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As consumers continue to seek more health-conscious, high-quality options when eating out, salmon remains a favoured staple on menus across the foodservice industry. From fast-casual eateries to fine dining restaurants, the demand for this nutrient-rich fish continues to increase. It’s a lean premium protein, it’s filled with vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids and it tastes great – I mean what’s not to like?
But when it comes to sourcing salmon, it’s not a one-type fits all. The choice between Atlantic and Pacific salmon can have a significant impact on your menu, margins, and guest satisfaction.
In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between Atlantic and Pacific salmon specifically from a foodservice perspective.
Atlantic salmon is primarily farm-raised and widely available across global markets. They have a torpedo-like shape that’s rounded, broad in the middle and tapers smoothly at the head and tail.
For foodservice operators, Atlantic salmon offers consistency in size, flavor, and supply. Its rich, mild taste and higher fat content make it versatile across a range of menu applications from grilling and roasting to raw preparations like tartare and poke. Since Atlantic salmon is farm-raised and available year-round, it is a dependable option for kitchens that require predictable inventory and portion control.
Pacific salmon refers to a group of species native to the North Pacific Ocean and rivers in North America and Asia and is entirely caught in the wild. The five main types used in foodservice are listed below. Each species varies in flavor, appearance, texture and nutritional content.
Since Pacific salmon is caught in the wild, availability and pricing can range due to seasonality and environmental factors. Its flavor is more prominent compared to Atlantic salmon, especially in varieties like Sockeye. This makes Pacific salmon ideal for menus that emphasize wild, regional, or specialty seafood offerings.
Both types of salmon offer distinct characteristics in terms of flavor, texture, availability, and cost. Understanding these differences is essential for making smart purchasing decisions that align with your culinary goals and operational needs.
See the graphic below to learn key differences between Atlantic and Pacific salmon that are relevant to Foodservice restaurants and businesses.
If you want to feature salmon on your menu and are having trouble deciding which salmon type makes the most sense, we have some best-practice indicators below to help guide your decision.
When to Choose Atlantic Salmon
When to Choose Pacific Salmon
When consistency, quality, and trust matter, True North Seafood stands out as a leading provider of premium fresh salmon. As part of the Cooke family of companies, True North combines decades of expertise with a deep commitment to responsible aquaculture.
Their salmon is raised in the cold, clean waters of the North Atlantic and harvested with a focus on freshness, resulting in mild-flavored, firm-textured fillets ideal for a wide range of menu applications. With rigorous food safety standards, sustainability certifications like BAP and ASC, and year-round availability, True North offers foodservice operators the reliability and product integrity they need to serve great salmon every time.
Interested in learning more and placing an order? Talk to your Flanagan Sales Professional. New to Flanagan? Become a customer below.
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.
Maximizing efficiency while delivering exceptional culinary experiences is the key to managing the bustling energy of Mother's Day-one of the busiest days in a restaurants calendar.
A delicious, time-saving suggestion that may work for your Mother's Day menu is pre-made Belgian waffles. They are more than just a time-saving convenience; they are the canvas for an array of unique and tantalizing toppings that will set your establishment apart. By using pre-made waffles, you significantly reduce preparation time and kitchen chaos, allowing your team to focus on crafting exquisite toppings and delivering impeccable service. Moreover, these waffles ensure consistency in both taste and presentation.
This Mother's Day, let these five waffle creations dazzle your clientele, leaving them with a memorable dining experience that they will fondly associate with your restaurant.
For the traditional breakfast lovers, offer waffles topped with crispy bacon and a perfectly cooked over-easy egg. The rich, runny yolk adds an indulgent touch, turning a simple waffle into a hearty meal that will keep your guests fueled for their Mother's Day activities.
Elevate your brunch menu with this sophisticated take on the classic waffle. Start a layer of tangy cream cheese. Top with delicate slices of smoked salmon, adding a luxurious, smoky flavour that is irresistible. Add thin slices of avocado for taste and a pop of colour.
A light and refreshing option, this dish combines the sweetness of bananas with the tanginess of yogurt and the crunch of almonds. It is a healthy, satisfying choice that caters to the health-conscious guests and those seeking a lighter brunch option.
This Southern classic is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The combination of crispy fried chicken atop a waffle creates a delightful contrast of textures. Drizzled with a touch of honey or maple syrup, this dish offers a perfect balance of savoury and sweet.
For a sweet end to the brunch, serve waffles topped with baked apples, a sprinkle of crunchy nuts, and a drizzle of honey. This dessert-like dish adds a festive touch to the menu, and the comforting flavours are a fitting tribute to the comforting presence of mothers.
Pronounced: mahr-geh-ree-tah.
So what makes the best Margherita Pizza? The answer is simple and yet at the same time complex: the proper balance between quality ingredients, technique, and tradition. The crust, sauce, and cheese are all integral parts that work together to form something more than the sum of their parts.
