4 Problems Faced as Mentioned by Restaurant Suppliers by The Chefs of Los Angeles in 2017

Running a restaurant that feeds people on the regular basis has been facing a number of challenges as food technology and consumer trends and demands keep changing. It needs to have continuous updating and even after that, it struggles with many problems.

So, here are the 4 problems faced by the chefs of Los Angeles in 2017 as mentioned by restaurant suppliers:

1. Food Safety: The most pressing issue of the food industry is food safety and preservation. Since any mishandling, contamination or damage could cause serious reported illness which could be a major nightmare. To ensure the food safety, one must follow the code of conduct as levied by the food safety professionals and fix the modern kitchen equipment.
2. Frozen foods: the best example of frozen foods that’s could be used are smoothies and salads without the benefit of cooking. In the initial days, they were used to cook or bake the seasonal products. These days, however, it is used for everything which damages the food and is not classified as ready-to-eat. People also smoke, cough and sneeze into restaurants which leads one to question how these things affect the environment of said edible plants.
3. Food labeling: with the increasing risks of health issues like obesity and diabetes, the manufactures of food are under pressure to create the brand that people actually buy. Calorie counting and calculating the fat intake by the consumers influence the public in large making food labeling important and risky task for the restaurant chefs and suppliers as well.
4. Food waste: Restaurant is otherwise clean industry but somehow it contributes to the wastage in large. The management of solid waste disposal remains a growing challenge as towns and cities remain ill-equipped to deal with.
   

As the struggles mentioned above faced by the chefs, American Chef Supply contributes to providing solutions. We provide different restaurant kitchen supplies in Los Angeles since 1996 in Glendale so that food safety is ensured and food wastage is reduced. We also provide various services like which you can find here.

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5 Must-Require Professional Chef Supplies For The Magic Makers in America

Chefs are one of the most respected personalities as they feed people and it is said you should always respect the hands that feed you. They work hard every day to cook what people order and thus in order to cook it with perfection, they require perfect equipment.

So American Chef Supply brings you few of the must-require professional chef supplies for the magic makers of America:

1. Chef’s knife: You must have seen in the movies, that whenever someone plays the role of a chef, they are shown with chef's knife. This is because, it is one of the useful equipment to chop and cut the fruits and veggies. There are at least 4 to 5 types of knives used for different food items, so knife has a top place in the professional supplies.
2. Peeler: The Y-shaped peeler is a must for chefs as they need to peel off the skin of veggies and fruits quickly to cook fast. Most recipes are made up of potatoes and peeler helps them peel off the skin easily for mashed potatoes or burgers or other items. A sharp peeler is a key to reducing the prep time.
3. Mandolin: The mandolin is optional equipment but yet its presence could help with grating cheese and other vegetables to decorate and garnish the dishes. There is no replacement of knife but yet Mandolin is very useful equipment and you could easily get at the cheaper price.
4. Pasta Strainer: The pasta strainer is not only used to strain pasta but anything that needs to be taken out of the large stack pots in bigger amount. There are some preparations that need to be done when the day commences and that means to prepare the pasta too. This will help chef with multi-tasking.
5. Spice Grinder: The spice grinder is must because spice adds to the taste and aroma. There are grinders available with removable bowl to wash it and clean it thoroughly. To mix and match the spices like basil, cilantro, cumin, coriander seeds, oregano, paprika, etc., spice grinder could be very useful.

These are only a few of the kitchen equipment that every chef must have in the kitchen to ease the work and focus on multi-tasking. You can get every kind of equipment at American Chef Supply.

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Which Pots And Pans Are Right For My Kitchen?

Have you ever visited a department store and didn’t know which chef supplies to buy due to the variety of choices? Many people tend to buy pots and pans without knowing which material is right for them. A good cooking supply distributes heat evenly and uniformly, whereas a poor cooking supply distributes uneven heat and most often burns the food.

The two most important factors when choosing your pots and pans are the thickness of the metal and the type of metal. Pay attention to the thickness of the pot when buying a pan. The thickness of the bottom is crucial because it helps cook the food evenly.

The type of metal you choose to buy is also essential.

• Aluminum is used for most cooking utensils in the food service kitchens. It is lightweight and makes pots and pans easy to handle.
• Copper is the best conductor of all; however, it is extremely expensive and requires a great deal of care.
• Stainless steel is a poor heat conductor. It tends to scorch food easily because the heat does not disperse throughout the pan evenly.
• Cast iron’s are chef favorites because it has an ability to distribute heat evenly and maintain high temperatures for long periods.
• Porcelain enamel lined pans should not be used! They are actually forbidden by some health departments.
• Nonstick plastic type of coatings requires a ton of care because it is easily scratched.
• Glass and earthenware break easily and have poor conductors, so be aware.

