From the Editors
Posted by estiator at 7 June, at 04 : 58 AM Print
Innovation, Perspiration, Determination
Chew on these three words: innovation, perspiration, determination. Those are three powerful words; words that, if chanted as a mantra, should conjure some powerful images. For most, those images are all tied to visions of success. Now digest their antonyms (or words that are their approximate opposites): repetition, inexertion, reluctance. These are powerful words as well, but the images they conjure are more likely to evoke a sense of failure.
In this issue of Estiator, we look at some examples reflected in the themes of innovation, perspiration, and determination. As the country turns the corner on a year of pandemic, we’re looking to get some wins in our respective columns!
For “Demetri Tsolakis Paints the Town Greek,” editor Constantine Kolitsas took a road trip to Boston to see what the buzz is all about regarding three exciting Greek concepts (Committee Ouzeri + Bar, Krasi Meze & Wine, and Greco Truly Greek). Kolitsas sat with Demetri Tsolakis, the owner and creative force behind each of those concepts, all of which represent some of the most innovative approaches to Greek cuisine in years.
In “Menu Options,” contributor Michael Kaminer explores the next generation of menu development, design, and creation, and how, in the COVID era, menu innovation is changing how restaurants serve customers.
And in this month’s “Managing for Success” column, Kolitsas ponders how to handle the vaccination issue with restaurant staff (to vax or not to vax?), and with the public (is it a question of public safety or personal liberty?).
As Bob Dylan insisted, the times they are-a changin’. Aside from new realities associated with COVID, restaurants are dealing with skyrocketing food prices, a tremendous labor shortage, shifts in dining habits (takeout is still strong, dining rooms are hit-and-miss), and myriad other concerns. And so, it’s not time to stick to the same old, same old (repetition), or to take it easy (inexertion), or to be reluctant or hesitant to take action. It’s time to innovate, to sweat it out through hard work, and to be determinedly strong in your desire to succeed. Our fathers in this industry did very well under worse conditions, so we’re confident that you will be able to overcome whatever challenges have come our way!
Sincerely,
The Editorial and Publishing Staff
