Describe your establishment...
Blue Canyon Kitchen * Tavern is a log structure restaurant; I like to say the ambiance is "Ralph Lauren goes sexy cowboy." The food would best be described as creative American cuisine. We offer everything from cutting-edge items to great comfort food with a twist. We serve an average of 45,000 tables per month and 95 percent of all the food we prepare is made from starch.
How does turkey fit in with the scheme of your operation?
Turkey fits very well in our creative American menu. We offer Turkey in a lot of innovative ways and it's something everyone is comfortable ordering. Its versatility allows us to take it in so many different culinary directions.
How do you currently menu turkey?
We use Turkey in our Turkey Flat Bread; for this dish flat bread is topped with Maple Roasted Turkey, Butternut Squash Puree, Dried Cranberries, Goat Cheese and Fried Sage. We have also used it in many applications from Turkey Meatballs, Turkey Burger Paninis to a Turkey Mousse with a Sour Cherry Gastrique.
What are the compelling points that make turkey adaptable for lunch and dinner dishes?
Using Turkey allows us to stay at a lower plate cost, which saves both the restaurant and customers money.
Why do you think your patrons order these turkey items?
A couple of reason: health, cost and the creative twist we put on the dish.
From a business perspective, why do you include turkey on your menu (food cost, versatility, consumer demand, etc)?
Turkey allows me to have a balanced food cost ratio throughout my menu. It helps offset the higher ticket items such as steaks and certain seafood that are coming in our back door.
When thinking about other proteins you serve why did you choose turkey for this menu item as opposed to chicken, beef or pork?
I feel it's a great alternative to offer to the customer.
How does turkey fit in with a Latin restaurant concept?
Turkey works in updated applications of Cuban cuisine. Because of all the different cuts available, turkey allows my staff and I at Cuba Libreto adapt it to a variety of creations.
With the recent push in the industry for healthy menu options, how does turkey help you meet this growing consumer demand?
Just by having a healthier option for our customer is showing we care and listen to their needs. We deal with a lot of protein diets and the customer gets tired of just eating beef.
How do you use the web as a tool in your work?
I use the web for employee training and research.
Do you use the NTF web site as a resource?
I use countless web sites to keep me well informed on the current market and trends and NTF is one I read.
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