We saw you smuggle your after-work change of clothes into your cubicle so that you’re ready for the 5 o’clock bell. Go ahead, leave your car in the office garage – you can always cab it home or Metro it back to work the next morning.

Like most cities, Washington, D.C. is a collection of smaller neighborhoods (there are 14 of them), each having its own flavor and charm. Architecture and attitude changes from one block to the other, creating a cultural patchwork that can be fascinating for locals and tourists alike. The city has plenty of energy from all the politics, government, and colleges in town. From the Vietnamese places in Arlington, V.A. to the charming brownstones of Georgetown; from the urban feel of the Connecticut Corridor near Woodley Park and Cleveland Park to the alternative minded Dupont Circle, each area in this city offers up something unique.

One of our favorite things to do in D.C. is to just waste the day or night away on the Mall. But remember, this is not the shopping type. It’s the Quad or grassy park in between all the cool national monuments and museums in the heart of the city. The Smithsonian museums are free and allow you to explore art, history, space, and much more. You also feel the National pride as you stroll thru the Mall. So, even if you hated science class, you’ll still have fun whispering inside the Capitol rotunda. While in the area, you must stop by the Spy Museum – with all its interesting tidbits about the real James Bonds. Just try to remember your alias as you navigate thru the interactive maze of espionage. And, make a reservation since the lines are known to get a bit out of hand.

Worked up an appetite seeing all those landmarks in our nation’s capitol? When you’ve had your fill of historical lessons and facts that you’ve forgotten since the 6th grade, it’s time to get your groove on. Here then are our journeyPod Picks for wining and dining your own party (political or not), while in D.C.:

Restaurants

CityZen (Downtown) – Located at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel (1330 Maryland Avenue SW, at 12th St.), CityZen’s chef extraordinaire, Eric Ziebold was voted as one of ‘America’s Best New Chef’s’ – and the restaurant one of the ‘Hottest Restaurants in the World.” This American-French restaurant (with Asian roots) boasts soaring ceilings and an exhibition kitchen – where you can watch your scrumptious dishes like foie gras risotto, chicken and dumplings or proscuitto with melon get prepared. Three and five-course tasting menus are also available and will not disappoint. With an 800-bottle wine cellar, a sophisticated lounge, dining area, and a signature martini or champagne cocktail – CityZen will allow you to indulge in a fine culinary journey.

Mate (Georgetown) – An upscale Latin-sushi lounge, this place is simply… hip. Another jewel in the crown of bar guru Mauricio Fraga-Rosenfeld (creator of Chi-Cha Lounge and Gua-Rapo), this fusion retreat takes over prime corner real estate in one of the last remaining retail spaces at the Ritz-Carlton complex. Known for its verba-mate teas, the restaurant also features imported blends from Argentina mixed with rum and fresh fruit, mojitos and even verba-mate-infused soup. Don’t miss out on the maki-like rolls with zesty Latin ingredients, along with the traditional dishes like platonas. While there’s no dance floor here, Mate turns into a sexy night spot when DJ’s spin. Mate can be found at 3101 K St NW (at 31st St. NW).

Zola (Downtown) – An elegant contemporary place serving American fare, Zola is set amongst restored classic architecture (located in the historic Le Droit Building) and offers an interestingly eclectic wine list. With a little pinch of espionage, patrons can peer through a small spy hole into an adjacent booth and glimpse others feasting on smoked beer and cheddar fondue, roasted lamb tabouleh or potato gnocchi (that’s pronounced enyaw-kees). Though desserts range from simple to sweet, make room for the peanut butter trifle and the chocolate bomb. Zola can be found below the radar at the International Spy museum building at 800 F Street NW (at 8th).

IndeBleu (Downtown) – The motto for this place is: “Mingle below, sup above, seduce throughout.” Combining the intrigue of the Near East, the sophistication and class of Europe, and the style and energy of the capitol of the world, IndeBleu temps you with an experience like no other. Offering a contemporary fusion of French/Indian fare in the main dining room, street foods and world rhythms in the sensual lounge, and playful assortments of cocktail options in the bar -what else do you need? The pillows, sunken nooks and floor-to-ceiling couches do indeed help. This place is especially busy Wednesdays thru Saturdays when DJ’s spin international tunes. IndeBleu can be found at 707 G. St., NW (at 7th St.).

