The Subjective Matters That Count

Over the past few months many topics have been raised for discussion. The subject items are listed in no particular order. They include but not limited to the following:

PS- I have added a few comments, actual subject request and/ or my reply to the individual subjects raised during the lifespan of “Our Network”

•  Positions Vacant

We managed to reach the depths in this department. From HR Directors, VP’s, GM’s, DFB’s, Chefs, Owners the list goes on and on……………………………………

• Position Wanted

Many chefs have passed on their CV’s for circulation through the network

• Korean Style Crockery

We were successful in tracking down the relevant contact courteous of a networker that had “been there and done that”

• Kitchen Training

Ongoing project, been put on the back burner (a very mild simmer mind you)

•  Stainless Steel Specifications 

This particular subject generated a lot of interest and the specifications were passed on accordingly

•  Hakka Indian Cuisine 

The following was the answer received in relation to this request

 

Greetings Kelvin,

Hakka- Indian Cuisine has become synonymous with Indian style Chinese food, at least for the people of sub-continent India. Though the staple food and dishes are from a Chinese platter, what makes the Hakka style unique is the elegant fusion that occurs between Indian and Chinese styles of cuisine.

Hope the above is of assistance for you.

Best regards,

Matthew

•  Christmas Giveaway Ideas 

Chef Pathma was in the hunt for some fresh ideas. He certainly got enough ideas for the Christmas in question along with the many that follow J 

• Spa Documentation

Greetings All, 

Does anybody have any documentation in relation to setting up a Spa within a Resort? i.e. P&Ps, manuals, etc 

All materials gathered will be circulated amongst the Network.
Best regards,

Matthew

PS: Some very interesting documents came forward.

•  Theme Buffet Dinners

WOW. Did this open up a can of worms, so to speak? With over 400 menus submitted- each and every contributor was sent the complete package. A healthy selection of menus from all parts of world was put together. Not only limited to the original request. 

•  Lobby Lounge Nibbles 

Here are a dozen of the items submitted

• Cajun spiced popcorn
• Tom yam spiced cashew nuts
• Honey chilly glazed chicken bites
• Chicken popcorn spiced with lemongrass and paprika
• Coconut flakes with Cajun
• Sea salt crusted grissini
• Paprika and parmesan grissini
• Chilli and ginger grissini
• Tapioca crackers
• Honey candied banana crackers
• Caramelized walnuts with sesame
• Paprika lotus root chips

PS: There were in fact a lot more ideas brought forward. A number included the associated recipes. The full list was emailed to all of those that provided input.

• Kitchen Safety

It is a top priority. The particular questions were answered. We will go into further details on this particular issue over the weeks, months and years that follow.

• Vacuum Pack Machine Supplier- Dubai 

The information was sourced and forwarded to the relevant person accordingly

•  Fruit and Vegetable Prices- Dubai

Many chefs were forthcoming in opening their hearts and provided the necessary information

•  Tasting Menu Course Headings 

Out of 15 responses- we got 18 different versions ………… Oh, I am joking a little bit. It is a wonderful collection of ideas.

Can anybody help out with the following?

MG

Hi Matthew,

I am preparing two tasting menus- a 6 course as well as an 8 course.

If the course headings for the 6 course menu are:

To Begin,  Salad,  Appetizer, Sorbet,  Main, Dessert
What would the headings be for an 8 course set menu?

RS

Anyway, the actually responses are as follows:

1) You should not have headings on a tasting menu but if you really think you need it then you can do this:  to begin with, appetizer, salad, fish, seafood, sorbet, meat, dessert- MS 

2) You could use, Amuse Bouche, Fish, Intermediate, Intermezzo Chesses, pre-dessert,

3) Hello, for an 8 course, I would have a pre desserts and a cheese. We did that often in Singapore.

regards- jean-luc 

4) Matthew, Surely that would depend on the food served. If there was, for instance, a pre dessert, then sometimes that is classed as a course and would be named as such.

What about the fish and soup courses?

