Tabletop Performance Awards

Foodservice shows off its fashion sense with these trendy tabletops that set the tone for the style of service and menu items they will deliver to customers.

By the Editors -- Foodservice Equipment and Supplies, 10/1/2008

On the following pages FE&S recognizes excellence in strategic and functional application of permanentware tabletop design in five categories. These innovative and unique installations raise the bar in the application of chinaware, glassware, flatware and other accessories, by creating a seamless connection between the front of the house and menu items generated in the back of the house.

FE&S would like to thank Jody Birnbaum of JB Cater Consult Inc. and Wendy Pashman of The Entertaining Co. and everyone else who participated in the judging and submission processes for lending not only their time but also their expertise to this year's

Photos by Peter Renerts

competition.

First Place

Sweet Melissa's

Rocky River, Ohio

Category:

Independent Restaurant with a per-person check average less than $30

Specifiers: Keri Llewellyn, sales representative, and Anne Ladd, director of merchandising and tabletop products, TriMark S.S. Kemp, Cleveland; Matthew Ullom, owner, Sweet Melissa's

Winning Elements

Chinaware: Diversified Ceramics (Honey Gold bowls and mugs), Homer Laughlin (Time Square plates in indigo)

Flatware: Walco (Vogue)

Glassware: Libbey (Elan water bottle)

Accessories: Chef Specialties (Futura salt and pepper mill set), Diversified Ceramics (Honey Gold bean pot)

Why It Won: Our judges laud this tabletop for its unique use of color. “You don't normally think about blue for food but there's no real blue food so the menu items stand out,” they say. As a result, the innovative use of a cool color created a warmer tabletop. “It looks like you are eating in someone's living room. It's got a cozy feel to it and the food just goes together with it,” the judges add. The net result is a complete and unique tabletop with a rustic and organic look that makes good use of a variety of pieces in executing this menu.

First Place

Kobe Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar

Photos by James Hamilton, Imagri Studios. Photography direction

by Jill DiMarco, The Wasserstrom Company

Columbus, Ohio

Category:

Independent Restaurant with a per-person check average less than $30

Specifiers: Marcia Gibbons, regional account manager, The Wasserstrom Company, Columbus, Ohio; Melissa Greenwald, Top of the Table, Columbus, Ohio; Kobe Japanese Steakhouse owners Jason Chang, Allyson Chang, JoAnn Ly and Timothy Ly

Winning Elements

Chinaware: Front of the House (spiral custom platters, Kyoto square dish, Seattle mug), Anchor Hocking (Madison bowl)

Flatware: World Tableware (Zephyr forks, knives, teaspoons)

Glassware: Libbey (DOF, Embassy brandy, trumpet flute and iced-tea glasses, Catalina Pilsner and rocks/sherbet glasses, Poco Grande, Perception 9-oz. rocks glasses, Vina 16-oz. wine glasses)

Accessories: Front of the House (Metroweave copper placemat), Korin (Oribe Nagaashi sake bottle and cups), Libbey (Ashburton shakers, Gibraltar sugar packet holder)

Why It Won: The nice composition of this tabletop creates something that's very elegant and sleek. Our judges applaud the use of the logo plate, the chopstick packaging and the horizontal placement. In addition, our judges feel the entire tabletop keeps within the oriental theme very well and yet has its own uniqueness. And the accompanying items round out the installation.

First Place

Mayfield Sandridge Club (Casual Dining)

South Euclid, Ohio

Category:

Club/Resort

Specifiers: Jamie Swetlin, sales representative, and Anne Ladd, director of merchandising, TriMark S.S. Kemp, Cleveland; Tony Cosgrove, assistant general manager, Mayfield Sandridge Club

Winning Elements

Chinaware: Syracuse (Brookline)

Flatware: Oneida (Julliard)

Glassware: Cardinal (Cabernet)

Accessories: Orion (candle holders, spiral napkin rings and cruet sets), Cardinal (decanters), American Metalcraft (round metal and wire baskets, sugar packet holder), Cal (condiment straw holder and display riser)

Why It Won: The mix of the different decades and the china pieces gives this a nice eclectic feel, according to our judges. This collection of items is very appropriate for outdoor use and it seems like the installation will be very durable for this specific setting. The napkin ring on the napkin and placement of the collective unit on the glass base plate really present the tabletop setting well. Our judges also feel the wrought iron candle and sugar holders tie nicely to the chairs.

First Place

Cleveland Clinic and Foundation House

Cleveland

Category:

Catering/Banquet Facility

Specifiers: Jamie Swetlin, sales representative, and Anne Ladd, director of merchandising, TriMark S.S. Kemp, Cleveland; James Perko, C.E.C., A.A.C., administrative executive chef, and Ron Popa, general manager, Cleveland Clinic Foundation House

Winning Elements

Chinaware: Royal Doulton (Fusion)

Flatware: World Tableware (Baroque)

Glassware: Schott Zwiesel (Can Can)

Accessories: Brown Halco (acrylic wine chiller – clear)

Why It Won: This facility projects such a refined atmosphere that is elegant, understated, classic and traditional, according to our judges. Supporting that atmosphere is a tabletop that includes cut-crystal glassware and accessory items such as salt and pepper shakers, creamer and the vase. All of these items unite to create a simple, elegant tabletop. The rimmed china works well here and the food looks good on it. The heavy cutlery fits the application.