Filomena Ristorante (Georgetown) – One of Washington’s most celebrated authentic Italian restaurants, Filomena is a landmark that has endured the test of time for nearly 25 years. Located in the heart of historic Georgetown (1063 Wisconsin Ave NW, at M St.), “pasta mamas” are known for whipping up enticing homemade pastas in the restaurant’s storefront window. Inside, you’ll be blown away by the lavish portions and the bargain basement (no pun intended – the restaurants is located below street level) $10 lunch buffets. Filomena’s menu takes you on a tour of Italy with its culinary delights, like the pasta mama’s tender ravioli stuffed with Italian cheeses and spinach and gnocchi della. As for a sweet ending of your tour, you won’t miss out by choosing any of the awesome cakes baked daily in Filomena’s own bakery.

Mie N Yu (Georgetown) – This place is so exotic, you’ll be fooled into thinking you’re in a completely different country. Formerly the space of Georgetown Station, everything about this place is a feast for the senses. Nearly every inch of the 7,000-square foot restaurant/bar is adorned with red and fuchsia silks, brocade and velvet, antiques, relics and other colorful trinkets reminiscent of a Moroccan bazaar. A Silk Road theme throughout, Mie N Yu gives anyone and everyone license to recline in the Dragon Lounge, sip cocktails in the Red Baroque dining room and order food and specialty drinks in the Turkish Tent or Tibetan harem room (keep on the lookout for the wrought-iron bird cage). An English-inspired bar, complete with DJs spinning eclectic grooves from across the globe, rounds out this unique dining destination. At 3125 M St. NW (at Wisconsin Ave.).

Local 16 (U Street Corridor) – This place may sound like a place for union workers, but the name really just refers to its location. A dinner-only destination for grown-ups, Local 16 is notches above its neighbors and wonderfully below the radar screen of the “bridge and tunnel crowd.” Eating here means eating with the locals. A split between a hip bar/lounge and a cozy dining room, Local 16 serves amazing dishes like the fried oyster po’ boy and coleslaw and the salmon with haricot verts. After 11 p.m., you’ll notice most of the diners piling out and the locals piling in. Checkout two indoor bars, an outdoor terrace bar, DJ’s and a mixed crowd of folk who just want a pint. Local 16 is located at 1602 U St. NW (at New Hampshire Ave. NW).

LIMA (Downtown) – This resto-lounge on K Street offers strong Latin influences on its menu – with a few international-fusion curveballs to keep things interesting. With a dining room above and a lounge in the basement, LIMA is dark, sultry and sexy. Just be careful of indulging to the point of losing your footing on the “invisible staircase”! Representing a winning combination of cuisine, design and ambiance, LIMA will have your palette tantalized with sensual and savory dishes that include ceviche, salad, steaks and seafood. At 1401 K Street NW (at 14th and K Sts.).

Sonoma Restaurant and Wine Bar (Capitol Hill) – A new wine bar and restaurant in – of all places – Capital Hill. Though it sounds an odd place to open such a trendy, hip restaurant/bar, success speaks for itself. Their menu bears a southern European influence, and it offers the best cheeses and meats of the Italian, French, & Spanish variety – all served in various combinations with olives and other treats on a wood cutting board. Sonoma also has, arguably, the largest collection of wines by the glass or by the flight. Sonoma is located at 223 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE (2nd Street S.E.).

Galileo’s (Foggy Bottom) – Renowned for its Italian and innovative cuisine, Galileo himself would have been proud of this place. It has been recognized by food critics as one of the best Italian restaurants in the country and Roberto Donna as one of the nation’s best chefs. The restaurant’s daily-changing menu offers numerous dining options: a casual meal at the bar, an elegant meal in the main dining room; and a culinary crème-de-la crème experience in a private dining area and kitchen, where Donna prepares the 12-14-course tasting menu and entertains you. FYI: Donna makes his own ham for salami and proscuitto, and his sausages, pastas, mozzarella, marmalades and breads are all made in-house. Galileo’s is located at 1110 21st St. NW (between L & M Streets).

Zengo (Downtown) – A Latin-Asian hotspot, Zengo (which translates to “give n’ take) merges Chef Richard Sandoval’s heritage with his love of Asian fare. Located in the restaurant hot zone near the MCI Center, Zengo is part serious and sophisticated restaurant, part sleek and sexy lounge. With intriguing shareable dishes like tacos filled with pickled ginger and empanadas laden with Thai chicken – this place is definitely worth checking out! The cocktail menu is one place at Zengo where its Latin and Asian interest don’t mix – so stick with the classic caipirinha’s, martinis or sake. Zengo is located at 781 7th St. NW (bet. 7th & H Sts.).

