The Delights of Ontario Rainbow Trout: A Freshwater Gem

Nestled amidst the bountiful waters of Ontario’s lakes, rainbow trout has become a prized catch and culinary delight. With the abundance of freshwater resources, Ontario offers an ideal habitat for this cold-water fish to thrive. Let’s dive into the world of Ontario rainbow trout, exploring its characteristics, culinary appeal, and recipe suggestions:

The Splendor of Ontario’s Waterways

Ontario’s vast network of lakes provides an ideal environment for rainbow trout to
flourish. With clear waters and abundant food sources, these lakes nurture healthy populations of rainbow trout.

Culinary Delights of Ontario Rainbow Trout

Its delicate pink hue and mild flavour lend themselves well to a variety of cooking techniques, allowing chefs to showcase their creativity. The high oil content in the fish enhances its tenderness and imparts a rich, buttery taste.

Recipe Suggestions

• Pan-Seared Rainbow Trout with Lemon Butter Sauce: A classic preparation that highlights the natural flavours of the fish. Served with a tangy lemon butter sauce and accompanied by roasted vegetables, this dish offers a delightful balance of freshness and richness.

• Grilled Rainbow Trout with Herb Crust: A simple yet elegant preparation that involves encrusting the fish with a blend of fresh herbs before grilling. The charred exterior adds a smoky depth of flavour, while the moist and flaky flesh remains the star of the dish.

• Rainbow Trout Ceviche: A refreshing and light option for those seeking a vibrant and zesty experience. The fish is marinated in citrus juices, mixed with diced vegetables, and seasoned with herbs.

• Roasted Whole Stuffed Trout: A tantalizing blend of flavours. By stuffing the trout with aromatic ingredients like lemon, garlic, onion, and fresh herbs, then roasting it to perfection, this recipe promises a delightful and flavourful dining experience. Visit caudlescatchseafood.com for the full recipe.

Don’t forget - Highlight the farm-to-table journey through your marketing channels: Emphasize that the rainbow trout is sourced from Ontario’s pristine lakes, connecting customers with the region’s natural beauty and sustainable fishing practices.

Become a Winter Pro

Cascades PRO conducted a survey to find out what consumers expect in terms of hygiene and cleanliness in 2023. Now they are sharing the results and discoveries to help companies respond to their customers' needs.

While hand washing is important in every season, the recent survey reveals that good hygiene is considered more important during the infamous cold season. 

So how do you keep your washroom clean and comfortable during winter? We’ll give you all the tips and tricks you need to become a winter pro!

Cleanliness: a Sign of Trust

Being a winter pro means understanding users and their behavior during the winter season. The better we understand them, the better equipped we’ll be to meet their expectations and needs in terms of washroom hygiene. For example, 97% of people surveyed believe that washroom cleanliness reflects how much businesses care about their employees and clients.

So how can organizations demonstrate the importance they place on the cleanliness and comfort of their washrooms? By offering something that people closely associate with cleanliness. We're talking, of course, about paper towels. 

In fact, many of the survey results reveal why consumers prefer paper! 

Winter Pro, pro Good Habits

Winter is the season for chapped hands. Especially with the freezing temperatures drying them out, our hands could do with a little relief during these few months. Cascades PRO may not offer a moisturizer, but it does offer the solution for people who prefer to dry their hands with paper - 73% of those surveyed. 

Their Tandem line of dispensers makes paper dispensing easy with their No-Touch technology, perfect for those who have their hands full (hat, scarf, gloves, etc.) after washing. 

This interest in paper may be explained by the fact that 61% of people surveyed use paper towels to open the door when leaving public washrooms. As a result, people have a better chance of avoiding potential viruses that could be found on door handles. This explains why 58% of people surveyed believe that paper towels are even more hygienic than other drying options. 

The Washroom Environment

Though there is no doubt about their hygienic virtues, the environmental impact of paper towels can be a concern for users. Indeed, according to some popular beliefs, the use of paper in this situation would be harmful to the environment. That's why, as an environmental leader in the industry, Cascades makes sure that positive and always greener actions are put in place. 

For example, their dispensers are designed to avoid waste and more than 70% of  tissue products are made from 100% recycled fiber. This means that every consumer can leave the washroom with peace of mind. 

Whether it's a question of hygiene, good habits, values or environmental protection, Cascades PRO is a sustainable solution for time spent in the washroom. A solution that can be applied to all seasons!

Celebrate the Christmas Season with Gift Cards from Your Restaurant

If it is in fact true that it is better to give than receive, then gift cards must be at the top of a restaurateur’s wish list. These simple plastic cards could be an important marketing tool—and revenue generator—at this busiest of commercial periods on the calendar. Let’s explore why gift cards have become significant for restaurants’ success and why they make perfect presents for the upcoming Christmas holidays.

