Nixed the 'job' at the casino and got hired (for a LOT MORE..:D ) as the swing shift b'fast 2 days and dinner 2 days plus random baking, catering and whatnot at a really cozy cafe just outside of Death Valley.
They are in transition from just basic food to a little more upbeat but we don't want to get crazy because it has to appeal to the regular locals as well as tourists.
I have recipes and ideas from all over the map but what would you do for a slightly upscale appetizer menu, dinner menu, that sort of thing? They mentioned stuffed mushers, bruchetta, ... but there's certainly more out there.
Right now it's a great basic menu (which I love) like brisket, steaks, chicken...fried items...a little mexican, but they want to go more healthy...grilled and roasted vegetables (which is easy)...but also looking for ideas about sandwiches, salads, mains variations...that sort of thing.
They're also going to expand to a weekend BBQ. I make a pretty killer Honey BBQ sauce, but don't know much about rubs. (plus never had a proper smoker) Want to suggest homemade pastrami and pulled meat sandwiches...which I do great even lacking the salt peter (which is nowhere to be found...think someone is afraid that pastrami makers are going to blow up the smoker? <potassium nitrate and all>)
Essentially I'm in on the leading edge of a new era of this place and very excited.
We're coming up on the busy season (remember it's Death Valley so cool is a good thing). We also get a ton of Europeans, Germans and Italians in particular. (think it's the proximity of the hot springs)
So any input would be appreciated to get the creative gears going.
April :bounce:
They are in transition from just basic food to a little more upbeat but we don't want to get crazy because it has to appeal to the regular locals as well as tourists.
I have recipes and ideas from all over the map but what would you do for a slightly upscale appetizer menu, dinner menu, that sort of thing? They mentioned stuffed mushers, bruchetta, ... but there's certainly more out there.
Right now it's a great basic menu (which I love) like brisket, steaks, chicken...fried items...a little mexican, but they want to go more healthy...grilled and roasted vegetables (which is easy)...but also looking for ideas about sandwiches, salads, mains variations...that sort of thing.
They're also going to expand to a weekend BBQ. I make a pretty killer Honey BBQ sauce, but don't know much about rubs. (plus never had a proper smoker) Want to suggest homemade pastrami and pulled meat sandwiches...which I do great even lacking the salt peter (which is nowhere to be found...think someone is afraid that pastrami makers are going to blow up the smoker? <potassium nitrate and all>)
Essentially I'm in on the leading edge of a new era of this place and very excited.
We're coming up on the busy season (remember it's Death Valley so cool is a good thing). We also get a ton of Europeans, Germans and Italians in particular. (think it's the proximity of the hot springs)
So any input would be appreciated to get the creative gears going.
April :bounce:
