Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Chefconnexion Spring Summer 2018
Chefconnexion Spring Summer 2018
Chefconnexion Spring Summer 2018
THIRST
QUENCHERS
p. 29
The Art Of
Plating p. 49
Up for catching
some ZZZZs?
Generation Z, that is
p. 52
ANTIOXIDANT BLEND*
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Flash freezing our fruits and vegetables at the
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*Source of Vitamin C, a dietary antioxidant.
THIS ISSUE
D E PA R TM E N T S
2 President’s Letter
7 Great Advice
12 Staying Ahead
38 Taste Nation
43 Inspired Menu
57 Recipe Central
FE AT U R ES
17 IN SEASONS
Spring Fling
21 WHAT’S UP!
Brand Points PLUS
29 OPEN MENU
Global Thirst
7
Quenchers
35 MARKETING 101
Are You
Instagrammable?
Chef Connexion is published twice a Creative Direction and Production 44 COST CHECK
year by Greenbridge Foodservice Bravada Consumer Communications Bread That’s Worth
The Dough
Managing Editor Translation
Jane Auster Jérôme Kurès 49 GOOD BUSINESS
Contributing Writers Mailing Address The Art of Plating
Suzanne Boles Chef Connexion Magazine
Darren Climans Greenbridge Foodservice Inc.
52 FOODIE
Kate Engineer 1373 Victoria Street N. Unit 201 Generation Zs
Julie Gedeon Kitchener, ON N2B 3R6
Lawrence Herzog Look for Brand Points PLUS
Alison Kent www.chefconnexion.ca qualifying products throughout
Cherie Thompson www.brandpointsplus.ca the magazine!
Great advice By Cherie Thompson
The
vegetarians
are coming...
are you
ready?
Mentions of "vegetarian" on A menu lacking vegetarian options don’t need to blow up all your hard work
alienates up to 33%, or nearly 12 to make room for vegetarian diners.
Canadian menus grew 7.2% million Canadians, according to a
over the past two years and poll commissioned by the Vancouver Who are they and what do
24.5% over the past year.
Humane Society. That’s right. One-
third of our population is either
they want?
vegetarian or eating less meat. Collectively, vegetarians choose,
Mentions of "vegan" are up whether for health, preference, ethical,
Operators can ill afford to close the
29.6% and 16% over the same door on this growing consumer group.
religious or environmental reasons, to
exclude some or all animal products
time period. But designing your existing menu took from their diets. You need to ask what
©2016 Technomic Inc.
time and creativity. Don’t worry; you they eat to know how to serve them: u
CHEFCONNEXION.CA 7
NEW!
Neapolitan-Style
Pizza Mix
A
t Ardent Mills, we know pizza. We mill some of the most trusted flour brands in pizza,
from Keynote® to Primo Mulino™ and beyond. But that’s just the beginning. Save labour
and ensure consistency with our growing line of complete pizza crust mixes. Stay on trend
with our new Neapolitan-style pizza mix and Simply Milled by Ardent Mills™ Organic Flour.
And with our pizza crust expertise, R&D and hands-on technical support, put us to work
for your scratch-to-mix conversion to safeguard your recipe and ensure crust consistency.
That’s our promise.
For technical support or samples, or to order, contact your Ardent Mills account manager,
visit ardentmills.ca or call 888-295-9470.
According to technomic’s menumonitor, Vegetarian – exclusion of meat and Solutions’ corporate chef for Canada.
other animal products from the diet “There are a variety of reasons, all very
“gluten-free” is the leading health
Lactovegetarian – vegetarian who personal and subjective, that someone
claim on Canadian menus, appearing may choose to follow a specific diet.”
eats dairy products
1,956 times. Operators are expanding The “why” should not matter to you
Ovovegetarian – vegetarian who
the gluten-free options they offer on as an operator in the customer service
eats eggs
business.
menus to appeal to health-focused Pescevegetarian or pescatarian –
Tuori reminds us of the importance of
diners in addition to diners with vegetarian who eats fish and seafood
spreading the word. “Many customers,
dietary restrictions. Restaurants are Pollovegetarian – vegetarian who with special diets, tend to remain loyal
serving up gluten-free varieties of eats chicken to restaurants they know have food for
pizza crust, bread for sandwiches, Vegan – one who excludes meat and them and tend to avoid others. Unless
other animal products from the diet the operator informs potential new
breading and desserts.
and does not use any animal products customers, they may not even consider
The second leading health claim on Flexitarian – primarily a vegetarian
dining there.”
Canadian menus is “vegetarian.” who sometimes eats animal products TOP TIP. Advertise at the table or
A lot of this popularity can be counter, online and on social media
to communicate to current and
attributed to an increased interest in Put out the welcome signs potential customers. Use table tent
plant-based menus. “Take all requests with the utmost cards, for now, if changing your
respect,” says Kyla Tuori, Unilever Food menu isn’t in the budget. u
Vegetables are taking centre stage on
many menus as operators attempt to
court not only vegans or vegetarians,
but flexitarian diners as well.
Another health claim appearing on
menus is “organic.”
This term fits within a growing call
for clean and natural foods produced
without fertilizers, antibiotics,
pesticides and other additives. Not only
are organic foods appealing for health
reasons, but organic sourcing also
promotes eco-friendly practices.
CHEFCONNEXION.CA 9
GREAT ADVICE
10 SPRING/SUMMER 2018
We’ve done the work for you
so you can focus on the results.
