Valentine's Day Idea Book 2017

Valentine’s Day Idea Book

Checklist Don’t miss a thing!

Maximize profits by planning all aspects of the dining experience.

Menu Ideas

Dessert menu

Drink menu

Atmosphere

Appetizer menu

Marketing

EntrĂŠe menu

Staff Training

Menu Ideas Value conscience consumers appreciate choices for a ‘value set price’. Consider one price menu options including appetizer and dessert.

Start early and extend your Valentine’s Day offerings the previous weekend. Friday through Tuesday, February 14th to capture additional sales.

Staffing challenges? Try a limited menu for the big day. This will help the back-of-the house keep up with demand providing the best dining experience for your guests. Great service experiences mean return traffic.

Advertise early!

Libations Consider featuring a special cocktail drink.

Not a trendy bar? You can still capitalize on this trend with simple offering you can make with your existing bar inventory.

“Mint To Be” Valentine’s Day Signature Cocktail Cranberry Juice (#389069) Lime Juice (#478732) Vodka Strawberry (#285890) Mint Leaves (#855538)

Consider offering a specialty nonalcoholic "mocktail" or craft soda. Parents dining with kids, underage couples, and non-drinkers will thank you!

How to build a charcuterie board like a pro and keep it simple

SERVING PORTIONS PER PERSON

Charcuterie: A collection of cold cooked meats

2 OZ.

Meat

Spanish Chorizo Sausage (#521297) Speck Alto Adige Ham (#449041) Prosciutto Di Parma (#232994)

Artisan Cheese

Wensleydale Fig & Honey Cheese (#518817) New England Cheese Variety (#504874) Around the World Cheese Selection (#488332)

Crostinis

French Baguette (#333089) Croccantina Cracker (#518975)

Small handful

2 OZ. 4

Chutneys

Major Grey Chutney (#54142) Fig Spread (#346646)

Fruit

Red Grapes (#61722) Cantaloupe (#867170) Strawberries (#285890) Honeydew (#858429)

Kiwi (#287479) Blueberries (#963575) Blackberries (#963575) Raspberries (#24117)

Pistachios (#522092) Greek Olives (#983507) Extra Virgin Olive Oil (#247735)

Small handful

2 OZ.

Baked Cauliflower Cakes Use cauliflower pearls (#531515) to make a simple vegetable appetizer and serve with a house made sauce.

Recipe on next page.

Preperation

Baked Cauliflower Cakes Ingredients 1 Bag Cauliflower Pearls (#521515) 2 eggs (#157435) ½ cup Grated parmesan cheese (#849704) 1/3 cup chives, thinly sliced (#855552) 3 cloves garlic, minced (#283987) 2 TBSP. Olive Oil (#247735) 1 tsp. Dried Basil (#242819) 1 tsp. salt, divided (#333998) ½ tsp. Black Pepper (#242873)

1. Preheat oven to 400° F 2. Empty 1 bag of cauliflower pearls into a large mixing bowl, sprinkle ½ tsp. of salt.

3. Mix to incorporate the salt. Let sit for 20 minutes to draw out the moisture.

4. Transfer the soaking cauliflower to another bowl lined with either a clean towel or cheesecloth.

5. Wrap the towel or cheesecloth closed and squeeze excess liquid.

6. Transfer the cauliflower back into the first bowl and mix with the eggs, cheese, chives, garlic, olive oil, basil, black pepper and remaining ½ tsp. of salt until well blended.

7. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.

Divide the mixture into 6 to 8 portions (#10 scoop for consistent portions).

8. Gently flatten the scoops of mixture to desired thickness, forming into an oval or square shape, but keeping the thickness consistent throughout the process.

9. Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until golden brown.

10. Let cool for 15 minutes until they have set.

11. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

(Maple Ketchup, Cilantro Lime Ranch, Black Pepper Parmesan Peppercorn)

#502620

Local seafood appetizers from Hancock Gourmet Lobster Mini Crab Cakes (#513268) Lobster Risotto Balls (#504619) Lobster Mac & Cheese in Half Shell (#502620) Lobster Risotto in Half Shell (#272970) #272970

Incorporating a colorful side salad to your prix fixe menu is a great way to delight veggie-loving diners while staying on theme. Consider adding upscale (and aphrodisiac!) ingredients such as pomegranate, avocado, arugula, or grilled asparagus for a special-occasion touch.

Date Night Side Salad Quinoa (#363557) Radishes (#866537) Asparagus (#864550) Walnuts (#376322) Raisins (#327067) Arugula (#232176) Dressings Tuscan Balsamic Vinaigrette (#158910) Cranberry Citrus Vinaigrette (#158909) Mediterranean Feta Dressing (#258792) Raspberry Vinaigrette (#158915)

Portion size - keep it small.

Try 6 oz. filet mignon (#485789) with a house mustard side.

We have a wide selection of high quality portion cut steaks to choose from. Contact your sales person for the best selection cut just for you and to order. Many must be ordered in advance so please plan early.

Keta salmon

Pair (#509955) with low carb healthy alternative zucchini noodles (#867190).

Maine Dayboat Scallops These delicacies are only in season December to March. Caught on single day trips from the pristine coastal waters of Maine, these scallops are harvested, shucked on board, and packed by local fishermen. (#324074)

haddock

Pair (#462212) with gluten free pesto (#234153) and rice.

Chocolate Overload Cake Four rich, dark chocolate, meltin-your-mouth cake layers are stacked high with alternating layers of decadent chocolate frosting.

Since there can never be too much chocolate, this cake is topped with generous amounts of delicious chocolate shavings. (#475666)

Not a choco-holic?

Try our Sweet Encore line for more dessert offerings.

It’s in the details.

Creative plate scaping, toppings and garnishes enhance the ‘wow’ factor.

Visit our dessert guide for our full selection on our website: PerformanceFoodservice.com/ NorthCenter

Gourmet Turtle Cheesecake Featuring a traditional graham cracker crust filled with rich, fudgy cheesecake and topped with gooey caramel and crunchy pecans. (#468480)

Visit our dessert guide for our full selection on our website: PerformanceFoodservice.com/ NorthCenter

Limoncello Mascarpone Cake A rich combination of Sicilian lemon infused sponge cake and Italian mascarpone topped with European white chocolate curls. A refreshingly light creamy dessert with the perfect combination of sweet and tart. (#291781)

Visit our dessert guide for our full selection on our website: PerformanceFoodservice.com/ NorthCenter

Dessert Coffee

Substitute a espresso shot with a dark roast coffee (#520597) and pair with local ice cream (#302861)

Visit our dessert guide for our full selection on our website: PerformanceFoodservice.com/ NorthCenter

Set the Mood

Adding little details such as a single flower in a simple vase along with a votive candle creates a relaxed special experience.

Support your local florist and be sure to order early.

A couple bouquets will go a long way.

Simple soft lighting for under $1 17 Hour Liquid Wax Fuel Item#68657, 48/cs

80¢ each For a wide selection of choices visit eandsperformance.com, direct ship program.

Marketing Have a facebook page?

Save time and plan your best marketing lines by scheduling out your posts in advance. Prepare specials in advance and take photos and post them with a short description.

Advertise in-store in advance

Consider inexpensive table tents or napkin dispenser inserts to spread the word to current customers.

Do you have a preferred customer program?

Drum up repeat business by offering a discounted appetizer or dessert.

Staff Training Educate your staff on the menu options as well as your expectations on how the day should run.

Hold a staff meeting with everyone so all can benefit from other's questions.

Incentify your staff or plan on giving everyone a small gift such as a coffee gift card or other in appreciation for a very busy night. Showing appreciation helps with retention.