The History Of Chicago’s Pump Room Restaurant
Posted by Ross Everett | Filed under Food & Beverage
One of the few restaurants in the country to be immortalized in a Sinatra song, the Pump Room in Chicago is now a hot spot once again. The Pump Room was one of the first quality restaurants to open in Chicago after the end of Prohibition, and soon became a Windy City icon. In addition to Sinatra (who sang the praises of the place in the classic song Chicago), the place was a favorite hangout of a lot of famous people including Marilyn Monroe, Sammy Davis, Humphrey Bogart, Clark Gable, Ronald Reagan, Bette Davis and numerous others. The Pump Room, named after a spa in Bath, England, remained open long after the giants that once graced its premises had left. Unfortunately, time took its toll on the legendary establishment, and its culinary fare was soon surpassed by the fine dining scene exploding in Chicago and characterized by uber-chef Charlie Trotter.
The Pump Room opened in’38 under the ownership and management of Ernie Blyfield. He took the name from an’th century London pub favored by celebrities and nobility, including Queen Anne. The original pub got its name from the hot drinks pumped into the cocktails of its stylish clientele.
The Chicago Pump Room was a smashing success from the time it opened. It’s most desired table reserved for ‘A list’ celebrities was Booth #1, which for a time may have been the most sought after table at any dining establishment in the country. Booth #1 at various times hosted Frank Sinatra and his associates, Bogart and Bacall, Judy Garland and daughter Liza Minnelli, John Barrymore and countless others.
After Blyfield’s death in’50, the Pump Room lived on as a Chicago hot spot and welcomed a new era of big names including Mel Brooks, Paul Newman, Robert Redford and Eddie Murphy. One of the most famous stories surrounding the club involves former Genesis drummer Phil Collins, who was refused entry for not wearing a jacket. This inspired the title of his next album ‘No Jacket Required’ which has sold over– million copies worldwide and established Collins as a solo superstar. Following its release, the Pump Room sent Collins an apology–and an appropriate jacket for him to wear on his next visit.
Since being purchased by the Dallas Restaurant Group in the late’90s, things are hopping again, however. With the extremely talented chef Martial Noguier at the helm (who has worked in the kitchen of a number of Frances most renown chefs), and a $2 million dollar restoration of the facilities, the Pump Room is back among the rarefied heights of Chicagos best restaurants. Though the flaming food served on a sword that was the Pump Room trademark during its golden era is sadly absent (due to city fire codes), the menu is now up to snuff serving Noguiers sophisticated interpretation of classic American cuisine. In addition to the revamped cuisine, the Pump Room upgraded its wine offering and expanded the bar area.
The Pump Rooms stature has been maintained by current executive chef Nick Sutton. The star of the place, however, is still the almost palpable sense of history that the dining room offers. Considering that the giants of civilized culture”from Bogey all the way to the Chairman himself”have held court in that room, it is a pretty intoxicating aura. Fortunately, the Pump Room is once again worthy of such legends, and its renaissance is a victory for culinary civility in a world too often overwhelmed with Olive Gardens and Red Lobsters.
Ross Everett is a freelance sports writer and respected authority on sports betting odds comparison. He writing has appeared on a variety of sports sites including sports news and betting odds portal sites. He lives in Southern Nevada with three Jack Russell Terriers and an emu. He is currently working on an autobiography of former interior secretary James Watt.
Tags: Business, dining, entertainment, food, Food & Beverage, Hobbies, Leisure, Travel
Tips On How To Open A Restaurant
Posted by Adriana Noton | Filed under Food & Beverage
Running your own restaurant can be a very rewarding experience. In order to make your restaurant opening a success, you have to be aware of all of the things that must be done before the day of your opening. Below are a number of tips on how to open a restaurant that should help make the experience easier and much less stressful.
1. Restaurant Features: You will have to do your research to find a suitable location. You have to check out your competition and the type of people that frequent area. Once you have chosen your site, you have to decide what type of restaurant you will operate. For instance, will it be a fine dining restaurant, fast food restaurant, or specialty restaurant such as a Chinese or Italian. It is beneficial to have a restaurant that stands out from your competitors. It should offer something unique that will attract diners. You also have to consider where customers will be seated that is both comfortable and has a pleasant view. The restaurant itself should be appealing to the customer as the first thing a customer judges is the appearance of the restaurant.
2. Financing: When starting a restaurant, one will normally have to make a significant financial investment. This will usually involve acquiring a business loan or getting people to invest in the establishment. You will need a detailed business plan that will include the funds needed to open the restaurant and to keep it financially sound until you start making a profit. Costs to take into account include: lease or purchase costs, equipment and supplies, renovations, legal fees, food, staff costs, taxes, liquor costs, utilities,etc. The lender needs a business plan that shows how you will make and maintain a profit.
3. Restaurant Vendors: You will have to buy various equipment and supplies such as tables, chairs, kitchen equipment such as dishwasher, freezers, ovens,etc. You will also have to furnish the restaurant with items that reflect the restaurant’s theme. Consider such items as decorations, paint, carpet, fixtures, wall decor,etc. It is helpful if you can find one or two restaurant suppliers to provide you will all of the required supplies.
4. Restaurant Permits: Operating a restaurant requires obtaining a number of permits. Check with your local government agencies to find out what permits are needed, however, generally one will require a zoning permit, building permit, permit to operate a food establishment, permit to sell alcohol, and more. You can be fined or shut down if you don’t have all of the permits.
5. Restaurant Menu: The restaurant menu is a key component of attracting and creating loyal customers. The dishes should reflect the theme of the restaurant. The prices should reflect the type of customers you want to attract. For example, will your restaurant be an expensive fine dining restaurant or an affordable family style restaurant? Your food should be fresh and it should stand out from your competitors’ food.
