Book your place on the merry-go-round

In the wonderful merry-go-round world of commerce, it has been reported that Booker are to take on the likes of Brakes and 3663 with a new service called Chef Direct
(Caterer, 12th January 2011).

Those of us with a longer memory than that of a goldfish may recall that at the end of last century (1999) there was a division/company called Booker Foodservice which was sold off and rebranded as 3663........

SoupOn Promotions

Despite many of the major chains in casual dining claiming last year that they would revert to charging full price for meals in 2012, Restaurant Magazine reports that New Year Resolutions didn't count for much!
(Big Hospitality, 11th January 2012)

PubCo Shenanigans (The saga reaches Parliament)

The Business, Innovation and Skills Committee of MPs is not happy with the government's fudge and have forced a debate on the whoe issue of the tie.
(Morning Advertiser, 11th January 2012)

The Posers Inn (Pub & Kitchen)

Has anyone else noticed that since the term "Gastro-pub" bit the dust, the trendy new label de nos jours - straitened times, and we're all in this together - is "Pub & Kitchen"?

In two separate reports today in Big Hospitality's email digest, the homely new name features heavily.

The New Moon Pub Company (clever name as the principals' surnames are Newman & Mooney) is planning further openings in the North-West after the runaway success of The Lord Binning Pub & Kitchen at Kelsall, near Chester. 
(Big Hospitality, 6th January 2012).

What's more, they've both got solid track records with some of the most successful brands in the industry.

In another story on the expansion of a new pub company, this one called Distinctive Inns, the centrepiece of the operation is a venue called The Riverside Pub & Kitchen, at Newark, near Nottingham. (Big Hospitality, 6th January 2012) .

Not quite so sure about this "joint venture" with Punch!

Toffee Pineapple in Rum Syrup

My first attempt at this dish was two thick slice of pineapples - trimmed, and one cored - sautéed in butter, and then flamed with a dash of dark rum.

When I made it for Hannah, to give a touch more "body" to the sauce, I  added about a dessertspoon of golden syrup - after the fire had died down!

The slight crunch was intriguing - particularly with the Whisky & Ginger ice cream from the "Amazing Freezer Shop" in Old Swan (50p for 500ml; pineapple, 20p clearout at Asda; own label dark rum under a tenner from Morrisons)!

PubCo Shenanigans (Continued)

 After my previous post on the subject (Still Room Whispers, 25th November 2011), I didn't think things could get any more laughable: Think again, Anthony!

Although Ed Davey, the government minister responsible, admitted to the Business, Innovation and Skills Committee that the tied model "did not appear to be working", he and his bosses - David Cameron, Nick Clegg and Vince Cable - have taken the decision not to introduce a Statutory Code of Practice for the pub industry. Needless to say, there has been an uproar from tenants and lessees groups: Morning Advertiser, 5th January 2012

Eurosceptic Beer

Tim Martin, the founder of Wetherspoons, seldom misses a trick! Enter "Veto Ale".
Morning Advertiser, 3rd January 2012