What Restaurants Don't Want You to Know: Part 2

There are a few things I have missed so I have decided to write once more about this topic. Just to share with you some secrets of the thriving industry. Therefore, here are some interesting facts you should know about.

Food Cost
Ever wonder the secrets of menu pricing? There is a reason you are getting charged a certain amount for your food. The high prices are not because of the greatest quality food imported from all over the world. It is just a simply profit game. Restaurants run an average of 30% food cost. The $30.00 special that you have ordered will only cost only $9.00 to make. Most off the menu items will cost them less. That is the reason the chef pushes the servers to sell the specials.

Food Origin
I am sure many people have read a menu that stated Hawaiian Mahi, Norwegian Salmon, and American Red Snapper. Next time you should ask for the invoice. Most restaurants order from the same companies as others in the area. The American Red Snapper is most likely Campeche Gulf Snapper and the Hawaiian Mahi is probably Costa Rico Mahi. The company does not own a fishing boat and the prices on the advertised items will be even higher.

Your Seafood
Do you know what you are really eating? I have witnessed some restaurants selling cheaper fish on the entrées. It clearly states pan broiled Redfish. The fish you are eating could be Tilapia. The Red Snapper you are eating could be Redfish. Especially if you are ordering some entrée with a sauce over it, it will be very hard to tell the difference. I have noticed many buffets using this tactics to save on food cost.

Your Steaks
Many restaurants claim that they serve certified Angus Beef. However, only 8% of the cuts make it to become certified Angus Beef. Some establishments sell certified USDA for Angus Beef. There is a huge price difference and flavor difference. Many other restaurants will order cheaper uncut meats and sell them as certified USDA meats.

The Freshest Ingredients
You ask the server if they served fresh seafood. The server replies to you that they do indeed have fresh fish. Remember seafood is seasonal. Numerous restaurants will serve frozen seafood and claim that it is the freshest in town. There is nothing wrong with frozen products just the false advertisements. Restaurants prefer using frozen seafood because they will not have to worry about spoilage as much as using fresh seafood.