THE MANGO CHRONICLES

Elevating Guest Experience:

The Crucial Role of Secret Shopper Services in Restaurants

by: Chef Allen Susser
posted: March 12, 2024
Elevating Guest Experience:

In the fast-paced and competitive world of the restaurant industry, ensuring an exceptional guest experience is paramount for success. From the warmth of hospitality to the quality of food and everything in between, every aspect plays a crucial role in shaping customers' perceptions and loyalty. This is where Hospitality Service Secrets steps in, offering a comprehensive solution to elevate restaurant performance through meticulous evaluation and actionable insights.

At Hospitality Service Secrets, we understand that delivering outstanding hospitality goes beyond merely serving food—it's about creating memorable moments that leave a lasting impression. Our mission is clear: to infuse more hospitality into the...

The One Minute Kitchen Manager

by: Chef Allen Susser
posted: February 07, 2024
The One Minute Kitchen Manager

As a seasoned restaurant consultant with a passion for optimizing kitchen operations, I've witnessed firsthand the transformative power of "The One Minute Manager" principles in the heat of the kitchen. Having worked alongside kitchen teams, applying these principles has consistently yielded remarkable results, reinforcing my belief in their effectiveness.

My journey with these principles isn't just professional; it's personal. I find myself eagerly revisiting the original book time and again, not only as a refresher but also as a source of renewed inspiration. The timeless wisdom within its pages serves as a guiding light, reminding me of the simplicity and potency...

Charles Phan's Vietnamese Home Cooking

A Review

by: Chef Allen Susser
posted: December 31, 2023
Charles Phan's Vietnamese Home Cooking

As a seasoned chef always looking to expand my culinary horizons, Charles Phan's "Vietnamese Home Cooking" has been nothing short of a revelation.  I was lucky enough to taste his cooking in his original San Fransico restaurant – The Slanted Door. Now, he puts these flavors and aromas into his cookbook that takes you on a captivating journey through the heart and soul of Vietnamese cuisine, and it's an absolute must-have for anyone eager to master the art of Vietnamese cooking.

Phan's approach to teaching is not just about recipes; it's about understanding the essence of Vietnamese food. The book begins...

The Five Building Blocks of Culture

by: Chef Allen Susser
posted: December 31, 2023
The Five Building Blocks of Culture

In most businesses today, particularly restaurants, virtually everyone is familiar with the concept of “Culture” but very few people understand how a culture develops in an organization. While every Restaurant has a culture, very few Restaurants are proactively building a culture based on intention. You need building blocks of culture to enhance productivity in the workplace.  The following list will provide you with the building blocks that you can use to direct your culture to a place that works best for you.

1. Shared Values
Values are the principles that matter most to an organization and to a person. Values are...

Bobby Flay's Bold American Food

A Review

by: Chef Allen Susser
posted: December 15, 2023
Bobby Flay's Bold American Food

This is an American classic now. Bobby is one of the foundational chefs in our effort to launch New American Cuisine. As a chef who has had the privilege of working closely with Bobby Flay and considers him both a mentor and a friend, I am thrilled to share my thoughts on his classic cookbook, "Bold American Food." This culinary masterpiece not only embodies Bobby's passion for American cuisine but also reflects his unparalleled expertise and innovative approach to cooking.

From the moment you crack open the pages of this cookbook, you're transported into the vibrant and diverse world of American...

Cultivating Culinary Motivation

A Recipe for Success in the Kitchen

by: Chef Allen Susser
posted: November 06, 2023
Cultivating Culinary Motivation

In the world of culinary arts, chefs are more than just cooks; they are artists, creators, and innovators. Culinary motivation is the secret ingredient that fuels these passionate individuals to explore new horizons, experiment with ingredients, and consistently deliver exceptional dining experiences. As a professional culinary consultant, I understand the pivotal role motivation plays in the success of chefs. In this blog article, we'll delve into the various strategies and principles that can be applied to inspire and motivate culinary professionals to thrive in their craft.

The Power of Passion

Passion is the cornerstone of motivation for any chef. A culinary director...

Mise en Place

The Art of Culinary Organization and Precision

by: Chef Allen Susser
posted: November 06, 2023
Mise en Place

In the realm of culinary arts, the term "mise en place" is a phrase that carries immense weight and significance. Translated from French, it means "put in place," and for chefs, it encapsulates the essence of organization, preparation, and understanding of the cooking process. Mise en place is not merely a concept, but a guiding principle that can work wonders in the kitchen, ensuring a seamless and successful culinary experience.

At its core, mise en place is about creating an environment that fosters efficiency, creativity, and precision. Imagine a chef standing in front of a bustling kitchen, ready to create a...

Managing Food Costs in High-End Restaurants

A Key to Financial Success

by: Chef Allen Susser
posted: October 30, 2023
Managing Food Costs in High-End Restaurants

High-end restaurants are renowned for their exquisite dining experiences and top-notch cuisine. Behind the scenes, however, maintaining the delicate balance between delivering superior quality food and managing food costs is a critical aspect of restaurant operations. This essay explores the significance of food cost management in high-end restaurants, its impact on the weekly snapshot of operations, and its effects on the monthly Profit and Loss (P&L) statement. Additionally, we will discuss several strategies to keep food costs in line while preserving the restaurant's reputation for quality and exceptional dining experiences.

Importance of Food Cost Management

Managing food costs in a high-end restaurant...