Where to Look for Restaurant Reviews Based on Your Personality

Where to Look for Restaurant Reviews Based on Your Personality

by | Sep 28, 2016 | IndiNews

Sorting through restaurant reviews and navigating the best-of lists can be maddening; finding one that fits your personality and tastes often takes more time than necessary. So we’ve broken it down to help you navigate restaurant review sources based on common personal preference. 

For the Food Nerd: Opinionated About Dining

Steve Plotnicki, formerly an executive in the music industry, began the first ranking for amateur food maniacs in 2012. The list taps into the expertise of a community of globe-trotting food fans to create the annual list.

Plotnicki says he came up with the system because he didn’t care for the way other rankings like Gault et Millau, Michelin, and Zagat did things. The list no longer consists of a global ranking, but rather it focuses on the U.S., Japan, and European regions.

For the Francophile: La Liste

This list began with support from the French government in 2015. Since then, it has become its own independent commercial entity under its founder Philippe Faure, former owner of the Gault et Millau restaurant guides.

It uses an algorithm to crunch the numbers from around two hundred published sources and create a list of the top thousand best restaurants on the planet. Businesses from Japan and France dominated its very first list. There are plans to add an additional nine thousand restaurants from around the world that were previously unranked.

For the Early Adopter: Food & Wine

After announcing its first class of Best New Chefs in 1988, Food & Wine now boasts some of the biggest names in American cooking (Daniel Boulud and Tomas Keller, among others).

While the publication reviews restaurants regularly, it also releases its list of Restaurants of the Year as well as Best New Chefs which features some of the best rising chefs who have run their restaurant for no more than five years. The magazine’s editor says everyone who works on the list thinks of themselves as talent scouts – and so far, they’ve been pretty accurate.

For the All-American: Eater

Eater came onto the scene a couple of years ago after receiving corporate funding from Vox Media. It follows national food critic Bill Addison as he travels the country in search of “essential” restaurants. 2015 saw the first publication of “National Eater 38,” which favors established restaurants over the new ones. Every summer Addison also puts out a list outlining the best new restaurants around the nation.

For the Scorekeeper: The World’s 50 Best Restaurants

The World’s 50 Best has been around for a while – since 2002. It started out as a minor feature in Restaurant Magazine from Great Britain and has since become a go-to list for millions. It seeks to highlight various regions around the world that either go unranked or do not receive sufficient consideration by other lists and guides.

Recent locations that have garnered a lot of attention include Peru, Spain, and Denmark. The ranking is decided by a group of more than nine hundred anonymous voters who work in the food industry or write about it for a living. There are also smaller branches of the list that focus on restaurants in Latin America and Asia.

For the Hipster: Bon Appétit

After taking over the magazine in 2011, editor Adam Rapoport made some changes to the annual Best New Restaurants list. The focus of the September issue is now almost solely on the year’s top ten and includes recipes from each one.

Two editors spend months at a time traveling to find hidden gems, often searching for those independent restaurants that have something unique to offer. A few weeks before the top ten list is published, fifty nominees are listed online.

Happy eating!

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Sirvo Says: The 6 Most Unique Things To Do In Denver

Sirvo Says: The 6 Most Unique Things To Do In Denver

Denver is a great place to visit but there are so many activities to choose from, so we wanted to put together a list of the most unique things to do in the Mile High City. From murder to money to sopapillas, read on the find out what topped our list!

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Open Call for The Stanley Marketplace Career Fair

Open Call for The Stanley Marketplace Career Fair

by | Sep 13, 2016 | Career

Sirvo is proud to announce that on Saturday, September 24th we will be at Stanley Marketplace’s Career Fair, located at 2501 Dallas St., Aurora, CO. Residing in a hangar formerly owned and operated by Stanley Aviation (once Aurora’s largest employer), this new marketplace is sure to be one of Colorado’s hottest locations to shop, eat, drink and have fun!

