Marketing

It's been a while. And that doesn't mean that I don't have lots to say.it's just that I don't have lots of time. The economy has been tough for everyone and the different ways we all are trying to market our restaurants, be it on a small level or a grand one, takes time and creativity. For some it even takes money. I have alot of creativity which I don't charge for and not alot of money.
We have been tossing out lots of ideas and events and I have also begun to do cooking classes/demos. These are things I don't have to pay for ( although most of the time we do pay for the food ). It's up to me to create the buzz and I had a summer of practice last year when I traveled around the U.S. cooking for KIA Motors. We started at Bloomingdale's Home Store a few months ago and went on to Sur le Table a few weeks ago. All the recipes we use have been tested and are or have been used in the restaurant. Hopefully people walk away from these demos and have learned something. And hopefully a few of these people come in to eat.
This next week we have the Wild and Crazy Taco Night for the SOS ( Share our Selves) and then Friday an event for SOS ( Share our Strength). Then in May we are cooking with Cathy Thomas and Alan Greeley for fun and to raise money for Culinary Action Direct. In June we go to Carpinteria for our annual Outstanding in the Field at Coleman Farms.
Where does this all get me. Well it raises money for people that need it, and it hopefully gets our name out there so people remember us, and it also enables me to enjoy the chance to work with my friends in the industry without the everyday pressures we feel these days.
The classes take me back to our inception, and the charity events take up valuable time but they all allow me the opportunity to connect with people who have common interests. Hopefully everyone has the chance to participate and hopefully those who can help others.
Thursday night is Korean Beef Tacos with Kimchi, Sesame seeds, Persian Cucumbers, Korean Style Chile Paste and Crispy Corn Tortillas.
Hope to see you There.