Masters to hold trade tasting
NEW YORK - A morning program of two Master Classes and a lunch buffet on Feb. 7 at the Metropolitan Pavilion – South Pavilion at 125 West 18th St. will be followed by a walk around tasting for the trade featuring Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti Classico, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, and Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore from more than 100
producers from four pre-eminent DOCG regions of Italy. For information, email Tiffany Van Gelder at events@balzac.com.
Esposito's goes online with sausage products
NEW YORK- Esposito's, a 75-year-old sausage purveyor, launched a new online store, www.espositosausage.com, and will ship all products within hours of production. The company offers a variety of Italian sausage products and serves both restaurants and markets as well as consumers.
Food Channel predicts Peruvian as next big trend
NEW YORK - The Food Channel, looking at trends for 2012, cites Peruvian cuisine as "the next Big Thing," noting its rich flavors, variety and the growth of Lima as a culinary destination.
4 Northeast chefs on Idaho Potato calendar
EAGLE, ID - The Idaho Potato Commission includes four Northeast chefs on the 2012 Idaho Potato Calendar. They include Mareet Chauhan, executive chef, At Vermilllion, New York, Melissa Hill, executive chef, twofiftytwo, Bedminster, NJ, Richard Pietromonaco, vice president of food and beverage and corporate chef, Heartand Brewery, New York, and Jeremy Spector, chef-proprietor, Wonder City Coffee and Donut Bar at The Brindle Room, New York.
Papa Gino's retains new ad agency
DEDHAM, MA - Papa Gino's recently chose Allen & Gerritsen as its advertising agency of record to build and expand brand and product awareness, boost its digital presence and create a strong social media community around both Papa Gino's and D'Angelo.
UNO® partnership sends pizzas to troops
BOSTON - UNO Chicago Grill and Pizzas4Patriots are sending 10,000 pizzas to troops still in Afghanistan for America's largest pizza day – Super Bowl Sunday. During December, guests who buy a $5 coupon book and receive $50 in coupon savings valid Jan. 2 will be supporting that program. The chain, says CEO Frank Guidara, has done similar partnerships with Pizzas4Patriots, shipping 50,000 pizzas since 2009 to our troops. Go to www.Pizzas4Patriots.com.
Bill Rizzuto opens fourth restaurant
STAMFORD, CT- Bill Rizzutto recently opened a fourth Rizzuto's Italian Kitchen in the area where he once was general manager of the Greenwich Hyatt. The 160-seat restaurant offers three levels of dining and a signature marble antipasto bar and counter seating as well as plus banquettes.
Hot late night menu at Poe's Kitchen
BOSTON - Brian Poe is ratcheting up the heat on the late night menu at Poe's Kitchen at the Rattlesnake with a "Midnight Special" each night, offering a super-spicy kick. Dishes range from Chipotle Wings to a wine steamed burger with chipotle mayo.
Growth opportunities seen in breakfast
CHICAGO- Breakfast, says Technomic, currently represents some $42 billion in sales and accounts for 12 percent of total restaurant industry volume. The segment represents growth opportunities as consumers seek healthier choices and convenience. Whole grain and multi-grain menu items are popular and oatmeal, the consultancy's report says, is "booming."
OpenTable diners choose top 100 restaurants
BOSTON- Boston and other Northeast cities fared well in OpenTable's diners' poll of the TOP 100 best overall restaurants recently. In Boston, O Ya and Menton were selected. Other Northeast choices were Bibou, Philadelphia; Blue Hill at Stone Barns, Pocantico Hills, NY, Bouchard Restaurant & Inn, Newport, RI, Daniel, New York, Eleven Madison Park, New York, Gracie's, Providence, RI, Nicholas, Red Bank, NJ, Per Se, New York, Primo, Rockland, ME, Russell's Steaks, Chops and More, Willliamsville, NY, Sedgley Place, Greene, ME, Sonoma, Princeton, MA, Vetri, Philadelphia and White Barn Inn, Kennebunk, ME.
Morton's to be acquired by Landry's
CHICAGO - Morton's Restaurant Group will be acquired by Tilman Fertitta who owns Landry's Inc., according to Nation's Restaurant News, which notes that the sale is around $116.6 million for the 77 restaurants. Earlier this year, Landry's acquired McCormick & Schmick's.
Five Guys expanding in Massachusetts
PEABODY, MA - Five Guys Burgers & Fries is growing here in the Northeast and reportedly recently broke ground in Peabody. Other stores said to be coming soon will be in Shrewsbury, Chelsea, and Burlington, MA.
