As Christmas fast approaches, getting everything prepared is vital for those working in the hospitality industry. We take a look at what restaurants and bars cannot be without during this festive period.

With mere weeks to go ‘til Christmas, the race is on to get your gifts bought and wrapped. But how do you know what to buy a chef for Christmas? With their expertise in catering, it’s easy to get it wrong. And that’s where we can help.

Using a Facebook poll and our specialist knowledge, we want to make sure that this year every chef gets the gift they really want. Well, apart from time off and a proper night’s sleep, which topped the poll. That we can’t promise...

Prawns are the seafood favourite. They’re healthy and readily available, making them the perfect fast food. In this recipe, we marinate the prawns in cumin and chilli powder which brings out the natural Piscose flavour of the prawns. Pair this with a light and crispy beer batter and you’ve got the perfect appetiser for your party. And with just a little preparation and even less cooking time, you’ll have these prawn-filled tacos on the table in no time.

Here at Nisbets, we scour the globe to bring you the very best catering equipment from the highest regarded, award-winning worldwide brands. From America to Europe, the chances are that chefs far and wide use products from at least one of these brands every day.

This full-bodied soup is perfect for people who like to cook from scratch. Slow-cooking the broth the day before it is needed will ensure maximum flavour without the use of artificial additives, and leave you with deliciously tender leftovers of shredded chicken.

The health conscious will be pleased to know that not only is chicken soup high in protein, but broths made from bones and joints help to repair cartilage and are full of minerals and anti-inflammatory properties to help boost the immune system. Any type of pasta will work in this recipe - try a whole grain variety for added fibre. It combines with the shredded chicken and meatballs to create a beautifully textured and filling soup. Garnished with fresh lemon juice and parsley before serving, this recipe is also a good source of Vitamin C, potassium, Vitamin K, iron and folate.

A warming soup brimming with vegetables, this recipe is perfect for utilising the leftovers in your crisper or for a quick meal that doesn’t skimp on nutrition. Chickpeas are a great source of protein and fibre, while the subtle but delicious leek offers everything from Vitamin K through to Omega-3 fatty acids. The nutmeg adds depth to the broth, bringing out the flavours of the vegetables and complementing the parsley garnish. Nutmeg is also known for it's ability to soothe and aid digestion, making this soup the perfect tonic for any patients at home.

For a well-rounded vegetarian or vegan meal, simply use vegetable stock in place of chicken or beef.

A recipe full of luxurious ingredients – yet so simple to prepare – this soup will please lovers of fine foods. Couscous, a fine, pasta-like North African staple, brings substance to the recipe without adding heaviness. Paprika and red and green capsicums – all members of the pepper family – combine with garlic and onion to make this metabolism-boosting soup full bodied in flavour, while saffron brings its trademark delicacy and distinctive colour.

The stars of this dish are the prawns, a universal favourite. A garnish of shaved almonds and fresh coriander adds to the expertly layered textures and flavours of this Moroccan-inspired dish. Quick and easy to prepare, this soup is ideal for impressing guests without the hassle of a complicated recipe.

A smooth, creamy broth and lean, tender meat makes this a luxuriously full-flavoured soup sure to please lovers of good food. The cream and butter nicely balance the leanness of the bay-leaf seasoned veal, and although they give the impression of decadence, they are much healthier foods than is widely realised.

Full-fat dairy does not contain the sugars or artificial additives commonly found in skimmed products, but does contain medium-chain fatty acids which are good for the metabolism and satiating hunger. The gently cooked cream is enhanced by the flavours and colours of fresh and sun-dried tomatoes, both rich in antioxidants.

Serve with fresh ciabatta and basil butter, a side perfect for complementing the flavours of the tomatoes and soaking up the rich broth. Serving six, this slow-cooked recipe is an apt choice for the entertaining home cook.

Herbs are not merely a garnish in this recipe – they take centre stage, and rightfully so. Dill, parsley and mint all take their green colour from the plant pigment chlorophyll, prized for its detoxifying, healing and appetite regulating benefits. Their delicate yet distinct flavours complement each other perfectly, offering a lighter take on traditional chicken soup recipes.

Low in carbohydrates but rich in protein and nutrients, Chicken and Green Herbs Soup is a lean and healthy meal. Total preparation and cooking time comes in at under an hour, making this soup a worthwhile addition to your home cooking repertoire. As the herbs are the stars of this recipe, ensure you are using fresh, high quality produce and olive oil to maximise flavour. 

An easy recipe which serves six people, Creamy Beetroot Soup is an excellent choice when entertaining dinner guests. Beetroots are a versatile vegetable that add a vibrant hue and earthy sweetness to any recipe. Beetroots take their bold colour from naturally occurring betalain pigments, which indicate the presence of powerful antioxidants.

Although quick to prepare and cook, the addition of cream lends the soup a smooth and indulgent texture. Lemon adds a refreshing zest to cut through the creaminess of the soup, as well as having antibacterial qualities and immune-boosting Vitamin C content. Replace the chicken stock with vegetable stock for a rich vegetarian recipe.

