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11 Apr
History on culinary uniforms and why they're important in the hospitality industry.
In the world of gastronomy, the Chef is the artist and the food is their artwork. Wearing a Chef uniform carries a level of authority in the kitchen and allows a Chef to be respected as the artists they are. Check out Chef Jackets and TunicsÂ
The first known Chef Uniform in history dates back to 1822, depicted in a drawing by French artist Marie-Antoine Careme. The two Chefâs in the image are drawn side by side wearing double jackets, waist aprons, towels hanging from the aprons and the famous Chef hat. Shop our wide range of Chef Hats & Caps.
A Chef Uniform, unlike others has not changed much through time, the classic white hat and apron still symbolise the work of a Chef. Through time, workplace health and safety standards have become stricter, creating certain requirements for a Chef Uniform. A modern Chef uniform requires fire resistant clothing, a hair net or hat, appropriate shoes, and an apron. Chef uniforms have remained true to their original style and functionality and continue to stand the test of time.
From culinary graduates to world famous Cooks, a correct Chefs uniform is one of the most important pieces of working in a commercial kitchen. View our full range of Chef Uniforms.
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11 Apr
7 Important Things For Chefs When Choosing Shoes.
Choosing the right Chef Footwear can be a task that most people overlook, as any chef would know it can be quite be confusing and timely. Not to worry! We have put together a guide of 7 essential things to consider when choosing your Kitchen shoes.
1. Comfort
This high intensity job often causes strain on joints and bones, especially after a busy day. Testing the level of comfort in your chef shoes before purchasing them is essential! High quality, supportive shoes will be equipped with a cochin or gel pad that creates back support and ease. Comfortable Chef shoes, such as chef clogs and boots, take the pain out of standing up all day and night.Check out our unisex Slipbuster Dealer Boots - various sizes available.
2. Non-slip
The kitchen can be a hazardous workplace, with spillages and slippery floors at every turn. Slip resistant Chef shoes have a unique design with an outsole grip to prevent falling on a wet floor. Chef shoes that are not slip resistant do not comply with workplace health and safety standards, and have the potential to cause major injuries in the kitchen.
3. Water resistant
Spilling liquid in a kitchen is inevitable, especially on busy nights when work stations become extremely fast pace, it is difficult to avoid spills. Continuing work with wet shoes or socks can often be uncomfortable and lead to moisture based bacterial infections to grow on your feet. Water resistant materials such as leather, are ideal for Chef shoes.Â
4. Protective
Sharp objects such as knifes and scissors are common tools for a Chef, and have a risk of falling at any time. Strong protective chef shoes allow protection of your feet and toes from heavy or sharp falling objects. A thick leather or slight steel cap create a protective layer and safeguard your Chef shoes. Check out our protective Birkenstock Boston Clog Black  - various sizes available.
5. Fire Resistant
Like every other part of the Chef uniform, shoes must be fire resistant! Burns and scalds are known to be some of the most common injuries in the kitchen. From heated equipment to boiling liquid, the risk of a fire is always high when working in a kitchen. Fire resistant Chef shoes prevent injury in the workplace.
6. Breathability Â
When working at a fast pace in a crowded environment, the kitchen can become heated quickly. Foot sweat is unavoidable in these intense work situations, but much like wet shoes, this can become a breeding ground of fungal infections. Chef shoes made with premium leather offer the correct amount of breathability for comfort and keeping cool.Â
7. Color that blends with the uniform
Although the most standard Chef shoe color is black, you can select a wide range of colors and styles from different brands. It is important to consider the dress code for your kitchen and ensure your chef shoes compliment your uniform nicely! Match your Chef shoes with stylish Chef jackets and Tunic
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2 Nov
Having the right glass is key to serving a beverage. There are many types of glasses which can make it confusing especially when starting a new hospitality business. To exemplify wine glasses require specific serving procedures to reach its full flavour. Each wine glass is made especially for a particular wine so it is important to understand their use. Read below at the various types of glasses and their uses.
MARTINI GLASS
One of the most popular cocktail glasses is a martini glass used specially for⦠you guess it, martinis. Shaped like a V, it can be used for various cocktail recipes making it essential in a pub or bar.
Drinks: Daiquiri, Cosmopolitan, Martini, Lemon Drop
MARGARITA GLASS
It features a small, secondary bowl in the centre that gives it a little extra volume and some aesthetic flair. The glass is wide so that the rim can be coated in salt and sugar to accent the drink. View our range of quality Cocktail Glasses.
Drink: Margarita
HURRICANE GLASS
Hurricane Glasses are shaped like an old-fashioned lamp designed to hold fruity concoctions. It is perfectly adaptable, tall and elegantly cut.
Drinks: Pina Colada, Scorpion Bowl, Hurricane, Tri-star
MASON JARS
Mason jars can serve a lot of functions when it comes to cocktails, like holding syrups and making infused spirits, but they've also become popular as serving glasses in their own right.