2011 was exceptional harvest for Languedoc AOC wines
NEW YORK -Producers in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France report an outstanding harvest. The milder than usual summer "was a real boon," says Bernard Robert, Limoux AOC, Domaine de Fourn, "for our sparkling wines and our volume was 20 percent higher than expected." At Chateau Coupe-Roses, Minervois AOC, Francoise Frissant notes that it will be "a wonderful year, full of fruitiness without the heavy tannins that have kept us down at times." Similarly, Xavier de Volontat, Chateau les Palais, Corbieres AOC, calls the vintage "beautiful," noting that "excellent volumes will foster the Corbieres AOC's quality as grape producers will have their pick within our wine cellars, one of the advantages of our varied region."
CBH Communications named Employer of the Week by BU PR students group
BOSTON - CBH Communications was recently honored as Employer of the Week by the Public Relations Student Society of America at Boston University. "CBH Communications has made quite a name for itself in Boston, landing Boston Globe's 2011 title of best PR firm. Chris Haynes is one of the most prominent media voices in Boston- specializing in the latest restaurants and hippest nightspots. Stuff Magazine named Chris one of Boston's exclusive "players" – these "players" are known for "making waves, effecting change, keeping things interesting, and living it up in the process," the group declared.
DonQ offers rum punch recipe
NEW YORK - DonQ shares its recipe for "Home for the Holidays," a punch bowl beverage with pizzazz, using DonQ Añejo rum, lemon and orange juices, simple syrup and Domaine De Canton Ginger Liqueur plus Drambuie. Visit http://donq.com/recipes/home-holidays/
Cochon 555 introduces national restaurant rewards
ATLANTA - Brady Lowe, founder of Cochon 555, is launching a national dining incentive program to reward those who support local agriculture. The Cochon Chef's Course card gives members added benefits with their card at more than 60 restaurants and partners nationwide, including an exclusive complimentary chef-prepared tasting course at participating restaurants and discounts at wineries and Cochon partners. A portion of the profits will benefit the James Beard Foundation. The card is available at cochon555.com for $50 for 2012 and will allow access to numerous discounts on kitchenware and other products. Taking part in the program are numerous Northeast chefs including Matt Jennings, The Farmstead in Providence; Jamie Bissonnette of Coppa and Toro in Boston; Marc Forgione, Restaurant Marc Forgione New York; and Brad Farmerie at PPUBLIC and Saxon + Parole in Manhattan. A series of events will kick off the launch which coincides with the start of the 2012 COCHON 555 US tour in New York and the start of the 25th anniversary of the James Beard Foundation.
Maine Distilleries helps local food banks
FREEPORT, ME - Maine Distilleries, LLC, producer of Cold River Vodka and Blueberry Vodka plus Cold River Gin is donating a pound of potatoes to prominent food banks in each state for every bottle of Cold River sold in ME, NH and MA in the first quarter of 2012. With Green Thumb Farms, Inc. in Fryeburg, ME, it is partnering with food banks in Auburn, ME, Manchester, NH and Boston, MA to raise awareness of hunger and food insecurity in New England. Visit www.makindistilleries.com.
Buffalo Wild Wings franchisee receives financing
SCOTTSDALE, AZ - GE Capital, Franchise Finance provided $2.8 million to Buffalo Wild Wings franchisee Four M Capital based in Valhalla, NY for expansion. The company, which owns and operates 11 units in NY and CT, will use the funds for two new store openings.
Trappist Ale Beer dinner set at Castle Hill
NEWPORT, RI- Castle Hill will host a Trappist Ale Beer Dinner on Jan. 21 with New England Regional Manager Sarah Karlavage of Merchant du Vin leading guests through each beer selection as the beers are paired with Chef Karsten Hart's five-course dinner, starting with a 6:30 p.m. reception and dinner at 7:30. The cost is $85 a head, tax and gratuity additional, and can be reserved a la carte or as part of an overnight package. The entrée will be lightly smoked wild boar with grillades and grits, braised escarole and porcini mushrooms. There are seven Trappist breweries in the world and the beers produced are all different. Visit www.newportharbor.com.
Hemenway's partners with Ronald McDonald House of Providence
PROVIDENCE - Hemenway's Seafood Grill & Bar was named Partner in Philanthropy by the Ronald McDonald House here for its annual Oyster Festival which has raise more than $27,311 for the House in the last five years.