Tapaq Bistro (U Street Corridor) – One of the hottest new places in DC, this five-story Bistro boasts a restaurant, lounge space with multiple bars and a killer roof-top terrace (for all-season use and a 360 degree panoramic view of the city). Embracing the flavors of the Mediterranean from Turkey to Morocco, Tapaq’s tapas-style fare offers an exquisite and elegant blend of taste and presentation. Be forewarned: You may experience a bit of an “attitude” at the door, because Tapaq really does enforce a strict no-jeans, no-sneakers dress code that has been known to ruffle a few feathers. Found at 1336 U St NW (Bet. 14 & U).

Cabanas (Georgetown) – Offering upscale authentic Latin-American fare, coupled with the option to dine indoors or out, Cabanas is another choice in the heart of Georgetown. A place to see-and-be-seen spot, the outdoor patio seating is flanked by palm trees and overlooks the harbor fountains. The menu offers delicious options that range from chili-dusted calamari and shrimp/scallop ceviche to fish tacos and corn/crab fritters. Don’t miss the frozen Mango Margaritas! When weather permits, try to catch an outside table. Found at 3050 K Street NW (at Thomas Jefferson).

Café La Ruche (Georgetown) – This French-inspired old favorite (open since 1979), features contemporary artwork, flags and old photos scattered across the walls in this 19th century building. Known for having some of the best quiche you’ve ever tasted, the menu also showcases traditional French favorites such as potato and leek soup and croquet monsiers. Café La Ruche also offers good wine and superb desserts – all of which can be consumed in the adorable garden-like outdoor seating area that overlooks cobbled streets of Georgetown. Café La Ruche is located at 1039 31st Street NW (at M St. NW).

Tony and Joe’s Seafood Place (Georgetown) – An establishment as old as the waterfront itself, it’s hard to imagine a better view in all of D.C. Resting on the Banks of the Potomac River, this Harbor spot (with views of the Kennedy Center, the Key Bridge and Roosevelt Island) is usually packed with everyone who goes to the waterfront in G-town by boat or otherwise. And, it seems as if every young Washingtonian finds their way here for after-work drinks and seafood. Try the hot crab dip, which always makes for a good start. Tony and Joe’s can be found at 3000 K St NW (at 30th).

Ceiba (Downtown) – Latin inspiration guides the menu and décor at Ceiba. The cuisine bounces through Brazil, the Yucatan, the Caribbean and Cuba – while the décor boasts Mexican tiled floors and tropical murals. Located in the historic Colorado Building (at 701 14th St. NW, at G St.), Ceiba features a multi-leveled dimly-lit dining area filled with patrons chowing down on traditional Latin American dishes of ceviche. Appetizers like the Jamaican crab fritters and foie gras served with corn cake are not to be missed! Adding authentic caipirinhas & mojitos – how can you go wrong?

The Palm (Dupont Circle) – Some institutions never change. If you can’t find your Senator on Capitol Hill, you better check The Palm. This is where the city’s most powerful have long been its most loyal patrons. A spot for negotiating and deal-making over a juicy (huge) steak is as infamous as the restaurant’s signature martini! But you don’t need to be a politician to enjoy the great food, white-jacketed waiters, dark suits and high heels here. Keep an eye out for Larry King and Tim Russert as both have been known to pop in. The Palm is located at 1225 19th Street NW (Bet. N & M Sts. NW).

Taste of Carolina (Shaw District) – Feel like Dixie-style dishes, but can’t make your way down to the South? Experience southern food and hospitality at its best at a Taste of Carolina. This restaurant serves up the South in high-style in a two-story townhouse turned restaurant and bar. Representing some good ol’ food, the menu offers a variety of choices, from fried fish sandwiches and BBQ chicken, to Homemade Pound Cake. The bar at Taste of Carolina definitely buzzes at happy hour, but the best seats in the house are at the bay window nook. Keep in mind: you can also find karaoke, poetry reading and live jazz on weekends. A Taste of Carolina is located at 1930 9th Street SW (near T St. NW).

Sequoia Restaurant (Georgetown) – Walk through the doors at Sequoia, and you walk into the land of beauty – beautiful décor (high ceilings, warm lighting and cherry wood), beautiful people (the city’s well-healed elite can be found here) and beautiful views (located right on the Potomac’s Waterfront). Offering indoor and outdoor seating, the restaurants boasts three dining levels and a gorgeous patio area – where the sexy singles swarm to sip their cocktails under the white lights. The restaurant serves everything from fancy burgers to pan-seared Chilean sea bass. You must must try the duck dumplings and crab cakes. Jacket and tie are required. Sequoia is located at 3000 K St. NW (at 30th St. NW).

