Choosing the Perfect Caterer

Food is one of the most important aspects of a great party. If you are hosting a party you may want to consider hiring a caterer. With the help of a caterer you can throw a party that guests will remember for a lifetime! A caterer also helps take the stress off you, the host, so you can focus your energy on your guests and have a great time. Here are a few tips to help you find the perfect caterer for your big event:

Ask For Recommendations and Read Reviews

One of the best ways to find the perfect caterer is through word of mouth. Ask family members and trusted friends for recommendations. There are so many options to choose from. Many restaurants offer catering services. Looking at on line reviews from previous customers can really help narrow down your choices as well.

Schedule A Sampling

Tasting the food beforehand is an absolute must. It is essential to make sure you enjoy the food before having it served at your party. Every caterer knows this and should be happy to schedule a taste sampling with you of all they have to offer.

Ask For References

Ask the caterer to provide references. Personal and professional references can give you the insight you need and help you make your decision. Be sure to make the phone calls and talk to the references provided. Ask questions concerning the overall experience, the food, and the service.

Call the Health Department

It may sound a little extreme, but one can’t be too careful. Call your local health department. Most catering services and restaurants are licensed and regulated by the health department. Records of any complaints and inspections should be on file and are public knowledge.

Check The Ability of The Caterer

Some caterers are not set up to handle large parties. Check to see the number of guests they are equipped to serve and make sure it lines up with what you need.

Make Sure Their Menu Leaves Room For Flexibility

When feeding a large group there is a possibility you may encounter an individual or two that have special needs regarding their food. Some may have limitations because of food allergies. Others may only eat a Vegan or Vegetarian diet. Ask your caterer if they can accommodate a few different plates for these types of situations.

Ask For A Quote

Price might not be the most important aspect, but it is definitely a serious factor. You are going to get what you pay for so be sure the quote given lines up with your expectations. If it’s too low then it just might be too good to be true.

Ask Questions About The Contract And Cancellation Policies

Though you may have no intention of cancelling sometimes unforeseen things happen. Find out your caterer’s cancellation policies. This will protect both you as well should your caterer have to cancel last minute.

Consider all of these tips and more when hosting your next large event. Good food and great service will give your guests a night they will never forget!!

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[Infographic] Everything You Need to Know about Olive Oil

Long a part of Mediterranean diets, olive oil has been a highly regarded commodity since ancient times. Its main use today is in cooking, where it’s gained a bit of a reputation as an ultra-healthy super-food. Claims abound that olive oil can help you lose weight, maintain a healthy heart and brain, and even fight off diseases like cancer. How many of these claims actually have the evidence to back them up? We dive in to this topic in our latest infographic below.

For more details, you can read a text-based run-down of the information beneath the infographic.

Olive Oil Composition

In terms of macro-nutrients, olive oil is, unsurprisingly, mostly composed of fats. 14% of its volume is saturated fat, which is solid at room temperature and thought to be healthy in moderation. Polyunsaturated fat makes up another 11% and includes such essential fats as omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. At 73%, however, Oleic acid makes up the majority of olive oil’s volume. Also called monounsaturated fat, oleic acid reduces inflammation and may benefit genes linked to cancer.

On the micro-nutrient side, olive oil contains modest amounts of vitamiin E and vitamin K. These essential nutrients play important roles in immune system functions and the production of proteins that help create bones, tissues, and blood clotting, respectively. Additionally, a high antioxidant count means that olive oil may help protect cells from oxidative damage due to free radicals, a byproduct of cellular metabolism.

Dietary Benefits of Olive Oil

So we know what olive oil is made of and what those components do on their own. What does the science say about the actual effects of including it in your diet?

Body Weight & Brain Function

In a 30-month study of over 7,000 Spanish college students, frequent consumption of olive oil was not linked to increased body weight. Additionally, a human study indicated that a Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil benefited brain function.

Insulin Resistance

Last but not least, olive oil has been demonstrated to decrease insulin resistance, a condition that can lead to high blood sugar and diabetes. Several studies have linked the consumption of olive oil to beneficial effects on blood sugar and insulin sensitivity. This means that a diet with high levels of olive oil could benefit those who are prediabetic or predisposed to blood sugar-related conditions.

Promising Research

The health benefits of olive oil are still being studied today. Recent research has suggested that components in olive oil have promising potential when it comes to treatments for Alzheimer’s disease and cancer. More research is needed to replicate this evidence, but the potential is promising.

Potential for Alzheimer’s

In one study on mice, a diet of olive oil was found to help remove beta-amyloid plaques in the brain. The build-up of these plaques is thought to be a key feature of Alzheimer’s disease, so their removal could be beneficial for those suffering from the disease.

