The Battle of the Brands

Television commercials are heating up as brands start to fight against each other.

Recent television commercials have featured one brand proclaiming their dominance over another in recent weeks. One of these commercials is Domino’s new commercial for their oven-baked subs, which they compare to Subway’s sandwiches. Another commercial features Captain D’s promoting themselves against Red Lobster.

While the companies fight it out with each other over these claims and the accompanying commercials, it is up to the consumers to decide where to eat. Domino’s even unveiled their newest commercial during American Idol, which is well known to draw a large audience and thus more potential customers.

So do these commercials impact your decision of where to eat? Do you even notice commercials anymore or do you skip by them with you DVR? Let us know.

Techno in the Kitchen

My beau recently acquired an iPhone, so that means that I’m the proud new owner of his old iTouch. I can’t speak highly enough of both of them so far; they render the web is it’s meant to be seen, and there’s an application for just about anything your heart desires. According to the New York Times, cool apps, web access, and more are even making gadgets like these into a sort of kitchen phenom. At-home cooks and big time chefs alike are taking advantage of recipe websites, grocery list making apps, recipe conversion apps, and more to make their kitchens more organized and their cooking more adventurous.

I, for one, have definitely looked up recipes online through the iPhone and kept it handy to use as a reference while cooking. I’ve also got a grocery list app, and there’s such an abundant foodie community out there with so many ideas, that I’m sometimes convinced to try a recipe I never would’ve sought out on my own. I’ve even purchased a few kitchen gadgets in pursuit of cooking nirvana.

And when I don’t feel like cooking, I’ve got the internet at my fingertips to Google the best local eateries for a meal out. Come to think of it, I use the iTouch more for food than just about anything else! What about other cooks and foodies out there; do you use a mobile device of some kind to help with cooking/finding restaurants? What’s your favorite technology in the kitchen?

Caffeine and Community

If you’re like me, you probably long for the good ol’ days when you stopped for a gourmet coffee every morning on the way to work (sigh).  How about some temporary relief?  According to Businessweek’s site, Starbucks is offering just that—one free coffee for the price of a little volunteerism.  From January 21^st through January 25^th, all you have to do is sign a pledge card to donate five hours of time to a local cause of your choice.  The promotion is set to coincide with the inauguration of Barack Obama as President; part of his campaign platform was a call for more community service.

 

Caffeine and community—I’m thinking it’s a great combination….and it may just lead to increased coffee sales.  (Dare I hope for a report from Starbucks post-promo?)

Breakfast Drinks are Taking Off

A new trend in the breakfast scene is the emergence of drinks as both main event and wonderful accompaniment.

This article talks about how new, exciting drink flavors are coming out to entice those who might normally stick to plain coffee, juice, or tea. According to the article juices other than orange are starting to become popular as diners realize that other flavors can go perfectly with their favorite breakfast picks. The same is true with coffees and teas as places like Starbucks continue to increase their menu offerings.

What’s your favorite breakfast drink? Do you have a favorite drink and food combo?

Chefs in the News: White House Cooking

Foodie bloggers have been buzzing about it since the election results came in; who would become the new White House chef in chief?  The speculation ended this morning when it was announced that the Obamas have elected to keep Cristeta Comerford on as the official White House chef.  Hired by Laura Bush in 2005, Comerford is the first woman to head the White House kitchens.  According to Wikipedia, Comerford is also the first White House chef of Filipino descent.  Comerford was reportedly chosen for her good reputation with the Bush family and her “perspective on the importance of healthy eating and healthy families,” according to Michelle Obama.

 

So it turns out there won’t be a “celebrity” at the helm of the White House kitchens, but a remarkable chef nonetheless.  So “mabuhay” (cheers) to Chef Comerford!

Social Networking to Get a Job

A new trend among job hunters is turning to social networking sites such as Twitter to get a job.

People are turning to these sites to interact with people in careers with them and to make contacts who might have jobs available. Some people have even gone so far as to “twit” that they need a job and hope someone can give them a tip.

Many restaurants, businesses, and professionals have started to use sites such as Twitter, so the idea does make some sense. People use these sites to learn about restaurants, businesses, and new ideas, so why not jobs. What are your thoughts?

2009: Mixed Blessings for Restaurateurs

After a record-setting increase in global food prices, it seems that consumers might see some relief in 2009—in response to the current economic malaise.  Yes, prices are likely to go down a bit this year as we muddle through some tough times, but once the economy picks up again, we might see prices run right back up.  What’s a restaurateur to do?

 

As the expression goes, “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”  Flexibility might just be the key to “making lemonade.”  Over at one of my favorite industry sites, FohBoh, a poster who goes by “The Truth” offers suggestions for keeping food purchasing costs to a minimum: basically, shop around. 

 

Having a flexible menu could also allow several distinct advantages; you can offer meals built on foods that are most profitable at any given time, and you can take advantage of the local food movement by serving seasonal dishes specific to your area.  And be sure you don’t bury these items deep in your menu; instead, highlight the fact that your business is supporting other local businesses (farmers, etc.) by broadcasting your local offerings on a write-on sign.

To all those eaters and restaurateurs out there: what tips do you have for restaurants trying to weather tough times?