Restaurants Without Waiters

FEATURES


I'LL GET THE CHEQUE MYSELF, THANKS!

Let's not tell the folks at Waiter Chat about this, but imagine a dining scenerio where you don't have to wait to order, don't need to listen to your server recite the daily specials, can take control of your own peppermill, are spared the wait for your cheque to arrive so you can leave as soon as you want to, and what's more, you can dispense with calculating the tip because there is no requirement to tip in the first place. And you can do all this from someplace other than your car.

In a business model that must have been inspired by self-serve gas stations and ATM machines, a California entrepreneur has come up with a design for a sit down style restaurant that eliminates the waiter from the dining out experience. He already has a profit making model in operation and thinks the concept is the way of the future .... CONTINUE READING.

To be filed in RESTAURANTS/trends


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SISTERS SECRET

Marsha Simons, founder of locally-owned Sisters Secret, combines some of her sisters’ culinary secrets with her own business acumen (developed from running a bed and breakfast), to create a food product label that includes granola, a chili condiment, and our favourite ... a delicious line of scones.

In fact, get ready to change any idea you may have about traditional packed scone mixes. .... CONTINUE READING.

To be filed in FOOD/new products



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END OF THE PIG'S TALE

When we covered the less popular bits of the pig we didn't quite make it to the tail. But the website Budda Drinks Fanta did it for us. The blogger behind the site, with her obvious relish for tail, is a particularly adventurous breed of diner, as can be seen from some of her other entries which include thoughts on pig tongue and pig bung. And if you are happen to be wondering what pig bung is, it is exactly what you are afraid it is. .... CONTINUE READING.

To be filed in THIS ISSUE/ more pig

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CHINESE NEW YEARS SPECIALS

(Check the box in the top left hand index for St Pat's offers, menus and ideas.) Today we have...
Making Real Chinese Cookies




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TODAY'S PRESS RELEASES






World's Wine Stars at Playhouse WineFest.

Les Dames d'Escoffier now taking applications for 2007 scholorships.

Announcements and Special Menus for Provence's 10th Anniversary

Wolfgang Blass withdraws from Wine Festival

BC Liquor Stores starts "Dry Grad" fundraising campaign.

Pacific Institute of Cullinary Arts Celebrates 10 years with a draw.



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ON THE NEWSSTAND TODAY






THE LOCAL INK


Over at Chowtimes, Ben and Suanne continue their series on Chinese New Years Foods by baking cookies.



THE OUTSIDE WORLD

Australian wineries are being evaluated for environmental qualities just like any other primary producer.

Former New York Times restaurant critic Mimi Sheraton calls restaurateur Jeffrey Chodorow an "idiot".

Restaurants look to "ethical" foie gras from naturally greedy geese.

A "we-gotta-shape-up" memo from Starbucks founder Howard Schultz is leaked to a blog and the mainstream press has a field day.

Here's a cheery little ditty for you ...banana chips, banana chips, banana chips, oh yeah!!! Love how that one little chick can blow up bananas with her eyes.

Exotic Kit Kat bars of Tokyo.

Can buying organic food actually harm the planet?

Marco Pierre White is unveiled as new TV star and immediately attacks Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay.

Drinking Tips from America's top sommelier.

Never Eat a burger that weighs more than you do. The world's largest hamburger weighs in at 123 lbs.




Find the links to these articles and more in this week's Media postings.

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WHO'S GOT IT - OUR BUZZZ METER For February 26, 2007
(The most requested information on the site as measured by Google Keyword Counter)





PEOPLE:

1) Janice Lotzgar (restaurateur)
2) Chef Quang Dang (chef)
3) Tom Doughty (restaurateur)
4) Kate Colley Lo (public relations)
5) Mark Laba (media)

PLACES:

1) O Thai Restaurant, Vancouver
2) Kinyo Izakaya, Vancouver
3) Memphis Blues, Kelowna
4) Muzi on Broadway, Vancouver
5) Senova, Vancouver

THINGS:

1) Dine Around Victoria
2) Charcuteries & French pork cookery
3) Ocean Cement's Open House at Granville Island
4) fresh peppercorns and where to buy them
5) Blasted Church labels


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TODAY'S BIG DEAL

Slow Foods holds an olive oil tasting with Amelia Oil.

Get all the details from the Daily Calendar Window here