Ensure you’re careful in the kitchen while preparing this one – although natural, that purple pigment will not come out easily!

Popular in Indian cooking, today lentils are valued by health conscious cooks everywhere for their filling nature, low fat content and high levels of nutrients such as iron and fibre. The blended broth makes for a smooth base, contrasted nicely by the nutty flavour of the lentils.

For a delicious vegetarian alternative, try substituting the beef stock for vegetable stock. The sautéed mushrooms make a delightful garnish, but can be replaced with croutons, parsley, coriander or any suitable green leaves if desired. Simple to prepare and quick to cook, this recipe feeds four but can easily be scaled up to cater to a larger group.

Don’t underestimate this fuss-free recipe – it’s fast and family friendly, while still offering the nutritional benefits of home cooking. Skin-free chicken thighs add protein and a full flavour to the broth, while the tomatoes contribute potassium, essential for healthy whole-body functioning. The spaghetti brings the soup together, creating a hearty and filling meal. A simple way to make use of leftover chicken thighs and stock, or a quick recipe to cook from scratch, this tasty soup is perfect for those nights when you’re pressed for time in the kitchen. Fresh coriander to garnish adds another layer of flavour – substitute with parsley if preferred.

Sweet, nutty and spicy, this soup is a fusion of flavours perfect for home cooks who enjoy interesting combinations.

Artichokes are full of fibre and folic acid, and their flavour cuts nicely through the sweet nuttiness of the parsnip. Spices prolific in Indian cooking such as turmeric, cumin and coriander bring a wealth of flavour to the base, while metabolism-boosting Szechuan pepper adds a pleasant heat. Turmeric has become a favourite among health food enthusiasts in recent years thanks to its high curcumin content, a compound prized for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. The milk balances the intensity of the spices with surprising delicacy, while the garnish of sliced apple and chives adds a crisp zest to this wonderfully bold soup.

Tip: If you’re looking to cut down on preparation time, replace dried cannellini beans with thoroughly rinsed tinned ones.  

A lighter take on the popular cream of cauliflower soup, this simple recipe calls for few ingredients but remains full of flavour.

Although it is often assumed that pale foods offer little nutritional value, cauliflower is high in Vitamin C, known for its ability to strengthen the immune system and eye-sight. Seasonings of fragrant nutmeg, salt and pepper really bring this dish to life, so don’t be afraid to add extra to suit your tastes.

For a vegetarian or vegan option, simply replace the chicken stock with vegetable stock. If you’re after something a little more indulgent, try garnishing with a little sharp blue cheese, an excellent partner for cauliflower.

This humble soup is perfect for a quick, light meal. Taking five minutes to prepare and only fifteen minutes to cook, Easy Risoni Soup is a recipe that can be whipped up using ingredients you’ll likely have on hand in your kitchen. Browning the risoni – short-cut Italian pasta with a texture similar to rice – with butter and onion adds a delicious warmth and aroma to the dish. Brown onions are a healthy way of adding flavour to a recipe, and contain sulfur compounds which can lower cholesterol and promote heart health.

A simple meal and a pleasure to eat, this soup also makes an excellent base for leftover meats – serve with cooked shredded chicken or bite-sized lamb chunks for added flavour. 

A deliciously creamy carrot soup with a Thai twist, this recipe offers an interesting alternative to the Thai pumpkin soups which have become popular in recent years. Coconut milk is widely used in South East Asian cooking, and makes an excellent source of vitamins and medium-chain fatty acids. It lends a sweet nuttiness to recipes, while the ginger and cumin balance the richness of the carrot and coconut milk blend. Carrots are high in Vitamin C, hence their reputation for fortifying eye-sight to the point of enabling night vision. The moreish coriander makes a perfect for garnish for this Asian-inspired recipe.

For a filling vegan meal, substitute the chicken stock with vegetable stock. Quick to prepare and cook – make a day ahead to really bring out the flavours.

A deliciously refreshing twist on the classic tomato soup, this recipe will have your kitchen awash with aromas of mint and basil. The mint cuts nicely through the rich flavours of tomato and capsicum, while the inclusion of basil echoes the sensibilities of classic Italian recipes.

Red fruits and vegetables such as tomato and capsicum take their colour from lycopene, a pigment commonly found in the carotenoid family and valued for its free-radical fighting, anti-oxidant properties. The health benefits of lycopene include its ability to reduce bad cholesterol, lower blood pressure and even prevent some types of cancer.

Simple to prepare and quick to cook, this light yet intensely flavoursome soup is a great go-to no matter the season. Ensure you’re using fresh, high quality herbs to unlock to true potential of this dish.

There are so many different types of pots and pans that it can be hard to know which style of pan to use for each style of cooking. Whether you’re searing meat, boiling potatoes or cooking vegetables, there are a variety of pans that are suitable for the task. So which pots and pans should you use?