STANLEY MARKETPLACE CAREER FAIR

Saturday, September 24th 2016

2501 Dallas St., Aurora, CO

1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Pre-Registration is Required-Head Here to Register

More than 50 independently owned and operated businesses will all be gathered under one roof looking for that next great hire to join their team in one of the most anticipated openings of 2016. This is the place to work!

The marketplace has two levels of retail shops, restaurants, microbreweries, coffee shops, ice cream, bakeries, salons, health and fitness studios and so much more! Located in northwest Aurora, The Stanley Marketplace is part of a continued revitalization effort that seeks to take older structures located in the city and restructure them in a way that pays homage to their former glory. A lot of thought and effort is put into these types of spaces and it is meant to be a modern gathering place where you can bring friends or family and spend a day enjoying yourself.

More than 50 independently owned and operated businesses will all be gathered under one roof looking for that next great hire to join their team in one of the most anticipated openings of 2016.

Denverites are already accustomed to this type of scene, as many of us frequent The Source or Industry, both located in RiNo. So when you are wondering what Stanley will look like, think of those buildings and triple the amount of things to do and places to visit. The space is so huge it will also play host to some of the best art, food, music and cultural events (or “Happenings“) we all love to partake in as Coloradans; including CherryArts at The Stanley and 5280 Eats hosted by 5280 Magazine!

So, if you are looking for a fun and exciting environment to work in and have been waiting for an opportunity like The Stanley Marketplace to arrive, then come see us on Saturday, September 24th with your Sirvo resume printed and ready to go! With a place this popular, this is your chance to get your foot in the door. If you have any friends that you think would be interested in applying to work at The Stanley or are looking for a position in hospitality in general, share this blog post and tell them to head over to Sirvo and create their profile.

See you there! 

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Tips for Newly Hired and Promoted Restaurant Managers

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New managers can be so eager to be endorsed and make others happy that they often make common mistakes. From making changes too quickly to holding friends to a different standard… Use these tips to avoid new management woes and achieve success!

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Sirvo Says: Best Restaurants to Have Brunch in Denver

Sirvo Says: Best Restaurants to Have Brunch in Denver

by | Sep 12, 2016 | IndiNews

Who doesn’t love brunch? It has everything – friends, stories, drinks and, most importantly, delicious food! But choosing where to brunch… now that’s a different story. With an ever growing number of options in Denver, it can be a tough choice. So, we’re here to offer a little guidance with our list of top 10 brunch spots in the Mile Hight City.

 

1. Beast + Bottle

best brunch Denver

Are there really people out there who haven’t eaten here yet? Not only do they serve up one of the best dinner experiences in town, but their brunch menu is phenomenal. Chef Paul Reilly uses a combination of flavors that create an unforgettable experience. Our recommendation? The Pork Shoulder Tostada: charred tomatillo, queso panela & sunny eggs…yes please!

2. Snooze

best brunch Denver

This Colorado staple is an obvious choice on any brunch list, but Snooze is more than just a pretty face. The minute you walk in the door you are met with a smile from a staff that has been slinging eggs to multiples of people before you and your crew strolled in at 9 AM. Yes, the line is long-but many of the locations have games like Cornhole and complimentary coffee to keep you occupied and awake while you wait. If you can’t decide which Benny to eat, then choose the Benny Duo and combine your two favorites. Our duo would be the Chilaquiles and the Bella Bella.

3. Steuben’s

best brunch Denver

Did you already forget who helped (with others) create this whole food scene we are enjoying today? Many of our wonderful transplants may not know that Steuben’s has been offering some of the best brunch options for ten years now (Happy Anniversary Steubs!). With a revamped brunch list and a new location in Arvada, Steuben’s is as relevant as ever! Our choice? Simple, the Buttermilk Chicken & Waffles and a Ramos Gin Fizz while we wait.