Potential for Cancer

Several test-tube studies have found that the antioxidants in olive oil can help reduce oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Researchers believe that this oxidative damage is among the leading drivers of cancer, making antioxidants very promising tools in preventing the disease.

Not all claims about olive oil are true or even promising, however. We’ll be continuing this topic in a future blog post covering olive oil myths, misconceptions, and more. In the meantime, you can reap some of the health benefits of olive oil by stopping by Italian Garden, a San Marcos restaurant, and enjoying some of your favorite Italian-style dishes!

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The Delicious History of Lasagna

The Delicious History of Lasagna

Lasagna, could there be a more perfect dish? It’s comfort food on steroids. Layers of cheese generously piled on top of decadent amounts of meat, and then smothered with a sauce that would bring tears to the most cynical Italian’s eyes. When you cut into this amazing concoction of bliss you often don’t think of the history behind lasagna. Surprisingly, lasagna did not originate in Italy.

Lasagna Originated in Greece

We may never know the exact person who created lasagna. In fact, this dish was not named after an individual, but after a fermented noodle called laganon that was frequently used in ancient Greece where lasagna originated. In the beginning, lasagna was sprinkled with toppings, and eaten with a pointed stick. Unrecognizable by today’s standards, the only similarity between the two was the layering of pasta and sauce.

Thank the Romans

Lasagna would not be so popular today if not for the Romans. While this dish was created in Greece it was not until the Romans conquered the region around 146 BC that the dish became known. The Romans were famous for embracing local customs, cultures, and foods into their society so it wasn’t long before lasagna became commonplace in their cuisine. Rome came to adore the lagonon noodle, a flatbread dough cut into thin strips, then smothered in a various toppings. Under Roman influence, the recipe made its way to Italy where chefs altered it until it became the amazing dish we know today.

Lasagna first made is a grand entrance in Naples, Italy during the Middle Ages in the 14th century. Initially, this dish was reserved for special events and holidays. Ironically, this pleasure inducing food was introduced to Italians in the middle of the Black Plague.

Mama Mia! Hello, America!

Eventually, lasagna made its way to North America in the late 1800s with Italian immigrants who brought their family recipes to the New World. Shortly after, Americans were introduced to Parmigiano-Reggiano embraced with layers of slow-cooked tomato sauce separated by perfectly cooked lasagna noodles. It was love at first taste, and lasagna quickly became a staple within American cuisine.

So, is Lasagna Italian or Greek?

The debate continues as to who truly created this decadent dish. People state that it’s Italy claim to fame since they were the ones who perfected the dish. Researchers in Great Britain support this conclusion as they discovered a cookbook created in the 1390s containing an Italian recipe for lasagna.

Several centuries later lasagna remains a popular comfort food that is beloved by millions around the globe. The original recipe has evolved as there are vegetarian options, eggplant lasagna, and even ones with a Southwestern Flair. The choices are endless. Regardless what ingredients are used this Italian comfort food is a historic staple that will continue pleasing pallets for generations to come.

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Tips For Promoting Catering Food Safety

There are many basic catering food safety rules that most people would think of as common sense. Then there are some that not everyone would thinking of. When catering for any group or event, food safety precautions must always be taken by all staff to protect everyone’s health.

Handling Food

The Food Standards Industry has warned that the biggest cause of contamination is food being handled improperly. To make sure everyone knows how to handle food, each member of any catering staff should complete a Food Handler Certification. This will help ensure that all staff are trained to know what temperatures are safe for foods, how to safely transport foods, and how to safely prepare foods.

Preventing Cross Contamination

Cross contamination is a significant concern that caterers must be prepared to prevent. Separation of foods prevents food material from spreading from one food to another or from a surface or piece of equipment to another. This type of cross contamination can occur when raw poultry and meats are not separated from fresh produce. Caterers must always take special care to ensure that this is prevented.

Sanitizing Equipment

Different chopping boards should be used for each food as it is being prepared. All utensils, bowls, and equipment should be washed in hot soapy water immediately after use. All counter tops should be cleaned, and caterers must wash their hands thoroughly after handling food. Gloves should be changed after you have prepared one food before touching another food.

Preparing Equipment

Make sure your knives are sharp. You will have better control of your knife if it is sharp and it is safer to use a sharp knife. No wood cutting boards should be used in preparing foods. Keep the food that you are thawing away from the foods that are raw.

Safely Preparing Food

When preparing foods ahead of time, you need to know what temperature foods must be stored at and what containers to use for each type of food. You can not prepare foods to far ahead of time. They will most likely spoil if you do. Once foods spoils, they must be thrown away.

