What Sets One Menu Apart From The Rest?
Friday, March 18th, 2011Eating out forms part of our everyday lives. Sometimes it’s for business, sometimes it’s for enjoyment – the very fact of the matter is that there are numerous good cafes and restaurants from which to choose and we should never let the opportunity pass to sit back and enjoy a great meal.
Have you ever been to a cafe where their food menu was so extensive that you needed an hour or so to make up your mind on what you want to order? Or on the other hand, have you ever been to a cafe or restaurant where their food menu was so limited that you could not find anything you like?
When creating a food menu it’s very important to cater for a wide variety of tastes, but without going so overboard that your customers don’t know what to order!
Generally most menus start with a selection of starters. Starters may be quite exotic, but keep in mind that not all your clients might like the idea of raw beef or blue cheese and you need to also offer basic items such as cheesy garlic breads or deep fried mushrooms.
The primary attraction of any eating place is generally their main courses. A steakhouse is expected to serve mouth watering steaks, fillets and other meat while a seafood restaurant should offer fish and calamari as fresh as the catch-of-the-day! Yet again it is crucial to keep your customers in mind when putting together your food menu. Even if you are the owner of a steakhouse, you still need to cater for the vegetarian who would prefer a piece of seafood or a veggie platter.
Also keep in mind that many people are allergic to some of the ingredients used in certain dishes. A simple example would be nuts that are often used in salads or as part of other meals. Take care to indicate these ingredients on your menu – the very last thing you want is your client ending up in hospital because they consumed something that they weren’t supposed to.
On the subject of ending up in hospital, good care should be taken that your ingredients are always absolutely fresh and that your kitchen area environment is hygienic and thoroughly clean. This all contributes to the overall enjoyment of your establishment.
Next on the food menu will be the dessert selection. Many restaurants offer a signature desert which is something extraordinary that no other eating place offers. This may be in the form of imported soft ice cream or some other self-indulgent surprise. Once again, don’t forget to plan for the customer looking for good old ice cream and chocolate sauce.
Your food menu should also be complimented by a number of beverage options. From cold drinks and fruit juices to capuccinos and beer – you should offer a wide range to choose from.In summary – if you own a cafe or restaurant or eating place, everything revolves around your food! Make sure that your menu offers many options without being overwhelming and that your food is always deliciously prepared and beautifully presented.