Regards- Graham

 

5) Begin, Salad, Appetizer, Soup, Sorbet, Main, Dessert, Cheese

HK

 

6)  Hi give 2 appetizer or one pre appetizer. Or add cheese, or add a pre dessert

Regards- S

 

7) Hi Matthew, Suggestion: 

-Amuse Geulle

-Cold Appetizer or Salad

-Soup

-Hot Appetizer

-Sorbet

-Main course

-Dessert

-Cheese or Petit Fours 

-Best regards

S 

8) For an 8 courses dinner you have:

- Amuse Bouche

- Starter

- Soup

- Fish course

- Sorbet

- Meat course

- Cheese platter

- Dessert

G

9) In my opinion you should include soup, fish, cheese, and sometimes coffee counts as a course.

P

 

10) Dear Colleagues, how about

Amuse Bouche,starter,Appetizer, intermezzo,sorbet main cheese dessert 

regards- J

 

11) Some ideas out of the box. 

• A. Temptation (amuse bouche)
• B. The beginning
• C. Too start with (first main)
• D. Liquid (soup)
• E. From the sea (second main)
• F. Intermission (sherbet)
• G. The Final
• H. Sweet ending
• I. Something form the mountains (cheese)
• J. Herbal organic tea and coffee selections  

MH 

12) Before we can help with the name, we would have to know what is being served right. 

A 

13) Hi Matthew,

Amuse Bouche, Salad, Soup, Appetizer, Sorbet, Main, Rice and Dessert 

This is what I do at here.

 

14) 8-Course

-Amuse Bouche,Appetizer,Soup,Fish,Sorbet,Main,Pre- dessert and Dessert

U

 

15) Hello All, You can do a cheese course after the main and a pre dessert before the dessert. If you want add the amuse bouche as well on it. Or even add a soup or a consommé after the appetizer. 

DN

• Asian/ Fusion/ Mediterranean Style Menu Ideas 

With our eclectic crowd we were able to produce a healthy listing of ideas.

•  Checklist for the Opening of a New Kitchen

Basically a critical path sample document was what we were in the hint for. You guessed it- we got a number of versions to ponder over. 

• Children’s Recipes and Children’s Cooking Classes 

This was interesting- the original question was concerning recipes suitable for serving children. The project ended up being split into two- taking in cooking classes for children as well. Well, we ended up with suggested website links, recommended books, SOP’s, recipes, class outlines etc

• Modern Presentation for an A la Carte Menu

There was a fairly tame response

• Does Anybody Know the Process for Making Good Quality Ice Blocks

Dear Mathew,

Could you please help by circulating to the network? 

Question Please:

Does anyone know the process for making good quality Ice Blocks?  As if you wanted to use it to do carvings etc.

I need to be able to freeze some water with Ingredients in it for an upcoming Perfume Launch. 

But I need it to be crystal clear – as when you buy the blocks for carvings.

I have tried to freeze regular water and it becomes cloudy. Or has Fault lines in it. 

I have tried Distilled Water but it does not seem much better. 

Any one out here who can help? 

Cheers Andrew   

PS: Great question indeed. The response was overwhelming

• Non Fruit Amenities 

We do
I alternative to the old fruit plate or basket

1) marzipan praline (little pears, apple, banana etc made by marzipan)

2) chocolate truffle and pralines

3) cookies

4) assorted cold tapas (5 pieces), that can stand for few hours in the room

5) cheese with rye crackers, and sour fruit jelly o sour jams or aromatic honey

of course the presentation is very important… therefore not presented on common square or round plate

ciao- G 

PS: The above response to the call arrived within a matter of minutes. In addition there were more than 200 more ideas to follow from fellow chefs.

•  Innovative Ideas for Breakfast Beverages 

For an energy kick, there’s nothing like a fruit smoothie. To bump up the nutritional value, use fresh-squeezed orange juice.

