Garlic Pepper Chicken Pizza The Best Gourmet Pizza

July 2nd, 2009


This delicious recipe makes a gourmet quality pizza that is much better than any you will find in a restaurant - even the most expensive restaurants. This delightful, flavorful pizza is not hard to prepare, and is a sure hit for any meal or special gathering.

Be sure to use fresh ingredients, and do not skimp on quality. Use the best you can find - the taste is definitely worth it!

1 package pizza crust mix
1/2 teaspoon coarsely crushed peppercorns
12 ounces boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
1/2 cup chopped red onion
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons water
2 teaspoons chicken soup base mix
1 1/2 teaspoon coarsely crushed garlic peppercorn blend
1 teaspoon garlic liquid spice
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/3 cup chopped green pepper
2 tablespoons sliced almonds

Make the pizza crust according to package directions. Add the 1/2 teaspoon of crushed peppercorns to the dry mix. Form and place in pizza pan to rise.

While the pizza crust is rising, combine the chicken and 1/4 cup of the chopped red onion along with the white wine vinegar, water, chicken soup base mix, crushed garlic peppercorn blend, and garlic liquid spice. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Let stand about ten minutes.

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet, and add the coated chicken pieces. Cook and stir until done, about three minutes.

Mix the cornstarch and water together and stir into the chicken mixture. Heat and stir until thickened and bubbly. Spoon this mixture evenly on top of the pizza crust. Sprinkle the top with mozzarella cheese, chopped green pepper, and the remaining 1/4 cup of chopped red onions.

Bake the pizza at 400 F for about twelve minutes. Sprinkle the sliced almonds on top, and bake about two minutes longer until the crust is golden brown.

Makes eight servings.

Nutritional Information, Per Serving:

190 calories
18 grams protein
13 grams carbohydrate
8 grams fat
3 grams saturated fat
36 mg cholesterol
220 mg sodium
0 grams dietary fiber

Preparation tips:

The crust will rise well in an oven with the door propped open slightly, so that the oven light is on. This provides just enough warmth to get a good result.

For the coarsely crushed peppercorns (second ingredient) - choose a blend of black, white, and green peppercorns for a delicious treat. While some folks may not be able to tell a difference in the flavor of different color peppercorns, there are subtle differences that will enhance the taste of the finished pizza.

The garlic liquid spice is usually available in gourmet food stores or online from gourmet food ingredient catalogs.

If you can find one, get an “air bake” type pizza pan. These do a great job browning the crust, and minimize the chance of the crust burning.
Eldon Beard is a Manager with Watkins Products. Enjoy the finest gourmet cooking extracts, spices, pepper blends, soup bases, and dessert mixes. Visit our Watkins Gourmet Foods

Eat Better Without Cooking

June 29th, 2009


Only nature can perform the complete life process - the transformation of inorganic substances from out of the earth into organic plants and their eventual consumption by animals and human beings. Unfortunately, “civilization” has, through many generations contributed to the development of today’s average man, whose vital chemistry frequently is denatured, deficient and unbalanced.

This “feat” modern man has accomplished to a large degree by overcooking the natural food elements in his diet and eating the denatured, devitalized results. This is something that is not to be found in lower creatures regardless of what one element they may eat, for they eat as nature provides.

The principal law of life, that LIFE SUSTAINS LIFE, whether in the vegetable or animal kingdom, is strictly adhered to in the following recipes. The first and most important requisite for good health is the correct use of vital foods.

Those few who know these truths about the urgent importance of correct eating and living are often considered to put it mildly, ODD. While people, in general, are pitifully uninformed where true knowledge is concerned, they are full of firmly implanted, erroneous conceptions that are tremendously difficult to dislodge from their minds, even when these conceptions are obviously distortions of fact.

For instance, we are told that there is nothing more nourishing, more complete as a food than milk. But the processes which the milk that we drink undergoes these days are completely overlooked. Whether pasteurized, homogenized, vitalized or what have you, the vital substances are wholly or partially destroyed. Although some organic chemicals are only partly affected, very few of them can still be used by the blood in its functions.