4. OneFold

best brunch Denver

Yet another great Uptown brunch option! It’s not the largest of places, but it is well worth the wait. As cliche as it sounds we recommend the Breakfast Burrito. Seriously, it’s one of the best in town! An in-house handmade flour tortilla, choice of Tender Belly bacon or housemade breakfast sausage, green chili, eggs, duck fat fried potatoes & asadero cheese. Wash it down with a Sophisticate’s (local) Black Chai Latte.

5. Root Down

best brunch Denver

This Lo-Hi establishment was the first concept given to us by Justin Cucci and his wonderfully talented team at Edible Beats. With a focus on sustainability and using local growers and purveyors, you know you are getting the best/freshest ingredients. The Banana Bread French Toast will remain in your taste bud registry for months and lucky for us if we are ever traveling out of town we can justify heading to the airport early to visit their DIA location.

6. Lola

best brunch Denver

With plates like the Horchata Pancakes, Griddled Green Chile Bolillo or Smoked Mushroom Tamale, how can one not put this amazing establishment on a top ten brunch list? Chef/Owner Dave Query and his Big Red F Restaurant Group have been essential to the diverse scene we as eaters get to partake in. A trip to Lola for brunch is a great way to-Treat. Yo. Self.

7. Denver Biscuit Company

best brunch Denver

In 2009 Denver experienced a flavor explosion when Denver Biscuit Co. entered onto the scene. The concept can be a little to confusing, but basically Owner Drew Shader has created three concepts in one, Atomic Cowboy, Fat Sully’s and of course DBC. One of our favorite plates is the The Franklin, buttermilk fried chicken, Tender Belly bacon, and cheddar cheese smothered in sausage or vegetarian mushroom gravy. Delicious. Seriously.

8. Sassafras

Two locations, one in the Jefferson Park and one in Cap Hill, both serving some of the best Southern style food in Denver. Sassafras also has some of the best housemade Bloody Marys you’ll ever have, with eleven on the menu to choose from. Our favorite dish? The Chicken Fried Eggs with Buffalo Hash, local Buffalo smoked over Pecan wood, fried six-minute eggs (not a minute under or over), housemade cornbread & a Fresno Chile Hollandaise. YUM!

9. Linger

best brunch Denver

This list is definitely representing the classics in town, well there is a reason places like Linger stay consistently popular with Denver residents. Located in LoHi, with one of the best patios and ambiances in the state. Another Edible Beets concept and the second one on this list. Are we biased, yes we are, for delicious food that is prepared and served by one of the best staffs in Denver. The obvious choice on a Saturday morning is the Hangover Ramen, pork belly, soft boiled Shoyu egg, duck confit, mushrooms, sesame & Lots o’Condiments. Enjoy.

10. Revelry Kitchen

best brunch Denver

Top ten lists are so difficult, especially when the last restaurant on the list could very easily be at the top. This is one of the best new restaurants in town and you need to make it a top priority to check it out! Order the The Benny: rajas tamales, braised kale, guajillo hollandaise & pork chicharron. When should you go? Any day because they have brunch every day of the week!

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Sirvo Says: The 6 Most Unique Things To Do In Denver

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How To Create An Excellent Restaurant Menu

How To Create An Excellent Restaurant Menu

by | Aug 26, 2016 | Business Toolkit, Management

Lots of people remember a restaurant from their past or even in their present in which they enjoyed a neighborhood kind of aura, friendly, laid back with some of the best food on the planet. The food might have been a mix of your everyday sandwiches and a steak to die for, or the food could have been something a five-star chef would turn out. The menu was a typed list of the food and its description, every now and then paired with a wine or beer to complement the food. The ambiance might have drawn people to the restaurant initially, but the food kept them coming back for more. Times change, though, and menus reflect that change. If you need to know how to create a good restaurant menu, we have five tips that will help.

