The Importance of Meal Uniformity

In the kitchen, meal uniformity is key. Meal uniformity ensures when food is prepared, each plate is the same size and taste each time. Meal uniformity is extremely important for two main reasons: food cost and customer satisfaction. Understanding the importance of meal uniformity and how to achieve consistent, identical meals is a key in restaurant success. It can honestly make or break a restaurant.
Meal uniformity effects food costs. Restaurant owners must determine an exact amount of food for each dish. Failure to have meticulous, precise measurements may result in incorrect recipes and inflated food costs. When chefs are over-generous in their servings it results in wasted food, taking money away from the restaurant. In a recent study, “76% of chefs thought that they served "regular" portions, the actual portions of steak and pasta they reported serving were 2 to 4 times larger than serving sizes recommended by the U.S government.” It’s important that chefs aim for healthy, proportionate, consistent servings.
Another detriment of inconsistent portion size is unhappy customers. Customers will rarely notice if they are receiving an abundant amount of food but they will notice if it’s significantly less or if the food tastes significantly different. Recipes should be the same each and every time, this means both the portion size as well as the flavoring. Often chefs "wing-it" while they're cooking, causing significant changes to the way food tastes whenever a customer comes in. When you visit a restaurant, you expect a dish to taste the same. When customers return to a restaurant, especially for a specific meal, they expect their meal to be unchanged. Maintaining restaurant uniformity requires a well trained staff and simple kitchen tools that they can learn quickly.
Teach your kitchen staff to always use the correct utensils when making and serving food. Ingredients should be measured using a portion scale, like Edlund’s 10 lbs Digital Portion Scale to ensure the same amount is in each portion. This includes spices, meats, toppings and more, it all should be weighed. We suggest Edlund’s scale because it contains a removable stainless steel platform and large LCD read-out. This scale can measure up to 10 lbs of ingredients and is very easy to use. The Edlund Scale features a button to convert between ounces and grams, if that is a needed feature. A scale and measuring is something that is a must for meal uniformity. In a restaurant kitchen the words "pinch" or "dash" shouldn't be heard, but instead precise measurements.
For liquid ingredients measuring cups are the proper item in the kitchen. There are many different choices when it comes to measuring cups, here, we suggest Cambro’s 1 Quart Clear Measuring Cup. Cambro color coded this cup in blue and red. Molded-in graduations are printed in blue for metric measurements while the opposite side features red for standard American measurements. The cup is transparent making it very easy to see its contents and has a easy to pour lip making sure you pour the entire contents exactly where you need it. The Cambro 1 quart Measuring Cup is dishwasher safe and NSF approved. Using a measuring tool that does not pour well or easily can cause part of the ingredient to splash about or miss the intended dish, further preventing meal uniformity.
For consistent sauce servings, rely on a portioning system such as the Portion Pal system. This innovative Portion Pal system has a large assortment of products that help with sauce and condiment portion control. Sauce and condiments dramatically affect how a meal will taste. Use along a make line to ensure your employees are portioning out sauces equally so that one customer does not receive double portions without paying accordingly. Consider investing in the 24 oz. FIFO Portion Pal Kit. It includes four fixed portion control rings that allow you to determine the serving of each sauce. Choose between 1/4 oz., 1/3 oz., 1/2 oz., and 1 oz. The Portion Pal is extremely helpful for any kitchen that relies on sauces, dressings or condiments in their meals. This simple tool will ensure your meals, in terms of condiments, are consistent.
At Public Kitchen Supply we work hard to provide our customers with products and advice that will improve their restaurant. Meal uniformity is extremely important in the kitchen. It effects the money a restaurant spends and a customer’s experience. Monitor expenses and improve customer loyalty by practicing meal portion control and meal uniformity. For more products like the ones mentioned in today’s blog visit our website at PublicKitchenSupply.com.

Condrasky, M., et al. "Chefs' Opinions of Restaurant Portion Sizes." Obesity (Silver Spring) 15.8 (2007): 2086-94. Print.