Temperature for Foods

Learning the proper temperature for foods is a very important safety feature. Foods should always be cooked to the right temperature. Hot foods should always be held at above 145 F and cold foods held at below 40 F during transportation. Foods should be checked once they arrive at the party, to make sure they stayed at safe temperatures.

Safely Serving Food

Customer safety always comes first. Cold foods should not sit out on a table more than 2 hours at room temperature. Caterers usually use smaller bowls so they can be refilled with fresh foods. That way no cold foods are in danger of spoiling. Hot foods are usually kept on warmers to maintain a safe temperature.

Storage of Foods

Internal and external thermometers should be used so you can tell what the temperature of your refrigerator is inside without opening the door. Use proper containers for all your foods. Do not over stuff your refrigerator. Air needs to circulate around the foods to keep them cool. Always use airtight containers for foods and keep poultry and meat on the bottom shelf. You do not want those foods dripping onto other foods as this would risk cross contamination.

Need more information about catering food safety? Contact Italian Garden, an Italian restaurant and caterer in San Marcos, TX, for more details.

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Tips For Providing Excellent Customer Service In A Restaurant

While great food is certainly a motivator when choosing a restaurant, diners are unlikely to come back if they’re unsatisfied with the service. To give your customers an all-around great experience, try out these tips for excellent customer service.

Manage Wait Times

Nothing is more frustrating than showing up to a restaurant looking forward to a great meal and having to wait for a table. While wait times are unavoidable at times, managing those waiting lists is crucial to great customer service. Be honest with the customer about how long the wait will be to manage their expectations. Then, do whatever you can to keep things moving and get everyone seated quickly.

Learn (and Teach) How to Communicate

Making sure your customer gets what they need all comes down to effective communication. All members of the staff should be trained on friendly, professional, and efficient customer service language. For example, when a customer makes a request, the staff member should repeat the request back to the customer to show they’re listening and to make sure they got the information right.

Know Your Product

It’s hard to communicate about the menu if you aren’t familiar with it. All staff members should take time to study the products so they can answer questions and make recommendations. Especially in a time when food allergies seem to be at an all-time high, making a customer feel comfortable with what they’re ordering can leave a lasting impression.

Find a Balance

It may be tempting to encourage staff to check on customers frequently, but too much attention can annoy customers. Staff members should learn to find a balance between attending to customers and letting them quietly enjoy their meals. This also relates to communication; staff should make an effort to learn how to read a customer and figure out their preference.

Address Complaints Quickly

You might try to make things perfect, but sometimes there will be problems. If a customer has a complaint, it’s important to handle it as quickly as possible. Make sure to listen to the complaint patiently and understand the issue, then seek to rectify it. Customers will remember the speedy and courteous way you handled the problem more than the problem itself!

Try Comment Cards

Customers are often more comfortable expressing their opinion if they don’t have to do it in person, so comment cards can be a great tool for customer service. Try asking specific questions that will encourage your customers to make suggestions to improve service. Be sure to take their suggestions to make future experiences better!

Listen

Getting feedback and addressing complaints are important, but it only works if you listen. Sometimes, all the customer needs is to feel heard. Simply giving them your undivided attention and sympathizing with them can go a long way.

Use Social Media

Many people interact with businesses on social media, so take advantage of this platform! Creating engaging posts and replying to customer comments via social media is a great way to form loyal, lasting customer relationships.

For more restaurant tips, or to see some great customer service in action, visit Italian Garden, an Italian restaurant in San Marcos, TX.

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Italian Ingredients You Can Grow At Home

Imagine preparing an Italian dinner but having to stop cooking because you forget an ingredient and must run to the store. How nice would it be to go to your backyard garden and grab the ingredient you need and go straight back to cooking? Amazing! Right? Here is an easy guide on what to plant in your garden to have a tasty Italian dish seasoned from your own backyard.

Basil

Italian basil is an herb you will definitely want in your garden. It is one of those go-to herbs that can add imagery as well as flavor to any dish. It can be planted in the garden or a small pot and kept in a sunny space. The basil has many purposes and can be added to a variety of different meals. For example it can be thrown in with pesto sauce to top pasta, and it is a necessity for salads, soups, and desserts. Plus it smells amazing.

Eggplant

Eggplant is the heart of many Italian favorites and is also a heart healthy vegetable that is high in fiber and vitamins, which makes it great to cook with. Some popular Italian dishes that include eggplant are eggplant parmesan, molto pasta, and pizza creations. When growing eggplant in your garden you will want to consider placing it someplace warm and watering it routinely. It may be easier to grow in a container than in the ground.