©National EggSolutions, a Vanderpol's Eggs Ltd. & Global Egg Corporation Joint Venture, 2018. All rights reserved.
STAYING AHEAD
Platemates
By Lawrence Herzog Time to sidle up to your seconds-in-command
12 SPRING/SUMMER 2018
STAYING AHEAD
Lift your profits and your menu with creative sides. They’re a
great way to freshen menus without too much extra financial
outlay, and you can even reduce the cost of proteins by
offering smaller portions dressed up with their sidekicks.
Sides can also spark cravings that spur traffic. Highlighting
more seasonal and limited-availability sides may help drive
more visits, data from Technomic suggest.
Shifting eating habits = new opportunities
Technomic’s Canadian Starters, Small Plates & Sides
Consumer Trend Report reveals:
• Leading sides at top LSR chains serve both sit-down and
on-the-go occasions. Breads and fries are still top choices.
Fastest-growing are proteins (up 50%) and non-breaded
vegetables (up 19%).
• At FSRs, fries and non-breaded vegetables are still top
sides. More filling options are growing, such as taco and
pizza starters and pasta/noodle sides (up 38%). Healthier
sides are also growing, including deli salads (up 22%),
sweet potatoes and varieties of rice.
CHEFCONNEXION.CA 13
STAYING AHEAD
14 SPRING/SUMMER 2018
THE PERFECT CANVAS
TO EXPRESS YOUR CREATIVITY
Made with 5 simple ingredients and Non-GMO Project Verified, our Classic or Small
Pre-sliced Artisan buns and Thin Sandwich Bun will hold up to any tasty meaty or saucy filling.
And with their thin, golden crust and soft, melt-in-your-mouth crumb,
they offer the best taste experience on the market today.
Get the freshness, quality and consistency BOULART is known for.
For more information about our products and where to find them,
or for sale inquiries, contact Michelle Cave at +1 416 566-5866 or visit boulart.com
IN SEASONS
By Lawrence Herzog
14
16 FALL/WINTER 20172018
SPRING/SUMMER
IN SEASONS
By Lawrence Herzog
CHEFCONNEXION.CA 17
IN SEASONS
18 SPRING/SUMMER 2018
IN SEASONS
Edible Flowers
bring colour to
the plate
Fresh Asparagus
Makes any meal
more inviting
CHEFCONNEXION.CA 19
Your naturally good
HAVARTI CHEESE
Made using the original Danish recipe, traditional craftsmanship, and 100% Canadian milk.
Arla® Havarti is your naturally good choice for everything from
sandwiches to cheese plates & casseroles.
NO
ARTIFICIAL COLOUR,
OR PRESERVATIVES
For more information on these and other fine specialty cheeses from Arla Foods contact: arlafoods.ca
ARLA FOODS INC. Toronto: (905) 669-9393 Montréal: (514) 364-5353 Vancouver: (604)-437-8561
IN
WHAT’S
SEASONS
UP?
INTS PLUS
PO
D
BRAN
S E LF
UR
RE W RD Y
O
CHEFCONNEXION.CA 21
WHAT'S UP?
commercial grade appliances, the-line kitchen facilities. Our culinary What has been the response to the
team wanted to reach out to our donation both inside and outside
hardware and food products. community to see if we could donate the organization?
to another facility that could use a Mustoe: It’s been very positive both
boost of quality kitchen equipment internally as well as externally. We are
and food offered by the Brand Points planning to do this again next year
PLUS program. We made a donation to once we accumulate enough points to
the Lighthouse in Orillia as a gift from make another meaningful donation.
our culinary team to theirs through our What is on your radar for your
charitable arm Casino Rama Cares. points in the months ahead?
We thought: What could we do to make Mustoe: We intend to continue to
an impact on the community? We leverage the opportunities that the BPP
really wanted it to be from our culinary program offers and we are intending
team to someone else’s culinary team to reach out to some of our key
and when we found out what the business partners to see what we can
Lighthouse was doing, it just seemed do to strengthen our ability to provide
like a perfect fit. meaningful donations to others in the
Cordeaux: I am very fortunate to community in the future.
work in an amazing kitchen, but not
everybody has that kind of facility. If
there’s an opportunity to help those
less fortunate than ourselves and we
can give them a helping hand, then
that’s what we want to do.
22 SPRING/SUMMER 2018
You Will LOVE The Versatility & Value
AMÖRE TENDERS are NOT just another Chicken Tender and juicy in a universally accepted
Finger. It’s designed to outperform with endless breading with hints of pepper and garlic
iron goat
By Julie Gedeon What is the story behind the Iron When did your restaurant join the
Goat name? Brand Points PLUS program?