From gourmet burgers to ethnic cuisine, we’ve witnessed a street food boom in recent years. This new wave of on-the-go diners and food festival fanatics is opening up a potentially lucrative mobile catering market.

With a preparation time of just fifteen minutes and a cooking time of 35 minutes, this tasty Chinese chicken soup recipe is perfect for cooking up when you're short on time.

Any idea what you’re getting your dad for Father’s Day (September 4th)? If there’s still life left in last year’s bottle of aftershave it might be worthwhile creating something that leaves a lasting impression for all the right reasons.

Social media plays a prominent role in the marketing and perception of your business, whether you’re a small, independent cafe or large restaurant chain. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter are free to use, helping you to get your name out there without spending a dollar.

There's no drink which epitomises the essence of winter better than mulled wine and cider, with their nostalgic aroma, aromatic spices and warming aftertaste. 

Photo credit: insatiablemunch via VisualHunt / CC BY

As the season changes, your menu should too. Entice new customers and keep your regulars coming back for more with the spicy aromas and familiar tomato flavours of Chef Rick’s Spicy Seafood Stew.

Time is money in the hospitality industry, and the growing trend of table-turning is giving top-end restaurants the chance to maximise their profits. By squeezing in a second sitting at dinner, and allotting specific time slots, it’s possible to engineer your bookings and walk-ins so no table is left empty for long.

No-shows for bookings have a direct effect on a business’s takings for an evening if a table can’t be filled soon after – if you have a restaurant that seats 50 and a table of 5 don’t turn up, you’re looking at the possibility of losing 10% of your business for that evening if you have one sitting. If this is a regular occurrence, restaurants can quickly find themselves in trouble. One sitting per evening no longer generates enough profit for some businesses to thrive, and table-turning is a popular solution. But does this compromise your customer’s experience, and is it something worth doing?

Offering a balanced and reliable alcoholic drink in your bar and restaurant is a sure way to ensure a customer leaves satisfied. However broadening your drinks range beyond the standard selection can bring you business an added reputation amongst beer and ale enthusiasts on top of expanding your clientele.

Craft ale in particular has done nothing but soar in popularity in recent years with many world reputable craft ales that you should consider stocking. Looking closer to home however brings us to some of the most iconic, tried and tested ales that have proven their malts amongst the tastebuds of Australians nationwide. Below, we’ve listed five of the finest nationally brewed craft ales that you should stock in your bar:

As we approach the end of autumn, preparing for the winter months is essential to make sure you can keep seats filled and maintain healthy profits all year round. 

Nisbets have been closely involved with the Montrose project, the main focus of which is to create an accessible holiday home for people with physical disabilities and mobility impairment, of all ages.

Aussie Wine Month (May 2016) is the biggest annual consumer-focused celebration of all things red, white and rosé. The focus is firmly fixed on home-grown drops as they’re famous for their freshness, diversity and consistent quality. Get involved with Aussie Wine Month and incorporate your bestselling wine into your menu with Chef Rick’s recipe of the month.

Starting any new business is tricky, especially in the ever-expanding food service and hospitality industry. It's certainly not all about choosing a good restaurant name, although having a catchy brand certainly helps. Here's seven common restaurant opening misconceptions debunked!

Summer may be your busiest season, with sun soaked tourists seeking authentic Australian food to satisfy their adventurous side before heading back home, but winter is the perfect time to reinvent your menu to warm the bellies and hearts of all your customers, old and new.

Nothing quite beats the buzz of a busy kitchen in full flow and the satisfaction another successful service.  However, it goes without saying that reducing running costs or working more efficiently would benefit most pro kitchens. We've added over 300 of the very best kitchen machines from around the world to our range to help you speed up your service - take a look!

Grilled prawns are perfect for all sorts of occasions, and by spicing them up with this recipe, they’re sure to be a great crowd pleaser. Chef Rick says, “you can make these in rush, or for that extra burst of flavour, you can marinade over night.”

As the food year marches merrily onwards into April, we at Nisbets would like to focus on catering manufacturer Thor and their ever growing cast of gas appliances within our range. Now celebrating their fifteen year anniversary, professional manufacturers Thor are specialists at developing heavy duty gas powered fryers, griddles, char grills and ovens.

Balancing your offering to suit a variety of customers is great for pulling in punters, but offering something a little more off-the-wall can give your bar a reputation amongst beer nerds. So where do you start when choosing what beers to serve?

This isn’t steak as you know it. Chef Rick’s recipe of the month has taken a classic favourite and added a sassy rub to awaken your taste buds. The intensely rich and deep flavours of the coffee-rubbed steak are a mouthwatering alternative to the old salt and pepper seasoning. Chef Rick recommends grilling steak on the bone to bring out the best of the flavours, but any cut of meat will work with this recipe.

Café and restaurant names have always been influenced by evolving trends as much as any element of modern marketing. Although trends and fads will come and go, a suitable business name will endure the test of time and could also prove to be your most powerful branding tool.