Better Mexican
Food Gifts Today
and Tomorrow
Choosing the most appropriate present
for a friend, relative, or colleague can be
a difficult and time-consuming task.
There are so many options, and there
are gender specific, age specific and
other types of presents. How can you be
sure that the present you give will be
well-received and appreciated? One way
is to keep it simple while providing
something useful. That is what Mexican
food gifts are all about - keeping it
simple and absolutely delicious.
How to Find a
Mexican Food
Store
Finding a Mexican food store in your
local area may not always be convenient
or easy. Depending on the area, you
may find an abundance of these cultural
grocers or you may be required to
search other avenues for your needs.
However, finding the appropriate store-
front for your needs will improve your
cooking and dining experience.
The Versatile
Mexican Food -
Empanadas
Empanada is a word, which means
"wrapped in bread" in Spanish and
these delicious little pastries are made
by wrapping a round dough pastry in
half over a filling to make a semicircle.
Empanadas make tasty snacks at any
time of the day and are popular
throughout Latin America as well as in
Spain
Why Are
American and
Mexican Food So
Different?
It is not news that the cuisine of
America and the cuisine of Mexico are
quite different things. Mexican food
recipes, for example are certainly not
very similar to those found in America.
Strangely enough, Canadian food is
rather similar to our own, as is often the
case with neighboring countries - so
why is the culinary tradition of our
southern neighbor so different from
ours? Mexican recipes use different
ingredients than we commonly see in
the average grocery store and create
flavors, which seem exotic to American
palates.
Eating out - first impressions
First impressions count and anyone choosing to eat out will invariably judge a
restaurant as much on its appearance as its menu or prices. Bistro and café owners in
particular must ensure a décor and building fabric that is both warm and inviting to
casual passers by. Popping in for a coffee or light snack is frequently a social event to
be shared with family or friends and nothing is more likely to put people off walking in
than a shabby exterior or dirty interior.
Regular refurbishment of the building is essential. The front door, signs, windows and
entrance space are all vital components of the first impression. Of course, the menu
should be prominently displayed with careful descriptions of the food and drinks
available to entice visitors in. Aim to have at least 2 languages visible - Spanish and
American - and mark any meals that meet special dietary requirements, such as gluten
free or suitable for vegetarians. Sugar consumption is becoming increasingly
important so highlight any sugar-free drinks.
Of course, the food is important too! Old favorites will be the backbone of any menu,
but innovation and experimentation leading to new dishes mustn’t be forgotten. The
fusion of different cuisines and styles is hugely popular and is easy to try on special
‘themed’ days or events. The buzz created around a new menu can be more successful
than any amount of advertising in the local press.
Tables must be kept clean at all times and good staff training is key to maintaining a
tidy and appealing appearance to any eating establishment, whether it be the lowliest
road-side café or a Madison Park restaurant in New York. It should be an attitude of
mind - if I want to eat here, then so will everyone else.
Owners must have a rolling program of painting and decorating, planned to coincide
with holiday closures. Front doors, front windows and entrance signs must be
renewed or painted every 1-2 years. If that sound like a lot of work, it is! But remember
that it is money well spent to maintain customer satisfaction and repeat business -
both ingredients of a successful food catering business.
Modern materials such as hard plastics, UPCV and acrylic present special problems. It
is not generally not cost effective to replace old for new on an annual basis, so
painting is the solution. For shops and restaurants that means paint spraying. Any
attempt to use brushes or rollers will leave an unsatisfactory appearance. Although it
is a job that may be done by an experienced do-it-yourself person, it is recommended
that paint spray specialists are used for this work. After all, you wouldn’t paint your
own car, would you!
The video links posted below show a hard plastic front door being spray painted and a
UPVC window frame being painted with grey paint.
http://www.onsitespraying.org/spraying-services/doors-windows/
http://www.onsitespraying.org/spraying-services/pvc-window-painting/