Meet Michael Hay, the Iron Goat’s We were inspired by Canmore history, Our representatives at Pratts Food
general manager and the restaurant/ specifically a train engine that was Service encouraged us to join four
pub’s first chef. built by the Canadian Pacific Railway years ago and were great in explaining
The Iron Goat in Canmore, Alta., in 1905 and sold to Canmore Mines the benefits. So we joined immediately.
beams with pride as a restaurant/ Ltd. in 1943. It hauled coal until it was Restaurants are a penny business, so
pub rooted in the community. Award- retired to Calgary’s Heritage Park in anything that we can do to leverage
winning architecture greets patrons. 1963. And, of course, it was named after the benefits from our purchases is truly
A two-storey building features 40-foot the goats that were used to haul coal out appreciated. The Brand Points PLUS
windows, cathedral ceilings and a 125- of mines years earlier. Our restaurant/ program helps us to get those items
seat patio to admire the beauty of the pub pays tribute to Canmore’s railway that make the day-to-day work easier
nearby Rockies. The menu is meant for past with a depiction of the Iron Goat but are a bit of a luxury.
local folks and innovatively embraces carved into our front door and actual
regional cuisine. The restaurant/
pub’s name and décor are inspired by
train track at the base of our bar,
embedded into some of our floor, and
ANYTHING THAT WE CAN DO
Canmore’s railway and mining history. continuing up a stairway. TO LEVERAGE THE BENEFITS
Congratulations on the Iron Goat
entering its 11th year. What do you
FROM OUR PURCHASES IS
attribute to its enduring success? TRULY APPRECIATED.
Our primary goal was to establish
So how have your redeemed some of
a place that pulled the community
your points?
together. It’s designed for locals. We
love when tourists visit, but they’ll One of our best acquisitions has been
be greeted by servers wearing a set of Cambro food inserts that our
comfortable T-shirts and jeans and told chefs really appreciate having in their
about the meatloaf on the menu. It’s kitchen, and we really couldn’t have
been our No. 1 seller since we opened. afforded to purchase them unless we
had cut back on something else. The
I know you focus on great pub food,
Brand Points PLUS program was a
but it seems you nearly always
way to get them in the course of doing
incorporate regional flair.
business with Pratts, a supplier that we
You’re right. For instance, our meatloaf hold in high regard because its team is
has bison and elk. We serve duck always ready to help us with whatever
wings instead of chicken wings. And our restaurant needs.
people love to munch on our pickle
fries or start off with our cheddar and
ale dip.
24 SPRING/SUMMER 2018
YOU’RE GOOD
ToGo!
Grease Resistant
Clamshell Containers
Made with
Corrugation
Eco-Flute® balances moisture, resists grease and retains heat and crispness to ensure the quality of the food is
maintained. Built for Foodservice, Convenience Store, Supermarket, Concession and Catering applications.
Eco-Flute® containers are made from 100% unbleached natural fiber which reduces raw material usage by 20% versus white fiber products of similar weight
and design. The middle layer of paper (Medium) is made of 100% Post Consumer Recycled paper, further adding to the positive environmental impact.
rockaberry
So I talked to the owners and bought experimenting. One of our newest
the Sources Blvd. location in 2004. For creations is a cabane à sucre/sugar
as
several years, I also continued to work shack pie that has a sponge base
as an aircraft maintenance engineer at that’s soaked in maple sugar. If you
Air Canada. have a sweet tooth, you’ll love this
What convinced you that you could one. Of course, we have blueberry,
be successful as a restaurateur? strawberry and all the other fruit pies
that give Rockaberry its name, but also
I already had a lot of management
innovative desserts, such as truffle,
experience at Air Canada. I thought
banalicious, and chocolate lasagna pie.
I would enjoy the challenge of
Sometimes, we just introduce a new
By Julie Gedeon managing a Rockaberry location
twist on a favourite as another option.
because I love people and I love food!
For instance, we put cheese into our
Meet Kevin Groleau Plus my maternal grandmother owned
most popular apple crumble a couple
restaurants all her life, so I guess I
If you still believe that no one could of years ago to create a new pie and it’s
sensed this is in my blood.
make apple pie better than your now our second bestseller.
grandma, you haven’t tried the apple Has Rockaberry changed since it
Why did you join the Brand Points
crumble or apple crumble cheese at first opened in 1989?
PLUS program?
Rockaberry. The restaurant’s pies – Rockaberry started out in 1989 by
some 25 varieties in all – consistently distinguishing itself with its variety I found out about it when I changed
win acclaim from Montreal media as of innovative fresh pies that people distributors a while back after my
the best desserts in and around town. enjoyed on the premises or took home existing supplier was letting me
Kevin Groleau, who with partner Dany or to a friend’s house for dessert. Since down with shortages, delays and
Hashem, now owns three locations, then, it has evolved into a full-service other problems. Of course, getting the
originally just dropped by the eatery for restaurant that more recently also has supplies I need in time is paramount.
a scrumptious slice. a liquor permit. So I love that at one My current distributor’s representative
Franchise owner, Rockaberry, Dollard des table we’ll have a family with young will drop everything and personally
Ormeaux, Kirkland and Vaudreuil-Dorion, Que. children for dinner, at another a group deliver products if I ever find myself in
of teens later enjoying a slice of pie after a jam. The Brand Points PLUS program
So how did you become an owner of
a movie night, and at the bar a group is a nice added bonus to all of this.
the business?
of sports fans or business colleagues Do you have plans for your points?
I first became familiar with Rockaberry toasting a special event or achievement.
as a customer and, of course, love the We just started a while ago, so we
Rockaberry is now open from 11 a.m. to
various pies that are baked fresh daily. I don’t have that many loyalty points
1 a.m., so it accommodates everyone
admired the concept of a more upscale yet. However, we recently signed a few
but remains a more relaxed and family-
café/restaurant where people could bigger supply deals that should generate
oriented atmosphere than a bar.
relax and chat over a slice of pie and quite a number of points. So we’ll see
What goes into deciding what kind of what we need when those materialize.
coffee. I also liked that it didn’t stay
pies to make? There’s always a need for something
open as late as a bar, or attract that kind
of crowd. Our bakers are constantly when you’re running a restaurant.