Total Time: 5 minutes

You Will Need
3/4 cup orange juice
1/2 cup sliced banana
2 teaspoons packed brown sugar
1/8 teaspoon almond extract
2 ice cubes
Fresh mint sprig, for garnish

What to Do

1. Combine orange juice, banana, brown sugar, and almond extract in a blender.

2. Add ice cubes and blend until thick and smooth. Pour into a serving glass and garnish with a mint sprig, if desired.

Serves: 1 

MH 

PS: The above is one of many responses. Complete with recipe. For the record I in fact tried this recipe out. It works!!!

•  Mediterranean Restaurant Name Ideas

From Solar to Sea Breeze, Marco Polo, Sunshine, Mezzaluna, Mediteraneo, Casa Luna, Lucia, Florence, Venice, La Gondola, Vitto, Sicilia, Cosica and a load of other suggestions. 

PS: I forgot to find out what the restuarant in question is named

•  Shop Ideas for Hotels and/ or Resorts

We ended up compiling a listing of more than 100 shop ideas.

 

•  Culinary Competition Web Pages
• 1. Best to go through the Chef organization in each place & country do a web site search ………
• 2. I do not have the website but if you google bocuse d’or or coupe de monde you will get the links to both……… 

A couple of good answers were presented

• Storeroom Policy an Procedures 

A couple of sample documents were brought to the table

• Healthy Dessert Options

Hi Matthew,

Please find some healthy Desserts…..

Soya Milk Panna Cotta, Organic Rice Pudding, Low Fat Yoghurt Mousse, Low Fat Yoghurt Ice Cream, Butter Milk Ice Crème , Butter Milk Mousse, Buck Wheat Pan Cake

Best regards- HJ 

PS: The above is a selection of the ideas submitted 

•  Bonus Structure

Dear ALL,

I would appreciate help in setting up a bonus structure or coming to an agreement to one in regards to my contract. 

All the normal expat stuff is already in the contract housing, medical, flights, etc. Salary is good to very good. 

It is a free standing new to open restaurant fine dining, with a combined total of 130.

What kind of bonus structure do you feel is reasonable and how should it be set up in regards to amounts and payments? 

The only thing to really base it up on in this setting is food cost. This restaurant is in an Asian country that is not popular. I am the only expat chef in a city of 10-12 million. This is something new for me and I do appreciate all feedback. 

Mike

 

PS: Mike got the answers that he was looking for and was able to proceed accordingly

• Christmas Cookies

100 ideas were put forward and a healthy list of web pages was compiled

• Herb Seed Supplier Contact

 

Hi Matthew,

 Maybe one of our chefs can help me with this. Does anybody know any supplier in Indonesia for seeds for herbs like basil, thyme, rosemary, chives, mint etc? 

I would like to plant my own herb garden.

Best regards

Siegfried

 

PS: Siegfried was successful in being put in touch with the relevant supplier 

•  Semi Breakfast Buffet Outline

A grand selection of ideas were brought forward

• Afternoon Tea Ideas

Afternoon tea menu ideas were firing in from all directions after this request for assistance was put to the group 

•  Praline Recipes

Dear Matthew, 

I have to add a praline shop to our pastry shop. Can you ask the friends for some recipes please? Their help would be highly appreciated.

Best culinary regards,

Herman

PS: Even though the response was limited. The results were on the ball 

• South African Dish Recommendations

This request produced no less than a dozen sample menus along with a huge selection of proven/ tested recipes

•  Chinese Banquet Menu Outline

Can anybody help out with the following request? MG

 

 Matthew,

I am currently reviewing my Chinese Banquet Menu Package.

Can anybody within the network assist me with a basic outline sample for the Chinese Banquet Package?

Thanks in advance- Mark

PS: This request had the answers flowing from all parts of the world

• Coffee Break Set Up Images

 

15mb of data was received in relation to this request. All of which was forwarded to the other contributors

• Food Cost Control Worksheet- Daily Consumption Analysis

I request- 4 samples received

•  Kumquat Confit Recipe

 

One of the answers reads as follows:

Matthew, 

If our colleague follows the following recipe, he will be quite satisfied.

Slice kumquats to the desired thickness and blanch twice in boiling water.

Make thick sugar syrup (1 kilo water/1 kilo sugar boiled together), add the kumquats and simmer until tender (up to a couple of hours.) If solution starts to get to thick through reduction – add more water. Do not let the solution boil too rapidly or the kumquats will break up.

