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The big question everyone asks about Tom & Ollie is: How do I use it? The answer? Everywhere.
Tom & Ollie has mastered the art of marinated, slow-roasted tomatoes and vegetables, bringing bold Mediterranean-inspired flavours to dishes across your entire menu—breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even dessert. Whether you're crafting a signature sandwich or elevating a pasta dish, these products add depth, complexity, and convenience to any kitchen.
Start the day with rich, slow-roasted cherry tomatoes (197629 Tom & Ollie Tomato Roasted Cherry-6/4LB) that enhance eggs, vegetables, and meats with layers of umami-packed flavor. Heat them in your pan, mix with ingredients of choice, and create an unforgettable omelette. These tomatoes also make a great addition to breakfast bowls and frittatas.
Make every sandwich shine with Marinated Tomato Segments (197634 Tom & Ollie Tomato Slow Roasted -6/4LB))—their dynamic flavour complements veal, chicken, and deli meats beautifully. Toss them into pasta for a punch of Mediterranean richness (and don’t throw out the oil—it makes an excellent tomato aioli!). Looking for fresh, vibrant sides? Mix the tomatoes with feta, basil, and pasta for a chilled salad bursting with flavour.
From flatbreads and appetizers to charcuterie boards, Tom & Ollie ingredients enhance presentation and taste. Fire-roasted cherry tomatoes bring a depth to pasta dishes—try pesto with these slow-roasted gems for a truly signature entrée. And for steak lovers, sauté the tomatoes with mushrooms to create a flavour-packed topping.
Don’t forget the charcuterie board—Marinated Red and Yellow Tomato Segments (197633 Tom & Ollie Tomato Roasted Yellow - 6/4lb) pair beautifully with cured meats, olives, feta, and sharp cheddar, adding bursts of color and acidity to balance rich flavors.
With fire-roasted eggplant, zucchini, grilled peppers, and semi-dried tomatoes, this blend (197635 Tom & Ollie Veg Mix Slow Roasted Grilled - 3/4LB) is a dream ingredient. Use it in Mediterranean lasagna, mix with chickpeas or lentils for a vegetarian main, add to wraps, sandwiches, or even an antipasto platter—the possibilities are endless.
These vibrant, flavour-packed peppers pop in your mouth and enhance cheese boards, salads, pizza, pasta, and even cocktails! Drop them into a martini for a bold new twist.
481079 Tom & Ollie Pepper Drops Red 2/105OZ
481080 Tom & Ollie Pepper Drops Twin Pack 2/105OZ
Consistency and quality matter. Tom & Ollie controls the process from seed to fork, ensuring high standards with BRC and Kosher certifications. With no gas treatment, no trimming, and no risk of burns from preparing fire-roasted vegetables, you're getting convenience without compromise. Plus, the slow-roasted tomatoes are marinated for exceptional flavour, using a blend of white wine vinegar and white balsamic vinegar for balance and contrast.
Flanagan customers have discovered that the Flanagan blog is a valuable resource for culinary inspiration, helping operators integrate high-quality ingredients into their menus effortlessly (so much so they were just named one of the Top foodservice blogs by Feedspot). The Tom & Ollie products fit this criteria as the possibilities stretch far beyond the basics—every meal becomes an opportunity for creativity.
Burrata, the pearl of Italian gastronomy, is a creamy, indulgent cheese that has taken the culinary world by storm. Its delicate texture and rich flavour make it a favourite for chefs and diners alike. Traditionally served fresh, burrata has long been considered a premium, though highly perishable, ingredient. But for modern foodservice operators, a new solution is reshaping how we serve and store this luxurious cheese: frozen burrata.
Fresh burrata is a delicacy—but it's also a logistical challenge. With a shelf life of less than 14 days, managing inventory becomes a balancing act to avoid spoilage, waste, and loss of profits.
Enter frozen burrata, such as the 100g single-cup burrata by Bontà Viva (product code 116121). Handmade in Puglia, Italy, this burrata retains the same rich, creamy center and delicate taste—only now with extended shelf life and simplified logistics:
1. Extended Shelf Life
Frozen burrata boasts a shelf life of up to 18 months when stored at -18°C to -21°C. Even after defrosting, it stays fresh for 4 days—ample time for service. This means less stress over quick turnover and fewer losses due to spoilage.
2. Zero Waste
Each portion is individually packed in a single-serve 100g cup with its own serum, ensuring optimal preservation and zero waste. Use only what you need, when you need it.