The Significance of Gift Cards

1. Flexibility for the customer: Gift cards provide recipients with the freedom to choose their dining experience. Whether it’s a cozy dinner for two or a family celebration, gift cards allow customers to enjoy a meal at their preferred time.
2. Boosting cash flow for restaurants: Selling gift cards injects immediate cash flow into a restaurant’s operations. This influx of funds can help cover expenses and support the restaurant during quieter periods.  We have found people will spend more on a gift card than they will on a gift. While they might buy a $50 present, they will likely raise the stakes and buy a $75 or even a $100 gift card at a restaurant.
3. Boost your slower season: Add yet another gift beneath the tree: if the cards are purchased as festive and holiday presents in the hustle-bustle of a busy December, the delay when people redeem them could prove to be a boon to the restaurateur who might see a bump in sales later in January and February when business is typically slower. Patrons often find themselves using the full amount of their gift card—and then some. Customers generally buy additional food and more expensive dishes than they might otherwise; compound that with the potential for increased sales of beverage alcohol, and the result can be some healthy extra revenue in winter’s gloomier months.
4. Increased brand exposure: When customers purchase gift cards for friends or family, they are essentially promoting the restaurant to new potential patrons. This word-of-mouth marketing can lead to increased foot traffic and loyal customers in the long run.

Special Offers and Unique Options

Several restaurants have gone the extra mile to make their gift cards even more enticing for customers. Some establishments offer exclusive discounts, complimentary items, or bonus gift cards with the purchase of a certain value. Here are a few examples to consider:

• [Restaurant A]: Purchase a $100 gift card and receive a complimentary appetizer on your next visit.
• [Restaurant B]: Buy a $50 gift card and receive an additional $10 bonus gift card.
• [Restaurant C]: Enjoy a 20% discount on all gift cards purchased online during the holiday season.

Remember, gift cards not only make wonderful presents but can also contribute to supporting local businesses.

A Beginner’s Guide to Shucking Oysters

Unlocking the Delicacy of the Sea

Oysters (Flanagan code 230081), with their unique briny flavour and delicate texture, have been considered a culinary delight for centuries. These bivalve mollusks offer a taste of the sea, with each variety possessing its own distinct characteristics. 

Tools You’ll Need:

• Oyster knife: A short, sturdy knife with a pointed tip and a thick blade (Flanagan code: 801611, Browne Oyster Knife).
• Cut-resistant glove: To protect your hand while shucking (Flanagan code: 807868, Extra Large Metal Mesh Glove/807865 Medium Metal Mesh Glove).
• Cutting board: A stable surface to work on.

Safety Precautions:

Shucking oysters requires a certain level of caution, follow these safety guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience:

• Secure the oyster firmly: Use the mesh glove to hold the oyster in place, ensuring it doesn’t slip during shucking.
• Protect your hand: Always keep your non-dominant hand behind your back in a secure position away from the knife’s path.
• Be gentle: Apply steady, controlled pressure instead of forceful motions to prevent injury.

Step-by-Step Guide to Shucking Oysters:

• Prepare your workspace: Lay a clean kitchen towel or damp cloth on the cutting board to stabilize the oysters and catch any liquid.
• Identify the hinge: The hinge is the pointed end of the oyster that connects the two shells.
• Insert the knife: Hold the oyster with the cupped side down, ensuring the hinge is facing you. Gently insert the tip of the oyster knife into the hinge, applying light pressure.
• Twist and pry: Wiggle the knife back and forth while applying downward pressure until you feel the hinge pop open.
• Sever the muscle: Once the hinge is open, slide the knife along the top shell to sever the muscle that connects the oyster to the shell.
• Remove the top shell: Carefully lift off the top shell, taking care not to spill any of the precious oyster liquor.
• Free the oyster: Slide the knife blade under the oyster to release it from the bottom shell, ensuring it remains intact.
• Serve and enjoy: Place the freshly shucked oysters on a bed of crushed ice or rock salt, and serve with traditional accompaniments like lemon wedges, mignonette sauce, or a dash of hot sauce.

Oysters for the Holiday Season:

Serving oysters during the holiday season can elevate dining experiences and add a touch of indulgence. Here are a few reasons why they make a fantastic addition to holiday menus:

• Festive demand: Oyster consumption increases significantly during the holiday season, making them a sought-after delicacy that can attract diners craving special culinary experiences.
• Symbolism and elegance: Oysters embody luxury, sophistication, and celebration. Their inclusion in holiday menus reflects opulence and adds a touch of elegance to any dining occasion.
• Versatility and creativity: Oysters offer endless possibilities for creative preparations and presentations. From classic Rockefeller or Kilpatrick variations to innovative ceviches and briny shooters, oysters can be adapted to suit a variety of taste preferences.