Solutions to Kitchen Back Pain

25% of adults in the United State have reported back pain lasting at least an entire day in the last three months. Standing or sitting for long periods of time is more likely to increase your chances of back pain and fatigue. In the kitchen it’s very easy to acquire back pain. Chefs and restaurant staff know that kitchens require long periods of standing, heavy lifting, and repetitive activity, all of which easily cause back pain. So what are they to do to prevent back pain or help combat it?
One of the most common reasons for back pain is poor foot support. Dr. Giurini compared feet to the foundation of a building; if your feet are poor mechanically, they can change the alignment of your back. When shoes with poor support are continually worn for hours on end they can lead to many problems, obviously back pain is one of these. Less supportive shoes are known to cause arch pain, ankle pain, and knee pain. Wearing supportive shoes, like MOZO Shoes, can dramatically reduce your back pain. MOZO shoes are designed specifically with a chef's day in mind. They're meant to keep a chef working all day long, preventing fatigue for as long as possible.
We recommend choosing the Mozo’s 125th Street Patent Leather Shoe. These shoes are made with a patent leather outer. The patent leather allows the shoe to mold to your foot, and allowing you to not worry about splashes or spills. Leather becomes softer and malleable over time promising lasting comfort. MOZO's 125th Patent Leather Shoe features a stainless steel toe. This is a fantastic quality meant to protect your toes when lifting heavy supplies. The shoe is completed with a breathable, polyester mesh lining. The mesh lining provides water resistance and reduces perspiration from long uses.
A simple way to prevent back pain is practicing good posture. It’s easy to slouch and push weight onto your knees, hips, and feet. When you practice good posture you are developing your core. Your core includes: back, pelvic, abs, side, and buttock. These muscles help you stand up straight, rotate, bend and twist. Dr. Moyad says, “Your core is like a crane that supports all of your movements.” You can strengthen your core by doing squats, lunges crunches, along with other exercises. These exercises can increase your body's ability withstand abuse such as standing and walking through an entire 8+ hour shift.
Exercise is a great long-term, preventive measure but what about immediate relief? Anti-fatigue mats are a quick, inexpensive way to relieve foot and back pain. Use a mat such as Andersen’s 3” x 5” Cushion Max Floor Mat that includes foam to allow your body to sink into a "cushion" rather than standing firm on a hard surface. A simple item such as this can make a large difference. Cashiers who stand at registers for long periods of time stand on mats such as these to keep their back and knees from incurring pain from the weight. Andersen’s Floor Mat will also grip onto hard kitchen tiles providing a comfortable barrier between your feet and the floor without allowing it to slip or slide out from under you. The Cushion Max Floor Mat is made out of nitrile and PVC closed cell foam promising comfort and longevity.
Severe back pain can be debilitating, especially when you're at work and running a busy restaurant kitchen. There's no time to stop and take a break, you must keep going. Proper footwear, flooring, and exercise can keep you moving. At Public Kitchen Supply we provide our customers with all the tools they need to be successful, including comfort. A health-conscious lifestyle allows you to feel and work your best. Invest in quality foot support for a happier, healthier life. Visit our website at PublicKitchenSupply.com to see the products mentioned in today’s blog and other items that will help you in the kitchen.

