YumSugar

Have You Ever Changed Your Order Based on Price?

YumSugar — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 11:45:35 -0700

Several nights ago, I stopped by an organic restaurant to pick up some takeout for my guy. Although I didn't catch the price, I ordered the fish tacos - but when time came to sign the credit card bill, I recoiled at the amount - $20! I was slightly embarrassed, and hated to trouble the waitstaff who had to run into the kitchen to cancel the order, but the amount was far more than I was expecting to pay for tacos. Have you ever done something similar?

Do You Mind If a Fellow Diner Orders the Same Dish as You?

partysugar — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 11:45:18 -0700

Do You Ask Servers For Menu Recommendations?

YumSugar — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 11:45:45 -0700

Often, when I'm trying to decide between two dishes, I'll ask servers what they recommend. Sometimes they won't have an opinion, but often, servers are very knowledgeable about what the best items on the menu are. I rarely regret taking their advice. How about you?

Source

Starbucks Gets Skinny For the New Year

YumSugar — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 08:01:31 -0800

Starbucks recently announced their new "skinny" drink ordering system, it's a system that's been in place for years, only it didn't have a name before. If you'd like your drink to be sugar-free, with non-fat milk and without whip cream, you can now order it "skinny" instead of listing off the criteria. I'm glad to see that Starbucks is bringing it to people's attention, however not everyone is loving the name. In fact, one barista has even gone as far as to write a letter to the corporate office.

The unnamed barista's letter reads more like a manifesto, however she does have some good points. She believes that the new ordering system will be confusing, especially if a customer wants whip or wants whole milk. Personally I don't think it's that weird, that's like having a regular, but with no-whip or non-fat. She also thinks it's one more thing for the customers to get confused by. I'll have to agree on this one, I still can't figure out why the tall is the small. However her biggest pet peeve is that she thinks it's politically incorrect. She points out that they don't call the whole milk versions obese, and she thinks overweight customers and employees might be offended or weirded out by it.

So what do you think? Do you have an opinion about Starbucks' skinny ordering system? I don't have a problem with the name, although I do wonder just how "skinny" these skinny drinks really are.

Can't Pick Up The Phone, Order PIzza Online Instead

YumSugar — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 03:48:18 -0700

If calling for a pizza has ever seemed like too much work, then I've got good news for you. Pizza Hut has just announced that it's offering online ordering at just about all of their US locations. They're even allowing you to create a "pizza playlist" for both delivery and carry-out options. So, you ask, what exactly is a pizza playlist? It's a customized list that contains favorite pizza orders, this way you can re-order with just one click. If you find this news a bit bizarre, I should mention that Pizza Hut actually started online ordering in 1994. Oh and the best part is that you can actually order up to seven days in advance.

To find a Pizza Hut

Source: QSR Magazine

Do You Ever Order Food Online?

YumSugar — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 07:01:31 -0800

A lot of places are offering online ordering, and recently some of the folks at the Sugar HQ have taken to placing their lunch orders ahead of time. I haven't joined the bandwagon yet, but I was wondering, do you ever order online?

Source

Burning Question: At What Temperature Is a Turkey Cooked?

YumSugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:00:48 -0800

No matter what kind of turkey you'll be having this year, there's one question you'll need the answer to: What temperature does a turkey need to reach in order be considered "done"?

Until last year, the USDA recommended cooking turkey to an internal temperature of 180ºF. But based on the fact that bacteria threat salmonella cannot withstand temperatures of 160ºF after 30 seconds, the FDA now suggests a minimum internal temperature of 165ºF as measured by a food thermometer in the innermost part of the thigh and wing and the thickest part of the breast.

At what temperature do you consider your turkey done?

Got a burning question? Join the Burning Question group in the YumSugar Community! It's your place to post the most pressing questions about the culinary world.

Thanksgiving Tip: Save Takeout Containers For Leftovers

YumSugar — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 05:50:45 -0800

Since the vast majority of you love turkey day leftovers as much as the meal itself, I thought I'd share my favorite post-supper pointer for those who are hosting this year.

Any time you order takeout, delivery, or take home a doggy bag between now and Thanksgiving, be sure to hand wash and reserve some of the plastic takeout containers that you get from restaurants. That way, on Thanksgiving day, you can send your guests home happy with leftovers of their choice - and you won't be short any servingware.

Got any tips for Thanksgiving leftovers? Share them below!

What's Cooking at Slashfood

YumSugar — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 04:00:29 -0800

We love Slashfood so much that every Thursday we round up their most delicious stories. Here are this week's finds:

What does your brew choice say about your personality?
It's down to the final three on The Next Iron Chef.
Right now, Angostura bitters are in short supply.
The 10 catchiest - and cheesiest - food jingles of all time.
Why one server believes she doesn't need to write down orders.
The story behind the legendary Harvey Wallbanger.

Source: Flickr User AchimH

Monday's Leftovers: Lamb and Polenta "Lasagne"

YumSugar — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:00:42 -0800

With a little leftover ground lamb and even less time, you can make a layered lamb and polenta dish that rivals anything you could order at a restaurant.

The key to speedy success is to take smart shortcuts. Use already-stewed tomatoes, grated mozzarella, and ready-made polenta for easy layering.

Employ the oven for a final browning touch, and you'll have a dinner that can't be beat on the busiest night of the week. To see the recipe, keep reading.