Old Ebbitt Grille (Downtown) – Established in 1856, Old Ebbitt Grill is the oldest dining saloon in the city. Located across from the White House (and steps away from the museums in downtown Washington), Old Ebbitt serves American Traditional Cuisine, offering the largest selection of oysters in the area. A favorite of Presidents Grant, Cleveland, Harding and Roosevelt, Old Ebbitt offers casual dining with service to locals and visitors alike – always a popular meeting spot for political insiders, journalists, celebrities and theater-goers. Old Ebbitt Grille is at 675 15th Street, NW (between F and G).

Cioppino’s Menu: If you want to get a good feeling for the Tuscan style cuisine, try the Zuppa di Verdura alla Toscana, which is an appetizer soup, or the Carpaccio di Manzo. For the second course, our recommendation is the 14 oz. Veal Chop with sautéed spinach and balsamic sauce or the Costata d Abbacchio, which is a baby rack of lamb with a side of rosemary potatoes and spinach.

Escopazzo Restaurant, located on South Beach, is owned by Chef Pino Bodoni. Chef Bodoni can be seen intermingling with patrons at his family fun restaurant. It is always a pleasure to eat at Escopazzo when it is known that the owner/chef takes so much pride in his work, importing the majority of his products and keeping on hand over 170 cases of wines from Italy. If you ever wondered who owns a restaurant or where is the mystifying chef that magically combines an array of ingredients to make something so delectable, you will not have this problem at Escopazzo Restaurant in Miami.

Escopazzo’s Menu: When you dine at this fine Italian restaurant in Miami, make sure to try the New Zealand Mussels, which is served “with a ragout of baby artichokes, garlic, lemon essence and mint over crispy polenta sticks”, or the Carpaccio di Pesce, which consists of a swordfish loin and big eye tuna. For pasta lovers, there is a pumpkin and amaretto filled ravioli, which is a unique combination that arouses the taste buds. The Quail Filled Ravioli with asparagus is our favorite pasta. We recommend the Pepper Crusted Boneless Ribeye for steak lovers as it is tenderly prepared.

Anacapri Restaurant, located in Pinecrest, is a fine Italian restaurant that serves excellent food at great prices. Anacapri also doubles as an authentic Italian market where you can find your imported Italian products without having to jump on a plane. Anacapri has a second location in Coral Gables on Miracle Mile.

Anacapri’s Menu: Anacapri keeps its menu simple. For $8.00, you can get the Mozzarella Anacapri appetizer, which is fresh mozzarella, prosciutto, basil, and sundried tomatoes. Unlike some of the more expensive Italian restaurants in Miami Beach, the Veal Pizzaiola or Piccata is moderately priced at $20. If you are in the mood for seafood, Snapper Francese, Marechiara, or Della Casa are always delicious.

Trattoria Sole is a relatively inexpensive Italian restaurant in South Miami. This local spot can get busy so a reservation is recommended. If you are in the mood for outdoor dining, this restaurant it is worth the wait.

Trattoria Sole’s Menu: Skipping straight to the dessert menu, the Coconut Flan is one reason to try Trattoria Sole. Other reasons to try this Italian restaurant include their wide selection of pastas, seafood entrees, and veal dishes.

Peppy’s in the Gables is a cornerstone of Italian eateries in Miami. Serving Miami restaurant Patrons for over 14 years, Peppy’s is surely doing something right. This restaurant is not the most chic of restaurants, but it is surely one of the more savory Italian restaurants.

Peppy’s in the Gables Menu: If you are a fan of homemade bruschetta served with fresh tomatoes and scallions, Peppy’s is for you. If you are not a bruchetta fan, you simply cannot turn away their plump mussels in a tarragon broth. Peppy’s has a large selection of entrees; it may be difficult to decide on just one. I would recommend sharing some of their dishes such as the Veal Marsala ($17.95) and Scampi ($19.50) with others at your table, in order to taste what this Miami restaurant has to offer.

Below is a list of tips that will help you choose a quality restaurant on your next vacation:

1. The Hotel staff is usually made up of local residents so they can provide you with information about the best restaurants in the area. They will also know of the various types of restaurants such as Mexican, Italian-etc.

2. Hotels usually carry local tourist guide books that are filled with valuable information about restaurants. If they do not have a guidebook, check the local tourist bureau. Guidebooks will often contain restaurant reviews.

3. If you ask the locals in the area, they will know all of the best restaurants to eat. You can ask store staff, local bar staff, taxi driver-etc. They can also let you know about the costs and if it is a formal or informal restaurant.