Pasteurization was perhaps imperative when hygienic conditions left much to be desired and the inspection of cows and their attendants was not legally enforced. In removing the danger of infection by germs and bacteria from raw milk, pasteurization destroyed its life and, by extension, that of all milk products: butter, cheese, cream, and ice cream. Therefore, to be a source of vitamins, milk should be consumed “certified raw”. It is made available to the public in many large cities and some small farm areas as “certified raw”.

The following are four appetizers which are full of wonderful vitamins and are truly health giving.

Fresh Tomato Juice

8 large fresh tomatoes, ripe
1 stalk celery
1 teaspoon coarse salt or sea salt
1 tablespoon onion
1/2 lime (or lemon), juiced

The vital vitamins and minerals, especially vitamins A, B, and C, abound in this drink. The water soluble quality of vitamin B makes this juice a valuable cache of important values. The A vitamin as a provitamin can be converted and stored in the body.

Cut up the tomatoes, mince celery and onion fine, and, along with the balance of ingredients, mix in an electric mixer. Chill.

Sauerkraut Juice

3 lb. head of cabbage
1 tablespoon coarse salt or sea salt
1 or 2 lemons, juiced

Low in calories, high in vitamin C and minerals. Keeps small blood vessels strong. Helps strengthen nervous systems. (Magnesium and iron.) Good source of vitamin C so beneficial for gums.

Grate the cabbage and combine with the salt and lemon juice. Place in earthenware jar and press down with a clean stone. Cover and let contents ferment for about two weeks. Use the juice for cocktails and the bulk for sauerkraut.

Fresh Sauerkraut With Fresh Tomato Juice

Chill sauerkraut juice, as made above, and blend with fresh tomato juice. Garnish with lemon or lime peel, as desired.

Fresh Cranberry Juice

6 cups fresh cranberries, crushed
1 cup honey
Dash of coarse salt
1 teaspoon lemon juice

A source of vitamins A and C. Rich in ascorbic acid. Strengthens small blood vessels, helps to heal bruises, prevent bleeding gums.

Crush the cranberries, or put into blender. Mix with honey. Dilute with water or orange juice to taste, and garnish with fresh peppermint leaves. Serve chilled or with ice.

These recipes are delicious and healthy.
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Bakers Rack A Must Have

June 27th, 2009


Have you got a cramped kitchen in your household? Do you want to give it a touch of style? Do you want to give your kitchen more room, decoration and functionality? If your answer is yes, then definitely, a baker’s rack is a good buy for you! A baker’s rack is a kitchen item that is becoming incresingly popular among different households. It is a rack that may contain wire hooks to hang utensils. It may have a shelf or two or more that may hold different items depending on your mood and desires. It may also have a wine rack. It can also provide a counter space that can be used for storage of other items or for food preparation.

1. Basic Considerations

- Consider the size of your kitchen
- Check the features
- Pick a style that suits you
- Buy only quality ones
- Properly assemble it
- Find a good spot for the rack

2. Size Of Your Kitchen

The size should be properly considered with the kitchen. It should not take too much space in your kitchen especially if you don’t have much space to sacrifice. There are small and simple baker’s racks that will be considerably affordable too. There are also big ones, the elephant type that you can get if you have a bigger kitchen and budget.

3. Choose The Best Features To Suit Your Needs

With the numerous designs that came out, you can also choose to buy baker’s rack that come with added features. Some would have a wine rack, storage area and spice drawers. Some also have adjustable shelves to accommodate larger items. This way you will not only maximize the space of the rack, you will also get the value out of your purchase.

4. Enhance The Style Of Your Kitchen

Choose one that will easily blend with the rest of your kitchen interiors. It is a good addition to your kitchen decoration. It would definitely add up to the ambience of your most favorite spot at home. Make sure that you consider the material of the rack. There are actually different looks to choose from. For an elegant style, go for the platinum ones with bronze finishes for your home. The racks that have exquisite details and curves will serve not only as a storage area but as a very good display as well. If you want a Mediterranean effect on your house, seek for those that give a warm effect. Get the ones that have soft curves and details on the legs. Make your home really feel more like home. The ideal colors are dark green or black. You can also give a more country or rustic feel to the rack. Add some teapots or fruits to the rack to give it a more relaxed touch. You can also opt to get those made of wooden materials. There are also baker’s racks for those who are into more formal designs or who want to have a modern theme. Buy one that is made of wrought iron, usually with black or silver metals. These often come with scroll designs.