First Place

The Boelter Company

Waukesha, Wis.

Category:

On-Site Foodservice

Specifier: Dianna Dean, table setting specialist, The Boelter Company, Waukesha, Wis.

Winning Elements

Chinaware: Royal Doulton (Fusion Embossed)

Flatware: Steelite (Eclipse)

Glassware: Steelite Optima

Accessories: American Metalcraft (SPDX55 salt and pepper shaker), Chelewich (placemat engineered square 14 19), Candle Corp. (Votive Holder – clear)

Why It Won: This cohesive, streamlined tabletop works well with its surroundings, according to our judges. They also give this setup high marks for napkin placement between top and base plate, which saves the plates from rubbing together. This setup represents a good use of accessories, such as salt and pepper shakers. The style is more retail or home-style than foodservice, which also sets it apart. It's very minimalist,

Photos by Amy Kunz, marketing/graphics specialist, The Boelter Companies

which allows the food to be the star.

First Place

Dish @ Universal

San Diego

Category:

Independent Restaurant with a per-person check average more than $30

Specifiers: Sharon Kimberlin, national accounts specialist, Joe McDonald, district sales manager, and Evan Furman, regional sales manager, Edward Don & Co., Mira Loma, Calif.; Antonio Friscia, chef, Dish @ Universal; Jeffrey Heaney, president, Bauscher USA; Mark Micallef, Lund-Iorio

Winning Elements

Chinaware: Bausher (Compliments and Modulas plates and dishes, Come4table cloche and bowls, Options soup cup, Options cups and saucers, Maire charger, decorated ramekins), Orion Trading (Serena petite square bread and butter plate)

Flatware: Royal (forks, knives, teaspoons, dessert spoons)

Glassware: Riedel & Libbey (Riesling and Syrah wine glasses, stemless goblet)

Accessories: Vic (Fifth Orange pepper and salt mills), Chilewich (Charcoal placemats), Hepp (insulated water pitchers and coffeepots), Villeroy & Boch (Revol créme brulee), Orion (Trading spot bowl, red glass), Front of the House (bread basket copper link), Impulse (Enterprises votive)

Why It Won: This tabletop represents a good use of color, which also coordinates with other restaurant aspects such as chairs, walls, etc., the judges say. The color connecting with other elements of the room, makes it the liveliest space in the facility: the kitchen. The use of green ties together this operator's efforts in the area of sustainability.

Photos by Sharon Kimberlin

Overall, our judges feel this tabletop is really well-thought-out, noting that the flatware goes extremely well with the china and other items and the green and brown colors together to give the installation an earthy feel.

Honorable Mention

Canal

Scottsdale, Ariz.

Category:

Independent Restaurant with a per-person check average less than $30

Specifiers: Becki Pretzer, regional account manager, The Wasserstrom Company, Columbus, Ohio; Justin Beckett, executive chef, Canal

Winning Elements

Chinaware: Bauscher (Options rectangular and round plates), Kahla (rectangular platter, dinner plates, soup bowls and plates, bowls with handles, bread and butter plates), Front of the House (Ellipse coffee and espresso cups and saucers)

Flatware: Hepp (Accent table forks, dessert forks, fish fork, table knives, steak knives, tablespoons, dessert spoons, coffee spoons, demitasse spoons)

Photos by James Hamilton, Imagri Studios, Photogaraphy direction by Jill DiMarco, the Wasserstrom Company

Glassware: Cardinal (Cabernet and Port wine glasses, Excaliber martini glasses), Libbey (rocks and water glasses)

Accessories: Hepp (3 Tier SS Plate Stand), Front of the House (Mirror rectangle sugar packet holder), Tablecraft (stainless-steel vase), American Metalcraft (ceramic salt and pepper shakers, slanted stainless-steel water pitcher), Riverside Design (rectangle plate – check presenter)

Second Helpings: Our judges feel the actual wood top of the table is quite spectacular. They also like the use of all the different shapes among the many different pieces and feel the food fits well with the china. The three-tier stand adds a traditional and functional element to a very modern setting and the use of a bowl plate allows for composition of the meal with the benefit of using a bowl.

Honorable Mention

Down City at 50 Weybosset

Providence, R.I.

