Gilroy, CA — Among the best-known garlic lore, its power to repel vampires is legendary. Following that line of thinking, Christopher Ranch Monviso California Heirloom Garlic becomes a failsafe ingredient for Halloween night specials. As Halloween falls on Wednesday this year, operators can capitalize on garlic’s popularity and its ability to ward off the “evil eye” to lure customers with enticing menus and ghoulish fun.*
To create an eerie theme night, simply use a little hocus pocus to change signature garlic dishes into Halloween specials. Take a cue from the Christopher Ranch recipe database: offer a vamp-ish take on Chef Kevin Gin’s Garlic Chip recipe (Vampire Chips) and his Bourbon Cranberry BBQ Sauce (Vampire BBQ Sauce). Chef Scott McGill’s Garlic-Chili Water becomes Vampire Garlic-Chili Water, an appropriately colorful (and tasty) dip for appetizers.
Visit the Christopher Ranch Website for these foodservice recipes and more, as well as information about the company and its line of foodservice products.
*Last year the National Restaurant Association (NRA) surveyed 1,116 American adults on October 20-23 about their plans around Halloween 2011. “One-fifth of consumers said they planned to use restaurant takeout or delivery on October 31, signaling to restaurant operators that Halloween specials and promotions around off-premise options might be a good idea," said Hudson Riehle, senior vice president of the Research and Knowledge Group for the NRA. In addition, NRA research shows that 16% of adults will go out to a restaurant or bar to celebrate Halloween—and younger adults (age 18-34) are more likely to do so than older adults. The most important factors in selecting a restaurant or bar for Halloween celebrations include:
- 32% — an establishment with happy hour or other pricing specials
- 22% — a restaurant that encourages Halloween costumes or competitions
- 16% — locations with activities for families and children
- 15% — location near activities, such as haunted houses
- 7% — Halloween-themed food and drink items and decorations
About Christopher Ranch LLC
As the nation’s largest domestic garlic grower/packer, Christopher Ranch has a 50-year tradition of supplying the finest garlic products to retail and foodservice customers, shipping over 60 million pounds each year. Christopher Ranch produces the only commercially grown Heirloom garlic in the United States.
Source: Christopher Ranch LLC