Stainless Steel: 18/10 vs 18/8 vs 18/0

In the world of stainless steel there are several different types: 18/10, 18/8 and 18/0 stainless steel. Each of these types are classified by the percent of chrome and nickel in the steel. 18/10 stainless steel has 18% chrome and 10% nickel, hence the 18/10 classification. Likewise, 18/8 stainless steel has 18% chrome and 8% nickel. While 18/0 stainless steel has 18% chrome and 0% nickel. Nickel effects stainless steel’s corrosion resistance and luster. In today’s blog Public Kitchen Supply will discuss the benefits of each type of stainless steel.
18/10 stainless steel contains the most nickel out of the three. Nickel tends to be more expensive so 18/10 stainless steel products are typically more pricey than 18/8 or 18/0 stainless steel items and also the highest quality. The biggest benefit of choosing 18/10 stainless steel is that it is long lasting and has a sturdy feel to it. Browne-Halco’s 2 Quart Stainless Steel Sauté Pan is an example of 18/10 stainless steel. The pan’s 18/10 construction allows it to be excellent at conducting heat. It features a riveted, stay-cool handle for extra strength and heat protection, the nickel adds to its extra strength component. While 18/10 stainless steel is ideal when working with pots and pans, it is not necessary for all kitchen items. Finding 18/10 flatware is also ideal for fine-dining establishments that want to portray class to their patrons.
If you are not using stainless steel to conduct heat 18/8 or 18/0 stainless steel works quite well. 18/8 stainless steel works well with items like crowd control poles and bun pan racks, things that need to be strong but not necessarily attractive. Its more for utility than the other two types of stainless steel. One advantage of 18/8 stainless steel is that it is less expensive than 18/10 stainless steel. Keep in mind the difference between 18/10 stainless steel and 18/8 stainless is only 2%. While 18/10 stainless steel will be slightly better at conducting heat you may want to save money by choosing an 18/8 stainless steel product. A perfect example of 18/8 stainless steel is an Induction Ready Wok from Adcraft. This wok has a quality top layer made of 18/8 stainless steel so that it is great for induction cooking while containing an aluminum core to keep the price down.
18/0 stainless steel is the least expensive stainless steel as it is pure chrome and no nickel. This type of stainless steel is perfect for products that do not require heat conduction or strength. 18/0 stainless steel is great for tools like everyday use flatware and other kitchen utensils such as this Update International Butter Spreader that is made out of 18/0 stainless steel. They are inexpensive and perfect for make lines or a home kitchen. Because 18/0 stainless steel contains zero nickel it is also dishwasher safe, perfect for cleaning quickly. 18/0 stainless steel is a great choice for people looking to save money but still wanting a quality product.
When it comes to choosing your stainless steel kitchen tools you have many different options. Each type of stainless steel has advantages and disadvantages, so everyone should know the difference between 18/10, 18/8, and 18/0. Before purchasing a product made from stainless steel consider its function, polish, and finish. At Public Kitchen Supply we work hard to provide equipment that will fit your commercial and residential kitchen needs. Visit our website at publickitchensupply.com to view our large selection of stainless steel products.