Category:

Independent Restaurant with a per-person check average more than $30

Specifiers: Harold Carle, sales representative, TriMarkUnited East, South Attleboro, Mass.; Abby Cabral, owner, Down City @ 50 Weybosset

Winning Elements

Chinaware: Syracuse (Reflections) and American Metalcraft (SQVL712 Prestige)

Flatware: Cardinal (Nuovo)

Glassware: Libbey (Endeavor, Diamond Vina, Super Globe and Luigi Bormioli Esperienze)

Accessories: Libbey (Summit salt and pepper shakers), Risch (customized bistro cover), American Metalcraft (WCW48 Go-Go Basket), Spirit (160 giant neon orange straw), and Marko by Carlisle (1703 170 Momie Duralast black cloth-weave linen napkins)

Second Helpings: Our judges laud the horizontal placemat and the way it matches the silverware set above it. This becomes a very dimensional setup with the cone, the salt and pepper and other elements providing different vertical levels. The tableware really blends into the environment, our judges add. The very unique salt and pepper shakers also draw positive reviews. In addition, the judges feel the lines of the cutlery seemingly match the operator's logo. They feel the use of items like the orange straws gives thesettings a nice finishing touch.

Honorable Mention

Duquesne University Red Ring Restaurant

Pittsburgh

Category:

Independent Restaurant with a per-person check average less than $30

Specifiers: Mike Dawson, senior account representative, TriMark S.S. Kemp Innovative Solutions Group, Cleveland; Jerry Mullen, resident district manager, Duquesne University

Winning Elements

Chinaware: Steelite (Distinction, Simplicity Carnival), Oneida (Triangle)

Photos by Allison Waltz

Flatware: Steelite (Deluxe)

Glassware: GET (Custom-decorated Tahiti tumbler), Steelite (wine glass, Rona pattern), Libbey (Vina martini glass, Inverness rocks glass)

Accessories: Cardinal (Irish coffee mug), Carlisle (Elan water pitcher), American Metalcraft (solid stainless bowls), Tablecraft (Versa)

Second Helpings: Our judges describe this tabletop as “bright and happy and whimsical.” They feel the tabletop fits the room's general décor well and picks up the various colors.

Honorable Mention

The Hershey Lodge and Convention Center

Hershey, Pa.

Category:

Catering/Banquet Facility

Specifiers: Rick Snyder, account manager, Singer Equipment Co., Elverson, Pa.; Anuara Dewapura, F&B director, and William Leidholm, general manager, Hershey Lodge and Convention Center; KIS Tabletop – Philadelphia

Winning Elements

Chinaware: Villeroy & Boch (Adrianna)

Flatware: World Tableware (Baroque)

Glassware: Impulse

Accessories: Frette Linens (napkins), Snap Drape (table cover)

Second Helpings: Our judges really like this setting's glassware, adding, “It just makes you want to drink out of it.” (While very timely now, the judges did wonder if the orange glasses would get dated quickly.) A good use of color in the accessory items ties everything together. Flatware is a nice match with the china and blends into the setting instead of competing with other items. A napkin ring that matches the glassware base would have added extra punch to this tabletop.

Honorable Mention

Chaifetz Arena Lorentzi's

St. Louis

Category:

Independent Restaurant with a per-person check average more than $30

Specifiers: Donna Jones, sales representative, and Christy Schlafly, president, Ford Hotel Supply, St. Louis; Fr. Lawrence Biondi, S.J., president, Chaifetz Arena Lorentzi's

Winning Elements

Chinaware: Homer Laughlin (custom plates, bread and butter plates, tea cups, saucer, bouillon cups, rim soup bowls, creamers, sugar packet holders, salt and pepper shakers)

Flatware: Cardinal (Vendi forks, knives, teaspoons, dessert spoons, butter spreaders)

Glassware: Libbey (Atelier wine glasses), Cardinal (Cabernet water goblet)

Second Helpings: The blue in the linen and ceramic tie together nicely on this award-winning tabletop. Our judges like the unique glassware, specifically the use of an almost Pilsner-style water glass. The judges also like the good use of the logo base plate and feel that the bands on the

Photos by Sam Fentress

coffee cup and china go together well.

Honorable Mention

Manasquan River Golf Club

Brielle, N.J.

Category:

Club/Resort

Specifiers: Cliff Baker, Singer Equipment Co., Elverson, Pa.; Mike Butler, Royal Doulton Hospitality; Michael R. Zusack, CCM, general manager and chief operating officer, Daniel Palsi, executive chef, Ryan Brennan, clubhouse manager, Annie Moynihan, banquet manager, Tim Doyle, assistant food and beverage director, and Jared Mozak, dining room manager, Manasquan River Golf Club

Photos by Brenda Frezeman,
marketing manager, Singer Equipment Co.

Winning Elements

Chinaware: Royal Doulton (Isabella)

Flatware: Royal Doulton (Picasso)

Glassware: Libbey (Vina)

Second Helpings: The specifiers have carried their look through to every piece, according to our judges. This setting has all the elements they need. It's a formal look and formal place setting and that's what they are trying to accomplish. The terra cotta base on the centerpiece did not work as well as the other pieces. In contrast, the traditional tablecloth and china coordinate well together. All in all, our judges feel this setting fits the traditional or classic club setting very well.