Saturday, October 2, 2010

A Must Read Guide

When it comes to non fiction, I can't think of any topic that I prefer to read about than marketing. Marketing and business are two things that drive the world. Although marketing may not seem like a calling, it's really no different than teaching, ministry, government service, or a whole host of other occupations I could name.

You have to inspire them to feel the same passion you do about whatever you are marketing. Reach their emotions, and you have them.

In a rare glimpse at some of the most successful marketing campaigns in history, journalist David Kupelian takes you on a journey to show you how these campaigns succeeded.

Even better, Kupelian backs up his credentials with plenty of facts and figures that will really get you thinking. If you're a marketer reading this book, it will really get you thinking about how better to connect with your customers and reach them at their emotions, something an effective marketer will do.This book really was hard for me to put down.

It's funny how sometimes we feel better and superior to others when we've read something this educational and controversial and generally reinforces our belief system. I didn't feel that way. I walked away from this book knowing that I wasn't crazy. Not only has marketing changed, and so have the ways we have learned to do it, but the whole world has changed.

If you're looking for a different perspective on marketing, then I highly recommend reading this book. Similar to case studies, you'll have plenty to study, and you'll understand marketing in ways that it's not normally taught. In fact, this book is recommended for anyone who really wants to educate themselves on how powerful marketing really is.

Saturday, September 25, 2010

French Restaurants in Torquay

The Orchid Restaurant

The Orchid Restaurant is situated on Torbay Road and is known for its sea front view. The cuisines offered are French and seafood. The Orchid Restaurant is one of the best French restaurants in Torquay. The restaurant remains open for most of the week. The only two days of the week when the restaurant remains closed are Sundays and Mondays. The timings are very convenient too. During the day, you can visit the restaurant any time between 12:30 p.m. and 14:30 p.m. In the evenings, you can dine at the restaurant at any time between 19:00 p.m. to 21:30 p.m. The Orchid Restaurant is a family restaurant that offers the best French cuisine in the region. The average price of a lunch meal in the Orchid Restaurant is £32.00 and the average price for a dinner meal is £50.00. You must bring your family to the Orchid Restaurant during your Torquay holidays. If you are enjoying your holidays in Dorset, spend a day in Torquay and enjoy a delicious meal at the Orchid Restaurant. The menus offered in the Orchid Restaurant are Le Menu special, a table d'hôte, and a la carte. The starters range from smoked duck hazelnut salad with lime and foie gras ballotine, to toasted sesame, carpaccio of tuna, and celeriac remoulade. Some of the main course items include braised oxtail, Devon beef fillet, and wild mushroom tortellini. The desserts are simply mouth watering. Surely, you would not want to miss out on cointreau mousse served with a praline biscuit, iced white chocolate and port wine reduction. The wine list of this restaurant is very impressive.

La Provence

La Provence is among the leading French restaurants in Torquay. The restaurant is fairly intimate and small. The cuisine is French and is worth a try. La Provence is located on Babbacombe Road and can be easily spotted. The seating capacity is not great but very comfortable. The ambience of the restaurant is very friendly and welcoming. The wine list isn't fantastic but good enough to satisfy customers. The restaurant is open all week so whether you are enjoying holidays in Dorset, or spending time with your family during your Torquay holidays, a meal at La Provence is something you simply cannot miss.

Saturday, September 18, 2010

EATING OUT LUCKY FINDS ON THE COSTA

A matter of following strict rules.

How many times have you gone out to have a nice meal out with friends without any notion as to where and what to eat ? On the coast it could be a disaster which could tax the friendship and most certainly, the pocket, to make matters worse.

Running a restaurant is often merely another way of avoiding having to work for someone else and some of the people who go into the business, should not be in it at all.There are lots of things to look out for and a look over the shoulder at what is being served to others when you do your reconnaisance, is not a bad idea.

Firstly, all eating places whether down-the-list-cafeteria or glossy restaurant should have the menu and price lists laid out at the door with letters and numbers you can read. If it is not there, it is an indication that perhaps you are going to be assaulted, price wise, when it is too late to get out.The rule is to check out with your friends or neighbours and determine whether they have indeed even been inside the place before taking it for granted. Sometimes, finding places to go into with confidence and a smile on your face is hard grind. I can recommend a few to which I and friends have always looked forward "to a next time" and these are simply – value for money without skimping in either atmosphere, elegance or quality.

The coast is heaving with eating places and it is not a bad idea to go for those where the environment and or view is something to look forward to and where you can go often if need be without being stretched.I am not one for addresses and telephone numbers so it is a question of finding them.

THE SPANISH GARDEN.

The owner, a Belgian lady, with all the trimmings of a good hostess, has no difficulty in filling the place at all times. What struck me about the place, was the unusual and appetising variety of main courses on the menu with every single one of them a hit in one way or another.The pastry wrapped ones like the salmon and the veritable tub of casseroled steak pie, makes for arching back against the seat before tackling it and hopefully be able to swish it all in.

