THE DUSK MEXICAN RESTAURANT
The opening of an authentic Mexican concept in the United Arab of Emirates. The Dusk is a Mexican concept with a unique and exquisite menu. Sunset cocktails perched at Dusk are an experience not to miss while experiencing the warmth of the Mexican flavors. Colorful, quirky and playful, Dusk is the perfect place to spend an evening with your friends. Innovative tapas of guacamole Ahumado, tacos or indulge in a refined tiradito selection.
THE DUSK KITCHEN LAYOUT
The opening of an authentic Mexican concept kitchen layout. The existing building was the offices. It was quite challenging to transform the offices into an industrial kitchen, especially with such a small space. A new and adjusted layout had to be implemented. Segregation sections are vital for achieving marc requirements.
Firstly two basic sections are needed, The hot section for preparing all the main courses and the hot dishes. Secondly, the Cold section to prepare all the cold dishes and ceviche… Crafting the menu is tricky since there is not enough space, I had to create a menu that doesn’t require a large mise en place. Always take into consideration, more space more efficient and creative menu.
Lastly, the stewarding area which most of the companies in general, doesn’t really take into consideration. The stewarding should be dived 3 sections, the pot wash, the service stencils and finally an area only for cleaning the glassware. There are various specification and challenges to make a professional kitchen. Not to forget the implementation of food safety…
As for the front of the house, we wanted to add more interaction between the chefs and the guests. Therefore, the Dusk kitchen has a wide open window so everyone can see the chefs making the specials.
Chefs don’t make magic! Equipment quality is important as any other segment in the restaurant. The supplier wants to upsell, so they push to sell their equipment even if not needed. It is important to meet various suppliers to get what is best for the culinary department and for the adequate price of course!
CHOOSING THE RIGHT PRODUCT
Marc and his team will choose the right products for the menu. Lots of suppliers are in the market but not all of them have the highest quality. It is very tricky to create the correct vendor list taking into consideration the quality and maintaining the cost at the same time.
It takes quite some time and requires great knowledge to explore the market product and pick the correct items. A detailed product list is vital for a restaurant. The vendor list should never be modified or changed without chef approval. Only the chef who has created the menu can find an alternative in case the supplier has stopped the product itself or the if chef has changed the menu.
THE DUSK CRAFTED DISHES
The opening of an authentic Mexican concept requires, studying the market carefully with precise research and market study. In Dusk, as you can see in the picture below are world known Mexican dishes with a unique touch, clean and elegant presentation.
Dusk involves south American Mexican focuses dishes, including Chef Marc signature dishes with a unique touch, clean and elegant presentation. Every dish tells a story, giving the guest memories from Mexico and South America… It’s not only about the food but also about the experience. For seafood lovers, I included some classic ceviche and the trendy tiradito’s. The menu is focused more on a wide variety of sharing dishes. Tacos with house-made masa, perfect for sharing and lots of others… But last not least, I’ve added a few live station dishes for a different experience. The smoked guacamole which is stunning and freshly made in front of the guest not forgetting the famous Cesar salad.
Detailed recipes are documented for every item so all the chef can make the same dishes with consistency. Most importantly, not forgetting the food cost…You can find many beautiful dishes on Marc’s website in the recipe section.
OUR CULINARY AMBASSADORS
The most descriptive of menus still require clarification from time to time. Your staff should be familiar with the menu. The best staff should be able to not only explain in details each dish but also provide suggestions, have knowledge of food allergies and answer guests questions with ease.
Prepping your staff with this knowledge may seem like a daunting task, but it can actually lend itself to some fun and easy memorization games during training. For example, the more experienced employees can quiz others on key items and their respective ingredients.
Challenge your new employees to take time memorizing and reading on their own as well, and in the event of a customer question, they cannot answer, ensure that they know who to ask at any given time in order to get an answer. I personally beleive, waiters should work in the kitchen for a few weeks which will help them be more familiar with the menu. Never forget that the front of the house staff is our food ambassadors!
LIVE TRAINING SESSION AND TASTING BEFORE THE OPENING
A live training session with chef Marc and tasting before the opening is vital. This is the part when all the team work together and understand more the procedure and challenges that they could occur during the opening. Marc will evaluate the staff on this day to ensure that all the staff comprehends properly the plating and operational standards. One month intensive training is required so all the kitchen staff is on track.
The most important aspect of the opening is to organize and prepare everything ahead of time.
IN CONCLUSION
The opening of an authentic Mexican concept is not an easy job, the recruitment process takes lots of focus and effort. Choosing the right kitchen team for every specialization is tricky. Selecting the plates and stencil always have to match with the concept and play a big role in making the dishes refined and well presented. Not forgetting seeking the proper chef tools as well. As you can see there is much research, market study and effort have to be done before the opening to achieve a well establishes restaurant… You want to explore more opening concept click on the link.