4. You can also walk or drive around to find restaurants. Many restaurants post their menus in the front so you can browse to see if there is anything you like. Avoid restaurants with unattractive and unprofessional menus. If you are concerned about the cleanliness of the restaurant, check out the washrooms. If they are dirty, then that may be a reflection of the quality of the restaurant. If the restaurant has tables outside, walk near the tables and steal a peek at what people are eating. Do the customers look happy? Does their food look tempting? If the restaurant is full of tourists or quite expensive, then it will most likely cater to tourists. You should also note how many people are actually dining at the restaurant. If there are not that many people dining, you may want to keep looking.

5. You can also do some online research. There are many websites and blogs that contain information about restaurants. Some sites even post restaurant reviews. As well, some sites will have pictures of the inside of the restaurant.

6. When you enter a restaurant, look for grimy walls, dirty floors, and anything else that may appear unsanitary. As well, look at the wait staff’s uniforms. Are they clean and pressed?

When on vacation, people want to relax, take in the sights, and enjoy quality food. By taking the time to learn how to find a great restaurant, you will spend much less of your vacation wandering around looking for a good place to eat

Today the success of any restaurant largely depends on the commitment shown towards customers. This commitment would be customarily manifested in the good quality restaurant product present in your restaurant. As a result, it becomes essential that dish prepared must be served in proper kitchen accessories.

Growing Popularity of Kitchen Accessories in Restaurants

Over the past few years, the Improvement in living standards and growth in technology has enabled restaurant owners to renovate the looks of their restaurant in exceptional ways. With open kitchens coming in fashion in the restaurant, many restaurant owners are looking for the best restaurant products to even decorate their kitchen. These days the market is filled with a range of elegant and great looking kitchen accessories. In addition to this, with the course of time factors like durability and aesthetics has turned out to be important features of kitchen accessories widely used in every restaurant.

Why Buy Wholesale Restaurant Kitchen Supplies Online?

There are times when you as a restaurant owner find it difficult to buy enough quantities of kitchen supplies, just because of the sheer variety of items required. The two prime problems that you may face while you purchase restaurant product roaming from one store to another are -

Though there are many manufacturers and stores in the field, but you can never be sure to find all branded kitchen supplies under one roof that can further meet your budget and requirement. It’s a very normal tendency that you may find some equipment in one store, but still need to run across the other street to find other related kitchen supplies.

These days, manufacturers are also coming up with various kinds of restaurant products and discount branded kitchen supplies. But the problem is – such huge range of products more often can create further confusion.

Thus, to overcome from this problem internet shopping can be the best option. In fact internet is a great place to find and purchase all quality kitchen accessories and wholesale restaurant commercial products. Moreover, the ratio of customers purchasing wholesale restaurant products online has grown tremendously in past few years.

Benefits of Buying Wholesale Restaurant Products Online

Purchasing wholesale restaurant products online can help you enjoy the following benefits-

You can save your time when purchasing wholesale instead of retail brand kitchen supplies and accessories.

When you purchase commercial food service supplies from an online store, you even save your money. This is because the necessity for a company to maintain an expensive delivery truck is eliminated. Moreover, the requirement for a middle man also gets eliminated so the supplier of the restaurant kitchen supplies can pass on the savings to you.

You can chose from a variety of kitchen items for multiple commercial purposes.

Purchasing kitchen supplies also offer you hassle free and easy mode of payment. All you need is to just place your order and in return the restaurant products will be delivered right to your doorstep.

Today purchasing wholesale restaurant product online appears to be a part of many restaurant owners’ life. There are numerous restaurant equipments available on online store platform at different prices but finally it is important to have the right equipment that can help you increase restaurant profit

With over 23,000 restaurants in New Jersey alone to choose from, and approximately 80 percent of the new restaurants failing in the first 3 years, it’s no wonder restaurant diners are having a difficult time choosing where to dine. This process becomes especially difficult when attempting to choose a fine dining restaurant where the preparation and quality of food is to be taken into account along with the decor, and/or atmosphere, and service.

Here is what to look for when searching the web or reading a publication that rates and reviews a restaurant.

The Five Most Important Points to Look for in a Good Restaurant Review.

Recognize that all restaurants have off-nights and that all restaurant critics and diners have had experiences that may or may not be representative of the restaurants performance.

Seek out and research the opinions of the different components of the dining public. The dining public includes the serious restaurant diner, the casual restaurant diner, as well as the professional restaurant critic. These are the very people that get out to eat at restaurants and who ultimately determine the performance and success of a restaurant.

Be aware of outdated reviews of restaurants that have since changed owners, executive chefs, and wait staffs that render their reviews valueless.