26 SPRING/SUMMER 2018
CHEFCONNEXION.CA 25
28 SPRING/SUMMER 2018
OPEN MENU
GLOBAL
THIRST
QUENCHERS
By Suzanne Boles
CHEFCONNEXION.CA 29
OPEN MENU
28
30 FALL/WINTER 20172018
SPRING/SUMMER
OPEN MENU
CHEFCONNEXION.CA 31
The Sparkle
is Real,
so is the Tea
The real brewed flavour of SunRype’s
Mango Peach Black Tea makes this
smooth, slow sipper, the perfect drink for
a casual spring and summer afternoon.
www.sunrype.ca/recipes/drinks-recipes
For additional information, please contact Inform Food Brokerage Marketing@informbrokerage.com
OPEN MENU
Tea time
“Consumers are looking for variety, less sugar,
and the combination of fruit and tea, and tea
offers both a health benefit and great-tasting
refreshment,” says SunRype’s Barb Grant.
SunRype Sparkling teas power up the fruit
flavour with Twist of Lemon and Mango Peach,
both made with black tea, Raspberry Rooibos
and Honey Lemon Green Tea.
CHEFCONNEXION.CA 33
DAVID ROBERTS OFFERS THE MOST
topportunities
TO ADD FL AVOUR TO YOUR SAL ADS
www.davidrobertsfood.com
MARKETING 101
ARE YOU
INSTAGRAMMABLE?
By Kate Engineer
248,366,466*
That’s the number of #food hashtags
globally on Instagram, rising minute
by minute.
To say that Instagram’s food community is
an impactful marketing channel for your
restaurant business is an understatement.
Restaurateurs need always to be thinking
about how every element and square
inch of their restaurant can be used
to create their unique brand and be
“Instagram worthy.” The more potential
photo opportunities designed within your
restaurant and menu, the more diners will
want to snap and share, and the bigger
your following will become. It’s that simple.
So first off, who is your customer base?
Of the current 800 million Instagram users,
the majority are Millennials with 90% of the
Instagram user base 35 years and younger.
That’s not to say Instagram can’t be effective
connecting with a mature restaurant
clientele, you just might experience slower
growth through the platform. u
CHEFCONNEXION.CA 35
MARKETING 101
TIP:
#Food #Drinks
QUICK
• TEAM Before it was just about food, now it’s Snap these items with a consistent
aesthetic to your brand and add a
• MENU ITEM about sharing everything about your
restaurant that is consistent with custom hashtag so you can track how
• DÉCOR your brand. many times they’re posted.
• DRINK ITEM
• SERVICE
• BRAND ELEMENT
36 SPRING/SUMMER 2018
MARKETING 101
TIPS:
QUICK
Your Insta Stars will be the key
#GoTeam
elements that get you the most
Action shots of your chefs cooking
#instalove, and are likely to be snapped
or plating, servers sharing their
and shared the most, garnering your
favourite dishes, bartenders shaking
brand the most attention. Try to create
up fancy cocktails are all great photo
new Insta Star dishes seasonally so
opportunities. It is an Instagram
Instagrammers and diners continue
fact that photos featuring faces get
to come back to see what’s new.
38% more likes than those without,
The people behind popular dessert
according to Sproutsocial.com.
shop Sweet Jesus in Toronto are pros
#PicturePerfect
at getting Instagrammers to snap
and share almost identical photos of
Hashtags
their ice cream cone creations on the A professional photographer will
shop’s branded turquoise backdrop. It’s always take the better shot and edit
often difficult to know if it was a post it to perfection, hands down. But for Hashtags allow users who
from the brand or an Instagrammer, restaurateurs who are managing are searching that hashtag
that’s how well they have influenced Instagram in-house it is most effective to connect with your post.
Instagrammers. to have one team member manage the
process for consistency. 1. Hashtags allow your
posts to be part of a
#InstaDesign TIPS:
trending topic.
• Take your shots in natural light or
Your restaurant’s design and décor
bright, well-lit spaces. 2. Hashtags allow you
provide endless opportunities to
incorporate Instagram-worthy elements • Purchase a Selfie Ring Light to to track the number
that are consistent with your brand. attach to your phone for immediate of posts associated
TIP: Consider messaging in tiles or
lighting. with the hashtag, for
signs, unique wallpaper, interesting • Avoid using a flash. effectiveness.
colour palettes, feature photo walls, • Use a tripod built for phones.
and themed sitting areas. • Figure out if the shot will be of one TIPS:
Exterior to interior design, item or a few items to create a scene.
• Create unique brand-specific
nothing should be overlooked as • Use props to help fill in the shot. hashtags.
Instagrammers flock to restaurants for • Try different angles.
• Post hashtags that are relevant
the trendy design photo opp, but then
• Add a human element. to the image and message
stay for the food.
• Maintain a consistent filter. being posted to capture the
San Francisco-based restaurant, RIGHT follower attention.
