Tag: Restaurants

What is kosher food?

Kosher foods are those that are allowed according to Levitical law (Leviticus 11) and prepared according to kashrut. Not only are certain foods prohibited, but how those foods are prepared either makes them kosher or not. Chinese food, Mexican food, or “good old all-American home-style family southern” food can all be prepared as kosher. Although the specific details of kashrut are extensive, the laws all originate from a few straightforward guidlines.

In restaurants, deli establishments, and grocery stores we often stumble across the “kosher” section right next to international foods. There is a significant misconception, though, about what is and is not kosher? What is kosher food? Is it merely Jewish food, another international cuisine, or is there more to it? Simply put, kosher food is food allowed by Levitical law and prepared in accordance with Jewish religious tradition.

“Kashrut” is the group of laws dealing with Jewish food law, what foods are acceptable and how they must be prepared to be considered “kosher,” fit, proper, or correct. The term kosher means that something is being used in accordance with proper Jewish culture and tradition. There is actually no such thing as “kosher style” cooking or food. It is not a book of recipes passed down from Jewish grandmothers to their daughters and granddaughters. Kosher foods are those that are in agreement with Biblical, Levitical law and Jewish traditional preparation.

Although the blessing of food is part of Jewish tradition, the rabbi does not “bless food” to make it kosher, nor does the family make it kosher when blessing it prior to consumption. If food is advertised as kosher in restaurants or grocery stores, the probability is high that it is not. What this usually means is that it is traditional Jewish food, but not necessarily prepared according to “Kashrut.” There is no such thing as kosher-style food. Any food can be kosher if it is prepared in accordance with Jewish ritual or law and it is an acceptable item for Jewish consumption.

Some believe that Judaic food laws found in the Old Testament, the Jewish Septuagint, exist for health purposes, and there are some truth to this. Many of these food laws do parallel what modern food science and medicine have discovered to be healthful. Improperly cooked pork, for instance, can contain the trichinosis parasite that if ingested by humans can be fatal. Animals that eat plants and chew their cud, like cattle, are acceptable

Cuisine as community: How food practices influence how we relate to one another

When it comes to food rituals, modern man has not changed very much from his caveman ancestors when it comes to eating in groups. After chasing down their protein choice of the day, he relaxed around a fire and shared his spoils with family and friends.

Our caveman might have gotten a little testy, though, if someone else took too big a piece of meat off of the communal fire spit. Protests may have erupted, clubs grabbed for power, and a pecking order for food consumption quickly established.

Well, perhaps we have not evolved as much one might think. Is there anyone who has not seen people push and shove their way toward a buffet as though it was their last meal?

In our modern world, where food is plentiful, there is no need for a pecking order, but passing food around the table family style can produce noisy results. Positive or negative comments on specific dishes may be given to the cook who may refute or accept the critique. If the recipients are enjoying the meal, conversation is encouraged as their pleasure level rises in satisfaction.

Perhaps the most significant change in American food rituals is that our families often do not eat together at all. This trend has been viewed by many as having a very negative impact on the American family unit. When do they really get a chance to talk, or share the events of their day, face-to-face?

When families do manage to get together for a meal, and if children are in the group, the ritual becomes one of encouragement as “I don’t like that” becomes a repetitive mantra. Mom tries to remember what “Dr. Phil” said about encouraging kids to try new food, or eat any food for that matter, that is not white, fried or sweet.

Dad may remember that kids use food drama as a form of control in their limited world where they control very little. He may be losing patience as the tone of his voice escalates to LOUD and resulting tears drip into the peas. If this same family had been eating buffet style, the kids would have picked what they wanted to eat and this food ritual controversy may have had a happier ending.

Mothers, in many cultures, use food to bond with their family, especially if they do not work outside the home. For these women food has come to represent love. The more of her food her loved ones eat, the more SHE feels loved. Italian mothers are well known for pushing food on family and friends with such passion that to refuse could be viewed as a personal insult. Other women use food to enhance their self esteem, and in some cases, to control their children.

Different cultures and religions use food rituals to keep followers bonded. In Christianity, Jesus used the ritual of transubstantiation (changing) of bread and wine into the body and blood that has become the sacred ritual of communion. Christ used two very basic food items in his lesson knowing that the ritual had instant meaning and would deeply bond his followers.

While the food ritual may be different in Judaism, Islam, Hinduism or Buddhism, the end result is the same. People sharing a belief also want to share food together in a symbolic way to enhance their spiritual experience.

Good food and the community of food preparation that elevates a social dining experience will always play an important role in how people relate to each other. In families, in business, and in social settings, food rituals inspire and continue to bond us together.