If you are researching the web and/or publications, try to find a consensus amongst the reviews and give little value to the review that is way out of line with the consensus, good or bad. Weigh the quality of the comments as well as the quantity of the comments.

Many restaurant owners say that they don’t take much stock in restaurant reviews. However, they are quick to put up plaques at the entrance of their restaurant that provide favorable commentary from restaurant critics, or post these reviews on their restaurant web site. Be careful to note the date on these reviews and to check for restaurant owners and executive chefs who are no longer there.

This in effect this is your business plan, make sure you cover all the bases to ensure success. Develop a plan that will cover all the require areas of a business plan such as restaurant market research, financial planning including funding and capital, cashflow forecast, human resource planning, competitors analysis and a marketing plan. Your restaurant management plan will be the roadway forward for your restaurant and will help you get back on track should you come off the rails.

Use restaurant management tools

I have seen too many restaurant managers and owners not use available tools, there are lots of tools available all over the internet that can help and make you life easier. Not only have these tools already been developed and tested before it more importantly will save you time should you need to develop a new restaurant management tool like a spreadsheet, form or template.

Market your restaurant

There is an old saying that a “rolling stone gathers no moss”, this is true when it come to marketing your restaurant or café. The faster you can get your restaurant going the less stale it will become. So… when developing your restaurant management plan be sure to include a comprehensive marketing plan as this is the engine of your restaurant, so be sure to give it some fuel to keep going.

Conduct regular restaurant training

Training your staff would have to be one of the most under rated aspects of restaurant management, too many restaurant operators neglect this side of the business as they give too many excuses. These excuses like “I don’t have time” or “my staff don’t need training” are just crap. Training not only will provide you with better service to your customers but even more importantly will help you increase your sales.

Create a restaurant budget

Do you think the county sets a budget for the trillions of dollars they manage, you bet they do so it is no different for any restaurant whether small or large to set a budget of the income and expenses they think they will encounter during a full year. Not only will this help you understand your business better it will also allow you to forecast the cash flow in the business. A comprehensive restaurant management plan should include a cash flow statement so you know when or if you may need to borrow further cash to keep your restaurant going.

Incentivise your staff

Unless you are a one person restaurant, you have staff, and if you have staff that are on a incentive program not only will you see them more happier you will also see further cash in your cash register or POS. When implementing a staff incentive program into your restaurant management plan make sure you incentivise them though the sales they generate for the business.

Make procedures for everything

Procedures, procedures, procedures… This is the holy grail of restaurants as an owner to have the restaurant completely operate independently of you. It can be done if it is included as part of your restaurant management plan, start off with small chunks like cash register procedures and then advance to the more technical aspects of the restaurant like what the owners does. As part of a complete plan you could in effect complete the whole process in 9-12 months.

Ask for help when you need it

Last but not least… if you need help ask for it or go looking for it as I said earlier there are plenty of restaurant management tools and toolkits that can make your life a lot easier.

1. Restaurant Features: You will have to do your research to find a suitable location. You have to check out your competition and the type of people that frequent area. Once you have chosen your site, you have to decide what type of restaurant you will operate. For instance, will it be a fine dining restaurant, fast food restaurant, or specialty restaurant such as a Chinese or Italian. It is beneficial to have a restaurant that stands out from your competitors. It should offer something unique that will attract diners. You also have to consider where customers will be seated that is both comfortable and has a pleasant view. The restaurant itself should be appealing to the customer as the first thing a customer judges is the appearance of the restaurant.

2. Financing: When starting a restaurant, one will normally have to make a significant financial investment. This will usually involve acquiring a business loan or getting people to invest in the establishment. You will need a detailed business plan that will include the funds needed to open the restaurant and to keep it financially sound until you start making a profit. Costs to take into account include: lease or purchase costs, equipment and supplies, renovations, legal fees, food, staff costs, taxes, liquor costs, utilities,etc. The lender needs a business plan that shows how you will make and maintain a profit.

3. Restaurant Vendors: You will have to buy various equipment and supplies such as tables, chairs, kitchen equipment such as dishwasher, freezers, ovens,etc. You will also have to furnish the restaurant with items that reflect the restaurant’s theme. Consider such items as decorations, paint, carpet, fixtures, wall decor,etc. It is helpful if you can find one or two restaurant suppliers to provide you will all of the required supplies.

4. Restaurant Permits: Operating a restaurant requires obtaining a number of permits. Check with your local government agencies to find out what permits are needed, however, generally one will require a zoning permit, building permit, permit to operate a food establishment, permit to sell alcohol, and more. You can be fined or shut down if you don’t have all of the permits.