The Diversity of Luxor Specialty Carts

Luxor has an extensive line of specialty carts. Carts are typically thought as a simple rolling vehicle, used for transporting objects. While Luxor develops traditional carts they also have many others. Luxor is an innovative, evolutionary company. Luxor is constantly developing new products while conforming to old product needs and market trends. When you shop Luxor Specialty Carts you will find products that work well in restaurant kitchens, offices and classrooms. In today’s blog Public Kitchen Supply will be discussing the diversity of Luxor Specialty Carts.
Carts are a necessary tool in restaurant kitchens. Luxor Specialty Carts supply carts that are great for outdoor food service, al la carte menu items and bussing tables. Luxor understands that food service requires objects and food to be moved swiftly while practicing food safety. Luxor cleverly created food carts that are light weight yet have high weight carrying capacities. Luxor’s 3-Shelf Bus Tub Stainless Steel Cart is an excellent example of this. This cart measures 33.5” x 21” x 37”, offering a compact design. Despite the cart’s slim, convenient shape it has a carrying capacity of 200 lbs. The 3-Shelf Bust S Tub Stainless Steel Cart is wide enough to hold two bussing tubs. Each shelf features a retaining lip, keeping bus tubs secure during transportation. The Luxor’s 3-Shelf Bus Tub Stainless Steel Cart can double as a dessert cart. Its sleek stainless steel composition gives it a professional, stylish design. Luxor knows that restaurant kitchens demand stylish yet durable products. Find the food cart you want, shop Luxor Specialty Carts.
Luxor provides carts that work well in office settings too. Luxor’s Black Cabinet and Keyboard Presentation Cart is an example of an office cart. This cart is great for presentations and meetings. It provides a convenient place for a laptop, keyboard, handouts and additional presentation tools. The cart is made with holes that cables can easily pass through. The Black Cabinet and Keyboard Presentation Cart is adjustable in height. The cart’s adjustable height allows the user to find a height that fits them best. Luxor understands that carts in an office setting need to be discrete and blend into the office. They shouldn’t distract from an employee’s presentation. Presentation Carts are simple office tools that act as a speaking point for presenters.
Many people may be surprised to find that Luxor supplies chalk boards and dry erase boards. These boards are great for schools and universities. Because Luxor specializes in carts they took this traditional classroom tool and made it portable. Luxor chalk boards and dry erase boards are attached to wheels making them easy to move, transporting a presentation from one room to another. Choose from boards like Luxor’s 36” Reversible White Board with frame or the Reversible Chalk Board with stand. Both of these products can act as chalkboard and white board exemplifying versatility. Chalk boards and white boards can be overlooked in an office, but they work well in offices and kitchens too. Purchase a board for employee restaurant training or office meetings.
Public Kitchen Supply is proud to provide Luxor products. Since 1986, Luxor has proven its adaptability and smart designs. Luxor carts have a Limited Lifetime Warranty against factory defect and workmanship. When you purchase a Luxor Specialty Cart you can trust that you are receiving an excellent, well-made product. At Public Kitchen Supply we work to provide manufactures that supply a wide range of products and designs. To find a Luxor cart that works well for your business shop our Utility Cart selection at PublicKitchenSupply.com.

How to Make Your Restaurant Child-Friendly

When you run a restaurant, you have to consider whether you want your establishment to be child-friendly or not. If you choose to have it kid-friendly, there are quite a few additional things you should consider for success. Most of them are necessary and can easily be overlooked, especially if the owner or manager do not have children themselves. So you must start by putting yourself in the mind of a parent. What kinds of things do you want a restaurant to have if you brought your child to it. You would obviously want items that will keep your child safe while eating, as well as proper ways to change them if they are toddlers or younger. All of these things can and do effect a person's decision to come back to a restaurant while they have children. If these requirements are not met, you may lose patrons who were regulars before children entered their lives.
To begin with you'll need to consider how the children will sit at a table with their parents. Will you add booster seats, high chairs, or both? Chances are you should have both on hand. For young children who are still in diapers, you'll definitely need high chairs. Whether the child is able to sit up on their own, and be strapped in with the safety belt, or if they need to stay in their car seat, a high chair can keep them safe while their parents are eating. Safety is a number one priority for the parents, and they will trust you to purchase quality high chairs for their children. A Rubbermaid Plastic High Chair not only has an updated look, but it's also extremely easy to clean (sanitize), and it won't cause splinters like wood high chairs. They're durable, dependable, and when a parent sees Rubbermaid stamped on the side, they recognize the brand, improving their trust in your concern for their child's safety. When you have high chairs in your restaurant, you do want to make sure that you are keeping a close eye on the quality, ensuring none has deteriorated. The last thing you want to have happen is a high chair break with a child sitting in it. Routine inspections as well as routine safety-strap replacements are key with making sure high chairs help you run a successful kid-friendly restaurant.
Now, you'll also need booster seats. These are for those kids that are "big kids." The ones that either refuse to sit in a high chair or are simply too big. They're old enough to eat at the table with the adults and know the dangers of sitting in a chair. These are offered in a variety of styles, all made of durable plastic. Kids will love having the option of booster seats and parents will be pleased as well. It's an overlooked item, as kids who can't fit in a high chair can obviously sit in a chair, but you still want them to be comfortable and able to reach their food. The booster chair is a great transition point. There are booster seats with strap options, like this Cambro Booster Seat, or kinds that have two heights built into one seat. Allowing versatility based on the ever-growing child. A two year old and a five year old may both need a booster seat, but they obviously have different sized bodies. A double-sided booster seat takes this into consideration and adds a level of comfort.
Next, think about a parent with a child in diapers. Restroom changing stations are extremely important to them. If overlooked, you never know what surface will become a "changing" table for your customers. This then means certain surfaces will become unsanitary and potentially can start an illness amongst your customers if not cleaned properly. A newsworthy illness caused simply from being unprepared is not the kind of marketing a restaurant welcomes. By simply installing a changing station initially, this can mostly be prevented. Also, make sure that it's well stocked with liners. Some people will not use a public changing station if it has no liners accompanying it. By making sure its stocked, more people will be more apt to utilize this table for their child. Restroom changing stations are a necessary thing to change a child's diaper. If there's no place to change, the baby may cry from discomfort, potentially disrupting the entire dining area of your restaurant. For the sake of your customers, installing a World Dryer Drybaby changing station will benefit a variety of people without even knowing it.
Lastly, consider incorporating kid-friendly Sasa Demarle molds for you foods. While some restaurants include a kid's menu, which is a good idea for picky eaters, you are able to up the ante by having cakes or other foods in shapes that will make your young customers' day. A smiley face potato cake, or a bow cake, or a flower ice cream pop, and soccer ball molds can all be great for catering. One mold that has to be a popular mold would have to be both the teddy bear head and full teddy bear shapes. Any child would love seeing their birthday cake or dessert in that shape.
Once you know what your customer's need, it's easy to accommodate them. However, some customer's do need a bit more help. Making your restaurant a kid-friendly restaurant is quite simple. It's all about safety and accommodation for both the children and the parents. A child enjoying your restaurant though can cause frequent return business from the entire family. It's not something that should be taken lightly. Take into consideration some of these tips or browse around our site for other possible items that may help you transform your restaurant