Instagram is a restaurant’s gateway
Media Noche, is a design haven for
to the influential food photo frenzy • Be aware of the trending
Instagrammers. When you search the
community who are flocking to food holidays on Instagram,
restaurant online, images of people
restaurants for the best opportunity to like National Taco Day, to
and pets posing in front their infamous
share one plate at a time. join in the conversation when
Pink Flamingo wall mural are the first
appropriate for your brand.
to appear even before food pics. Kate Engineer is the Director of
Communications for Fervid Communications,
Restaurant Marketing and PR www.fervid.ca
CHEFCONNEXION.CA 37
TASTE NATION
‘TRUCKIN’
By Lawrence Herzog
Not all restaurant operators choose to stay inside in the comfort of their bricks
and mortar buildings. Some decide to take their act on the road and try out a more
mobile culinary experience.
Lancaster Smokehouse owner-operator Chris Corrigan decided to plunge into
the food truck business in 2014. He purchased and outfitted a heavy-duty chassis
with help from a local stainless-steel fabricator. “I built a versatile mobile kitchen
and went with commercial grade quality to make it an extension of our Kitchener
(Ontario) restaurant,” he says. “It cost more, but we feel it was important to do it
right – especially as it reflects on the restaurant and our brand.” u
38 SPRING/SUMMER 2018
TASTE NATION
CHEFCONNEXION.CA 39
TASTE NATION
TIPS
the preparation for an event like a
$100,000 plus the cost of a used truck
wedding, customers often come into
like a step van.
the restaurant for a tasting session to
help them decide on menu items for As well, consider the costs of:
• Build a menu with items that are the event. • licensing
simple, good and distinctive. • permits
The restaurant’s kitchen staff love
• Keep recipes simple and easy working the truck, he says. “When we • liability and business insurance
to vary. go to events, they are competing to be • vehicle registration
along. There’s a lot of time pressure
• Get creative with dish names • parking
at the events and high energy. The
customers will remember.
service is fun because we’re parked at
• Watch your food costs and a location where everybody is having a Build your brand
price points. great time.” Food trucks that distinguish
themselves through smart marketing
• Make your brand strong Corrigan is part of one of a growing
and distinctive. number of foodservice operators and menu choices can stand above the
choosing to go mobile. Canada-wide, competition and reach customers they
• Get social, interact with your estimates put the number of food trucks want to attract, says Small Business
customers online. at more than 400, with more in the west BC. Developing a strong brand is a
• Be ready for bad weather. than the east. top priority for successful food truck
operators. “Aside from your menu,
• Budget for slow days in your think of what sets you apart from your
business plan. competition and sell it.”
40 SPRING/SUMMER 2018
TASTE NATION
Built to serve
In Canada, food trucks
are outfitted by a range of
manufacturers and fabricators.
They include:
CHEFCONNEXION.CA 41
inspired menu
IQF CAULIFLOWER Florets
At Alasko Foods, our vegetables are harvested at the
peak of maturity. Our cauliflower florets are perfect
to use right out of the freezer. No chopping required,
no prep time, no mess. Simply remove the desired
amount from the freezer and save the rest for later.
Our cauliflower florets have a shelf life of two years
essentially eliminating waste!
Alasko’s cauliflower florets are ideal for menu trending
applicaitons like cauliflower rice, mash, pizza crust and
a vegetarian spin on chicken wings.
HALLOUMI CHEESE
Unlike other cheeses, Salerno Halloumi's amazing
nutty and slightly salty flavour shines only when
cooked—and it's best served hot. Excellent as an
appetizer, in salads, on skewers with other vegetables.
You'll love it pan-seared, fried, grilled or barbecued.
Halloumi cheese, sometimes just called "grilling
cheese", is making its way up the list of popular food
trends - and with good reason! Halloumi cheese is a
delicious and uniquely grillable cheese.
Flatbread
Rich’s Flatbreads feature quality ingredients and
our gentle baking process delivers consistent
product. Each product has bubbles on top with
grill marks on the bottom for an authentic visual
appearance! Simply thaw and prepare any way you
like: sandwiches, pizza, appetizers, even dessert.
We are here to help enhance your flatbreads with
endless applications!
CHEFCONNEXION.CA 43
COST CHECK
Bread that’s
worth the dougH
By Alison Kent Many operators contend they shouldn't use higher quality bread because of
the higher cost and the perceived notion that these breads tend to age more
quickly. However, the value and versatility of high quality bread tell a different
story. You can add interest to your menu with top quality bread and help keep
your customers coming back.
44 SPRING/SUMMER 2018
COST CHECK
FRENCH
of flavourful add-ins such as roasted garlic, thyme, roasted
cherry tomatoes and brie cheese (great with roasted chicken
ONION SOUP or steak). Or, serve as dessert with such extras as chopped
dark chocolate and dried cherries, and accompanied with
a complementary sauce like crème Anglaise or (perhaps
vanilla or coconut) ice cream. For an outstanding twist, swap
out the bread for stale croissant pieces.
FRENCH ONION SOUP: this timeless dish offers a classic
way to use stale bread, swimming in caramelized onion-and-
wine-enriched broth under a blanket of bubbling cheese.
PAPPA AL POMODORO SOUP OR PANZANELLA SALAD:
a pair of traditional Tuscan dishes, both serving as an ideal
way to use stale cubes of rustic bread, along with tomatoes
and extra virgin olive oil.
FRENCH TOAST: another classic, this beloved brunch dish
offers an excellent way to use quality bread, and is especially
good made with brioche. While topped with maple syrup or
fruit preserves and served up sweet is the norm, savoury stuffed
French toast offers an enticing spin on tradition. Try it with ham
or turkey, Swiss cheese and spinach along with grainy mustard.