5. Restaurant Menu: The restaurant menu is a key component of attracting and creating loyal customers. The dishes should reflect the theme of the restaurant. The prices should reflect the type of customers you want to attract. For example, will your restaurant be an expensive fine dining restaurant or an affordable family style restaurant? Your food should be fresh and it should stand out from your competitors’ food.

6. Restaurant Employees: Your waiters and waitresses are on the front lines of the business. Your staff should be experienced, professional, respectful, attentive to the diners, and friendly. Make sure staff uniforms are professional and always neat and clean. As well, your chef should be experienced with cooking the dishes you will be serving.

Having the right business plan is essential to opening a restaurant. Creating a step-by-plan will help make sure that your restaurant opening is a tremendous success.

There is much more to a menu than just the items to order and the prices. Many considerations have to be made when developing a menu. Demographics are very important. Pricing wholly depends on the average salary a person or family makes within the area of the restaurant. You may notice when visiting a chain restaurant in several different towns that they have the same menu items but the prices may be different. The cost of living in an area dictates how much a restaurant can charge for an item. The same item may cost a few dollars more at a restaurant in New York City or Boston than it does in a small town in Ohio.

Demographics make a huge difference in what is to on the menu at a restaurant as well. If an area has many elderly people the restaurant may want to cater to them by giving them discounts or the menu may allow for smaller senior meals. The print on this menu may need to be a little larger to make sure the elderly can read it. If the area has families then they want to have a children’s menu with family friendly food. If the restaurant is in a business district they may want to cater to business people bringing clients out for lunch or dinner and the menu would be a little more formal.

Some menus give you a huge selection of what you can order and some are very limited. They may have just a few entrees and they may change from time to time. The items on a menu are usually in groupings. A simple grouping would be Appetizers, Beverages, Entrees, Side dishes, Desserts. Some menu categories are more varied. Entrees can be classified by the ingredients in them like seafood, pasta, sandwiches, etc.

Usually a menu will start with appetizers and progress from soups and salads. It will then detail a listing of entrees and their side dishes then go on to desserts with beverages being last. Other menus will go from breakfast to lunch to dinner. Traditionally the items are placed in each section the least expensive to the most expensive. However, that may not be the most ideal way to place things on a menu. It has been proven that placing items the restaurant wants to sell first will sell more of those items. Maybe they have a specialty no one else has been able to make in a similar fashion and it appears on the menu at the top of the entrees even though it is the most expensive. The restaurateur wanted people to order it so it was placed first on the menu.

Illustrations are essential for some menus including a family menu so the children who cannot read yet can pick by picture. People like to see illustrations and photos of the food they will be ordering. There are many places that one can get stock pictures or just use a digital camera. Good restaurant menus can include a description of the menu item. A more formal menu should be less graphic oriented and more word oriented. A detailed description should be included and some restaurants go as far as placing words from the chef or the pedigree of a dish.

The color of the menu should reflect the personality of the restaurant. A red and white checkered tablecloth might be a great background for an Italian restaurant menu. A brightly colored menu is good for a family restaurant. A classic black and white menu exudes formality for an expensive classic restaurant. The font should follow in the same manner. Use scrolling letters for classic restaurant but stay away from font with too many curlicues for a family restaurant as it is a little hard to read. Parents with hungry kids want to see what is on the menu and order it as fast as they can. Menus that have more than two columns tend to look like they were printed at the local newspaper so stay to no more than the two columns.

Menus come in different shapes today instead of the plain rectangular type that open to a square. A pizza restaurant can have a menu in a circle just like the pizza if they choose to. If the menu looks clean and tidy people will automatically think the restaurant is the same way. If the menu looks like fun and contains some fun filled quips about the food people will automatically think that in coming to that restaurant they will have fun. Design of a menu has a great deal to do with how the public thinks about the restaurant.

Menu items that are popular should be placed in the top left panel of the menu. This is where the eye goes when first opening the menu up. If there are daily specials, this is the place to put them. If the restaurant has a signature dish or two, this is the place of prominence where all eyes will see them. Prices should be placed in different areas after a description of an item. Placing them in a column makes it so that customer does not have to read the descriptions. They just look at the prices to see what is the cheapest dinner.

A good menu reflects the personality of the restaurant and leads customers to entrees that are popular and successful. A good menu has just enough description to wet the appetite and not to bore the reader. A good menu is easy to read and customers will remember the basics of what was on it several days after they have seen it. A good menu has a either pictures or descriptions that will tell the customer exactly what they are getting. Most important a good menu is priced right as to the area and gives the customer a great deal for good food.