Margherita pizza is one of the most famous pizza types, it hails from Naples and is one of the best examples of how simple ingredients can blossom into magnificent flavour. Legend has it that the Margherita is named after Queen Margherita of Savoy, who in 1889 visited Naples. The pizza was developed by Raffaele Esposito at Pizzeria Brandi to represent the colours of the Italian flag: red (tomato), green (basil) and white (mozzarella).
The secret to the Margherita is the ingredients: high quality, fresh products differentiate the Margherita from a regular pizza.
It all starts with the crust. Margherita pizza has a simple crust made from flour, yeast, and salt. Unlike other pizzas that use thicker dough, Margherita pizza has a thin and crispy crust.
The real star of the Margherita pizza is the tomato sauce. Using top-quality tomatoes is critical. We recommend the famous “San Marzano Tomatoes”. Grown at the foot of Mt. Vesuvius volcano in Italy, carrying the prestigious Protected Designation of Origin designation. This is a truly authentic product characterized by its excellence in quality.
Top with fresh mozzarella, basil and a drizzle of olive oil and salt.
The ingredients come together harmoniously to create a delicious mouthful of Italian goodness.
Product No. Description Pack/Size
306524 Milano Flour "00" Pizza Napoletana 1/10KG
481588 Emma Tomato Peeled San Marzano Dop 6/2.84LT
207796 Quality Cheese Mozz Fior Di Latte 250G 1/3KG OR
207789 Quality Cheese Bocconcini Medium 80Gm 1/3KG
281175 No1 Basil - Fresh 12/1EA
448166 Saporito Oil Olive Extra Virgin Pet 4/3LT
Flanagan Foodservice has listed a Lactose Free Pizza Mozzarella. For your lactose free customers adjust the above recipe and use;
207821 Galbani Cheese Mozz Shrd 19% Lact Free 4/2.27OZ
So there you have it - the key ingredients and techniques that go into making a great Margherita Pizza. If you follow these simple tips, you'll be well on your way to creating a delicious pizza that everyone will love. Buon appetito!
Bococcini and Fior Di Latte are the same thing, but when the balls of fresh mozzarella are 250gm they call them Fior Di Latte.
With a cooler breeze in the air, favourite fall flavours are back on restaurant menus. Though appetizers, entrées and desserts typically get the love when it comes to seasonally updating your menu, brunch offers the perfect opportunity to celebrate the new season.
Fresh produce like apples, pumpkin and squash were made for pairing with comfort food brunch staples like waffles, fritters and French toast.
Highlight fall’s best by spicing up your brunch menu with spiced apple muffins, baked oatmeal stuffed acorn squash (served with cranberry sauce), or pumpkin pulled pork eggs Benedict.
LUDA’s Instant, Gluten-Free Hollandaise Sauce Mix features a slightly sweet flavour with lemony notes and butter flavour. It’s as versatile as it is vegetarian and certified Halal and Kosher.
Steam-table and freeze-thaw stable—no butter needed! The product prepares an opaque, medium thick, light yellow sauce, and its mild and slightly sweet flavour is balanced with a little heat and lemon notes.
Yield: 8 servings (2 Benedicts = 1 serving)
Ingredients
Pulled Pork:
2.7 kg JMS Fully Cooked Natural Pulled Pork
2 tbsp Olive oil
1 cup White onion, diced
6 Garlic cloves, diced
3 cups Pumpkin purée
2/3 cups Balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup Molasses
4 tbsp Ground mustard
To taste Salt and pepper
Hollandaise Sauce:
2 cups LUDA Instant Hollandaise Sauce
Benedict Assembly:
16 Eggs
8 English muffins, split
16 Fresh sage leaves, thinly sliced
2 Green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
Pulled Pork: (From tempered state) Oven: Remove from pouch. Heat in oven at 350°F for 20 minutes. Boil: Drop pouch into boiling water for 15 minutes. Microwave: Remove from pouch. Heat for 8 minutes.
Pumpkin BBQ Sauce: Heat a pot over medium heat. Add olive oil and onions, cooking until translucent for about 5 minutes. Add in the garlic and cook one minute more. Add the remaining ingredients and cook for another 5-7 minutes. Blend contents until smooth and combine with prepared pulled pork.
Hollandaise Sauce: Add mix to 3/4 of 4L hot water, stirring vigorously with a whisk. Add the remaining water, stirring. Heat and then hold above 65°C (150°F). Stir before serving.
Benedicts (to order, 1 serving): Poach eggs to order. Meanwhile, heat pumpkin BBQ pork mixture (if applicable). Toast split English muffin until golden brown and top with 1/8 pork mixture, a sprinkle of sage leaves, poached egg, hollandaise and sliced green onion.
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