1. Create the goal of the menu

A menu should represent the personality of the restaurant. Your brand is at stake, here, and the diner will recognize this in the menu. Diners should be impressed with the presentation and be ready to recommend the restaurant to one and all. We know that’s a tall order, you should pardon the pun, but take a look at American restaurant Cracker Barrel’s menu: homestyle fixin’s, Grandpa’s Country Fried Breakfast, fancy fixin’s, wholesome fixin’s –  we’re sure you get the idea. The whole aura is homey, comforting and the food filling for a great price.

Tip: Your menu should be logical. Begin with appetizers, followed by entrees, perhaps fixin’s, desserts then drinks. Pictures help, but don’t overload the menu. Just a few pictures and a personality-indicating description will do just fine.

2. Do your homework

You’ll need to research how a successful establishment presents its menu. Check online as well as the brick and mortar store. Figure in your own financials, marketing and potential sales. Look up either online or in a library professional publications describing what’s new and selling wildly in certain areas. Additionally, you’ll need to decide your personality. Shall your establishment be a beanery, a classy joint or quick-natured?  What do you do well, and will it sell in your area? Compare pricing, too.

Tip: Balance your food costs by offering several dishes using one ingredient. For example, if you offer a burger, offer to top it with ingredients from other dishes such as lobster, shrimp, gourmet cheeses, specialty sauces like truffle aiola, and even bacon and eggs.

A menu should represent the personality of the restaurant. Your brand is at stake, here, and the diner will recognize this in the menu.

3. Come up with a design

The eye follows many things, among them light and color. Highlight your specialties or any new ideas you’re trying out. Keep it simple. Stick to one easy to read font. Don’t make the menu sixteen pages; this annoys diners, who must search for what they want. One or two nicely typewritten pages tell diners what is available with no fuss. Remember that if you laminate your menu, you can’t change it without going back to the printer. Plastic covers allow you to update or change menu items when needed. Having more than one menu isn’t expensive, and it makes things easier on diners when they don’t have to get past breakfast items to get to lunch or dinner items.

Tip: The color of your menu should reflect the personality of your restaurant. For example, reds and yellows would feel natural in a restaurant serving spicy dishes, while blues and silvers would better suit a seafood restaurant. Place pictures or a special label around specialties or new menu items. Offer a variety of prices to suit a variety of diners. Keep the descriptions short and sweet.

4. Avoid mistakes

We’ve all handled menus that were taller than we were, heavy ones we almost couldn’t lift and menus that presented too much color or pictures for us to take in. Mistakes you want to avoid include making your print too small to read, excluding English terms for foreign dishes, menus without daily specials or weekly specials, and using generic clip art from the Web to illustrate dishes that won’t look like the pictures when they arrive.

Tip: You only get one chance to make a good first impression. Ensure your menu presents your restaurant’s personality without all the hype.

Analyzing which dishes sell the best and which are slower in comparison to your competition should enter the pricing picture.

5. Price it right

Items like certain meats and cheeses tend to fluctuate in price, and we mean going up not down. Keeping this in mind, price your dishes competitively with other restaurants of your type. If the prices of your ingredients go up, cover it by raising prices by a dollar or two. Most diners won’t notice a slight rise in price, but they’ll know instantly if a six to ten dollar price increase will strain their budget. Not everyone can afford filet mignon, so offer dishes lower in price but just as tasty.

Tip: Examine your menu from a customer’s point of view. Taking pictures of the food will give you an idea if the dishes are worth what you’re charging. Analyzing which dishes sell the best and which are slower in comparison to your competition should also enter the pricing picture.

How your restaurant is perceived by diners begins with your menu. Making it attractive, fun and properly priced is essential to weather the changes happening in restaurants today. Want some menu design ideas? Head over to Envato or Graphic River to browse and download.

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Employee Turnover: Get Ready, It Happens — 5 Ways To Slow It Down

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If you own or manage a restaurant, according to the laws of averages, you should expect to replace almost three-quarters of your workers each year! However, you can cushion yourself against losses in productivity and profitability and reduce turnover by developing solutions based on the reasons restaurant turnover occurs.