A liquor of choice can be added for extra flavor.

Regards- Graham

•  Staff Canteen Budget

We got the answers from a few recipients. Varying from USD1- 3 

•  Club Sandwich 

1) For me it is not so much about the presentation but all about the filling. Try to break away from the norm and come up with something more exciting.We used to do a club that had smoked turkey, lyoner sausage and avocado (as well as the tomato, lettuce, mayo etc) and served it with plantain chips rather than French fries.I guess the filling can only be limited by one’s lack of creativity?

AB

 

2)Club sandwich with a twist

• Use crispy pancetta bacon instead of back bacon
• Smoked chicken instead of roast chicken
• Sliced avocado on top of the chicken and mayo mixture
• Use different breads
• Build sandwich up in a ring so it takes the shape of a tower for a point of difference.

 

3)I do it as a wrap or do it as a ciabatta sandwich with roasted garlic aioli and papaya salsa

Ray

 

4)Hi there, Served in a shot glass with fillings and soft pulp bread, eaten with a spoon…

Almost a trifle, definitely different… 

Cheers… M

5) How about a thin turkey roulade with the leg and breast meat intertwined wrapped and poached and then cooled.  Then wrapped in bacon (or turkey bacon) and blanched spinach and then wrapped again in brioche toast bread that has been cut and pressed. 

To order, the roll can be pan fried on a griddle and then cut on a bias and placed up.  Diced tomatoes can be used as a base and a “bacon fat” mayonnaise can be used to top the “sushi style” presentation.  A dried tomato could top the roll.  This could also be served on a bed of Iceberg lettuce or wrapped in Boston Bibb lettuce.

Just a thought off the top of my head!!!  

Enjoy!!!! A

•  Cuisines of the World 

A huge input was received from the fellow chefs. We managed to compile a HUGE listing. Please see separate article on this subject. 

•  Hotel Opening Gala Event Checklist 

This request proved to be a tough one. Seems that this information is difficult to get your hands on

•  Italian Dessert Ideas

Dear Matthew,

 As I would like to pep up our dessert menu in our Italian fine dining restaurant, I need some new fresh ideas on top of the traditional dishes which we have now:

- Canonoli
- Tiramisu
- Zucotto
- Macedonia
- Zuppa

 Any Italian chef has some great additional ideas?

 Thanks and best regards

 Chef

A number of images and menu suggestions were passed on

•  Valentine’s Day Menu Ideas

Dear Matthew, 

I am looking for 5 course special Valentines menu with modern style plating and menu, budget and country doesn’t matter as I am working for a very high profile resort in Middle East.

I hope I will get reply soon

Regards- Young Chef

He certainly did get his reply, along with a few sample menus to assist

• Italian Sushi

 

Hi Matthew

Could you please share with the network?

Anyone ever made some “Italian Sushi” would appreciate some feedback 

Regards

Max

BKK

We since found out that the name is Sushi Italiano thanks to a chef working in Seoul. He went to the trouble to provide a link to a story related to the subject along with a number of images. All of which was passed onto Max as well as the other contributors.

• Food Supplier/ Vendor Checklist

Many samples of the document in question were passed on

• Housing Pricing in Doha

The answers were provided in no time what so ever 

• Development Chef Salary Range in Dubai

This gave me an idea- I am not going to elaborate now on that idea. You will witness it in the not too distant future.

•  Drink/ Beverage List and Supplier Inventory

This request came from a fellow chef that was making the transition move to the service side

•  Ice cream Menu

There certainly are some interesting ways out there to serve ice cream hmmmmm

•  Ramadan Menus

Within 10 minutes of emailing this request out the responses started to flow

• The Spice Route

Dear Matthew, 

Can anyone help me out with some material about spice route? I want to do a theme buffet along the lines of spice route.

Regards- Indrajit

PS: The responses are trickling in basically as I am typing J 

The requests for assistance, offers of help etc continue to flow in. I will regularly update this posting. Matthew