There are several brands out there that have the best chef supplies that are affordable and easy to handle. American Chef Supply carries the best brands for your kitchen!

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Why is it necessary to have modern Kitchen Equipment for Restaurant Kitchens?

Kitchen equipment should be respected and used properly because those are the things that help us prepare our food delicious. Restaurant kitchens are packed with different equipment and supplies that add to the taste and beauty of the food. So, it is the duty of staff to maintain your appliances in the best shape possible and reduce the risk of breakdowns.

Well, here are the benefits of having modern commercial kitchen equipment:

• Space utilization: Looking at the problems faced by the restaurant owners due to size of the kitchen equipments like fridge, stove, containers and utensils, the top food processor equipment in Glendale come up with innovative range of products like drink mixers, blenders which does the work of juicer mixer, barbecue and bagels and pretzels are prepared on one equipment, etc.
• Increase efficiency: Modern kitchen equipment increases the efficiency and quality of the process. You can easily cook more than 5 to 6 items at once and provide it to your customers in very less time. The customers love when they do not have to wait for the food to arrive. Delay in food service due to delay in lack of creative and smart equipment was one of the common problems before the invention of cooktops and doughnut makers.
  
  
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Peeling Boiled Eggs: Tips And Methods

Are you looking for tips and methods for peeling boiled eggs?

For starters, the term “hard-boiled eggs” is incorrect, because eggs should be simmered rather than boiled. Simmering eggs is key for a soft, medium, or hard-cooked egg according to these methods:

Method 1

1. Eggs should be brought out to room temperature an hour before cooking because cold eggs are more likely to crack when placed in boiling water.
2. Place eggs in boiling water and return the water to a simmer.
3. Simmer (do not boil) for the required time:

Soft cooked - 3 to 4 minutes

Medium-cooked - 5 to 7 minutes

Hard-cooked - 12 to 13 minutes

*Exact cooking time depends on a temperature of eggs, size of eggs, and amount of water used.

4. Drain immediately and cool under cold running water.
5. To peel, crack the shell (where the air sac is located).
6. For easier peeling, peel while still warm and hold under running water to help loosen shell. Very fresh eggs are hard to peel.

Method 2

1. Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water and bring water to boil.
2. Reduce heat and simmer for the required time:

Soft-cooked - 1 minute

Medium- cooked - 3 to minutes

Hard-cooked - 8 to 9 minutes

3. Drain immediately and shock eggs into ice water.

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Make The Food Taste Correct and Your Customers Happy

When a customer who comes into your restaurant for the first time, orders a beef burger. You will for sure take care that he leaves happy, comes again and that too with others. He will come again when his taste buds will be satisfied with tangy sauce, cooked beef, veggies spread fresh and smoked to the perfection. This only happens if your restaurant kitchens have a perfect supply of raw materials and equipment.

For a perfect American kitchen, you need to buy your equipment from the correct Restaurant Equipment Store. Well, American Chef Supply is aware of the needs of a perfect kitchen and thus, it brings to you your desired and stress-reducing food processor equipment.

While setting up a commercial kitchen and based on your menu, you need to have certain kinds of equipment in your kitchen. However, there are a few common items that are distributed in American restaurants which are burgers, fries, barbecues, sandwiches, ice-creams, juices, shakes, donuts cookies, etc. Thus, here is some of the must-available kitchen equipment:

1. Electric food warmer:

You cannot heat everything in an oven as it is small and the smells could damage the aura of the food. Thus, electric food warmer will allow you to warm too many items at a time and the smells of two different items will not mix up. It's heavy; stainless steel design makes it perfect for commercial use and comes with a one year warranty.

2. Juice dispenser:

The juice dispenser by American Chef comes in the variety of models. You can juice out gallons of fruits all at once. It comes with both single and double juice dispensers on the stand and has either gold or all stainless steel finish – depends on your choice. American Chef Supply's Beverage dispenser is a high-quality product servicing a large number of guests at a buffet while being equally serviceable within the household.

3. Gas/Wood Fire

There are some foods to be prepared on gas while some prepared on wood gas. The taste of food cooked in gas food is required for the items like barbecues and burgers. You can cook some yummy pizzas as well. Thus, American Chef Supply provides Earthstone gas ovens with different kinds of ovens.

Browse through our products and you will come across a vast array of products for the professionals in the food industry.

From Food Truck to Brick & Mortar

Food trucks can save a food business lots of money compared to a brick and mortar establishment. Low overhead and mobility give food trucks the advantage. They can go out and find the customers instead of having to wait for them. But sometimes it’s good to have that permanent location that everyone knows about. At a brick and mortar location you have opportunities that food trucks don’t have, such as nice seating for your customers and a liquor license for the men who want a beer with their steak.

There are many things to consider though when you go from truck to brick and mortar:

Location – food trucks are mobile. They can move from spot to spot if the business isn’t looking good. A restaurant, on the other hand, isn’t moving anywhere. You have to consider this extremely carefully. How good is the surrounding neighborhood? How will it look in 10 years? 20 years? How much is the rent? Is it going to go up? All of these questions and more have to be considered when looking at a potential spot to anchor your business to for the long term. Don’t be afraid though because good food and a good marketing strategy will get those customers in the door. Remember, high traffic areas usually serve as good locations.

Finance – this ties into the location problem as well. How much does everything cost? What does it cost to get the necessary ingredients from the warehouse to the location? How about chef supplies? Using this and other information, you will have to adjust the prices you charge for food accordingly. You don’t have the same low costs that you had with your food truck. Remember it takes around six to twelve months to earn a profit with a restaurant, and great location, food, and atmosphere can help greatly reduce that time window!

Vibe – food trucks tend to be hip and cool, but limited to what kind of vibe or tone you set. It’s just a truck, no seating or interior design. The vibe is based purely off of how the employees treat the customers and how the food is served. In restaurants, you have an interior design, many employees with uniforms that conform to the theme of the restaurant. A food truck that serves Indian food has a different vibe than an Indian restaurant.

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Owning A Franchise – Tips & Benefits

If you don’t want to worry about developing a concept for your restaurant, why not just start a franchise? Like anything, running a franchise comes with risks, but anything entrepreneurial does! Here are some of the benefits of owning your own!

Competition – part of being a franchise means that there are tens, if not thousands of the same thing dotted around the country. You never know when someone wanting a slice of your pie sets up shop right down the street from you. Try to build some non-competes into your agreement with the franchiser. Now you won’t have to look at another McDonalds across the street that’s out to crush your business.

Marketing – being a new restaurant owner is not easy for marketing and recognition. New restaurants want to put their name out their fast and get the customers, but marketing plans can cost a fortune. But, when you own a franchise, the name is already out there. All people have to do is look up and see your business. If they are hungry, and want your style of food, you can bet they will swing their car in and have a meal. Knowing how to take advantage of the marketing behind your particular franchise will help you get that return on investment (ROI) really fast.

Cost – since the franchise knows that you will have an easier time getting a return on your investment, you are going to have to put up some money. Restaurant Equipment Supply, rent, utilities, and other business costs are still going to be there, so be careful. You are going to need a very detailed budget for any business you decide to start. Also, securing a loan to start a franchise is usually much easier since it is a proven model.

Hard work and Big Success – you are going to have to put everything you got into running your franchise. Many sleepless nights and hours later you will start to get the hang of things. Once it’s off the ground, you will have a much easier time of it, and might consider opening new locations. This will allow you to be a huge success, but it comes with drawbacks, such as the workload. To make your vision a reality, you just have to start.

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Big Data has a Big Appetite for the Restaurant Industry

Not too long ago, computing power was reserved to only the largest businesses with huge revenue streams, but now all of that is changing. Big Data has made itself available to large and small businesses alike.

Big Data might seem like a really complicated thing that only computer wizards know about, but that is not the case. Big Data is a term to describe what businesses do when they want to better serve their customers: they collect lots of user data and dump it into a very large database that can be used to make predictions about your consumers. The more data you collect, the more possibilities open up for you to know important things about your customers. For example, you can see which customers buy expensive things as opposed to cheaper products, how much of it they buy, and how frequently. You can analyze how your customers react to price changes.

Businesses reduce waste and are more efficient with Big Data on their side. Utilizing Big Data can help your business predict how much food you will have to order in the future, and also help choose the perfect chef supplies. No more surprise orders or unused ingredients! Restaurants can provide better service and create menus that their customers will enjoy.

The restaurant business is extremely competitive, with margins getting tighter and restaurants streamlining due to Big Data. You must join them to see happier customers and a much higher bottom-line!

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Achieving The Perfect Doughnut At Home

It’s a given that doughnuts are a delicious fix to a sweet tooth,but what’s more satisfying is knowing that you made it yourself. Lehi Roller Mills gives you 8 effective tips to add into your recipe book, so you can make rich and creamy doughnuts right in your kitchen with your chef supplies!

