Delicious Christmas Side Dishes to Elevate Your Holiday Feast

Christmas gatherings are  more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of togetherness, indulgence, and the magic of the season. It’s a time to gather loved ones around a beautifully set table, savour hearty, comforting flavours, and create memories that linger long after the plates are cleared.

While the main dish often takes center stage, let’s not forget the supporting cast. Side dishes may not be the star of the show, but they are the secret to a well-rounded, unforgettable feast. These accompaniments provide the perfect balance, bringing depth, texture, and flavor to every bite.

This year, make your side dishes the talk of the table with these three standout recipes. They’ll elevate your holiday spread and add that extra sparkle to your Christmas feast.

Duck Fat Roasted Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 1 kg potatoes (Maris Piper or Yukon Gold work best)

• 4 tbsp duck fat

• 2 garlic cloves, smashed

• Fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs

• Sea salt and black pepper

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).

2. Peel and chop the potatoes into even chunks. Parboil in salted water for 10 minutes. Drain and let steam dry.

3. Heat the duck fat in a roasting tray in the oven until hot.

4. Toss the potatoes in the hot fat, ensuring they’re evenly coated. Add garlic, rosemary, and thyme.

5. Roast for 45–50 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and crispy. Sprinkle with sea salt to serve.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Ingredients:

• 500g Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp balsamic glaze

• 50g pancetta or bacon lardons (optional)

• 1 tbsp honey

• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).

2. Toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.

3. Spread them on a baking sheet, adding pancetta if desired.

4. Roast for 20–25 minutes until tender and slightly charred.

5. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and honey, then toss to combine. Serve immediately.

Honey Roasted Parsnips

Ingredients:

• 500g parsnips, peeled and quartered lengthwise

• 3 tbsp honey

• 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional for a festive twist)

• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).

2. Mix the honey, olive oil, cinnamon, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

3. Toss the parsnips in the mixture until evenly coated.

4. Spread them on a baking tray in a single layer.

5. Roast for 30–35 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and caramelized.

These recipes might be sides, but they’ll steal some attention at your holiday table. Just like these dishes, Hosanna is here to be the perfect support for your main event. Whether it’s restaurant productions, bespoke catering, or consulting, we’ll ensure your hospitality business shines where it matters most.

Happy cooking, and Merry Christmas from all of us at Hosanna!

Surviving the Holiday Rush: Hospitality Tips for a Smooth Festive Season

The holiday season is a magical time filled with celebrations, family gatherings, and festive meals. For restaurants, however, it also marks the beginning of an incredibly busy period known as the Christmas rush. With customers eager to enjoy special meals with loved ones, restaurants must prepare for an influx of diners, all while maintaining high standards of service and quality. Here are essential strategies to help your restaurant thrive during this bustling time.

Planning Your Festive Menu

One of the most effective ways to attract diners during the holiday season is by creating a special festive menu. Start planning your offerings well in advance. Consider incorporating seasonal ingredients that evoke the flavours of Christmas while also showcasing your restaurant's unique style.

Offering a variety of dishes is crucial. Make sure to include options that cater to dietary restrictions, such as vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free choices. This inclusivity can broaden your customer base and ensure everyone feels welcome.

To ease the workload during peak times, consider outsourcing certain components of your menu, like sauces or sides. This approach allows your chefs to focus on the more intricate aspects of the dishes, ensuring consistency and quality even when the kitchen is buzzing with activity.

Optimising Your Staffing Schedule

The holiday rush can put a strain on your existing staff, making it essential to plan their schedules thoughtfully. Bringing in temporary staff can significantly ease the burden. These extra hands can assist both front-of-house and kitchen operations, ensuring that everything runs smoothly.

Training your team on the holiday menu and service expectations is paramount. A well-prepared staff will enhance customer satisfaction and streamline operations. Additionally, keeping morale high is essential during this demanding period. Consider hosting small team-building activities or celebrations to boost spirits and foster camaraderie among your staff.

Preparing for Increased Demand

With the holiday season comes the inevitability of increased demand. To meet this challenge head-on, preparation is key. One effective strategy is to implement a thorough mise en place, where all ingredients are prepped and organised ahead of time. This practice will enable your kitchen to operate efficiently during peak hours, allowing for quicker service without sacrificing quality.