The difference between a good restaurant and a bad one

It is relatively easy to tell a good restaurant apart from an awful one. It really is. Those who find themselves consistently dining out need only use common sense to reach a final verdict on the quality of the particular restaurant. Ultimately, when reaching an actual consensus on the quality of a restaurant, it comes down to three main factors: quality of food, the service, and the appeal.


Likely to be the most distinguishing factor of a restaurant, the food is most prominently, what your judgment should be based upon. The meal should always be prepared hot and fresh. Of course, the taste of the meal is the most imperative part of a restaurant. Too much salt is not a good thing. Try to avoid restaurants that tend to put too much salt in their dishes. Can you taste the monosodium glutamate in the food? If so, it is likely to be a low tier restaurant. Any meat should be well cooked unless directed otherwise. Vegetables served should not be old; they should be young and tender, and if there is too much fat and oil content in the meal, it is likely to be considered a bad restaurant. In contrast, a good restaurant prepares meals that are cooked well, not dry, and the proportions are just enough to satisfy an individual’s hunger. Prices are another foretelling factor. A stellar restaurant charges prices that are well suited to the quality of the meal and the proportions. Of course, presentation of the meal plays a key factor. Perhaps, not as important as the taste of the meal itself, presentation is what makes the dish more appealing to the customer, and thus entices him or her to order the dish again on his or her next visit. More over, the menu of a good restaurant should be variable and should satisfy any type of craving. A good restaurant never misses out on adding vegetarian dishes to the menu for anyone unable to eat meat.

Service is also as equally important as the meal itself. People generally remember a restaurant for being good based on the attentiveness and friendliness of the waiters. Even if the quality of the meal is superb, if the servers are rude and/or forgetful, it is likely that one will not come back to that particular restaurant ever gain. If reservations are made, a good restaurant will document it down and no mistakes should be made. A really distasteful restaurant would skip the reservation and seat another group ahead of the group that made the reservation. It has happened before. Still, even if such a mistake is made, a good restaurant

Tips for being a good customer while dining out

You enter a restaurant over lunch hour. It is busy. You look around worried you may not get a seat, until you spot one at a corner. With a sigh of relief you begin a mad dash. In the process you almost knock over a waitress carrying a tray, overflowing with food and drink.

“Look where you are going,” you growl, as you elbow her aside.

A moment later she brings you the menu and before she can ask you what you would like, you interrupt her.

“Today’s special and a bottle of water,” you say without looking up; eyes fixed on the newspaper.

In a short while, she returns.

“Your order,” she says, serving the food and water. This time you are on the phone and you immediately note that the water is not your favorite brand.

“Don’t you have Highlands water?” you ask, putting the caller on hold. Without waiting for an answer, you hand back the water and immediately turn away and get back to your call,

“I do not understand why they can’t hire fffing waitresses with some brain matter between their ears. I mean…,” you begin to rant to the caller as the waitress walks away overhearing every word.

She returns back with the water and you immediately begin to whine that the portions of the meal are too tiny for the exorbitant’ price the restaurant is charging.

“Bring me the bill,” you say whilst digging for your wallet.When the bill arrives all hell breaks loose.

“What do you mean the VAT is not included in the initial cost? This service charge is a rip off for the bad service,” you moan.

“Well, it is clearly indicated in the menu,” the waitress informs you.

“I never even looked at the damn menu,” you say adding a couple of expletives.

You pay the bill and dash of to your more important job.

Professionals working in the service industry have loads of horror stories about customers behaving badly while dining out. Often servers are young people who are treated with little respect by customers perhaps due to the assumption that their job is not as important as those of other professionals in the job market.

However they too need your respect. A memorable and enjoyable meal out can only be a reality when the customer and the server work together. Follow these tips for a great experience dining out.

Dos while dining out

Do make way for the server carrying a tray of food to other customers.

Do say hello to your server, make eye contact, smile and refer to them by name.

Do take a moment to look at the menu and make a clear decision.

Do ask questions if unsure of your order.

Do give your full order. Avoid wasting your servers time by sending them back and forth.

Do leave your table as clean as you possibly can.

Do leave a tip

Don’ts while dining out

Do not curse or use expletives at your server if unhappy with the order. Be polite.

Do not use rude words with your dinner companions while referring to the server. They just might overhear.

Don’t whine about not getting what you did not order for. Ask, cut out the whining.

Day Out at a Restaurant with Live Music

If you are dining out, step into any restaurant that provides live music. If you haven’t enjoyed it before, do it now. You will never regret your decision as enjoying your food with live music is great fun. Jazz, Rock, Country music, Folk, Rock and Roll, Soulful songs, Melodies, Live Piano and so on; whatever be your taste you can find restaurants with live music.

Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York are some of the happening destinations in U.S with great night life. Let’s check out some of the restaurants that organize live music in these three cities.

Las Vegas is the center of entertainment and gambling and therefore has many of the largest restaurants, hotels, casinos and resort properties in the world.

Las Vegas Restaurants with Live Music includes Terrazza, a good Italian restaurant that provide live jazz music. With candlelit tables and elegant décor, you can spend romantic evenings here. Hard Rock Cafe is a music-themed restaurant with an all American menu. It has live rock music and music lovers can enjoy the Rock and Roll memorabilia on the wall. So you can worship Rock legends while munching on American favorites. Hofbrauhaus Las Vegas is a German restaurant with German style open seating. You can enjoy beer brewed in Munich with Bavarian music and dancing.

Los Angeles leads the world in producing popular entertainment, which forms the base of its international fame and global status. One of the Los Angeles Restaurants with Live Music is El Compadre, which is a Mexican restaurant where you can enjoy Salsa with the tasty Margaritas. Tangier is a fantastic dinner spot for Mediterranean cuisine. You can enjoy Live Piano along with exquisite cuisine. Palms Thai Restaurant dishes out Thai cuisine. Their entertainment show Thai Elvis is very popular.

New York restaurants with live music include Son Cubano, which doles out Cuban and Latin American dishes. It creates a fantastic atmosphere for its diners with its great Cuban live music. So don’t miss this place if you wish for a fun night.

Avenue A Japanese Restaurant is famous for its Sushi. DJs with their foot tapping music and back lights will force you to come to their dance floor. Jules Bristo, a French restaurant is a combination of live Jazz, great food, friendly service and an affordable bill.

Select any of these restaurants from the restaurant guide and chill out.

South Street Seaport Restaurant Assures Perfect Dinning Experience

Are you willing to eat out at a restaurant that not only offers best food, but its surroundings should also be mesmerizing? If it is so then South Street Seaport restaurant is the perfect place for you to be. This place is situated in the city of lights, New York. You can have a real good time in dinning in the restaurants situated at this place. Well, a dinning experience can be the most memorable one only when the restaurant, its ambience, its menu and service quality are excellent. If either of them is not up to the mark, then customers would shrink them off from visiting that restaurant again.

As restaurant is situated in South Street Seaport, there is a lot of variety in sea food and beef products that adorn the menus of these restaurants. A wide variety of sea food includes numerous types of fishes, tasty lobsters, crabs and much more. This is not just the end of the menu list. If you are a beef lover, then you have come to the right place. Many of these restaurants have beef delicacies that are simply mouth watering. Grilled buffalo meat, mozzarella di bufala and lots more are a part of the beef menu. Beef lovers can take this chance to dine at some of their favorite restaurants at South Street Seaport.

Every restaurant at South Street Seaport has a mesmerizing view that adds to the attractiveness of the place. Just imagine that a perfect combination of location, food, ambience of restaurant, drinks and service quality can leave an ever cherishing moment in your life. So why not visit that place for a change and why to stay in the home every time. After all, you got to have a change from the hectic schedule as you keep on working for the whole week. Dinning at restaurants of your choice not only gives you a tastier experience, you also get to spend some quality time with friends and family.

Each restaurant owner, be it at South Street Seaport or any other place, has to take care about each and every inch of his restaurant. There are various customers who are very fussy and particular about the place they visit. The restaurant owner has to cater to every slot, so he has to be quite a perfectionist in every thing. If the food of his is not tasty and does not raise the customer’s taste buds, then nobody will visit that restaurant. A restaurant owner has to be selective and have a creative bent of mind, so that his restaurant can have appealing touch to every aspect.

Restaurants at South Street Seaport are quite famous as party places and for enjoying quite dinners. If you are arranging for party and looking for a venue, then South Street Seaport restaurant is the most suitable place. After all, you are spending a lot of money and would like to have everything best. As far as this place is concerned, you don’t have to worry about anything. Your party would be a hit, if you select the right type of restaurant. So, just go about looking for a restaurant here and you can enjoy the fun.

Alternative Treatment for Eating Disorders

Generally, eating disorders involve self-critical, negative thoughts and feelings about body weight and food, and eating habits that disrupts normal body function, and daily life activities. A person with anorexia nervosa typically starves him or herself to be thin and experiences excessive weight loss, typically 15% below the weight that doctors consider ideal for his or her height and age. In some cases of anorexia, in addition to restricting their food intake kids use purging – by vomiting or taking laxatives – to control their weight.