3. Authentic Quality
Despite being frozen, Bontà Viva’s burrata is crafted using traditional methods in the heart of Puglia. The creamy stracciatella center and soft mozzarella shell remain intact, delivering that melt-in-the-mouth experience customers crave.
4. Always Available
Whether you’re plating an elegant salad, topping a gourmet pizza, or elevating a pasta dish, frozen burrata is ready when you are. Just defrost at +4°C for 32 hours, and you’re set to serve with confidence.
Frozen burrata doesn’t compromise quality—it enhances it with convenience. It’s a practical solution that preserves the essence of Italian tradition while supporting the fast pace of foodservice.
When you're in the foodservice industry, terminology matters. However, the terms "patty" and "burger" are often used interchangeably, which can lead to confusion.
A patty refers to the meat, it’s the foundation that it is 100% meat, and there aren’t any fillers in the patty. A burger has fillers in it which add flavour to the burger allowing for a unique burger experience. As to which is preferred? That is up to you and your preference. What we do know is mastering the art of the burger is not just an option—it’s a necessity to appease today’s diners whose palate and willingness to try new flavours is increasing regularly.
Burgers have been a menu staple for decades, and for good reason. They offer a blend of comfort, customization, and crave ability that few other dishes can match. Here's why they deserve special attention when building your menu:
1. Versatility in Flavours
Burgers are a blank canvas for culinary creativity. Whether your customer craves traditional simplicity or adventurous flavours, you can craft burgers that cater to everyone. A single recipe can transform into numerous menu items with the right toppings and presentation, keeping your offerings fresh and exciting.
2. High Profit Margins
Burgers are a financial powerhouse. With smart sourcing, you can create a premium product that commands a higher menu price while keeping costs manageable. Customization options like premium toppings (e.g., truffle aioli, aged cheddar, or avocado) further justify a higher price point, appealing to diners willing to splurge.
3. Wide Customer Appeal
From fast food outlets to fine dining establishments, burgers attract all types of diners. They’re a go-to comfort food with universal appeal. Plus, they work in nearly any business model, offering both speedy prep for quick-service settings and upgrade potential for gourmet concepts.
4. Easily Adaptable to Trends
Whether it’s the push for plant-based options, demand for sustainable practices, or the rising interest in global cuisine, burgers can easily adapt to meet these trends while maintaining their identity as a menu staple. For example, globally inspired flavours can bring excitement to your menu without deterring your core audience.
Creativity is the key to keeping burgers exciting. Here are some ideas to elevate your burger menu while appealing to diverse customer preferences:
1. Global Inspirations
Bring international flavours to your burgers by experimenting with ingredients and toppings.A Korean-inspired burger with bulgogi-marinated beef, kimchi slaw, and gochujang mayo. Mediterranean lamb patties with tzatziki, sun-dried tomatoes, and arugula. Thai chicken burgers topped with mango slaw and peanut sauce. Global twists not only attract adventurous eaters but also allow you to showcase fresh, bold flavours.
2. Modern Presentation
Presentation matters. Consider sliders for shareables or stack multiple smaller burgers in a tall burger to create Insta-worthy visuals. Unique buns, such as pretzel rolls or brioche swirls, elevate the experience. Even after traditional burgers, “deconstructed” options or burgers served open-faced with artistic plating can intrigue diners.
3. Beyond the Bun
Experimentation doesn’t have to stop at toppings. Think outside the bun, lettuce-wrapped burgers for a health-conscious crowd. Waffle buns or grilled cheese sandwiches repurposed as the outer layers.
These variations spark curiosity and conversation, encouraging repeat visits to explore new creations.
From classic cheeseburgers to gourmet creations, burgers are more than just a menu item; they’re a culinary opportunity. Chefs who master the balance between foundational quality and innovative flair will find that burgers can become their star attraction.
As the days are getting shorter and the weather is getting colder, chances are you are reaching for more coffee than usual. Maybe you’ve been going for that second or third cup hoping it will help, but what if instead of another coffee you tried an energy drink? If you read that and thought, ‘No way, there is way too much caffeine!’, read on.
First, it is helpful to know that energy drinks in Canada are now regulated under a new category in the Food and Drug Regulations (FDR) known as Supplemented foods (SFs). These are foods and drinks that contain 1 or more supplemented ingredients such as caffeine, vitamins, minerals, amino acids or other ingredients but are not added for the purpose of fortification.[1] These products will be required to display a front of pack label from Health Canada with the words ‘Supplemented’ and they will have a ‘Supplemented food facts table’ instead of a ‘Nutrition facts table’. This is a great step as now the quantity of caffeine in an energy drink will be displayed in this table, making it very easy to identify the amount.