Give your Kitchen a "Green" Makeover

Eco-friendly homes and businesses are quickly becoming standard. The kitchen is one of the best places to begin your "green" makeover. An environmentally-friendly kitchen is not only beneficial to the environment but to you. Investing in "green" products can save time, money, and keep you healthy. Consider these how-tos on being more eco-friendly and the benefits that come with living "green."
Turning your kitchen "green" starts with small, inexpensive changes. When it comes to smallwares look for products that are built to last or are biodegradable. Eco-friendly products should have an extremely long life. Products that are made out of strong, sturdy materials are those that will accomplish this task. Cast iron and stainless steel both work well in the kitchen and are known for their longevity. Smallwares that are not only long lasting but made out of biodegradable materials are even better. For example, a wood cutting board is biodegradable and made to last for generations. Wood has natural anti-septic properties and are excellent at self-healing causing it to last longer than a plastic or glass cutting board. This Update International’s Wood Bread Board is a perfect example. It is an environmentally friendly product for homes and kitchens.
When it comes to your kitchen’s handwashing station choose hand dryers over paper towels. From an environmental perspective, hand dryers surpass paper towels exponentially. Studies estimate hand dryers use 5% less energy than paper towels in the first year, and 20% less after five years. World Dryer’s Silver V-Max Hand Dryer is a fantastic choice for your commercial kitchen or restroom. It features a 10 to 12 second dry time and uses infrared technology. The Silver V-Max Hand Dryer has been applauded for using antimicrobial technology, preventing the growth of bacteria, mold and fungus, keeping your kitchen cleaner preventing the spread of germs through your hands. Choosing a high performance hand dryer, like the Silver V-Max, is another environmental and health conscious choice. While some might worry about the cost, it balances out quickly. When considering how much you spend on paper towels monthly or yearly, a hand dryer seems like a great trade off.
If you want to purchase "green" appliances look for the Energy Star label on the outside. The United States created the Energy Star Label to make it easy for consumers to recognize and purchase energy-efficient products. Products like the True Glass Display Refrigerator can dramatically decrease your energy bill by using energy more efficiently, saving you money and wasting less resources from our environnment. It's a win-win when you choose an Energy Star appliance. The Federal Government even offers some rebates for converting your old appliances to newer Energy Star appliances.
Choosing to go "green" in your kitchen, both residential and commercial results in a savings over time. Eco-friendly appliances impact our health, budget, and schedule. Investing in green products is a simple change with great results, not just in your pocket, but also is good for the environment. At Public Kitchen Supply we encourage you to consider environmentally friendly products. Visit our website at www.publickitchensupply.com to view more products for your kitchen.