5. Don’t Forget - Check Material Quality

This rack is a good finishing touch in your kitchen and can surely express your flair. Just make sure that you get one that will serve you and your family in the years ahead. Inquire on the materials from the manufacturer. Make sure that you get a good brand or buy from a trusted shop. You can also ask friends for recommendations. Buying online will broaden your choices in the design, but be sure you buy from reliable online sellers.

6. Commence Proper Assembly

Follow the instructions carefully when assembling the rack. If necessary, ask help of another if the size of the rack would require extra strength from you. Use only the proper tools. Make sure that everything is properly put together before using it.

7. What Items Can You Put On A Rack?

Baker’s racks are very helpful. Your new baker’s rack can contain a variety of kitchen wares and even non-kitchen stuff. Make it a serving area. They can hold the bulky appliances rarely used like pressure cookers or bread makers. They are also very good decorations for your kitchen. It can also hold house plants, your cookbooks, or even your answering machine. It can also be used as a buffet bar during party times!
For more great bakers rack related articles and resources check out http://www.findracks.com

Four Simple Principals For Controlling Weight Through Diet

June 25th, 2009


When it comes to diet, weight control is the number one concern for people choosing to actively modify their meals for the sake of changing how much they weigh. No matter what your weight control goals are, understanding how the body processes nourishment can help you meet your weight control goals. These four simple principals should help you take control of your diet and meet your weight control needs.

First, your diet must be high in quality. Consider this: The standard American diet is high in sugar, high in fat, high in salt, highly processed and low in nutrition. Regardless of your goals for weight control, a healthier diet, from whole, unprocessed foods, will improve your health by eliminating toxins and help your body make the most of the nourishment in the food you eat. Would you choose the lowest quality gasoline, filled with impurities and additives that damage your car? Why then would you choose equivalent foods and put them in your body?

Second, nourishment in your diet must be complete. The facts show that the level of essential nutrients in a “good diet” is far lower compared to measurements from just 20 years ago. Because of this, you need to choose high-quality, food-based supplements to ensure that your body has the micronutrients it needs to support correct cell function.

Third, for optimal health, the amount of nourishment you receive from your diet must be appropriate for your needs. The diet of some movie star is not necessarily right, or even safe, for you. If your weight control desire is to loose weight, you should reduce your calories and favor low-glycemic foods which take longer to digest and slow your insulin response.

Fourth, your diet must be balanced. On average, you should receive twenty percent of your daily calories from protein, thirty percent from fat and fifty percent from carbohydrates. However, if we remember the first principal, a meal with fat from fried appetizers and carbohydrates from simple starches and refined sugars in not a high quality source of nourishment. Your protein should come from high quality sources such as fish, legumes and beans. Fat should also come from fish, and legumes, as well as flax seed, avocados, extra virgin olive oil and other high quality fat sources. The carbohydrates should come from whole produce and as much of it as possible should be raw. It’s very unlikely that you will find any of these things in the drive through or from the frozen section of the grocery store. It might be time to buy a cook book or two and learn how to prepare simple meals from real ingredients.

If your weight control goals are for weight gain, the four principals still apply. You simply need more calories from your diet. Instead of increasing portion sizes, add one or more extra meals a day. There are limits to how much the body can process from a single meal so adding an extra meal or two will allow your body to make the most of your additional intake.

Everyone should be able to enjoy the foods we include in our diet. Weight control is simply a matter of adjusting the intake of calories compared to how much is being consumed through exercise and basal metabolism. By following these four simple principals we can enjoy better health and help our bodies achieve our own, individual healthy weight.
Dave Saunders is a professional lecturer, and certified nutritional educator. He enjoys creating interconnections through his writings and lectures to help others create context and see new discoveries and technologies in more a practical light. You can find out more about new discoveries in health and nutrition at www.glycoboy.com.

The Ten Minute Sommelier A Wine Guide

June 22nd, 2009


Of course, if your restaurant is serious about serving wine, you will want to have a wine expert on hand. This kind of expert is called a “sommelier”, which is French for wine steward. However, for the restaurant that wants to just keep a few bottles on the menu, a basic working knowledge of wine will be enough to get a grip on the subject.

