BBQ Feature - SLTN April 2020

Please attributes any quotes to Ray Hall, Managing Director, R H Hall

·         Is barbecue food consistently popular year on year, or does it vary depending on factors such as weather/trends etc?

Barbecues may not previously have been seen as an essential item, but outdoor eating is a growing area of the market and operators should be taking the opportunities for extra revenue that barbecues can provide seriously. Provided some sort of outdoor area is available, any establishment can quickly and easily set up a barbecue for use almost immediately. Cooking outdoors can become a regular feature during the Spring and Summer months, and perhaps even further with the right equipment! Barbecue menus can provide a great focus for special events such as bank holidays, but can also provide a great source of extra income every weekend. Few can resist the smell of a barbecue on a summer afternoon and caterers can offer a simple barbecue menu without a great deal of expense or planning, providing they have the right equipment in place. Outdoor events also often bring in new customers, particularly on sunny days.

·         What are the essential pieces of equipment a bar or pub will need to have in place in order to prepare quality barbecued food?

For any outdoor cooking set up, the most important piece of equipment to get right is the Barbecue itself! Provided some sort of outdoor area is available, any establishment can quickly and easily set up a barbecue for use almost immediately. Charcoal and Gas options are available, with gas options using portable gas cylinders. Operators should also consider some kind of portable hand wash station and also prep/serving areas to avoid constant back & forth to the main kitchen. The Crown Verity range includes both simple charcoal barbecues and versatile, portable gas options. Also available is the CVEHS hand wash station and the range can easily be paired with Simply Stainless Modular Fabrication to create a complete outdoor kitchen! With the Crown Verity Professional Barbecue range, operators can either create their own BBQ Station by combining a barbecue with stainless steel prep areas, refrigeration and even branding.

·         What are the most popular barbecue foods in Scotland? Does this change much from year to year or remain steady?

Traditional barbecue foods such as burgers, sausages and steaks will always be a hit with customers and very few will be able to resist the smell of a barbecue on a summer afternoon. The Crown Verity MCB range includes models capable of cooking anything from 210 – 560 burgers per hour, with a grill to suit the output of any user! However, with a little bit of creative thinking venues can offer exciting menu options to appeal to a wide range of customers. Past BBQ Champion and brand ambassador Ben Bartlett, regularly demonstrates innovative ways to spice up your BBQ menu – Follow him on Twitter - @bbqben1 – for the latest news.

·         Has the rise of vegan and gluten free food reached barbecues? Do you expect there to be a bigger demand for barbecued vegan and free-from dishes in the coming years?

Veggie sausages and burgers are the standard go to for many caterers, but with a versatile barbecue system chefs can create an abundance of more adventurous dishes! A specific vegetarian or vegan cooking surface should be available to prevent cross contamination with meat items. Look for a barbecue with separate cooking zones to allow for this – and also independent controls to allow for the different heat settings these products may require! Vegan and free-from foods will certainly see increased demand, although perhaps not traditionally seen as typical barbecue menu items. The Crown Verity range of Professional Barbecue systems includes a wide range of accessories such as griddles and steam pans to allow a vast and varied menu, allowing chefs to create innovative dishes that step away from traditional barbecued foods. A wide range of recipe suggestions and inspiration can be found via past BBQ Champion and brand ambassador Ben Bartlett – Follow him on Twitter - @bbqben1 – for the latest news.

For more information:

www.rhhall.com, www.crownverity.com or our You Tube channel for videos showing the versatility of the Crown Verity range.

R H Hall are the Exclusive UK Distributor for the Crown Verity range of Professional Barbecue Systems

FOR PRESS INFORMATION CONTACT:

Emma Smith – Head of Marketing - emma.smith@rhhall.com - 01296 663400

Commercial Microwaves - FEJ April 2020

Please attribute any comments to Kris Brearley, Sales Director, R H Hall

In terms of the traditional pub and restaurant market, what applications do you currently see commercial microwaves most used for?

Microwaves are typically thought of for the simple reheating of small portions of food, additional items such as sauces and also defrosting. However, today’s microwave ovens are sophisticated, yet easy to use and produce excellent cooking results in a fraction of the time it takes to cook foods conventionally and their versatility is underestimated. Many foods and dishes can be cooked very, very well in a microwave oven, with great results. The most obvious benefit to any operator is speed, but there is a great deal of versatility that a microwave can offer. Used properly, the microwave will form a key part of the kitchen operation and the ability to serve a full menu.

What are some of the more unconventional ways that operators could be using microwaves?

One of the latest developments in the commercial microwave oven market is the use of Inverter technology to provide outstanding cooking results. Inverter technology differs from traditional microwaves by providing constant, rather than pulsed, power when cooking, reheating or defrosting at reduced power levels. For example, a traditional microwave set at 50% will pulse by switching power on and off throughout the cooking period, which can lead to uneven results in some foods. Inverter technology will provide a precise and constant supply of power at 50%, making it easier to cook or reheat foods slowly and defrost dishes to perfection. Thanks to precise temperature control, you can cook, reheat or defrost a far greater variety of dishes that conventional microwaves were previously not able to prepare to the same high standard. We can offer presentations and training to demonstrate all of the benefits of Inverter cooking! There will always be a place in every kitchen for a basic microwave, but future developments are likely to focus on automation, particularly for multi-site operations. Menu consistency is key and machines which offer easy menu programming will become more and more appealing. The revolutionary iWave® Foodservice Solution uses microwave technology to provide a fully automated, ‘straight to plate’ system. With barcode scanners replacing traditional touchpad or manual controls, the iWave® offers a ‘fool-proof’ solution for care homes and many other applications. We can work with various food companies to fully test and develop a bespoke menu for any site. With e-reporting options available, stock and budget control can be also managed easily.

What is the typical lifecycle of a commercial-standard microwave and what can operators do to really get the most out of the functionality their investment offers?

A heavy duty commercial microwave from a recognised leading brand, when used and maintained correctly, should have an expected lifespan of at least 5 years. There are still a number of machines offering a standard 1 year warranty – however, look for enhancements such as extended cover on the magnetron – which is the heart of any commercial microwave! Heavy duty models should have at least a 3 year warranty as standard, which can often be extended to 5 years on core components when utilising items such as the Microsave Cavity Protection System. There are 2 different approaches to microwaves and machines are available on the market to meet both requirements. There are many entry level machines available, at low price points, which meet simple reheating requirements and are often cheaper to replace than repair. However, it is always best to get the best possible product to ensure as much longevity as possible – so always consider the warranty and reputation of the product being purchased, rather than just the cheapest option available. For higher output/wattage machines, many users, particularly multi sited chains are looking at the life cost of foodservice equipment in general. These machines are often a higher investment and the warranty offered should back this up. Look for a reputable and proven brand like Sharp or Maestrowave to provide exceptional value for money when spread over the expected product lifetime.

For more information, please visit:

www.rhhall.com

www.microwaveassociation.org.uk

www.maestrowave.com

FOR FURTHER PRESS INFORMATION CONTACT:

Emma Smith - 01296 663400 - emma.smith@rhhall.com