The first tip is to use mashed potatoes. It may sound odd, nevertheless, using about 1/3 cup of potatoes completely mashed, can give you a fluffier texture to the inside of your doughnuts.

Next, it is important not to overmix. Cake doughnuts only need to be mixed until the ingredients are consistently combined. Meanwhile, yeast doughnut recipes often call for mixing the combined dough for five minutes.

The third tip is to invest in a biscuit cutter. This tool can efficiently make your doughnuts the perfect shape while saving time. The dough might stick to the cutter, so to avoid this dip the cutter in flour after every couple of cuts.

Tip number four is to have the right frying temperature. This is a common mistake most people make. If the temperature is not at the appropriate level the doughnuts will be either too oily or overcooked. To prevent this, the ideal temperature to cook your doughnuts is 360 degrees Fahrenheit. After your oil reaches 360 degrees, you are ready to fry.

Another useful tip is to keep your uncooked doughnuts cool. Heat can ruin the dough so keep it away from the oven or fryer.

Using chopsticks can make doughnut flipping effortless. This protects your hands from hot oil.

You want to keep your doughnuts from absorbing oil after they are cooked. To do this you can use a wire strainer to pull them out of the oil and drain off the excess.

To top it all off, glaze and icing. To achieve the perfect icing, add a small amount of powdered egg whites and cornstarch. This will also ensure a glowing gloss that gives doughnuts their appetizing looks.

Now that you have all tips and tricks to creating your delicious doughnuts, get to cooking and don’t give up! Practice makes perfect!

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Cooking Tips For Beginners

Make your cooking experience fun and easy with these tips provided by Food Network:

• The smaller the item, the higher the baking temperature.
• Store spices in a cool, dark place, not above your stove. Humidity, light and heat will cause herbs and spices to lose their flavor.
• After making eggs sunny-side up, deglaze the pan with sherry vinegar, then drizzle the sauce on the eggs to add another dimension to the dish.
• After working with garlic, rub your hands vigorously on your stainless-steel sink for 30 seconds before washing them. It will remove the odor.
• For rich, creamy dressings made healthy, substitute half the mayo with Greek-style yogurt.
• When chopping herbs, toss a little salt onto the cutting board; it will keep the herbs from flying around.
• For best results when you’re baking, leave butter and eggs at room temperature overnight.
• Do not use oil in the water when boiling pasta: It will keep the sauce from sticking to the cooked pasta.
• When you’re going to sauté garlic, slice it rather than mincing it — it’s less likely to burn that way.
• Marinating meat with citrus can give it a mealy texture. If you like citrus, a little squeeze of lemon or lime is always a good way to finish the dish instead.
• Add cheese rinds to vegetable or meat broths for another dimension of flavor.
• Plunge vegetables in ice water after blanching (boiling) them so they maintain a bright color.

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Choosing a Name for Your New Restaurant

Choosing the name of your new restaurant is one of the many things that will require some serious attention of yours. After all, it needs to capture the essence of your restaurant.

An evocative and distinctive restaurant name is a poignant way to stand out among the multitudes of restaurants around you. It helps create a quick impression of the restaurant and influences other elements such as the decor.

For many years, descriptive names have often been the preferred style, think McDonald’s or Harry’s. But overtime restaurants owners have become creative and use their names to set themselves apart.

Among the first things to keep in mind is that your restaurant supplies in los angeles name should be simple and easy to recall. When a name is easy on the ear, it registers faster which can be useful when trying to strike an immediate chord with customers.

You can base the restaurant’s name on the chosen theme, for example the type of cuisine offered. Or it can be reflective of the restaurant location. Another popular option is to go with something that has personal significance, such as the name of someone you care about. A recent trend is quirky names, clever puns, or unusual phrases that make the restaurant name memorable. For example Wok and Roll or The Dead Rabbit!

As you consider your options, there are some fundamental aspects to keep in mind. Be careful of existing trademarked names or those that may have unpleasant associations.

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Choosing Your Restaurant Equipment the Right Way

The equipment you have in your restaurant impacts how efficient and product your entire establishment is. It is one of the biggest investments you will have to make while you set up your new restaurant, and therefore requires some serious thought and care.

 

The kind of restaurant equipment you need naturally depends on the type of restaurant you are planning to own and/or operate such as fast food, fine dining, a family diner, and so on. Other things to keep in mind are the design of your kitchen, the number of customers that can he handled at any one time, the menu, and of course your budget.

A wide variety exists today in the restaurant equipment segment. To get the right set of equipment for your specific needs you should write down your requirements.

As a first step, make a checklist of the different types of equipment you need such as: food preparation equipment, refrigeration, display & storage, cooking tools and equipment, cleaning, and furnishings. Narrow it down to the essentials and good-to-have pieces while always considering your budget.