6. Restaurant Employees: Your waiters and waitresses are on the front lines of the business. Your staff should be experienced, professional, respectful, attentive to the diners, and friendly. Make sure staff uniforms are professional and always neat and clean. As well, your chef should be experienced with cooking the dishes you will be serving.
Having the right business plan is essential to opening a restaurant. Creating a step-by-plan will help make sure that your restaurant opening is a tremendous success.
Find Montreal cafe shop, Montreal restaurants and Montreal beauty salons using Canada’s online restaurant business local directory. Get simple directions and check out the reviews in few clicks away!
Tags: dining, dining restaurants, Food & Beverage, Montreal restaurants, restaurant, restaurant menu
The Best Cuisine Is At The Italian Restaurants Bellevue Washington
Posted by Luigi DeMarco | Filed under Food & Beverage
Italian food is one the best cuisines you can eat and if you are planning to eat at an Italian restaurant, you need to try some of the Italian Restaurants Bellevue has. Washington has many kinds of restaurants, but the Italian restaurants are just the best.
There are many different kinds of foods, but Italian food is one of the best. You know how good some of the lasagna and pizza is. Wait until you try it in real Italian style. You will be able to do this at some of the fine Italian restaurants in Bellevue Washington. You will have many different places to choose from and some are really great.
Maggiono’s little Italy is one of the top restaurants for the best Italian food in Bellevue, Washington. Some of the dishes you can get here are next to none in taste. If you get the chance to try Maggiono’s, you should try the beef Braciole served with delicious asiago sauce. You can also try some mussels served Tuscan style. You can also have mussels served in Diavolo style as well. You won’t ever regret having a meal at Maggiono’s Little Italy.
Another great Italian restaurant you will want to try is Adiamo’s. Here you can have a nice dinner in a comfortable atmosphere. You could have Piccatta chicken dish or a veal entr?e Parmigiana. No matter what you choose, you will be thrilled at the flavor and you will never leave this restaurant hungry. Washington certainly has some fine Italian cuisine.
Of course, you have to have an authentic Italian pizzeria to be able to enjoy pizza like it was meant to be enjoyed. With an authentic Italian touch, Pagliacci Pizza is one of the best Italian Restaurants Bellevue has. You could choose from many toppings like salami, Italian sausage, fontina, gruyere or prosciutto. Get a pizza in true Italian style and you won’t believe how much you will be able to eat.
Have you ever tasted Italian style Wine steak? If not, you need to visit Angelo’s, one of the longest running Italian restaurants Bellevue has. Angelo’s has been around since’57 and has absolutely mastered the perfect Wine Steak dish. You will be able to enjoy this and more in the best Italian style ever. Add a salad and a good wine and you will the best Italian meal you could ask for.
There are many Italian restaurants to choose from in Bellevue Washington and most of them serve really great food. You won’t have to worry about the lack of Italian cuisine that is for sure. If you would like to try some of the best food in the world, you need to visit Bellevue Washington.
Italian food is some of the best food in the world. It has gained worldwide fame. Everyone knows a few Italian dishes, even your smaller children. Make the most of your favorite Italian restaurants Bellevue has to offer.
Learn more about Italian Restaurants Bellevue. Stop by the site where you can find out all about the different Italian cuisine that Bellevue has to offer.
Tags: cuisine, dining, drink, food, Food & Beverage, food and drink, gourmet, italian, italy, restaurant, washington
Top Restaurants in Seattle City
Posted by Ronald Hall | Filed under Food & Beverage
Find out more on what the top restaurants in Seattle have to offer.
Coldwater Bar and Grill Restaurant - The Grill restaurant is a great place to visit for late night dinners and parties. It is located conveniently near Seattle’s downtown shopping area, the popular Belltown restaurants, and the Pike Place Market. The restaurant is simple and elegant and has beautifully done circular towers with a grand view of the downtown. The restaurant also has comfortable guest and dining rooms which are quite popular with tourists.
Pink Door - The Pink Door features a full bar, brunch, valet parking, and lunch for its esteemed guests. There’s always a large crowd thronging the restaurant. The restaurant is famous for its simplicity and warm ambience. You can watch visitors walking around the restaurant and kids enjoying the beautiful ambience. The best part about this four star Italian restaurant is that it is strategically placed in mid-downtown, and serves excellent food for all visiting tourists.
Palisade Waterfront Restaurants - Overlooking the beautiful and sunny Elliot Bay near the Magnolia Area is the Palisade Waterfront restaurant. With free parking available near the restaurant, visitors can a relaxed walk on the golden sands enjoying the beautiful views of the Seattle Skyline. The restaurant offers mouthwatering food combined with exquisite ambience to greet the visitors. The waterfall and seawater tidal pool is a great draw with children and young adults.
Wild Ginger - This popular Asian restaurant offers excellent, large portions of food that is moderately expensive. The restaurant is frequented by families and children, especially during the weekends. Some of the popular items here include the ‘Spicy Manila Clams’ and the seven-flavored beef. Wild Ginger is the best place to visit to enjoy all the exquisite Asian cuisine and well laid out interiors. It is popularly called as the best Asian restaurant in the town because of the spicy flavors and great service. With bright interiors and spacious seating, the restaurant is a great draw with Asian nationalities.
To know more about these hotels visitors should browse restaurant guides and online restaurant reviews.
Before making online reservations in the hotel’s website, learn more about the hotel’s offerings from online restaurant guides and restaurant reviews.
Tags: dining, food, Food & Beverage, hotel rooms, local hotels, local restaurants, popular restaurants, restaurant guide, restaurant review