Causes of Eating Disorders

What causes eating disorders is not entirely clear, though a combination of psychological, genetic, social and family factors are thought to contribute to the disorder.

Certain sports, such as ballet, gymnastics and wrestling are thought to potentially contribute to developing eating disorders because of the emphasis on leanness. There is also a role for genetics. Individuals who have a close relative with an eating disorder have an increased risk for also developing an eating disorder..

Sometimes, problems at home, such as drug or alcohol abuse, can put a child at higher risk to develop disordered eating behaviors.
And this concern can begin at an alarmingly young age. Research shows that 42% of first to third-grade girls wants to be thinner, and 81% of 10-year-olds are afraid of being fat.

Types of eating disorders

The most common eating disorders are anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder.
· Anorexia – People with anorexia starve themselves out of an intense fear of becoming fat. Despite being underweight or even emaciated, they never believe they’re thin enough. In addition to restricting calories, people with anorexia may also control their weight with exercise, diet pills, or purging.
· Bulimia – Bulimia involves a destructive cycle of bingeing and purging. Following an episode of out-of-control binge eating, people with bulimia take drastic steps to purge themselves of the extra calories. In order to avoid weight gain they vomit, exercise, fast, or take laxatives.
· Binges Eating Disorder – People with binge eating disorder compulsively overeat, rapidly consuming thousands of calories in a short period of time. Despite feelings of guilt and shame over these secret binges, they feel unable to control their behavior or stop eating even when uncomfortably full.

Alternative Treatment for Eating Disorders

There are many treatment options for eating disorders. The right approach for each individual depends on his or her specific symptoms, issues, and strengths, as well as the severity of the disorder. To be most effective, treatment for an eating disorder must address both the physical and psychological aspects of the problem. The goal is to treat any medical or nutritional needs, promote a healthy relationship with food, and teach constructive ways to cope with life and its challenges Psychotherapy – Individual and group therapy can help your loved one explore the issues underlying the eating disorder, improve self-esteem, and learn healthy ways of responding to stress and emotional pain. Family therapy is also effective for dealing with the impact the eating disorder has on the entire family unit.

· Nutritional counseling – Dieticians or nutritionists are often involved in the treatment of eating disorders. They can help your loved one design meal plans, set dietary goals, and achieve a healthy weight. Nutritional counseling may also involve education about basic nutrition and the health consequences of eating disorders.
· Support groups – Attending an eating disorder support group can help your loved one feel less alone and ashamed. Run by peers rather than professionals, support groups provide a safe environment to share experiences, advice, encouragement, and coping strategies.
· Residential treatment –- Residential or hospital-based care may be required when there are severe physical or behavioral problems, such as a resistance to treatment, medical issues that require a doctor’s supervision, or continuing weight loss.

How to get the most from your dining experience

Everyone thinks that the path to a pleasant dining experience rests in how much you tip, but the key to getting the most out of your meal begins the minute you decide to eat out, and it hinges on five key factors: choosing the restaurant, time of day, ordering, attitude, and payment. Let’s begin.

1) Choosing your restaurant.

In today’s volatile economy restaurant chains rise out of nowhere everyday just to sink just as quickly back into obscurity. However, literally hundreds of choices from national chains like Olive Garden, to refined New York steak houses or and mom and pop diners are available to people in every region of the country, on any budget. This then begs the question, “Where do I want to eat?”

Your night begins here, with this very simple yet important question. It’s more than just a matter of Italian food or vegan tacos – it’s about your expectations.

What do you want – “want” being the operative word? You can dine anywhere, but you’re choosing to be there so make it for the right reasons. Are you looking for fine dining and an extensive wine list to dazzle a client or a cozy booth to spend hours catching up with an out of town friend? We “go out” for more than just food – we pay for an experience, and even if you’re there for a quick bite, asking yourself a few questions can tease out your ideal atmosphere. Questions like:

Am I willing to wait a long time for a table?

Do they take reservations?

Is it loud?

Is it a family style restaurant?

Is it expensive?

Is the menu large or small?

Am I willing to try something new?

Am I in a hurry?

The answers to these few questions can help assess the mood you’re in, and a little forethought can save you a two hour wait in a noisy, kid-filled lobby to finally sit at a table in a restaurant that doesn’t serve salmon. Instead of just heading out the door and picking a restaurant based on the spinning marquis that catches your eye from the freeway, put a little thought into your expectations.

2) Choosing the time

Let’s say for the sake of argument that you choose a mid-sized regional chain. Excellent, most people do. You’ve been to an establishment like this before, even if it may be your first time at this particular chain or location, therefore you know what to expect, right? Not always. A restaurant is just like anything else, with its unpredictable qualities, but the one truth you can count on is that timing really is everything.