Wine has enjoyed an explosion in popularity recently. Medical research has confirmed that not only is wine enjoyable to the senses, but it is good for the body as well. The newly-discovered health benefits of wine have led to a resurgence in its popularity.

But, of course, wine has always been popular with the serious gourmet. Wine fanciers are a pretty sophisticated lot, and wine knowledge is so intricate and esoteric that you’re almost guaranteed to find no end of things to learn about it. Get used to the idea that you will meet “wine snobs”, who hold their knowledge of wine to be some kind of distinguishing mark of their high class. If you’re catering to the wine elite, this article obviously won’t be for you. For the rest of us common folk, here’s just enough to know the basics.

Wine goes into two categories: red and white. These are also known as “mostly sweet” and “mostly dry”, or tart. Some exceptions exist so that some red wines are tart and some white wines are sweet, but they are rare. The general rule of thumb for serving with dishes is that white wines go with seafood and poultry and red wines go with everything else.

In the category of white wines, we have: Chardonnay, which is the most popular, being flexible with a wide range of flavors and usually dry and full-bodied. Sauvignon, which is sharp and dry, kind of like aged cheddar with a bite and a kick. Riesling, which is usually German, having the character of being light with some dryness. Finally, there is White Zinfandel, which is mildly sweet.

The other category is red wines, with the most popular kinds being: Cabernet, which is the most popular; it has a medium to bold taste, and is sometimes sweet. Merlot, which is deep in color and flavor and very, very full-bodied. Pinot Noir, which is a gamble, since it is expensive, hard to get fermented just right, but very tasty when it’s done right and hence held in wide esteem. And at last we have Red Zinfandel, which like its white cousin is also very sweet and light.

In addition to sorting wines with these breeds, there is also categories of wines designating their intended purpose. So there is the Aperitif, used for a before-meal appetizer; it is often flavored, and it includes Sherry and Madeira. Table Wine, which is served with the meal or as a stand-alone refreshment. Dessert Wine, which, as the name suggests, is very sweet and goes well with cake or cheese; these include the varieties of Port, Tokay, and also Sherry.

And finally, there are the other categories which fit alongside grape wines. Sparkling Wines are what we commonly call champagne. Of course, your chef will know about cooking wines which are meant to fry your flounder in and not for drinking, and are usually very salty or spicy. At last we have the category of “country wines”, which are made from something besides grapes; country wines can and are made from everything from apples to gooseberries, and may be separated into sub-categories just like grape wines.

The flavors and characteristics of wine have their own jargon. Wine grapes, without any additives at all, can encompass a huge array of character in taste and smell. Taste is usually described in many terms. They may be: Sweet, which will mean either sweet as in sugar, or sweet as in a vanilla or apple taste. Dry here means tart or tangy, with the alcohol content showing through.

Besides dry a wine can also be described as tart, like in citrus. Fruity wines can have an under-taste ranging from raspberries to bananas - and still contain just grapes! Jammy means it has a really full-bodied fruit taste - see Merlot for a good example. Spicy can mean one of the spice tastes such as black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, etc. Oaky means that it is subtly flavored by the oak barrels which fermented it, which is seen as a desirable feature in some wines. Last, an earthy taste is not like literal earth, but a very ripe, full taste.

Eventually as you deal in more wine, you will encounter a bad bottle. This happens in the finest establishments and vineyards, and is not to be taken personally. You usually cannot tell if a wine has gone wrong until you’ve opened it. The complicated business of fermenting wine leads to some mishaps involving matters of delicate chemistry.

The problems to watch for are these: Corked means the bottle’s cork has gotten moldy so that the wine will smell like a mildewed cardboard box. Buttery will mean that it has a taste like butter, which is caused by some complicated yeast chemistry; however in Chardonnay some butter flavor is encouraged on purpose.

Oxidized will simply mean the wine is flat, with very little taste except for the alcohol and acid. Finally, reduced means it has an overpowering musky or burnt odor, which comes from the wine not getting enough oxygen. These are not subtle errors. When wine is too bad to drink, you will know as soon as the bottle is opened; the smell should tell you right away. All of these problems are highly uncommon.