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Sirvo Says: Where to Eat, Work & Live in Denver

Sirvo Says: Where to Eat, Work & Live in Denver

by | Aug 22, 2016 | IndiNews

Whether you’re a native or just moved here recently, you are already aware that Denver is one of the best places to live! We are a rapidly growing city with more and more places to eat, work and enjoy your life! So much so, that it’s often hard to keep up with all of these new areas of town on the rise.

One of the fastest growing industries to work in is the hospitality industry, which makes so much sense considering Coloradans love working at places where they can have fun, and that affords them time to explore this majestic state. Below is our list of some neighborhoods and places that we absolutely adore!

Where to eat, work & live in Denver!

RiNo (River North)

denver best places to eat and live

RiNo is an obvious choice to highlight first. This has been Denver’s hippest neighborhood on the rise for the last two years. It’s where we go when we want to feel apart of the “now” in Denver. There is also the most recent announcement of a new music festival ground! This neighborhood just keeps getting better and better!!!

Where to Eat or Work:

Acorn – One of the best restaurants in the city of Denver by Chef Steven Redzikowski and beverage extraordinaire Bryan Dayton. If you are interested in working at Acorn, check out their Sirvo page to see if they are hiring!

Americatus – RiNo’s premier neighborhood Italian eatery. Americatus may be hiring for open positions, check their Sirvo page here.

Comida – Mexican Street Food at it’s finest! Also located at The Source, Denver’s premier artisan food market. Comida is not only a great place to eat but would also be an amazing place to work.

Los Chingones – Two leveled neighborhood Mexican eatery by Chef Troy Guard. Go here to view all TAG Restaurant Group open positions.

Where to Live:

Cornerstone Apartments has two buildings in RiNo worth checking out, the newest is Link 35 coming in September!

LoHi (Lower Highlands)

denver best places to eat and live

LoHi is still one of the fastest growing neighborhoods/districts in Denver. While locals haven’t always been impressed with the “Lego” style architecture, it’s hard to deny the appeal to new and old Denver residents. This district is home to great food, art and events that seem to be happening all of the time! There is a reason that late on a Friday or Saturday night you see throngs of people walking back down 20th heading home. This is the place to be.

Where to Eat or Work:

Central Bistro & Bar – “Central Bistro is a contemporary American bistro with a focus on local, fresh, organic produce without the pretentious shenanigans.”  Wondering if Central Bistro & Bar are hiring? Check their Sirvo page!

LoHi Steakbar – A great neighborhood hangout with delicious food and drinks. View their Sirvo page if you’re interested in joining their team.

Lola Mexican Fish House – “With food inspired by the coastal regions of Mexico and a bar named one of the Top Five Places to Drink Tequila in North America is the spot for serious eats and crafted cocktails”. LoHi has a great food scene and Lola would be a great job with a fun staff, so look into joining the team on Sirvo!

Linger – Located in an old mortuary, Linger is a unique establishment and offers some of the best patio views in the city! Edible Beats is a great company to work for with a lot of great concepts, view Sirvo to become their next great hire. 

Where to Live:

Check out B Street LoHi or the Vallejo Street Apartments if you’re looking to find a hip place to live.  

Uptown

denver best places to eat and live

Though some might have forgotten, this is still one of the best neighborhoods in all of Denver. There are great brunch locations, shopping, coffee shops, restaurants, dive bars and all in walking distance of each other. One can spend an entire day roaming 17th Avenue and not be disappointed.

Where to Eat or Work:

Ace Eat and Serve – “Inspired by the comfort foods and shop houses of Southeast Asia, Ace Eat Serve combines Asian-inspired cuisine with an expansive indoor/outdoor bar, year-round patio, and Denver’s only dedicated Ping-Pong hall”. Check Sirvo to see if Ace is hiring.