CHEFCONNEXION.CA 45
COST CHECK
PANZANELLA SALAD
46 SPRING/SUMMER 2018
COST CHECK
CHEFCONNEXION.CA 47
You are only limited by YOUR imagination
We offer a vast array of traditional topping
favourites made with quality ingredients.
Choose from Caramel, Chocolate, Toffee,
Fudge and Fruit varieties. Our Toppings are ideal
for a splash of colour and the finishing touch on
ice cream and desserts, as well as
for plate decorating.
LynchFoods.com
GOOD BUSINESS
R A I S E YO U R PL AT ES
TO N EW H EI GHTS
By Cherie Thompson
CHEFCONNEXION.CA 49
GOOD BUSINESS
Art
Find your focal point. All meals
have a focal point. Likely the starting
ingredient you used to design the
flavour of the dish. Focus on that one
ingredient, usually the protein, and
build complementary flavours around
it. Apply the same principle when
plating.
Splash some colour. Plate colour
should enhance the food. White plates
are popular because they provide
a blank canvas and great contrast
for your dishes. However, a flavour- used photography rule to your plates Make it a movable feast. Walk
popping special’s ingredients that lean (or bowls or platters) no matter the around with your plated meal. Does
towards beige would benefit from a shape or size to artfully showcase it move?
coloured plate instead. your focal ingredient. Step back. However beautiful your
The colour of the ingredients can be Work the odd numbers. Although plate looks, it always comes down to
adjusted for further visual appeal never scientifically proven, many how it “eats.” Sit in the customer’s chair
chefs believe an odd number of and dig in. Is it the experience you
without compromising on design
elements, like shrimp or meatballs, were aiming for?
flavour, like using purple fingerling
potatoes instead of white. is more visually appealing and gives Elevating your food with thoughtful
a perception of more food. Even plating gives a memorable first
Mix up your texture. Offer different
numbers typically require more impression before your customers
visual textures on the plate by mixing
precise placement for balance. even take a bite. If they grab their
and matching to find a balance. Adjust
cameras before their forks? Your
textures while maintaining flavour. Consider shapes. Consider the shape
plating is a masterpiece.
Hard, soft, smooth, grainy, fluffy, flaky of the food and the plate. Circles (dots
and coarse. of sauce, a timbale of grains, Brussels TIPS
QUICK
50 SPRING/SUMMER 2018
GOOD BUSINESS
CHEFCONNEXION.CA 51
FOODIE
iGen
G EN ER AT I O N Z s A R E S H A PI N G
THE FUTURE OF FOOD SERVICE
By Darren Climans
46
52 FALL/WINTER 20172018
SPRING/SUMMER
ARTISAN GOURMET
FOODIE
CHEFCONNEXION.CA 53
FOODIE
54 SPRING/SUMMER 2018
GET SAUCY
WITH
SEAFOOD
SPICE UP YOUR MENU
Today's patrons demand the latest
on-trend flavours and dishes. That's
why we're no longer just your source
for the highest quality seafood
from around the globe. Now, we're
your one-stop shop for everything
seafood-from innovative cooking
techniques to eye-popping plates.
We're High Liner Culinary, and we're
on a mission to make seafood the
hottest thing on your menu.
highlinerculinary.com
CHEFCONNEXION.CA 49
RECIPE CENTRAL
Salads
With A Twist
By Alison Kent
CHEFCONNEXION.CA 57
Prep Time: 15 minutes • Time: 30 minutes • Yield: 1750 mL/1245 g • Portions: 7 x 8 oz spoodle/178 g
Moroccan
Pilaf Brown Rice
and Quinoa
INGREDIENTS
20 mL Canola oil
125 mL 75 g Diced onion
125 mL 90 g Diced red sweet pepper
10 mL 8 g Minced garlic
10 mL Ras el hanout (Moroccan seasoning)
5 mL 4 g Brown sugar
250 mL 200 g Uncle Ben’s® Brown Rice with
Red and Black Quinoa
410 mL Vegan broth
250 mL 88 g Julienne carrots
500 mL 350 g Cooked chickpeas
15 mL 2 g Chopped fresh mint
30 mL 4 g Chopped cilantro
30 mL
30 mL
5 g Chopped parsley
Orange juice
NUTRITIONAL
per 250 mL/178 g portion
30 mL 15 g Toasted sliced almonds
250 mL 155 g Halved or quartered red grapes Calories 223, Fat 4.5 g, Carbohydrates 48 g,
Fibre 4.5 g, Protein 6.5 g, Sodium 264 mg
Cauliflower Steaks
with Coconut
Brown Rice and
Quinoa
This wholegrain main dish is dairy-free, gluten-friendly and
vegan. Add any protein, if desired, keeping it meatless with
a handful of chickpeas or serving it with grilled sausage.
The coconut brown rice and quinoa can do double duty on
menus as a hot side dish for curries and stews, or use it as a
unique base for rice bowls.