Why is this important? Because the caffeine content of energy drinks can range. For example, a 250 ml Red Bull contains 80 mg of caffeine whereas other typical 473 ml energy drinks like Ghost or Bang may contain up to 180 mg. Note, that bottled coffee and tea beverages do not have to display their caffeine content, so you may need to check with the manufacturer to understand caffeine content of those beverages.
Health Canada along with other regulatory bodies like the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recommend a daily caffeine intake of 400 mg for healthy adults over 18 years old (excluding those who are pregnant or breastfeeding).[2]
The caffeine levels in a coffee or tea can vary greatly depending on the beans (or leaves), the brewing method, and the brewing time. This means that each coffee you have will provide a varying dose of caffeine. This may not be a big deal with your first cup of the day, but as you reach for those second and third cups, this variability can add up. Whereas, because an energy drink is usually made with synthetic, pharmaceutical grade caffeine you will be provided with a consistent, reliable dose which is something that gets more important as the day goes on.
To give you a rough idea of the caffeine contents of a typical coffee, a small 237 ml brewed coffee contains on average 135 mg of caffeine and a small 237 ml filter drip coffee contains an average of 179 mg of caffeine.[3]
If you’re feeling the effects from the darker days and looking for some caffeine to get you through the workday, consider an energy drink instead of that second cup of coffee to provide you with a consistent amount of caffeine.
The arrival of fall brings a fresh palette of flavours and seasonal ingredients. With the changing leaves and cooler temperatures, diners are on the lookout for comforting, seasonal dishes that capture the essence of autumn. Introducing a fall menu not only keeps your offerings fresh and exciting but also aligns your restaurant with the seasonal cravings of your patrons.
By incorporating autumnal ingredients such as squash, apples, and spices, you can create dishes that resonate with the warmth and coziness synonymous with this time of year. Whether you run a fine dining establishment or a cozy café, the fall season is a prime opportunity to revamp your menu and entice both new and returning customers.
A fall menu is more than just a seasonal change; it's an opportunity to create buzz and draw in curious diners. Highlighting the unique flavours of autumn can set your restaurant apart and make it a destination for those seeking seasonal delights.
Focus on seasonal ingredients that are at their peak during the fall. Consider dishes like butternut squash soup, apple cider-glazed pork, and roasted root vegetables, which showcase the bounty of the season.
Secondly, storytelling can be a powerful tool. Share the inspiration behind your fall menu through social media, newsletters, or on your restaurant's website. Whether it’s a family recipe, a tribute to local farmers, or a personal culinary adventure, letting your customers in on the story adds a layer of connection and intrigue. Lastly, consider hosting a fall menu launch event. Invite local food bloggers and loyal customers to sample your new dishes, creating word-of-mouth excitement that can drive more traffic to your restaurant.
No discussion of fall menus is complete without mentioning the iconic pumpkin spice. This beloved flavour, with its blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, has become synonymous with fall.
Pumpkin spice can be more versatile than you might think. Beyond the classic pumpkin spice latte, consider using this flavour profile in desserts like pumpkin spice cheesecake or muffins. It can also be creatively integrated into savoury dishes, such as a pumpkin spice-infused marinade for poultry or as a seasoning for roasted nuts featured in a salad.
Remember, the key is balance. While pumpkin spice is wildly popular, ensure it complements your overall menu and doesn't overshadow other fall favourites. By offering a diverse selection of fall flavours, you can cater to a broader audience and avoid the pitfalls of a one-note menu.
Limited time offers (LTOs) are a powerful strategy for driving interest and urgency in your restaurant. By presenting exclusive dishes for a short duration, you create a sense of scarcity that encourages customers to act quickly. They can also help you identify trends and preferences within your customer base. By analyzing sales data from LTOs, you can gain valuable insights into what concepts resonate most with your audience. This information is invaluable for shaping future menu decisions and ensuring your restaurant stays relevant in a competitive market.
Think outside the box with your LTOs. While fall staples like pumpkin and apple are always a hit, consider introducing unconventional ingredients or international flavours that align with autumn. For example, a Moroccan-inspired lamb tagine with apricots and almonds or a Japanese kabocha squash tempura can offer a unique twist on fall dining.
Engage your customers by involving them in the creation process. Host a contest where patrons can submit their fall-inspired dish ideas, with the winning entry making it onto your menu as a limited time offer. This not only sparks creativity but also fosters a sense of community and involvement. Additionally, promote your LTOs through social media teasers and email campaigns, highlighting the limited availability to entice diners to visit before the opportunity slips away.
View the fall issue of The Dish
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