CASTROVILLE, Calif. – (May 4, 2009) – Spring is peak artichoke season and more and more menus are featuring fresh artichokes due to the efforts of Ocean Mist Farms and Synergy Restaurant Consultants.
Ocean Mist Farms partnered with Synergy Restaurant Consultants in 2008 to help make fresh artichokes a mainstream vegetable selection on menus; as a result, restaurant chains are featuring artichokes year round including: the Cheesecake Factory, Houston’s and Claim Jumper. In addition, several restaurants and institutions, such as Lawry’s Prime Rib, Maggiano’s, Seasons 52 and Capital Grille Steak House, are testing multiple artichoke applications such as grilled and stuffed.
Synergy provides on-trend menu innovation strategies to the restaurants and education about preparation and service.
"From a business perspective, artichokes deliver a low food cost and have very little waste, which makes them a winner," said Dean Small, managing partner of Synergy Restaurant Consultants.
Kori Tuggle, marketing manager, Ocean Mist Farms, said because artichokes are available year round, they can be featured on any menu without fear about lack of supply.
"Artichokes are an affordable luxury for diners," Tuggle said. "Fresh artichokes are not only healthy, but they’re uniqueness can also enhance a dining experience. They are great for sharing and that creates an interactive dining experience for restaurant guests." |