Turkish restaurant opens in Southern NH
Hudson, NH - Ozcan Cece introduced Turkish cuisine here this fall at Mavi Bistro with Executive Chef David Harbila, m ost recently with Arrows in Ogunquit, ME and AKA Bistro, Lincoln, MA.
Kelly's Roast Beef closes in Allston, MA
ALLSTON, MA - Kelly's Roast Beef, which opened a year and a half ago here, is reportedly closing, with employees moving to the chain's four other locations.
Artisan hot chocolate debuts at Red Mango
DALLAS -Red Mango introduces Artisan Hot Chocolate in four flavors at all locations nationwide for the winter months. Flavors are Double Chocolate, Raspberry Chocolate Truffle, Irish Chocolate Crème and Chocolate Amaretto.
Loews Hotels appoints new vp of acqusitions and development
NEW YORK - Michael Palmeri becomes vice president, Acquisitions and Development for Loews Hotels as the company moves to expand its hotel platform and portfolio of properties. He most recently was vice president and principal with Abacus Lodging Investors where he led both acquisition and asset management efforts.
Ian Schrager transforms classic Chicago property with plans for more
CHICAGO - Ian Schrager, no stranger to transforming classic hotels to hip boutique properties, is doing it again with PUBLIC here at the former Ambassador East. His mantra is "a new simplicity, a new chic," he says, offering tasteful, understated and attitude-free ambiance. Watch for him to bring PUBLIC to Manhattan and eventually, perhaps, to Boston.
Mohegan Sun brings back Restaurant Week
UNCASVILLE, CT - Mohegan Sun, which held its first Restaurant Week this past summer, brings it back January 8-13th with new deals. Thirteen restaurants will offer a 20 percent discount including Seasons Buffet, Birches Bar & Grill, Todd English's Tuscany, Bobby Flay's Bar American and Bobby's Burger Palace. The discount applies to food only. Other restaurants will have their own offerings – all you can eat at Big Bubba's BBQ for $25 Jan. 9-13; $15 lunch specials at Lucky's Lounge and The Dubliner as well as a "Fixed Friday" special with an appetizer to share, two entrées and one dessert for $40; two fountain sodas, two salads and a 16" medium pizza at Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana's for $25 including tax; a double dozen donuts and two small Signature House Blend coffees for $14; and at Jasper White's Summer Shack, a tasting menu all week for $25. Visit www.mohegansun.com/dining.
Firehouse Subs moving into Northeast states
BOSTON - Firehouse Subs, a Florida-based submarine sandwich concept with more than 460 units, is moving into the Northeast, opening soon in Copley Square at 545 Boylston St. The area, a spokesman tells FSE, says the company signed an Area Representative and two franchise agreements are in place. The DMA will support 78 Firehouse Subs restaurants. The chain is said to be eyeing Buffalo, NY as well, says Buffalo Business First.
New technology introduced to improve restaurant performance
STRATFORD, CT - Food Automation Service Techniques (FAST), which introduced the FASTRON® Cooking Computer, is integrating its technologies into a solution called "Kitchen Brains"™ designed to take performance to a new level. Through the Quality Production Management application, it analyzes restaurant traffic patterns, provides sales trend data said to enable just-in-time inventories; optimizes production for greatest efficiency and insures production of fresher product at lower cost, says the company. Multi-unit operators can monitor all aspects of each individual store's performance remotely.
Steve Wynn eyes Gillette Stadium area
FOXBORO< MA -Steve Wynn of Las Vegas' Wynn Resorts is said to be visiting Foxboro to discuss the possibility of a resort casino with Bob Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots. A Kraft Group spokesperson was quoted in a published report as indicating that the meeting is to determine "mutual interest."
Grafton Village Cheese takes home five awards
GRAFTON, VT - Grafton Village Cheese won five awards at the prestigious World Cheese Awards in Birmingham, England, including a gold and four bronze medals for the new Grafton Cave Aged line. The Clothbound Cheddar won the gold medal in the medium traditional cheddar category while the Barndance and Shepsog cheeses took bronze medals in the category of cheese made from the milk of one animal. Grafton's Truffled Bismark earned a bronze in the ewes' milk group with added flavors and the Red Vaske was awarded another in the new cheeses category. 2,700 different cheeses competed at the event from around the globe. Go to www.gradtonvillagecheese.com.