Outsourcing some production tasks can also alleviate the pressure on your team. Partnering with a trusted production service, such as Hosanna, can provide you with prepped ingredients or even ready-made dishes, allowing your chefs to focus on the finishing touches and presentation.

Enhancing the Dining Experience

Creating a festive atmosphere can greatly enhance the dining experience, encouraging diners to return. Thoughtful decorations, warm lighting, and seasonal music can help set the tone. When customers feel the holiday spirit upon entering your restaurant, they’re more likely to enjoy their meal and share their experience with others.

Consider hosting themed events, such as Christmas Eve dinners or holiday brunches, to draw in guests looking for unique experiences. Engage with your customers through social media and in-house promotions, encouraging them to share their holiday dining experiences. This engagement can foster community and loyalty.

Managing Inventory Wisely

Effective inventory management becomes critical during the holiday season. As demand increases, it’s essential to anticipate which items will be popular and order supplies well in advance. Communicating with your suppliers can ensure timely deliveries and prevent any last-minute shortages that could disrupt service.

Throughout the season, it’s important to monitor your stock levels closely. This proactive approach allows you to adjust orders based on the pace of business, ensuring that you’re never caught off guard.

Taking Care of Your Team

Amidst the hustle and bustle, prioritising the well-being of both yourself and your staff is essential. Scheduling regular breaks allows your team to recharge, helping them maintain their energy levels during long shifts. A well-rested staff is not only more efficient but also better equipped to handle the pressures of the season.

Encouraging a healthy work-life balance is equally important. Urge your team to take time off to enjoy the holidays with their families and friends. A supportive work environment fosters loyalty and reduces burnout, ultimately benefiting your restaurant in the long run.

Embrace the Season!

The holiday season presents a fantastic opportunity for restaurants to shine. With careful planning and a proactive approach, your establishment can navigate the busy period with grace and success. By preparing in advance, optimising operations, and prioritising staff well-being, you can create memorable experiences for your diners.

At Hosanna, we understand the unique challenges restaurants face during the holiday rush. Our kitchen production services are designed to support you in delivering exceptional quality while allowing your team to focus on what they do best. Reach out to us today to discover how we can help you streamline your operations this Christmas season!

How to Streamline Your Restaurant’s Kitchen Operations with Outsourced Production

In the fast-paced world of restaurants, efficiency is everything. With labour shortages, rising costs, and the constant pressure to deliver exceptional food on time, restaurant owners are looking for smart solutions to streamline operations without sacrificing quality.

One increasingly popular solution? Outsourcing kitchen production!

If the term makes you think of compromise, think again. Outsourcing isn’t about cutting corners—it’s about optimising your kitchen’s workflow, reducing stress, and allowing your team to focus on what really matters: delivering an outstanding dining experience.

Let’s explore how outsourcing certain production tasks can transform your kitchen and keep your restaurant ahead of the competition.

Why Outsource?

Running a restaurant kitchen is like conducting an orchestra—every team member, ingredient, and tool has to work in harmony. But when the volume of orders increases, or your menu becomes more complex, it’s easy for things to fall out of sync. This is where outsourcing can make all the difference.

By outsourcing aspects of your kitchen production—whether it’s mise en place, sauces, ready meals, or prep work—you free up time and energy for your chefs to focus on the final touches that make a dish shine. Outsourcing allows you to:

• Save Time: No more hours spent on tedious prep work. Your team can dedicate more time to cooking and perfecting each plate.

• Reduce Waste: Working with an outsourced provider means you only receive exactly what you need, minimising waste and cutting costs.

• Ensure Consistency: Outsourced production provides uniform quality in your prep work, making it easier to deliver the same excellent dishes every time.

• Increase Efficiency: With prep done off-site, your kitchen can operate more smoothly, even during the busiest service hours.

What Can You Outsource?

Restaurants are often surprised by the range of production tasks that can be outsourced. Here are just a few examples of what you can offload to an expert partner:

• Stock, Sauces and Marinades: Preparing stock and sauces can be labour-intensive, and they need to be consistent in every dish. Outsourcing these means you’ll have perfect flavour every time, without tying up kitchen staff.