Drinks: Mini Wapatui, Margaritas
CHAMPAGNE FLUTE
Champagne glasses are typically designed with narrow bowls to help limit the loss of carbonation. Symbolic for celebration, it is perfect for events and essential in any bar or restaurant. View our wide range of Champagne glasses.
Drinks: Bellini, Mimosa, Sparkling Wine, Champagne
RED WINE GLASS
Designed with a larger rim for smelling the aroma while sipping the wine and to ensure that the wine comes in contact with more air
Drinks: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz
WHITE WINE GLASS
The stemmed glasses keep chilled wine cooler longer and is designed with a smaller rim to allow aromas to be released while maintaining its temperature.
Drinks: Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Aperol Spritz
TUMBLER GLASS
Short, cylindrical tumbler glass with thick base used for serving straight liquors on ice or stylish cocktails. Take a look at Hi balls & Tumblers to view our amazing range of durable tumblers.
Drinks: Old Fashioned, Vodka Greyhound, Sazerac
BRANDY GLASS
Short, wide, stemmed glass used to serve brandy. It resembles an extraordinarily squat wine glass, with a voluminous bowl and low centre of gravity. Designed with two purposes in mind: evaporation and concentration of aromas.
Drinks: Brandy, Burning Berry, Sacred Cenote
SHERRY GLASS
These glasses resemble red wine glasses, only they are slightly smaller in size and are made to hold fortified wines that have a strong aroma.
Drinks: Port, Sherry
HIGHBALL
Tall glass tumbler that is most commonly used for cocktails served on the rocks, often with a high ratio of non-alcoholic mixer to spirit.
Drinks: Bloody Mary, Mojito, Long Island Iced Tea
BEER GLASS
The classic beer glass a pint, schooner or midi are perfect for ale. Tall glasses with various sizes. Take a look at our range of Beer Glasses.
SHOT GLASS
A small glass used to measure a single serve of alcohol. Take a look at our range of Shot Glasses.
WHISKEY GLASS
A short tumbler or rocks glass used to hold whiskey and ice. Can also be used to hold cocktails such as the Old Fashioned. Take a look at our range of Whiskey Glasses.
LATTE GLASS
Usually a double walled small glass to protect hands against hot drinks such as Lattes. Take a look at our range of Latte Glasses
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17 Aug
One of the most popular and famous dishes from Spain, Paella is a quick and easy meal for a busy restaurant. It is the perfect base for tantalizing meats especially fish and best of all is a seasonal dish. This dark, rich creation is arguably one of the most aesthetic meals you can have on your menu. With multiple types of Paella you can’t go wrong and is perfect with a crusty baguette or light salad. Check out below an authentic recipe from Cooking Light in case you wanted to test this Spanish dish on your restaurant’s menu.
SERVINGS: 8
Ingredients
Herb Blend:
- 1 Cup Chopped Fresh Parsley (Take a look at our Chef Knifes)
- ¼ Cup Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 Large Garlic Cloves, Minced
Paella:
- 1 Cup Water
- 1 Teaspoon Saffron Threads
- 3 (470ml) Cans Chicken Broth
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 4 Skinned, Boned Chicken Thighs, Cut in half
- 2 Links Spanish Chorizo
- 1 Slice Prosciutto
- 2 Cups Finely Chopped Onion
- 1 Cup Finely Chopped Red Bell Pepper
- 1 Cup Canned Diced Tomatoes (Look at our Can Openers)
- 1 Teaspoon Sweet Paprika
- 3 Large Garlic Cloves, Minced
- 3 Cups Uncooked Arborio Rice
- 1 Cup Frozen Peas
- 8 Mussels, Scrubbed, De-bearded
- Lemon Wedges
Preparation:
- Combine the first 4 ingredients, and set aside.
- Combine water, saffron, and broth in a large saucepan. (Look at our various Saucepans) Bring to a simmer (do not boil).
- Peel and devein Prawns, leaving tails intact; set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large paella pan (Check our Paella Pans)
- Add chicken; saute 2 minutes on each side. Remove from pan.
- Add sausage and prosciutto; saute 2 minutes. Remove from pan.
- Add shrimp, and saute 2 minutes. Remove from pan.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Add onion and bell pepper; sauté 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add tomatoes, paprika, and 3 garlic cloves; cook 5 minutes.
- Add rice; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Stir in herb blend, broth mixture, chicken, sausage mixture, and peas. Bring to a low boil, stirring for 10 minutes.
- Add mussels to pan, nestling them into rice mixture. Cook 5 minutes or until shells open; discard any unopened shells.
- Arrange Prawns, heads down, in rice mixture, and cook 5 minutes or until prawns are done.
- Sprinkle with 1/4 cup lemon juice. Remove from heat; cover with a towel, and let stand 10 minutes.
- Serve with lemon wedges, if desired. (We have a range of beautiful plates to serve this meal on)