Stock-up for Fall

The fall season is upon us and to me that means cool, crisp weather, trees with beautifully colored leaves, trips to the local orchard for apples and pumpkins, tailgates and football games and evenings outside by the fire.

Make sure you are ready for this season by stocking up on a few restaurant equipment and restaurant supply items from Serv-U. Serv-U’s concession equipment and concession supply department has everything you need to stock the concession stand at your local school or park district. From popcorn poppers, to hot dog cookers, to nacho chip warmers – Serv-U can help you find the right concession equipment for you needs.

Don’t forget to pick up an insulated beverage warmer for seasonal beverages like hot apple cider or pumpkin spice coffee. Serv-U also has bakeware and pastry supplies for baking apple and pumpkin pies. 

One of the great things about May is that strawberries start to show up in the grocery store and on restaurant menus everywhere, which is why May is National Strawberry Month. Nothing makes for the perfect end to a Mother’s Day lunch than scrumptious strawberry shortcake pilled high with fresh whipped cream.

Strawberries have come a long way over time. According to the University of Illinois’ Extension Office Web site, when the Colonists arrived in this country the American Indians introduced them to a mixture of crushed strawberries and corn meal, which created a basic strawberry bread. The Colonists loved this treat and, according to the U of I Extension site, lead them to envision what would eventually become strawberry shortcake.

Another great way to enjoy the taste of strawberries is to whip up a tasty strawberry daiquiri in a high powered blender. These popular drinks are a breeze to make when you use measured liquor pours to measure your rum and have all your other must have bar supplies ready to mix all the ingredients together. Pour this crowd pleaser into the right glass, garnish with some of that fresh whipped cream and you have the perfect drink for National Strawberry Month and all year long.

Warmer weather is just one reason I’m looking forward to the coming weeks.  In case you don’t have it on your calendar, make note: the National Restaurant Association 2008 Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show is May 17-20 in Chicago.  I can’t wait to go—all the vendors, all the swag (you know, promo pens and notepads and such), and perhaps most interestingly of all, the celebrity chefs! 

Yes, I just found out that the likes of Mario Batali, Rick Bayless, and Charlie Ayers will be making appearances at the NRA Show.  (See the full list of celebrity chefs here.)  Some will be doing book signings, while others will showcase their skills for live audiences.  And love them of hate them, they have an undeniable allure.

FYI: Besides writing books, some celebrity chefs have even gotten into the world of blogging (Mario Batali included).  After reading about these celebrity chef blogs here, I took a peek at one of the featured blogs:Alison at Blue Bell.  It's all about opening up a restaurant.  The writing and pictures are really well done, so if you have a few spare minutes, it’s worth the read.  Unfortunately, though, it’s been virtually inactive since mid-March: “on hiatus.”  If you have a blog that might interest Serv-U Restaurant Guru readers, please email me with the link or leave a comment with the link; I love to find food writing talent!