New categories in Beard awards
NEW YORK- The prestigious James Beard Foundation announced four new categories in the James Beard Awards program for 2012. They include Outstanding Bar Program, Food Coverage in a General Interest Publication, Food Coverage in a Food-Focused Publication, and Visual Storytelling. May 7, 2012 is the date when the awards presentation is scheduled to take place at Lincoln Center in Avery Fisher Hall.
Brio Tuscan Grille opens 2nd CT unit
DANBURY, CT - BRAVO/BRIO Restaurant Group opened its second CT restaurant here at the Danbury Fair Mall, the sixth new unit in the group to open this year.
Boutique Design drew 61 percent more attendees this fall
WHITE PLAINS, NY - Boutique Design NY brought 4,686 designers, hotel and restaurant owners and purchasing executives to the Javits Center last month in conjunction with IHMRS, a 61 percent increase over its 2010 launch. Some 200 manufacturers taking part presented furnishings, lighting, wall coverings, fabrics, seating, accessories, artwork, carpet, flooring and more and seminars and innovative displays were also offered. Next year, the event is set for Nov. 11-13, 2012.
Coffee by Design offers club memberships
PORTLAND- Coffee by Design, with two coffeehouses, one here and one in Freeport at L.L. Bean, and a micro roasting facility, introduces a "traveling alter ego," Alanzo's Coffee Lovers Club, with three and six month memberships for three pounds each month of handcrafted coffees selected for rarity and quality. Go to www.coffeebydesign.com.
Kosherfest attendance up 12 percent
SECAUCUS, NJ - More than 6,000 buyers and industry professionals attended Kosherfest, up 12 percent from last year. Next year's dates are Nov. 13-14 at the Meadowlands Exposition Center and the Exhibit Hall is already over 65 percent sold. For information, email csalmon@divcomm.com or bschultz@divcom.com.
Mars Foodservices launches website
RANCHO DOMINGUEZ, CA - Mars Foodservices which includes such brands as Uncle Ben's, Seeds of Change, Snickers, Dove and numerous others, launched a new, improved website to keep up with operators' changing needs and enhance the user experience. Navigation is said to be easier and new graphic designs and product photos add to the visual appeal. Users can now find recipes by category including daypart or specific product.
Gulf Seafood Market Coalition signs agency partners
TAMPA - The Gulf Seafood Marketing group named The Food Group, Edelman and Zehnder Communications for integrated marketing, public relations and branding efforts. The Gulf Seafood Marketing Coalition will make its official debut at the International Boston Seafood Show, March 11-13, 2012. "The Boston Seafood Show is a perfect event to tell seafood buyers from all over the world about our beautiful Gulf and the variety of flavorful seafood available," says Chris Nelson, vice-chairman. "This is an exciting time for the Gulf Coast seafood community and we look forward to working together with our retail, restaurant, distributor, tourism and economic development partners."
CUNY-Hunter partnership conducts research on menu labeling
NEW YORK - City University of New York School of Public Health and Hunter College are researching a new menu labeling law requiring operations with 20 or more units to list calorie content data for standard menu items on menus and menu boards including drive thru boards. Participation is voluntary for persons over age 18. To take part, go to http://www.formstack.com/forms/?1093287-rjK3bxNSem
Scott Jordan named Master-Bilt president
NEW ALBANY, MS- Scott Jordan was named president of Master-Bilkt here from vice president of operations at BKI, a Standex Food Service Equipment Group company.
NRA Oct. performance index unchanged
WASHINGTON - The National Restaurant Association's Restaurant Performance Index that tracks the health of and outlook for the industry, was relatively unchanged in October with somewhat softer sales and customer traffic offset by a more optimistic outlook among operators. "Although sales results were somewhat softer in October, restaurant operators reported net positive same-store sales for the fifth consecutive month," says Hudson Riehle, senior vice president of the Research and Knowledge Group for the Association. "In addition, each of the four forward-looking indicators improved in October, which pushed the Expectations Index to its highest level in four months."
AGAR receives Adversity Award from Family Business Assn.
TAUNTON, MA -AGAR, a leading wholesale foodservice distributor in New England, was honored by the Family Business Association which gave President and CEO Karen Bressler an Adversity Award for its success in dealing with the effects of a difficult economy and on a personal level, Bressler's successful battle with breast cancer. AGAR expanded its warehouse space significantly and increased product offerings. Bressler and husband, Scott Epstein, accepted the honor.