Alcohol content is evident from the flavor: the lighter the flavor, the lower the alcohol, and the fuller the flavor, the higher the alcohol. The color, however, is determined by tannins, which are the residues left from grape skins. So red wines are allowed to have contact with the grape skins while white wines have no exposure to them. Tannins also contribute to a wine’s longevity, so white wine ages faster, while red wines can be stored for much longer. ‘Bouquet’ is another word for aroma, and most of what applies to taste applies to aroma as well.

These are just the basics, probably most of what you need to know if your establishment keeps about five or six brands on hand for serving. If this is your set up, try to have one each of the more popular varieties. About six wines will be enough to handle most of a simple menu.
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6 Ways to Save Money When You Eat Out

June 19th, 2009


I admit it, I love to eat out! Unfortunately, eating out is an easy way to spend a lot of money and gain a ton of weight, which adversely affects your health. The FDA says Americans spend half their money on food in restaurants, but get only one-third of their calories from eating out. That shows you how much we’re spending when we eat out.

Obviously, the best way to save money on food is to eat at home. But if you must eat out, you can save a lot of money — and even eat less — if you follow a few helpful tips.

(1) One of the biggest profit centers for any restaurant is drinks. If it’s a big profit center for them, then it’s a big savings opportunity for you. Instead of ordering tea (one of the most profitable drinks), soft drinks, or alcohol, simply order water. It’s not as much fun, but it’s better for you (though unsweetened tea is great for you) and it will save a lot of money.

(2) Have you ever noticed how big the portions are these days? In an effort to make it look like you’re getting more for your money, restaurants have bulked up their offerings. It doesn’t add much to their expenses, but it sure brings in the profits. So to save money, simply ask for a to-go box right when the food arrives. Then cut your meal down the middle and stick half of it in the box and take it home. Not only will you eat less, but you’ll get two meals for the price of one.

(3) Another way to reduce your cost and portion size is to split a meal with your spouse. Many restaurants have caught onto this and now add a plate charge to your bill, but it’s a lot less than a meal.

(4) Appetizers and deserts are huge profit makers for restaurants. The only time you should order an appetizer is if it’s going to be your main course. And desert? It’s never good for the waistline, and it’s always bad for the budget. Though it can be a fun treat when you’re on a special date with your spouse, you should otherwise avoid it.

(5) If you have kids under 10 or 12 (depending on the restaurant), try to go out to eat on a “kids eat free” night. Or use coupons.

(6) Try to make it a business meal so you can write it off. You can write off only 50% of meals and entertainment, but it adds up over the year.

Many times you can combine two or more of these tips and save even more. For instance, eat out on a “kids eat free” night, take half your meal home, and order water. Now that’s a meal your wallet and your waistline will enjoy!
Steve Kroening writes for Success magazine and also publishes Wisdom’s Edge. You can get Biblical tips on health, finance, relationships, parenting, and success, delivered to your email inbox every week. Simply visit http://www.wisdomsedge.com and sign up for this free e-zine.

Do You Realize Chocolate Bars Have Been Around For Over Two Hundred Years

June 17th, 2009


I know of no one that has eaten chocolate and not just absolutely loved it. There are probably some exceptions, but I am not aware of them. This is especially true of chocolate bars which come in so many varieties these days there is surely something for everyone. When you consider that you can get chocolate bars with fruit, marshmallows, nuts, caramel and more there is hardly another confection that has so many diverse choices.

In the early 1800s the chocolate bar was introduced to the masses and by the early 1900s it exploded in popularity with worldwide appeal that continues to increase and has never slowed down. Many of the chocolate bars on the market now are still made with the same recipe as those of over 100 years ago. It is almost impossible to believe that until right after the Second World War these could be bought for only five cents.

Even though there is an almost endless variety of different types of chocolate bars manufactured now there are a handful of large companies that have a monopoly on the making and distribution of the confectionary delight. These larger companies are known for buying the smaller companies and then repackaging the products that they know are popular under their own name. The popularity of chocolate bars has led to some companies even adding protein to them to make them more attractive to the health conscious.