For example, all restaurants will need refrigeration; however, not all will need a walk-in refrigerator. Some restaurants will be able to use sliding door refrigeration units. Also, all restaurants will need a freezer of some type. Freezers can also be found in walk-in size or in separate units that are similar to household freezers. All restaurant kitchen equipment lists will include a stove. Again, the type of stove will be determined by the type of restaurant. Fast food restaurants may only need flat top stoves for cooking burgers, full scale restaurants may need a combination flat top and gas burner stove with oven. Still other restaurants may need only gas burner stoves. Fryers are another common piece of restaurant equipment that most all restaurants use. These are for deep frying many different foods. Some types of restaurants may only need one small fryer, while others, like fast food restaurants may need to have several fryers. Ovens, as typical as they may seem, are another piece of restaurant equipment that can vary from one place to another.

Large, full-scale restaurants may need to have oversized ovens; specialty restaurants such as pizza parlors may need special wood burning ovens, while fast-food restaurants may only need microwave ovens. Food processors and commercial mixers are also important pieces of restaurant equipment. Biscuits, yeast rolls and other pastry items required the use of mixers and household ones aren’t practical for use. Not all restaurants will need them but many will and they need to use commercial grade ones to get the most for their money. Beverage machines are also important pieces of restaurant equipment. Both hot and cold beverages have to be accounted for and there are machines for them both.

Cold beverage equipments, such as soda fountains are typically supplied and serviced by vendors who sell the products. They can also be purchased and then filled by vendors. These are often self-service type set-ups; however in upscale restaurants they are not self-serve. Hot beverage stations usually consist of commercial coffee makers and possibly espresso/cappuccino machines. There are many pieces of restaurant equipment that must be considered when opening a restaurant. The important aspect is to make sure that the equipment is big enough to service the restaurants needs without being too costly for the restaurant too afford. Use a checklist and make sure the restaurant is able to supply what is needed for a successful business

Mobil’s rating system of restaurant consists of five different grades or ratings, each one which has its own set of criteria and expectations. A Mobil One-Star restaurant, for example, is a restaurant which provides an experience which is distinct through local flair, individual atmosphere or culinary specialty. A Mobil Two-Star restaurant is a restaurant which using a clean setting and efficient service to serve fresh food. Both value and family friendliness are considered in this category. A Mobil Three Star Restaurant is a restaurant which has good food, an enjoyable décor, and service which is both warm and skillful. A Mobil Four-Star restaurant is a restaurant which provides the most professional service, along with wonderful food and presentations which are distinctive in some way. Finally, a Mobil Five-Star restaurant is a restaurant which offers a flawless dining experience by providing service which is superlative, décor which is elegant, presentations which are detailed and exquisite, and food which is exceptional.

These criteria and expectations are meant to be a suggestion of what guests can expect to experience when visiting a restaurant of each caliber level. These recommendations are not the only limits set forth by each level, and they are not mandated individually. A restaurant establishment has to either meet or exceed all of the requirements for the previous star rating in order to advance to the next star rating. So for example, a Mobil Five-Star restaurant has to meet the expectations and criteria for a Four-Star restaurant, a Three-Star restaurant, a Two-Star restaurant and a One-Star restaurant before it can be a Five-Star restaurant.

One-star restaurants provide an experience which is distinctive either through individual atmosphere, local flair or culinary specialty. A one star restaurant’s service is both efficient and cordial with servers who are attired neatly. The products that are offered by a one star restaurant are fresh and appetizing when displayed.

Two star restaurants serve food that is fresh in a setting which is clean. Service offered by a two-star restaurant is efficient and family friendly. Two-star restaurant guests will be able to find all of the characteristics of a one-star restaurant, in addition to some improved features and more professional décor.

Three-stair restaurants offer great food, service that is both warm and skillful, and décor which is enjoyable and family friendly. Guests at three-star restaurants can expect to find all of the characteristics of both a two-star restaurant and a one-star restaurant, in addition to more specific criteria for a much more professional restaurant.

Four-star restaurants provide service which is professional, presentations which are distinctive, and food which is delicious and wonderful. Guests in four-star restaurants can expect to find all of the criteria and characteristics of a three-star, two-star and one-star restaurant, with some improvements.

Finally, five star restaurants offer what may be considered a flawless dining experience by offering food that is exceptional, service which is superlative, décor and presentations which are exquisite and elegant, and a lot of attention to detail. Five-Star restaurant guests can expect all of the characteristics that mark a four-star restaurant, three star restaurant, two-star restaurant, and a one-star restaurant