Plating Suggestions

Showcase the beauty and flavours of oysters at your holiday gatherings with these plating suggestions: 

• Classic Mignonette Oysters: Serve freshly shucked oysters on a bed of ice, accompanied by a tangy mignonette sauce made with shallots, vinegar, and cracked black pepper.
• Oyster Shooters: Combine freshly shucked oysters with a splash of vodka, tomato juice, horseradish, and a squeeze of lime for a refreshing and flavourful shooter.
• Oyster Rockefeller: Elevate the classic Rockefeller preparation by topping the oysters with a blend of spinach, bacon, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese, then broiling until golden and bubbling.

Remember, whether you’re a novice or a seasoned chef, shucking oysters is an art that requires practice and patience. So, grab your oyster knife, put on your shucking gloves, and embark on a culinary adventure into the world of these delectable bivalves.

Happy shucking and bon appétit!

Tips & Tricks on how to use Frozen Vegetables

Frozen vegetables are the most economical, time-saving and practical option for operators. With good preparation and storage practices, the results are similar to cooking with fresh vegetables. These vegetables are ready to be cooked on the spot! They are pre-cut, pre-washed and can help you and your team save tons of time in the kitchen. They can be pre-portioned and stored helping minimize waste. However, they sometimes have bad press! People think their texture is blah or their colour is washed out. Today, we’ll discuss the best way to prepare and cook frozen vegetables to enhance their quality and get the best taste, as well as other things to consider when preparing them.

Preparation:

Frozen vegetables should NEVER be thawed before preparing them. To maximize their flavour and performance, they should be frozen when cooking.

Ideal cooking methods:

• COMBINATION OVEN: cooking vegetables at 240 °F (116 °C) for 3 to 4 minutes is excellent. They can be maintained at a temperature of 140 °F (60 °C) for more than an hour.
• STIR FRY: vegetables should be steamed or boiled for no more than one minute, just enough to thaw before sauté on high heat in a skillet, wok or on a grilling plate with a small amount of oil.
• BOILING: to preserve the colour and flavor of vegetables, cook them quickly in a chicken broth or other meat broth that will be kept for the preparation of soups or sauces (maximum 4 minutes depending on the cut and texture) so they will keep their appearance and firmness. It is not recommended to boil too many vegetables at a time, and is recommended to start over 2 or 3 times so the liquid does not cool or stop boiling. 
• Frozen vegetables can also be cooked using steam or baked in an oven to get a more crunchy texture. To do so, spread the frozen vegetables on a baking sheet and sprinkle with olive oil and spices of your choice. Bake at 220°C for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring the vegetables halfway through.

For optimal results, minimize the thawing time of your frozen vegetables. When cooking, use only what you need and store the rest immediately in the freezer, helping prevent potential quality and performance loss. Also, don’t overcook: frozen vegetables cook quicker than fresh produce, so be careful not to overcook them. Most of them can  be ready in as little as 4 minutes at high temperature. It is strongly recommended to follow the cooking instructions on the package and check for doneness frequently.

If you plan to prepare frozen vegetables to serve immediately, fully cook them. If you need to prepare them in advance for an event, do not cook them completely so the colour and flavour are preserved.

NOTE: ALL the Arctic Gardens frozen vegetables are blanched however, they cannot be used “as is” i.e. directly from freezer to plate. They have to be cooked thoroughly before usage.

Other things to consider:

• Available year-round; frozen vegetables are available throughout the year, regardless of the season. This allows you to offer a wide variety of vegetables and to have a steady supply on hand all the time.
• They are processed or quick-frozen immediately after harvest; which locks in the goodness, freshness, flavor, colour, and nutritional value;
• Unlike fresh “out of season“ vegetables which deteriorate in nutritional value after being hastily picked, they retain their optimal, consistent nutritional value capable of being transported and stored for long periods of time;
• Extended shelf life; frozen vegetables have an extended shelf life compared to fresh vegetables, which can reduce waste costs and save money;
• No waste; two pounds of flash-frozen vegetables equals two pounds of vegetables on the plate. Compare this to fresh vegetables, which have a much lower net weight once they’ve been trimmed, cleaned, and/or peeled.

Here are some delicious and trendy recipes perfect for the summer season you can try:

Green beans, fennel and citrus salad

Japanese-style Salad with Udon Noodles, beans and Sesame dressing

Grilled Chicken Kalenbanzo Salad

We encourage you to discover (or re-discover!) Arctic Gardens product portfolio which offers a wide variety of options; from the reliable, foundational products to a fine selection of on-trend and specialty ingredients, you can find what you are looking for.