When you dine is almost as important

South street seaport restaurant is an enchanting place for foodies

South Street Seaport Restaurant is a perfect place to enjoy your evening.Usually, the atmosphere of a restaurant is mind-blowing and astonishing and so it is successful in attracting a lot of customers. The place is the favorite place of many people as they really have a wonderful time to splurge here. The restaurant offers an appeasing ambience to make your time very pleasant. The restaurant in South Street Seaport will undoubtedly give some exceptional and unforgettable experience of your life .You will be so much fascinated that you will always want to visit this place as they solve both the option of enjoying and dinning. You are so much spelled by this place that you always look out for some reason to visit it quite often. The delicious food and the enchanting atmosphere makes you so much involved in the activities that you forget rest of the things.

A restaurant is the preferred place of all those who are fond of mouth watering dishes and partying with friends, colleages and with beloved ones. You can have anything that you whether lunch, dinner or a party and others that you desire. It’s really a loving and romancing moment to visit the restaurant with your spouse or beloved ones to enjoy the candle light dinner. The ambience of a restaurant is the first thing that attracts all the visitors. It energizes you so much that you forget other stuffs and get fully engaged in the activities to make a pleasing evening. The furniture needs to be trendy and comfortable also to help you to have a good sitting. The lighting system of the restaurant should be classy and fashionable to spellbind you. A dim light is mostly preferred as it creates a soothing and gentle environment that most visitors prefer. Such a wonderful place is an ultimate destination where everyone would like to spend their quality time.

If you are residing in South Street Seaport then you can find various restaurants that delivers quality service. You can browse in internet or can ask your friend who has ever come across the best south street seaport restaurant in that place. You must look for the type of food and the quality of service that they cater to the customers. A good restaurant will definitely consider customer satisfaction as it will help them to business well and get reputed among the restaurant lovers. The manager of the restaurant has to ensure that the visitors get the best quality service and all their demands get fulfilled promptly. In this way the restaurant gets much advertised and it encounters an increase in the number of visitors.

A restaurant does have all the option of fooding.You can also have drinks on demand. The menu card contains all the food items that the restaurant has for the customers. Almost every restaurant has a food specialization and this thing makes it different from other restaurants. You can find all the beef products that are very popular among the guests. You can also party with your friends and colleagues or can throw a party if you want. The restaurant has all these arrangements to let you have a wonderful and mesmerizing moment .Before throwing a party in the restaurant ,you must look for their experience and the quality service that they deliver after all you are going to spend your money.

Dining out and understanding your restaurant billing in Italy

One of the most appreciated aspects of Italian culture is Italian cuisine, which is, without exaggeration, succulently scrumptious. Dining out in Italy is truly the gastronomist’s and epicurean’s opportunity to gorge and indulge in the haute couture of fine cuisine and delicate tastes.

But Italian cuisine is not just a pastiche of pasta and pizza; it is a creative collection of regional dishes that are characterized by various European and Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences. The secret to the freshness of Italian food is the culinary tradition’s emphasis on fresh, locally grown, seasonal produce.

The unification of Italy diffused many popular dishes throughout Italy and abroad, however, regions remain fiercely loyal to their locally produced specialties. To truly taste Italian culture, you must venture off the beaten path and sample regional, local cooking, which is, in essence, authentic Italian cooking.

As someone of Italian heritage, here is some practical information about dining establishments in Italy, and some tips to help you pay your bill after you have polished off your pizza.

WHEN IN ITALY, EAT AS THE ITALIANS DO

A traditional and formal Italian meal can continue for hours and consists of an antipasto (appetizer), sometimes served with an aperitivo (aperitif drink), followed by a primo piatto, generally a pasta, risotto or soup course, followed by a secondo piatto, a heartier meat or fish course. The second course is generally served with a contorno (side dish) and/or a salad, which is eaten with the main course, or directly afterwards. The dolce (dessert) and fruit selection with cheeses follow the salad. The caffe (coffee), and digestivo (digestive drink) conclude the meal.

However, do not feel pressured to follow the traditional multi-course meal, which is becoming rarer nowadays. Although the food choices on the menu are presented in this order, simply order whatever you feel comfortable eating.

WHERE TO WINE AND DINE

Depending on the dining experience you crave (and how hungry you are!), there are many different dining establishments in Italy.

Ristoranti

Restaurants are found all over Italy, and vary in ambiance. They may be upscale and elegant or low-key and causal. Most offer popular selections and regional specialties, and tend to be slightly more expensive than family run establishments. Many offer a menu turistico(tourist menu), that combines a complete meal into one fixed price.