Zico: The New Gatorade?

I met a rep today for Zico, a drink consisting of 100 percent coconut water and said to more naturally hydrate you and replace electrolytes. My new friend is supposed to be furnishing some samples, but I’m assured that the elixir is a tasty and refreshing fix after a tough workout. It’s not available locally—yet. Look for it soon in local Whole Foods and Central Markets.

A Delicious White Pizza Just for Me

If you find yourself in the mood for a fancy pizza pie this weekend, stop into Coal Vines and check out the white special pizza. I tried it the other night and I was in a cheesy version of heaven. It’s thin crust with mozzarella, Parmesan and huge globs of ricotta, topped off with slices of fresh tomato and fresh garlic.  So yummy! Plus, it’s perfect if you’re like me and prefer your pizza without the red sauce. Friends say I’m weird, but I prefer to think of myself as quirky. Sidebar-It’s hard to find a good white pizza in this town. Oh well, happy eating!

Mustang Donuts Restores My Faith in Humanity

After a particularly rigorous track workout at Germany Park, I moseyed to Mustang Donuts to nullify the calories I had just burned. Since it had been awhile since I’d bought doughnuts there, I didn’t realize that they don’t take credit cards (all I had on me was my license and my debit card). The lady behind the counter insisted that I place my order anyway and said I could come back and pay later. Through a dropped jaw, I asked for five cake (three plain, one lemon iced, one blueberry), half a dozen doughnut holes (one of every flavor, including iced with sprinkles!), and coffee. She apologized to me for the inconvenience and said I didn’t even need to return today if I didn’t have time. I did, though, and I will. Not only was the service exceptional, but the doughnuts were really delicious—creamy frosting in just the right amount, and generous helpings of sprinkles. They were standout, for sure. And she spotted me two extra doughnut holes, so bonus points for that.

Anybody See John Tesar This Morning?

I had my TV on and I just plum forgot to walk into the other room. Any reports from his appearance on The Today Show?

Restaurant 101: The Necessities of a Good Accountant

Stow your laptops and fill your coffee mugs, today’s lesson in runing a restaurant requires a lot of attention. Even though it sounds like a “duh” subject, many restaurants that serve great food and present fine service fail because they got the wrong bean counter. Miss Amy? Go.

“Site selected - check. Permits approved - check. Menu written - check. Wait staff trained - check. Accountant hired - well, not yet. Whoops!”

Operations are, of course, the primary focus of a good restaurant, but being a good business person means taking care of the money, and hiring the right person to help you do it. Vendors and the Taxwoman hate not getting paid on time, and nothing gets around the restaurant community faster than the news that employee checks are bouncing. These events can drain funds, energy, and goodwill from a business. From the correct way to report tips and tax credits on your 1040, a good accountant can save a restaurateur big money. By working out the scope of your needs before opening, you can set your plan and stay in control of your finances throughout the harried, scary, wonderful first months of being open. (Jump for the best part.) (more…)