There is no mistaking a place like this and the general main courses, excluding steaks etc. are low priced. It is tucked behind the beach aparthotel - Sol Timor and can be accessed from the main roundabout at the Benalmadena junction of the hill that goes to Aqua park and Torremolinos and the main avenue called Alessandra Carlotti (quite close to the Pez Espada Hotel).

ALFREDOS

You just cannot go wrong. It is very reasonably priced with a wide variety of meats and fish that cater for all. The quality can be seen on display and the amount and presentation is a good fill for the eyes and stomach. Those who like to tuck in will have little problem in returning again and again.This is one of the agreeable factors. You can go to Alfredos at any time and know that it will be open. It is tucked in behind the front, high rise buildings on the N340 just of the high street and 24 hour chemist of San Pedro de Alcantara.

DALLI´S AT PUERTO BANUS.

Simon is the son of the legendary Tony Dalli, a singer and dancer of the Hollywood sixties films , whom he is proud to project on the flank of an opposing wall that you can watch whilst you eat. It is a lesson in time.There is a delightful and equally splendid Chinese restaurant on the same terrace for that good quality, well priced, oriental meal with a difference.

And that´s all folks - for the moment, but I shall be back with lots of places where quality, atmosphere and price meet in a delightful blend which makes you wish you had found it yourself before. I am not such an old grump after all........




Saturday, July 17, 2010

Best BBQ in Texas

It seems to make sense if you want the best BBQ in Texas to not go to New York City, but it has to be said. Just because a place looks and smells like a pig doesn't make it a pig. I've been reading about the Hill Country Barbecue in Manhattan and I don't like it. Sure it might be a great place for confused Texans to remember what it's like to be home, or for New Yorkers to think they are getting a test of Texas, but it is not the real thing.

My issue is you might as well stick to what you know and what you can do best. I mean I never eat bagels here in Austin. I lived in Brooklyn a couple of years and was able to eat some of the best like Essa. Also, even though there is a Katz's here in Austin it is so lame compared to the real Katz's in Manhattan. So I know that this type of regional pilfering will continue forever and once in a while it does work. I mean we can finally get a decent Chicago style hot dog here, but please, don't anyone try to pawn off one of those soggy ass cannollis they serve around Austin as the real thing.

If anything it's a Disneyland version of the real thing. I do have to give them credit for copying some good originals: Lockhart and Austin Texas (where I live) and Kreutz BBQ (although I like Smitty's BBQ in Lockhart much better) and the butcher paper for plates which is the norm at Kreutz's and Smitty's. They do have Lone Star beer, Big Red soda and Blue Bell ice cream so there are a few things that are real to a Texas BBQ joint.

But there are a few crucial things missing – the business is new, most great BBQ establishments here have been in the family for decades and all use real wood fires and smoke (at Smittys you have to stand next to flaming logs that heat and smoke the pit, even on 100 degree days), hip culinary folks don't work there (usually the pitmaster looks like a trucker or at Snows BBQ (the best brisket in Texas) the pitmaster is a janitor at the local school)).

So if you want real Texas BBQ just get your ass down to central Texas and make sure to come in the summer to enjoy the heat!

Gourmet Food

gourmet foods and drinks are specially prepared items that are very different from the ordinary dishes that you eat. They are often associated with great culinary skills and fine foods and drinks. The rich and aristocratic people of the society prefer gourmet products because they are rich in taste and have a marvelous display. These food items have a great quality and they contain especially well prepared and unique delicacies. Gourmet food is available in high class stores, luxurious restaurants and world class hotels.

If you really want to satisfy your taste buds then you must surely try out the rich and extraordinary food items that come under the gourmet category. Below stated are some points that would give you more information about these food items that are easily available in the market.

1. Great taste with great ingredients
These food items are prepared with some special ingredients and herbs that are very easily available. In the market you will get gourmet seafood, cheese, coffee, meat, chocolates and caviar which are far better than the normal products. You will see that the presentation of these food matters a lot because it plays an important role in highlighting the rich taste of the specially prepared dishes. The highest standards of presentation, preparation and selection techniques are adopted when it comes to these meals.

2. Quality of gourmet food items
Gourmet food items are really of very high quality because they are mostly preferred by the rich and famous people who love great food and drinks. They are prepared high culinary skills and great ingredients. If you want to prepare these delicious dishes at home then you can take the help of cooking websites as they would provide you great recipes.

Well these are some essential things that you must certainly remember about the sophisticated and high class gourmet food products.
3. Gourmet food gift ideas
Gourmet food baskets and packages make really perfect gifts. You can give them to your friends and family members on their wedding, birthdays or some other important occasion. In the gift basket you will get nuts, chocolates, cheese, brownie mixes, cake mixes, marinades, syrups, sauces, soups, wine and various other items. You can pack all the products in attractive boxes, tins and baskets. When you are selecting the products you must make sure that the items that you have chosen can last for at least one week or more. These baskets can also be presented to your business associates and clients.