Check out the latest dining news from across Western Massachusetts and northern Connecticut.
The Massachusetts Restaurant Association will be holding its 2012 Stars of the Industry Gala on May 1 at Lombardo's Restaurant in Randolph.
An evening designed to recognize the critical role hourly staff plays in the restaurant industry, the Gala will present awards in 11 different categories, including "Bartender of the Year," "Bus Person of the Year," "Dishwasher of the Year," and others.
One of a very few events to offer recognition to those who truly make restaurant experiences enjoyable, the dinner will be hosted by noted Boston-based comedian Tony V.
Awards finalists were nominated earlier this year by the owners and operators of Massachusetts Restaurant Association member restaurants.
Two local hospitality industry workers are among the finalists -- Heather McCurry of Uno Chicago Grill in Springfield (Bartender of the year) and Martina Brown from the Hotel Northampton (Host/Cashier of the Year).
Tickets for the event are $85 per person and can be purchased by calling (508) 303-9905.
What's the fastest growing beverage category in the restaurant business these days?
Surprisingly enough, it's not smoothies, artisanal spirits, or low-calorie beer. It's plain tap water, a choice that the NPD Group, a consumer research firm that specializes in the food service industry, says now represents one out of every ten beverage orders placed by restaurant patrons. Total restaurant servings for all other beverage categories is down 6%, the NPD Group's report adds.
Certainly economic tough times can explain some of water's appeal -- after all, it's usually free. But other factors are probably to blame as well, since a decline in soft drink and beverage alcohol sales began well before the 2009 downturn hit.
Tap water is zero calorie and about as "sustainable" a beverage choice as can be found, two other factors often cited as explaining water's recent popularity.
Tap water's ascendancy isn't good news for restaurant operators, since beverages as a category are among an eatery's most profitably menu items.
A few restaurants are fighting back, specially filtering and even carbonating the tap water they serve before charging customers for this "value added" version.
The Munich Haus in Chicopee has two noteworthy events on its upcoming calendar.
On April 21, the restaurant will be hosting its final Wild Game Dinner of the year, with two seatings, one at 6 p.m. and a second at 6:30 p.m.
Served buffet style, the dinner will have as its centerpiece a "triple" carving station that will feature bear, venison, bison, boar, and more.
Wild game stew and ostrich Marsala will also be served, as will appropriate German-style accompaniments.
Tickets, which must be purchased in advance, are $45 per person.
On May 1 the Munich Haus will hold its first Lobster Fest of the season.
The menu for this feast features a 6- to 9-pound lobster, clam chowder, Caesar salad, and a homemade strawberry sundae.
The individual diner price is $90; two can split a lobster for $110. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Call (413) 594-8788 for details or to book seats for either event.
Lou and Leslie Ekus, who operate Holy Smokes BBQ Deli in Turners Falls, have announced that they've put their iconic barbecue operation up for sale.
Wishing to simplify their lives and not having the time to grow the business by exploiting a burgeoning demand for catered barbecue, the two instead are soliciting offers for an all-inclusive package that includes the business's leasehold, equipment, recipes, and goodwill.
Unless a serious buyer is located, the couple has announced they'll terminate retail deli operations at the close of business on Saturday, June 16.
Holy Smokes BBQ Deli, which is located on Avenue "A" in Turners Falls, answers at (413) 863-5426.
Declining demand for "kids' meals" is a source for concern in the quick-service restaurant business, according to a recent Chicago Tribune article.
The reason for the decline isn't clear, but the numbers are, with most burger chains reporting flat or falling sales of their various meal packs targeted at kids. Overall, visits to fast food restaurants that included a children's meal deal have fallen by about 5% over the last year.
Some point to concerns about childhood obesity as the culprit, while other industry analysts point out that it's often cheaper for parents to order items off the various "value" menus than to buy a "Kid's Meal."
Kid's meals have traditionally been an important promotion tool for fast food restaurants, and their apparent loss of appeal means marketing problems for the companies involved.
Max Downtown, the Hartford flagship location of the Max Restaurant Group, was recently reviewed by the prestigious New York Times. The restaurant earned a "Don't Miss" rating, with the reviewer expressing considerable appreciation for the restaurant bigger-than-life decor and "new American" menu.
Max Downtown, which is located at 185 Asylum Street, answers at (860) 552-2530.
The Max Restaurant Group, which operates Max's Tavern in Springfield, is also holding a Charles Krug Wine Dinner at Max Amore on April 25.
The Italian-themed, five-course dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m.; Max Amore is located on Glastonbury Boulevard in Clastonbury, CT Tickets are $75; the restaurant answers at (860) 659-2819.
Hugh Robert is a faculty member in Holyoke Community College's hospitality and culinary arts program and has over 35 years of restaurant and educational experience. Please send items of interest to Off the Menu at the Republican, P.O. Box 2350, Springfield, MA 01102; Robert can also be reached at OffTheMenuGuy@aol.com