I NG R E DI E N T S : Salad Serves: 6
COCONUT BROWN RICE AND QUINOA:
1 tsp (5 mL) canola oil
1/2 cup (125 mL) diced onion
1 tsp (5 mL) minced garlic
1/2 tsp (2 mL) ground turmeric
1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt
1 cup (250 mL) Uncle Ben's® Brown Rice with M E T HOD :
Red and Black Quinoa
• Coconut brown rice and quinoa: In a saucepan, heat oil
340 mL water or vegetable stock
(about 1-1/2 cups) over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook, stirring,
170 mL coconut milk (about 3/4 cup) for about 5 minutes or until softened. Stir in turmeric and
salt; cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add Uncle Ben's® Brown
SALAD: Rice with Red and Black Quinoa; stir while cooking for
1 minute. Add water and coconut milk; stir until well
6 cups (1.5 L) loosely packed baby spinach leaves
combined. Increase heat to high; bring to a boil. Reduce
360 mL diced red pepper (about 1-1/2 cups)
heat, cover and simmer until tender, about 18 minutes.
360 mL diced cucumber (about 1-1/2 cups)
Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes. Remove
180 mL sliced green onions (about 3/4 cup)
lid and let cool completely.
180 mL loosely packed fresh cilantro leaves
(about 3/4 cup) • Cauliflower steaks: Whisk together oil and curry paste;
Olive oil or coconut oil brush all over cauliflower “steaks”. Place on parchment
paper-lined baking sheet; bake in a preheated 450°F
Red wine vinegar
Garam masala or ground cumin (230°C) oven until tender-crisp, about 30 minutes. (Or
prepare on the grill instead, cooking 6 to 8 minutes per
CAULIFLOWER STEAKS: side over medium heat.)
6 slices cauliflower, sliced top to bottom • Salad: Divide spinach, cauliflower, coconut brown rice
(1/2-inch/1 cm-thick) and quinoa, red pepper, cucumber, green onions and
2 tbsp (30 mL) canola oil cilantro among 6 dinner plates. Drizzle with oil and
1 tbsp (15 mL) curry paste vinegar and sprinkle with garam masala, to taste.
CHEFCONNEXION.CA 59
RECIPE CENTRAL
This twist on more traditional tabbouleh switches out I NG R E DI E N T S : Serves: 6 (1 cup/250 mL each)
bulgur for Quinoa and Ancients Grains Medley, which adds
nutty flavour and enticing chewy texture while packing a GARLIC QUINOA AND ANCIENT GRAINS:
nutritional wholegrain punch. This is delicious as a side
1 cup (250 mL) Uncle Ben’s® Quinoa and
salad or main dish top with roasted, sliced chicken or Ancient Grains Medley
eggplant and crumbled goat’s cheese. 1-3/4 cups (425 mL) water
1 tsp (5 mL) coconut oil or canola oil
½ tsp (2 mL) minced garlic
Honey Pomegranate ½ tsp (2 mL) salt
M E T HOD :
• Garlic quinoa and ancient grains: In a saucepan over high
heat, combine Uncle Ben’s® Quinoa and Ancient Grains
Medley, water, coconut oil, garlic and salt; stir well. Bring
to a boil; reduce heat, cover and simmer for 18 minutes.
Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes. Transfer
to a large bowl, fluff with a fork and let cool completely.
• Honey pomegranate tabbouleh: Add parsley, tomatoes,
pomegranate arils, mint and onion to cooled quinoa
mixture; toss to combine. Stir in olive oil, lemon juice,
honey, salt and pepper. Keep chilled and serve within
2 hours. (To make ahead, toss with tomatoes and
pomegranate just before serving).
60 SPRING/SUMMER 2018
for
DRAMA
Dinner...
Try Rosemount Fully Cooked Diced or Pulled Chicken
in a zesty Mediterranean Pasta Toss and delight your
discerning diners! It’s an easy meal with high protein that
packs a delicious flavour-punch for lunch! www.rosemountfoods.com
Let Us Do The
COOKIN’!
Utilizing pre-cooked vs. raw proteins offers foodservice operators
consistency and saves preparation time and labour costs. Let
Maple Leaf Foods show how we can help you save labour time and
cost with our wide variety of fully cooked, heat & serve proteins.
Visit pulledmeats.ca
RECIPE CENTRAL
This is the type of recipe you may expect to see with salmon, yet is exceptional with hake. Its mild flavour really lets
the savoury garlic-miso glaze shine through. This dish is perfect for enjoying in summer served alongside this crisp and
refreshing cucumber salad. Garnish with sliced green onions, if desired.
I NG R E DI E N T S : Serves: 4 M E T HOD :
4-113 g portions High Liner Culinary Cape Hake • In a non-metallic bowl, whisk honey, soy sauce, ginger,
Fillets IQF (product #5946), thawed miso and garlic. Add High Liner Culinary Cape Hake
89 mL liquid honey (about 6 tbsp) Fillets IQF turning to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at
59 mL soy sauce (about 1/4 cup) least 3 hours or overnight.
1-1/2 tsp (7 mL) finely grated fresh ginger • Pour off marinade into a small saucepan; bring to a boil.
1 tsp (5 mL) miso paste Reduce heat and simmer until reduced by half. Set aside.
3 cloves garlic, pressed • Heat peanut oil in a heavy skillet until pan is very hot; sear
1 tsp (5 mL) peanut oil top side of hake fillets to create a crust, about 1 minute.
Immediately transfer fish, crisp side up, to a parchment
JAPANESE CUCUMBER SALAD: paper-lined rimmed baking sheet. Bake in a preheated
3 mini cucumbers 350°F (180°C) oven for 5 minutes or until cooked through.
