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Dining out
Jamba Juice Turns to Hot Blended Drinks
Most of you aren't taken by the idea of a hot smoothie, but maybe the concept isn't too far off. This week, Jamba Juice introduced Hot Blends, a new line of organic hot blended beverages. The drinks, which are $2.95 for 12 ounces, come in four flavors: Heavenly Green Tea, Perfectly Chocolate Chai Tea, Original Spiced Chai Tea, and Classic Hot Chocolate.
Up Next: Starbucks Dark Cherry Mocha, McDonald's Oatmeal?
This year, coffee and breakfast have been the name of the game for fast food and casual chains. Last week, Burger King announced it'd soon be serving specialty coffee in a partnership with Starbucks-owned Seattle's Best — part of the company's goal to bring "new and improved" products to a.m. customers.
Two Sunday Brunches at Thomas Keller's Ad Hoc
Long before Ad Hoc at Home became a holiday pick and bestselling cookbook, Thomas Keller's Ad Hoc restaurant was a go-to Napa Valley spot for family-style comfort food. When the culinary deity first opened Ad Hoc in 2006, he intended for it to be a temporary café until he could nail down what his ultimate dining concept would be. But the restaurant, which served a set, four-course American meal every night, experienced such wild success that it became a permanent fixture.
Have You Ever Eaten at a Chef's Table?
Over the last several years, the chef's table has gone from being a rare and unique dining activity to almost a customary restaurant experience, at least in many large cities. From Oakland's Commis to New York City's Co., Chicago's Cibo Matto to LA's Church and State, chef's tables are popping up everywhere. Positioned in or near the kitchen of the restaurant, they're usually reserved for special attendees — with a steep price to correspond with the behind-the-scenes opportunity.
Taste Test: California Pizza Kitchen's Small Cravings Menu
Question: What happens when the small plates phenomenon catches on across America? Answer: The craze extends far beyond the reach of Spanish tapas restaurants, and into national chains like California Pizza Kitchen. This month, the casual dining spot unveiled a new menu, Small Cravings, with seven modestly sized (and priced) snacks to choose from.
Burger King Partners With Seattle's Best Coffee
Looks like Burger King wants its own piece of the coffee and breakfast pie. The number two fast food chain has become the latest restaurant to enter the on-the-go breakfast market. In an announcement yesterday, Burger King said it plans to offer Starbucks-owned Seattle's Best Coffee in 7,250 of its US restaurants by September.
Spain's Famed El Bulli Restaurant Will Close Permanently
The world can finally stop trying to get into El Bulli. No amount of patience, luck, or connections will get anyone a reservation. Last week, Catalan chef Ferran Adrià confirmed that he would be closing down his Michelin three-starred restaurant for good.
Should You Tip More When Dining Out With Kids?
If you're making reservations for dinner, does the tip increase if you bring your kids? While some eateries welcome (and even accommodate or cater to) the smaller set, other restaurant employees cringe, no matter how well-behaved young diners may be. Do you tip more since becoming a parent, or do you think moms and dads should?
Chili's Unveils a New, Updated Menu
New year, new food. That's the philosophy at Chili's, which announced yesterday that it has completed the rollout of a brand-new, smaller menu. The national chain's 1,504 restaurants now serve street tacos made with mini corn tortillas, pulled pork sandwiches, and cocktails with premium spirits.
Do or Don't: Leaving Your Phone on a Restaurant's Table
Yesterday on his blog, Michael Bauer, the restaurant critic for the San Francisco Chronicle, discussed the usage of cell phones in restaurants. It seems more people are leaving their cell phones on the table while dining. This can be problematic when there is a large group, and the waiter is looking for a place to set food.
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