Once you have a full list of your requirements, it’s time to contact different suppliers to get quotes and narrow it down to who you want to make this transaction with. It could be more than one supplier!

Get an idea of the top suppliers in your market by asking your contacts in the industry, if you have any. This will help you possibly make a better decision so you can purchase quality products at a fair price. Make sure to pick a supplier who has a complete range of products to choose from, is a professional, is reliable, offers financing packages, and has the necessary installation and maintenance acumen to get the job done!

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Decorating Your Restaurant Made Easy

A lot goes into building a restaurant … while the heart of the space is in the kitchen, you want to blow customers away with the front-of-house design as well. Many restaurant owners are blindsided by the responsibility of designing and furnishing a restaurant, but you shouldn’t feel overwhelmed. Below are tips and tricks that will making the process as easy as possible.

First, you’ll want to think of a theme. This could be one idea or a balance of several different visions, but there should be a central color scheme and tone for your new space. Think about where you find inspiration and include personal touches to make it even more comfortable.

Before hiring an interior designer (which can get pricey) you’ll want to think about your budget and end goal. How much are you willing to spend and will it benefit the business in the long run? The market includes a great range of high-end furnishing at low prices. Shop around to find the best products available that also work for your price range.

Avoid cheap or tacky decorations and furniture. Every aspect of your restaurant should be seen as an investment, always think how they’ll hold up in the long run. While everything looks good upon purchase, you want to make sure it can withstand basic wear and tear. Other factors, including dad lighting, seating or floors can all distract customers and turn them away.

More and more eateries are striving for the Instagram aesthetic, if you can incorporate unique countertops or funky wallpaper, you’ll instantly gain a new market who’ll come for the photoshoots and stay for the great food.

At American Chef Supply, we’ve worked with industry professionals at all levels. We’re always excited to help during each step of the way and willing to provide our expertise in and out of the kitchen. Need more help with restaurant equipment supply rather than furnishings? Call us today!

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What to Know When Shopping for Commercial Kitchen Equipment

Buying equipment for your new restaurant is no more or less important than figuring out the menu or storefront decor. There are many moving parts when it comes to building from the bottom up. Each aspect is typically determined by the overall theme for the space, including the kitchen.

Until it’s time to complete your own working kitchen, you’ll never really know what goes on behind the swinging doors. It is the main place for food to be stored and prepared which is why cooking and refrigeration equipment are the key pieces to shop for. No matter the genre, you’re going to need food preparation equipment, along with basic pieces that are specific to your business.

Don’t forget about local health codes. Each state has different retail and food service codes and regulations. You’ll want to make sure you’re following the codes to protect yourself and customers. This should be a top priority as you’ll want to be sure the space is in compliance prior to purchasing and making the investment.

You’ll also need to determine how much space you have available and try to predict the volume of orders. Think about what you would need to create each item on your menu to make those recipes and unique dishes come to life. See a list of common restaurant kitchen equipment below:

• Sink
• Range
• Oven
• Grill
• Deep-fryer
• Cooler
• Freezer
• Pots and pans
• Prep table
• Storage

Find everything you need at American Chef Supply and read more about choosing restaurant equipment the right way here!

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New Recipes to Get You Through the Summer

If you plan on hosting a barbeque or introducing new menu items for the summer, we have a few options that are sure to impress your guests. Click on each one for the full ingredient list and cooking instructions. You can find all the tools and equipment necessary to make these recipes come to life at American Chef Supply!

Appetizers

• BLT Rolls are a light snack that’s easy to prep and assemble.
• These Honey Mustard Chicken Skewers are sure to be a crowd pleaser.
• Strawberry and Goat Cheese Bruschetta provides a unique twist on a classic snack.

Salad

• We love this refreshing Asian Sesame Cucumber Salad.
• Build a Steak Burrito Bowl to hold you off until the main course.
• Step up your pasta salad game with this Jalapeno Popper Macaroni Salad.

Main Course

• This Honey Lime Chicken is a tasty dish that is hard to resist.
• Looking for a burst of flavor? Find it in the Chipotle Salmon.
• Say goodbye to dry meat – Balsamic Jalapeno Tri Tip is here to save the day.

Dessert

• Grilled Pineapple will cleanse your palette with enough sweetness to satisfy your sugar craving.
• Don’t forget the cinnamon tortilla chips to go with the Watermelon Salsa.
• Scoop up some Raspberry and Peach Sorbet to cool down.

We hope you try some of these fun recipes – Be sure to let us know which one is your favorite!

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