1 small bird’s eye chili, sliced • Japanese cucumber salad: In a bowl, toss cucumber,
2 tbsp (30 mL) rice vinegar chili, vinegar, sesame seeds, sugar and salt; mound
1 tbsp (15 mL) black and white sesame seeds salad on four plates. Serve hake on top and drizzle with
1 tsp (5 mL) granulated sugar reduced sauce.
1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt
CHEFCONNEXION.CA 63
RECIPE CENTRAL
™
Bam Bam
Shrimp
Taco Salad
Both taco salads and seafood tacos continue to be popular LIME SOUR CREAM DRESSING:
menu items. This colourful, crisp and fresh spin on the 118 mL sour cream (about 1/2 cup)
usual taco salad combines the best of these. Juice of 1 lime
Salt and pepper, to taste
I NG R E DI E N T S : Serves: 4
454 g High Liner Culinary Bam Bam Evercrisp™ M E T HOD :
Lightly Battered Shrimp (product #8750) • Lime sour cream dressing: In a bowl, whisk sour cream,
1 tsp (5 mL) chili powder lime juice, salt and pepper. Set aside.
4 cups (1 L) chopped and lightly packed green • Deep fry High Liner Culinary Bam Bam Evercrisp™
leaf lettuce
Lightly Battered Shrimp according to package directions.
1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted and cubed Drain and toss with chili powder.
237 mL tomato salsa (about 1 cup) • In each of 4 wide serving bowls, layer lettuce, avocado,
227 mL lightly crushed blue and yellow tortilla salsa, corn, beans and chips. Top each salad with chili
chips (about 1 cup) shrimp and drizzle with lime sour cream dressing.
118 mL roasted corn kernels (about 1/2 cup)
118 mL cooked kidney beans (about 1/2 cup)
64 SPRING/SUMMER 2018
CREATE EXTRAORDINARY SALADS
with Hellmann’s Dressings ®
Salads are profitable dishes that let chefs showcase their creativity. When fresh produce
is combined with culinary vision and great-tasting Hellmann’s® Dressings, your menu
can truly stand apart from the rest.
For more recipes that deliver, on the hottest salad trends visit ufs.com/top10salads
©2018 Unilever Food Solutions. Pure Leaf, Hellmann’s, and the Blue Ribbon Device are registered trademarks of the
Unilever Group of Companies. Bring Out the Best is a trademark of the Unilever Group of Companies. UC 1/18
Thailand
creations
From
McCormick Canada Food Service Total Focus Sales & Marketing AGG Foods Ronahan Food Brokers Summit Marketing Canada Ldiv.
® Reg. TM McCormick & Co., Inc. (800) 265-2513 (450) 965-9782 (902) 468-6111 (BC/AB/SK/MB)
Used under licence email: orders@totalfocus.com email: ggratton@agginc.ca email: patty@ronahan.com (604) 523-0332
email: elizabeth@summitmarketing.ca
RECIPE CENTRAL
CHEFCONNEXION.CA 67
`
Twice Baked Goat’s Cheese SouffLEs
ADL Foods
400 Read Drive
Summerside, Prince Edward Island C1N 5A9
888-235-6455
adlfoods.ca
Capital Foodservice
For the upcoming Chef Connexion, we’ll once again take the pulse of the Flanagan Foodservice
145 Otonabee Drive
Canadian restaurant industry to bring you plenty of practical information. You
Kitchener, Ontario N2C 1L7
can look forward to carefully researched, lively articles about topics that mean 519-748-2190
flanagan.ca
the most to you and your profitability. What’s more, we’ll shine the spotlight on
the many great ways you can take advantage of Brand Points PLUS. Multi Plus DM Inc.
10389 Côte de Liesse
Dorval, Québec H9P 2Z3
866-745-8881
multiplusdm.com
AD IN DEX
Pratts Food Service (Alberta)
291196 Wagon Wheel Road
Pg Advertiser Pg Advertiser Rocky View County, Alberta T4A 0E2
403-476-7728
IFC Alasko 55 High Liner pratts.ca
20 Arla Foods 48 Lynch Foods
Pratts Food Service (Manitoba)
8 Ardent Mills 64 Maple Leaf 101 Hutchings Street
15 Boulart 66 McCormicks Winnipeg, Manitoba R2X 2V4
204-949-2832
BC Cavendish Farms 11 National Egg/Vanderpol’s pratts.ca
34 David Roberts 61 Rosemount
Pratts Food Service (Saskatchewan)
42 Derlea 32 SunRype
1450 Park Street
25 Deluxe 58 Uncle Ben's Regina, Saskatchewan S4N 2G2
23 Erie Meats 65 Unilever 306-546-5444
pratts.ca
68 Gay Lea 27 Weston Foodservice
Yen Bros. Food Service
We welcome your comments and suggestions. Material chosen for publication may be edited for clarity and fit. Please 1988 Vernon Drive
Vancouver, British Columbia V6A 3Y6
direct all correspondence to: Greenbridge Foodservice, 1373 Victoria Street N., Unit 201, Kitchener, Ontario N2B 3R6 or
604-255-6522
info@greenbridgefoodservice.ca
Copyright 2018 Greenbridge Foodservice. All Rights Reserved. yenbros.com
CHEFCONNEXION.CA 69
NEW!
Flavour Crisp ®
1-800-561-7945 • cavendishfarms.com
® TM/MC Trademarks of Cavendish Farms Corporation. All Rights Reserved.