The chocolate bar that is probably most familiar to the majority of people is the Hershey’s chocolate bar which was brought to the market in the early 1900s by Milton Hershey of Pennsylvania. His recipe, though a closely guarded secret still consists of the process of choosing a dozen high quality beans which are then roasted depending on what type of bean it is. This process is followed by winnowing, grinding, conching, tempering, and then molding and packaging for shipment.

Due to the fact that some of the companies are in partnership with each other there are many of them that often use the same recipe to manufacture the chocolate with the only difference coming from the choice of cacao plant that they choose or from what area of the world they are in. Other companies have specific factories in different countries that handle certain aspects of the process.

Some of the needed substances that go into making a chocolate bar include cacao paste, cocoa butter, and sugar, as well as some optional ingredients such as vanilla, and lecithin. Regardless of the brand you go with you are sure to find a chocolate bar you will love.
Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about chocolate bars as well as french chocolates at http://www.frenchchocolatedelivery.com

A Filipinas Favorite Cuisine

June 14th, 2009


She may have lived for a decade or more in your country, adopted your food and eating habits and fallen in love with steak, pizzas, burgers, fries and international cuisines but these changes in her tastes could not erase her innate love and craving for native food from the Philippines. She may be influenced by the foreign culture, but she is still a Filipina at heart.

Filipinos love to eat and majority of them, even the ladies partake of a heavy breakfast very early in the morning. A complete breakfast is typically composed of steamed rice (the country’s staple food), fried fish with soy sauce, and an abundance of fruits.

Do not be surprised though if you see your Filipina girlfriend dipping pieces of pan de sal (salt bread) on her cup of coffee, drink the remaining coffee and eat a hearty breakfast a few minutes after. It is a common practice.

Philippine foods are delicious, creatively prepared and popular in other parts of the world. Among the all-time original favorite foods that Filipina ladies would not exchange for anything includes native chicken barbecue (popularly known as inasal), the adobo, which is stewed chicken, pork or beef fried to a golden brown, and relished with spices, the Kare-kareng Baka, (beef chunks and tripe stewed in a rich peanut butter sauce, native vegetables and served with bagoong ), Bulalo soup, (tender beef shank in tasty broth and served with native vegetables); tinola (fish soup with vegetables) and sinigang, a delicious hot soup made from pork, shrimp or fish; seafoods and an endless list of Filipino favorites that is distinctively Filipino in taste.

Not to be forgotten is the piniritong isda (fried fish) served with soy sauce, vinegar dip and pepper.

A Filipina is used to seeing food in abundance as Filipinos love to splurge especially during gatherings, fiestas or festivals, birthdays, anniversaries and even for no-occasion celebrations.

One thing she could not resist, especially if she comes from the provinces, is the lure of street food that is a part of the Filipino cuisine. When you visit the Philippines, you can see stalls in town or city sidewalks displaying all kinds of food like fried bananas, grilled chicken parts like intestines, gizzard and feet served on sticks.

Filipina ladies also have a weakness for “sweet bits”. Most popular especially during the hot summer months is the “halo-halo”, a mixture of different fruits topped with milk and a scoop of ice cream and grated ice. She also loves fruit juices, shakes, and native delicacies cooked Filipino style like the turon, a sweet crispy fried snack consisting of saba bananas coated in brown sugar, wrapped in springroll wrapper; the local puto rice cakes, bico (sweetened glutenous rice), suman (steamed glutenous rice wrapped in banana leaves) and other mouth-watering native delicacies which has been a part of a Filipina’s culinary upbringing.

Bet on it, when Filipina ladies get together, food is one of the inevitable topics.
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How Cooling Water Devices Work

June 12th, 2009


What are water coolers? They are quite simply, a device for cooling and dispensing drinking water. However, different types of coolers have evolved depending on various factors such as where to position it, whether it is for domestic or commercial use, and the differing quality of water required amongst other things.

In the 20th century, when the Western world professes to have perfectly drinkable tap water the question is asked, where did the idea of water coolers come from? The whole idea started during the 1920’s and 1930’s in America when the skyscraper building began. It was difficult in those days to pipe water to the upper floors so the unit with a bottle on top was the viable alternative and the issues of delivery, storing and carrying bottles was not so important as it solved a problem. Today, it is still an option for some companies, depending on their requirements.