• Ready Meals: Catering to the growing demand for takeaway? You can outsource the production of pre-packed ready meals made to your specifications, delivered fresh daily.

• Baked Goods: Many restaurants rely on freshly baked bread or desserts. Rather than managing a bakery in-house, you can outsource these items and ensure the same high quality for each service.

How Outsourcing Benefits Your Team

Outsourcing isn’t just about cutting down on prep work; it’s also about improving the working environment for your chefs and kitchen staff. High-pressure kitchens often lead to burnout, especially when teams are stretched thin trying to manage every aspect of production. By outsourcing certain tasks, you relieve some of this burden, allowing your staff to focus on what they love: cooking, creating, and delivering an excellent dining experience.

When your team isn’t bogged down by hours of prep, they’re able to channel their energy into more creative, high-skill tasks—such as plating, innovation, and customer interaction. This not only boosts team morale but also improves staff retention, as chefs feel less overwhelmed and more valued.

Is Outsourcing Right for Your Restaurant?

While outsourcing can be a game-changer for many restaurants, it’s important to choose the right partner. You need a supplier who understands the unique needs of your business, can deliver consistently high-quality products, and offers the flexibility to scale with you. Outsourcing kitchen production isn’t just a way to save time—it’s a strategic move that can help your restaurant run more efficiently, reduce stress on your team, and deliver better quality meals to your customers. By partnering with a trusted supplier, you can focus on what truly sets your restaurant apart and stay competitive in London’s bustling dining scene.

At Hosanna, we specialise in restaurant production services, providing fresh, tailored kitchen production support to restaurants across London. Whether you need daily delivery of mise en place, sauces, ready meals, or salads, we’ve got you covered. Our team, led by Michelin-star chef Hervé Deville, ensures that everything is crafted with the same precision and care as if it were being made in-house.

Ready to take your kitchen to the next level? Get in touch with Hosanna to learn how we can help streamline your kitchen operations with high-quality, outsourced production!

How to Choose the Right Hospitality Supplier for Events

Planning an event is a significant undertaking, and selecting the right hospitality supplier is one of the most critical decisions you'll make. The right partner can elevate your event, ensuring it runs smoothly and leaves a lasting impression on your attendees. However, with so many options available, how do you choose the best one? Here, we explore the key factors to consider when selecting a hospitality supplier for your events.

1. Quality and Customization

The quality of food, beverages, and overall service directly impacts your event's success. High-quality offerings can impress your guests, while poor quality can do just the opposite. Additionally, events often have unique themes, dietary requirements, and preferences that need to be addressed. This is where customization comes into play.

What to Look For:

• Sample Menus: Request sample menus to gauge the quality of ingredients and creativity of dishes. 

• Customization Options: Look for a supplier who is flexible and willing to create a menu or service package tailored to your event’s specific needs. This might include vegan, gluten-free, or culturally specific dishes.

• Attention to Detail: Quality is not just about the food but also about the presentation, service style, and how well the supplier can integrate into your event’s overall theme and objectives.

2. Experience and Reliability

Experience brings with it the ability to anticipate challenges and manage them effectively. A seasoned supplier will have a proven track record of handling various types and sizes of events. Reliability ensures that everything will go according to plan, with no last-minute hiccups.

What to Look For:

• Past Projects: Ask for examples of  previous corporate events similar to yours. This will give you insight into their capability to deliver under different circumstances.

• Reputation: Research their reputation within the industry. Look for reviews, testimonials, and any recognitions they might have received.

• Reliability Indicators: Punctuality, clear communication, and consistent follow-through are signs of a reliable partner. During the vetting process, take note of how promptly and professionally they respond to your inquiries.

3. Flexibility and Responsiveness

Events are dynamic, and plans can change unexpectedly. Whether it's a sudden increase in guest numbers, a change in venue, or an unexpected dietary requirement, your supplier needs to be flexible and responsive.

What to Look For:

• Adaptability: Choose a supplier who can adapt to changes without compromising on quality or service.