Dining Discoveries - Nicks on Broadway
Name: Nicks on Broadway
Location: Providence, RI
Known for: Creative, fresh, local cuisine
Biggest menu surprise: The house-made English muffin
Price Range: $7 to $14 (Brunch)
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Winter Wine Festival set for Wentworth by the Sea
PORTSMOUTH, NH – The annual Winter Wine Festival at Wentworth by the Sea takes attendees on a six week tour of top wines, illustrious winemakers and beautifully paired menus from Feb. 3 through Mar. 17, 2012.
Another highlight will be the Bubbles & Jazz Brunches with a different champagne each Sunday, and midweek Flight Nights in Roosevelt's Lounge with live jazz and special room rates (starting at $199, promotional code WN9).
The Grand Vintner's Dinners showcase the talents of the property's Chef Daniel Dumont, one of just 63 Master Certified Chefs in the US.
Additionally, special mid-week events in Roosevelt's Lounge include Riedel Glass demonstrations and flight nights as well as cooking and wine –pairing demonstrations. Reservations are not needed and flights are usually three wines for $10 to $16.
A portion of the proceeds from the event will go to Families First, an organization that provides a broad range of health and family services to the Seacoast community regardless of ability to pay.
For a full six-week schedule and profiles of the participating wines, vineyards and chefs, make reservations at 603-373-6566 or go to www.winterwinefestival.com.
PRODUCTS ON PARADE
Choose all natural oatmeal to start the day
Umpqua Oats all natural oatmeal, made from whole thick rolled oats for old-fashioned taste contain thiamin, iron, and fiber, which reduces cholesterol levels in the blood. Healthy and nutritious, the oats are combined with Sucanat Sugar, a whole cane sugar that adds a caramel/maple flavor to the oatmeal. Help customers start the day with a nutritious breakfast of oatmeals that range from Mostly Sunny with dried Northwest fruits to Time Out with chocolate, coconut and peanut butter.
For more information go to www.jasonbeverageconcepts.com.
Design a dish with avocados
Avocados lend themselves to artful presentations on the plate. A swirl of slices frames other ingredients in a mango salad, or use as a shell for scrambled eggs, suggests the California Avocado Commission.
Download recipe suggestions, check out the nutritional information, selection, storage and handling information as well as the recipe database and to to request a California Avocado Commssion recipe collection go to www.avocado.org/foodservice/ or call 800-370-3782.
Cheeseboy expands with two new units
BOSTON – Cheeseboy, the first quick service grilled cheese concept, takes a giant leap with the opening of two new units, a move that brings it to six locations here in the Northeast.
Founder Michael Inwald calls the opening of stores in Natick Mall, Natick, MA and Palisades Center Mall, West Nyack, NY, "an amazing journey." In one year, the chain has grown from two to six units.
The concept focuses on grilled cheese, with customers ordering one of Cheeseboy's signature offerings or creating their own customized sandwich from four breads, five cheeses and an array of meat and vegetable toppings. Soups and salads are also available.
The company is "setting the stage," Inwald says, for franchising Cheeseboy in 2012. Currently, existing stores are located in Boston's South Station and Prudential Center, South Shore Plaza in Braintree, MA and Connecticut Post Mall, Milford, CT.
This summer, the company introduced breakfast at its South Station location, offering eggs and American cheese on Italian or multi-grain bread for $2.99. Other cheese options or bacon, sausage or ham are available additions for 49 cents and 99 cents, respectively.
New No Salt, No Sugar seasoning blends introduced
New from Chef Paul Prudhomme at Magic Seasoning Blends® are five All Natural seasoning blends with no sugar and no salt in five exciting flavor combinations. Choose from Lemon & Cracked Pepper, Sweet & Spicy, Toasted Onion & Garlic, Seven Herb and Six Spice. Each formula is uniquely different and all are MSG and preservative-free and have no gluten. Each comes in a user-friendly shaker/pour PET container packed six to the case.
Contact Gregg Villarrubia, director of foodservice sales, for pricing and samples at lgvillarrubia@chefpaul.com or call 503-731-3519.
Cork Pops introduces the Legacy opener
Cork Pops introduces the new Legacy wine opener, which uses a low pressure cartridge to gently, easily remove a cork from the bottle. The Legacy features a custom designed insertion guide and needle guard as well as a patented cork release feature to remove the extracted cork from the opener with a simple twisting motion. The opener comes with one cartridge which will open between 60 and 80 bottles of wine. The product has a suggested retail price of $28
For more information, please visit www.corkpops.com.
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