Tomatoes

You can not have an Italian garden without having Plum or Roma Tomatoes. These tomatoes are known for having thick, meaty flesh with fewer seeds than regular tomatoes. You can make sun dried tomatoes, or smash them up to make a passata or tomato sauce for pasta. The meaty flesh from the tomatoes gives the sauce a delicious flavor. Growing these is very similar to growing other tomatoes, and the same care is applied here. Do not forget to spray for bugs because insects love nibbling on these.

Oregano

Oregano is not as commonly used in Italian recipes as basil, but it is still a key herb to have in your garden. Oregano can add a spicy zest to sauces and most Italian meals featuring cheese, olives, tomatoes, or eggs. It is considered a key ingredient in pizza and pasta so having it on hand will come in handy more than once. You can plant oregano in your garden or can even keep it in a container inside your home. It just needs the right amount of sunlight and warm temperatures and you should have no problem growing it.

Rosemary

Rosemary is a must have in your garden. It adds a pleasing taste to multiple dishes and can add a pleasing look by garnishing any dish. A little bit can go a long way in the kitchen. In addition to the flavorful taste it also offers multiple health benefits and is a notable source of minerals like iron. Another reason to include rosemary in your garden is for the wonderful smell the plant gives off. The scent is known for being stimulating and having relaxing effects which is another benefit. Plus you can grow rosemary all year round and will always have a fresh supply for whatever meal you are cooking.

Having these key ingredients in your garden while cooking an Italian dinner can come in handy for a fresh, flavorful, delicious meal you made from scratch. Knowing you grew these on your own adds its own value to the meal and makes it taste that much better. Good luck! And do not forget to water your garden!

Interested in trying a taste of some popular Italian dishes yourself? Visit Italian Garden, an Italian restaurant in San Marcos, TX, for a taste of delicious Italian cuisine.

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Why Italian Restaurants Remain A Favorite

Across the world, especially in the Western world, you would be hard-pressed to find someone who does not fancy Italian food. Italian dishes are almost universally loved which in turn makes Italian restaurants an instant hit wherever they are set up. There are many reasons, both covert and overt, that contribute to this outpouring of love for all things Italian as far as restaurant menus are concerned, such as:

Appealing to the Taste Buds

Italian restaurants do not shy away from high carb dishes. As much as many people are striving towards healthy living, everyone loves a taste of the forbidden fruit once in a while. Anyone who has ever tried to diet can tell you that high carb food increases appeal tenfold during that period of near-fasting. From pasta to risotto, Italian restaurants are willing to oblige your deepest culinary desires.

Offering Diverse Dishes

Italy in itself may be a small country compared to the United States, but they have an enormous variety of dishes. The restaurants’ proprietors work hard to replicate the same wide spectrum of choices on their menus. Consequently, monotony can only arise if the customer wants it since a single establishment has more choices than a month has days.

Widespread Popularity

Italian food is so ubiquitous that one can probably be hooked on it without realizing that their palate has been captured by the flavors and recipes of Italy. For instance, you would be surprised to know how many people are not aware that calzones are an Italian dish that cannot miss in any such establishment. Italian restaurants have also figured out how to incorporate traditional delicacies into general American preferences making them virtually indistinguishable yet so addictive. Spaghetti and meatballs are one such traditional Italian dish that accommodates the American desire to have meat in every meal.

Family Atmosphere

In Italian tradition, cooking is a family affair. Consequently, most of these restaurants go out of their way to give their dishes a family feel. Between the ambiance in these establishments and the homey atmosphere once you step into them, one cannot help but keep coming back for more. If the chef has Italian roots, he or she is most likely to be a favorite with the patrons through the friendly interactions and rapport built over time that fosters loyalty to the restaurant. In a lot of cases, the recipes that each restaurant is known for were allegedly passed down through generations of cookbooks and family recipes that were entrusted only to the chef. This gives their dishes a unique history even if the difference in taste is marginal.

Delectable Dining

While this goes without saying, it would be atrocious not to mention just how delicious the food sold in Italian restaurants is compared to the conventional menus in most food establishments. Between the spices, a healthy assortment of cheese, and the inherited finesse of the chefs, it is impossible to find national cuisine that rivals the Italians’ works of art over the fireplace. The above reasons notwithstanding, Italian restaurants are also relatively affordable due to the simplicity of their dishes. Most of the ingredients can be locally sourced since it is the combination of the same that matters. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that they are trendy.

Feeling nostalgic for your favorite Italian food? Visit Italian Garden, a family restaurant in downtown San Marcos, TX.

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