Beast + Bottle – “A rustic American restaurant serving hand-crafted cocktails, eclectic wines and responsibly sourced cuisine for dinner and weekend brunch”. Interested in working at B+B? Check their Sirvo page!

Coperta – From the owners of Beast + Bottle, this uptown neighborhood Italian eatery is one of the hottest restaurants in town right now! New restaurants like Coperta are usually looking for fresh talent, view their open positions.

Masterpiece Deli – They are exactly who they say they are, a masterpiece. Look into possible job opportunities at one of the best places to work in town.

Steuben’s Food Service – Some of the best comfort food you will find in the entire state. Check out their Sirvo page for current open positions!

 Where to Live:

“Urban Apartment Living” is what Cornerstone Apartments offer, there are three locations located in the Uptown neighborhood worth looking into.

West Wash Park & SoBo

denver best places to eat and live

This area of town has always been a Denver resident favorite. It has everything you want in a neighborhood, shops, restaurants, bars and a happening nightlife! There is such a great energy about this neighborhood, it’s easy to see why it is so popular. There are bike paths all around, a quick hop to the light rail station and of course Wash Park (the most beautiful park in the city).

Where to Eat or Work:

Atticus – “Atticus is comfort food, good friends, warm hospitality, laughter, and libations”. This neighborhood joint is a popular destination for residents and would be a great place to work as well!

Beatrice & Woodsley – One of the most beautiful restaurants in Denver with some of the best food and service you will ever have. Getting a job here is an opportunity to say the least, head to their page on Sirvo.

Cho77 – SOBO’s and Denver’s best Asian street food neighborhood spot! Looking for a new job, check Cho77’s Sirvo listings.

The Rosedale – From the owners of Atticus and located next door, this is a great place with delicious wings and burgers. Go on Sirvo to see their job listings.

Sushi Den – A great destination to spend a wonderful evening with a group of friends or your significant other. We imagine working here is just as enjoyable as dining here would be!

Where to Live:

With almost 20 locations in this area to choose from, Cornerstone Apartments has plenty of options when deciding where to live in this thriving neighborhood!

 

Downtown

denver best places to eat and live

We understand for a lot of people downtown Denver is too hectic, loud and crowded but that is exactly why we love it! If you are new to town and you want to be where all the action is, then work, eat and live in the epicenter of it all. Denver is alive and has a nightlife that competes with any other similar city out there. We have five major sports teams with year-round schedules, constant events and a great food and beverage scene. The best part of living downtown is that in ten minutes you are on the highway and within another thirty minutes you are in the mountains on your way to hike your next 14’er!!!

Where to Eat or Work:

TAG – Chef Troy Guard describes this concept of his as “Continental Social Food” and represents his journey as a chef and restaurateur. Check Sirvo for possible open positions.  

Osteria Marco – Chef Frank Bonanno’s famed Denver Italian gathering place named after his youngest son. See what potential employment opportunities they might have here. 

JAX Fish House LoDo – “Jax Fish House LoDo has served FRESH and sustainable seafood to the masses that pack into this hot spot since 1996″. Go on Sirvo to see their latest job listings!

Snooze at Union Station – There are reason people wait in line to eat here, and it’s because it’s delicious. Snooze has a great reputation and is one of the most popular destinations to eat and work, head to their Sirvo page!

Where to Live:

If you are looking for a unique downtown location to live, Tamai Tower at Sakura Square.

Denver is on the rise and has been rapidly growing for the last couple of years. We have so much further to go, but we are on our way for sure! The rest of the country is looking to us as to how to take their own city to the next level. We have some of the best neighborhoods in the country to live with amazing options for leisure, dining and entertainment. We are the place to be right now!

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read more
Sirvo Says: The 6 Most Unique Things To Do In Denver

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Denver is a great place to visit but there are so many activities to choose from, so we wanted to put together a list of the most unique things to do in the Mile High City. From murder to money to sopapillas, read on the find out what topped our list!

read more