US Department of Energy, and US Environmental Protection Agency. "How a Product Earns the Energy Star Label." Energy Star. Energy Star, n.d. Web. 27 Sept. 2013.
Petri, Alexandra. "The Paper Towel-hand Dryer Wars Are over." The Washignton Post. N.p., 14 Nov. 2012. Web. 18 Oct. 2013.

Change Your Restaurant With The Seasons

One of the reasons restaurants fail is that they cannot keep their customers interested and coming back. It’s vital to have reoccurring customers along with new clientele. A loss in customers can quickly lead to a restaurant’s failure, no incoming funds means no money to pay bills. One way to keep your customers interested is by offering menu and restaurant changes throughout the year. Changing decorations quarterly, with the seasons as well as foods with the seasons, will help your restaurant feel fresh and current.
Showcasing seasonal foods can revive a menu periodically. Seasonal foods offer the most flavor and nutritional value at an affordable cost. Ro Howe, chef and restaurateur, explains “Featuring seasonal ingredients assures your customers that you are conscious of what nature has to offer." Using products like San Jamar’s Full Fold Tabletop Napkin Dispenser, is a great way to display seasonal menu items. This napkin dispenser features an insert option for customized promotional advertising. You can easily change advertisements from one season to the next allowing you to promote your special seasonal items without redoing your entire paper menu every few months.
In the Spring highlight green, leafy vegetables. Spring onions and asparagus are delicious this time of year. Summer is a great time to introduce cool and light foods. People typically eat less when it’s warm outside. Strawberries, corn, and apples are all fantastic foods for the summer. As Fall approaches, switch to full and hearty ingredients. Fall is a great time to work sweet potatoes and ginger into your menu. These are warm, filling foods that will match your customers’ taste buds. Finally, in Winter, focus on meats and root vegetables. Beef, carrots and lamb are particularly delicious this time of year. Stews are a great way to incorporate these as most people find a hearty stew a comfort food in the cold Winter months. Your menu is a great way to target new customers and keep current clientele's attention.
Your restaurant’s decorations and color scheme is another way to stay fresh, current. Like your menu, follow a seasonal pattern. Look for tabletop accessories that are versatile, like Update International’s Round Cracker Basket. In the Spring bring fresh flowers and pastels into your restaurant in small ways. Customers will appreciate the lively transition into the summer months. Summer is a great time to incorporate brighter colors into your tablecloths, napkins or other small features. As the temperature drops, switch your attention to beautiful autumn. Autumn is filled with rich, stunning colors. Incorporate items that start to transition between Summer and Winter, warm flowers with deep reds or fill a glass vase with fallen leaves for an inexpensive, gorgeous decoration. In the bitter cold keep customers warm, use candles at night to make it feel warm or use pine cones and snowflakes as simple table decoration.
When it comes to revamping your restaurant’s menu and style remember simplicity is key. Small changes can make a huge difference, especially when paired with the changing seasons. We strongly encourage restaurants to stay current by making small changes quarterly. At Public Kitchen Supply we want to help restaurants succeed. Visit our website at publickitchensupply.com for additional restaurant advice and fantastic kitchen supplies.

The World's Healthiest Foods. George Mateljan Foundation, n.d. Web. 18 Mar. 2014.