In the latter part of the 20th century, advanced filter technology saw the introduction of the plumbed in unit with a carbon filter installed. This meant that the system could be plumbed into the main water supply in commercial buildings, negating the need for carrying heavy bottles, the risk of running out after demanding usage, not to mention the storage, which in major cities can be calculated in square footage. The unit incorporates a carbon filter, which is useful in that it removes approximately 10% of contaminants from the drinking water, namely chlorine and fluoride.

Now there is more advanced technology available and at a competitive price. The latest technology for commercial and domestic use giving the best quality drinking water is using the reverse osmosis process. The water coolers have installed in the unit, a reverse osmosis membrane that works alongside the carbon filter and a sediment filter, removing approximately 96% of contaminants from the municipal water supply.

As with any of the options, there are advantages and disadvantages but generally, the choice would be made depending on costs, maintenance, options for the building where the unit is to be installed and general feeling towards quality of water. Plumbed in water coolers is now the more popular choice for businesses as they involve less maintenance, are more cost effective and require less administration and storage. Companies refurbishing their offices now include the installation of them in their plans. This shows that their placement in the business environment is as essential as the positioning of the desks and computer stations.

The image of the water cooler became synonymous in the 1980’s with ‘cool’ advertising and was used as a prop in many Hollywood films. It was supposed to signify aspiration and affluence in a successful environment. In the present day, its image is synonymous with purity, hydration and health with advertising cashing in on images of snowcapped mountains, rivers running through fjords, clear blue skies and images of the sea with crashing waves on deserted beaches.

With health and hydration regularly featuring in the news, the business of water coolers is a growing one and as the marketing gets more creative and people demand better quality water, the industry will continue to grow.
Anna Stenning is an expert on water coolers and plans to by her own cooling unit. For more on water filtration and cooling units visit http://www.pure-eau.co.uk/

Your Guide to Discovering Hollywood Restaurants

June 10th, 2009


Hollywood is a popular tourist attraction, and Hollywood restaurants are popular with the steady influx of tourists who come to view celebrity homes, visit historic sites, and take photos of the landmark Hollywood sign. With so many to choose from, it can be hard to decide which restaurant to choose. This article will focus on some of the best takeout restaurants in the area. After a long day of site-seeing, or a long day of work, it as easy to fall into the pattern of ordering from the same take-out restaurants again and again. The good news is that there are many takeout restaurant options available.

If you are looking for a Thai restaurant in the Hollywood area, look no further than Pink Pepper. Since 1989, this moderately priced dining option has been serving traditional Thai food with a California twist. The menu includes a full assortment of salads, soups, appetizers, entrees, and desserts, and offers the option of takeout for those on the go. The Green Curry Fried Rice and the signature Pink Pepper Rolls are popular menu choices.

For a healthy, Vegan twist on traditional Thai and Chinese dishes, California Vegan serves dishes like Fried Soy Fish with Sweet Chili Sauce, and Pad Thai served with a choice of Tofu, Soy, Chicken, Soy Fish, Seitan, Pepper Steak, or Soy Shrimp. For dessert, Vegan Carrot Cake with Soy Ice Cream and other health conscious options provide an appealing alternative to regular restaurant fare.

Anyone who is in the mood for a traditional Italian dinner will want to try the cuisine offered by Vivoli Cafe, located at 7994 Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood. With authentic dishes like Zuppa di Mare, (soup with clams, mussels, calamari, salmon and shrimp in tomato broth) and Involitini di Melanzane (Eggplant filled with mozzarella and parmesan cheese, and tomato sauce) and a wide assortment of pizzas, it is easy to see why Vivoli is a local favorite.

For an authentic Italian breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Marcos Trattoria is also a popular Hollywood area choice. For breakfast, Marcos offers an assortment of egg dishes cooked to order, as well as Frittatas and Omelets. For bigger appetites, Gyorgys Breakfast, a three egg omelet with Roma tomatoes, mushrooms, and spinach served with diced potatoes and two Chocolate Chip pancakes with homemade strawberry topping is a customer favorite. Lunch and dinner options include an assortment of salads and appetizers, pizzas, pasta, and entrees.

These are just some of the many takeout dining options available in the Hollywood area.
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