• Communication: A responsive supplier will maintain open lines of communication and will be available to address concerns or modifications as they arise. Their ability to respond quickly can be a deciding factor in a fast-paced event environment.

4. Cost and Value

While it’s essential to stay within your budget, the cheapest option is not always the best. Instead, focus on the value you are getting for the price. A slightly higher upfront cost might be worth it for superior service, better quality, and fewer headaches.

What to Look For:

• Transparent Pricing: The supplier should offer clear, detailed pricing with no hidden fees. Understand exactly what’s included in the package and what might incur additional costs.

• Value-Added Services: Consider what additional value the supplier can bring to your event. This could include setup and breakdown services.

• Budget Flexibility: The right supplier will work with you to maximize your budget, offering creative solutions to meet your needs without compromising on quality.

Choosing the right hospitality supplier for your event requires careful consideration of quality, experience, flexibility, and cost. By focusing on these key factors, you can partner with a supplier who will not only meet but exceed your expectations, helping to create a successful and memorable event.

Remember, a great supplier is not just a vendor—they are a partner in your event's success. Take the time to vet potential suppliers thoroughly, and you’ll be well on your way to hosting an event that leaves a lasting impression on your guests.

Ready to find the perfect hospitality supplier for your next event? Let's connect and discuss how we can help bring your vision to life.

Supporting London's Hospitality Industry: Why Catering for Staff Food Has Never Been More Crucial

As London’s vibrant hospitality industry faces evolving challenges, the well-being of those who work tirelessly behind the scenes has never been more critical. From restaurants and hotels to deli bars and cafes, hospitality staff are the backbone of this sector, ensuring that every meal is delivered, every table is set, and every customer is satisfied. But who is looking after the needs of these dedicated workers?

Staff in the hospitality industry often work long, unpredictable hours. In many cases, they may have limited access to nutritious meals during shifts, which can affect their performance, health, and morale. The quality of staff food is an issue that is increasingly being recognized by forward-thinking businesses. Catering for staff needs, particularly in terms of meals, has become an essential component of a well-functioning hospitality operation, yet it remains an overlooked aspect of many businesses.

The Impact of Nutritious Staff Meals on Performance and Morale

Staff catering is more than just providing food; it’s about ensuring that employees are nourished, energized, and ready to perform at their best. Offering high-quality meals can make a tangible difference in the daily operations of a restaurant or hotel. With the physically demanding nature of hospitality work, proper nutrition can improve focus, reduce fatigue, and prevent burnout.

Furthermore, offering staff meals fosters a sense of belonging and appreciation. In a fast-paced environment, providing your team with good food can be a significant morale booster. When staff feel taken care of, they are more likely to deliver outstanding service to guests, creating a positive ripple effect throughout the business.

Meeting the Unique Challenges of London’s Hospitality Scene

London’s hospitality industry is currently navigating multiple pressures: from rising costs and supply chain issues to staff shortages and high turnover rates. These challenges make it even more crucial for businesses to prioritize the well-being of their team members. Staff catering offers a practical solution to one of these key concerns—ensuring your employees are fuelled and ready to tackle the demands of a busy shift.

By investing in the health and satisfaction of your staff, you’re investing in the long-term success of your business.

A Vital Part of Employee Retention

In a sector known for its high turnover rates, staff retention is a persistent challenge. Employees who feel valued are more likely to stay with their employers long-term, reducing recruitment and training costs. Providing healthy and convenient meals during shifts is a small but impactful way to show appreciation. It’s a gesture that can go a long way in creating a loyal, motivated team.

In these times of uncertainty and economic strain, looking after your team’s basic needs—like access to quality food—can make all the difference in building a supportive, productive work environment.

How We Can Help You Take Care of Your Team

At Hosanna, we understand the pressures facing the hospitality industry today. Our team is dedicated to supporting businesses by offering tailored staff catering solutions that ensure your employees are well-fed and energized. Led by Michelin Starred Chef Hervé Deville, we provide fresh, nutritious meals made to order, delivered directly to your establishment.

If you're ready to enhance your staff’s well-being and performance, get in touch with us today to learn how we can help!