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Customer Service (the whole reason for getting into the Foodservice Industy) seems to be falling by the wayside. Servers seem to expect a tip regardless of how they take care of you. It's not right.

Hey Folks, For this week's Potluck Word of the Week we look at the classical definition of a popular "pate" like spread called Rillettes.

So, I have been on hiatus or boycot of the Food Network these past few months (refer to previous shows for the reason) and I finally saw a commercial for a show that looked promising. I watched it, and highly recommend  you all to watch it as well. It's called "Restaurant Stakeout" and it gives viewers the only real behind the scenes as to what the food service industry is all about.  Then, I waited to see what was coming on next, and it was the same old crap.  I never learn......

Using your BBQ to grill and cooking BBQ are two totally seperate things. There's nothing wrong at all with using your grill to cook burgers, dogs, chicken and steak. But real BBQ'ing is low and slow, smoked and requires some patience and experimenting.  I challenge you all to do something different with your BBQ. Play with it. Learn how to setup a regular bbq and turn it into a smoker. It is very simple, and once you try it, you will be hooked.  BBQ'ing is a great way to Play With Your Food. It is definitely worth the effort. If you care to share your bbq pictures, recipes etc. Please email them to peter@potluckcooksclub.com and I will post them for everyone to share. Until next time, Be Good, Be Healthy and Always, Always Play With Your Food!!

This Week's WOTW is a pretty important one, and it serves a lot of functions. From tenderizing meats, to injecting flavor. Marinading can make your less expensive cuts of protein that much better. All you need is some nice flavors and a little patience. For other tidbits of information like this, please visit www.potluckcooksclub.com

Geoduck, pronounced Goo-E-duck is a funny looking soft shelled clam that is native to the Pacific North Weet. It reaches upwards of 18" in length stemming from its 6" shell. Very peculiar looking. I wouldn't eat it. But it is very popular in Asian cooking. For other great tidbits of information like this, please visit www.potluckcooksclub.com

I don't know about you, but when it comes to improving my cognitive capabilities, my mood, memory and overall clarity, I'll take any advantage I can get. Here is a proven list of top 10 Brain Foods. Be sure to implement them into your diets!  Questions, comments or feedback ? Please email me directly at peter@potluckcooksclub.com  Be Good, Be Healthy and Keep Playing With Your Food !!

I'm often asked (mostly by people that don't like to cook) how could you cook for so many people ?  My answer is ofter that it is a labor of love. It has to be, because we don't get a lot of glory for our efforts. We develop a passion and take pride in what we do. This is an article I wrote over a year ago. Titled "For A Love of Food" I hope you enjoy. Peter

I always say to "Play with your food", but Molecular Gastronomists (and they hate that name) take it to a whole other level. I am not a fan of the practice, and I think it is just a gimmick for cooks that didn't do well in Culinary School. Feedback / Comments Please email me at peter@potluckcooksclub.com

The USDA is considering a new GMO Corn submitted my Mega Giant Monsanto. This time it contains elements of Agent Orange because the weeds its previous crops have produced are immune to any herbicides and have become Super Weeds. You have a chance to speak out against this proposal to the USDA at this Link: STOP AGENT ORANGE  Spread the Word, share this podcast with anyone you feel would also be opposed!!! Peter

This week's Potluck Word of the Week is Saccharin. The Aritificial Sweetener that adds more than sweetness to your baked goods and beverages. It also stirs up a controversy over possible Carcinogenic possibilities. For this and other interesting tidbits of info, please visit www.potluckcooksclub.com

Ok, so I know it's not the most exciting of topics, but it is an important one. Food allergies are nothing to take lightly. Symptoms can range from mild irritation to fatal. Because food allergies are such a huge subject, I'm breaking them down into a series of podcasts to be aired over a period of time. This is part 1 of a series of Food Allergy Shows: Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS). Find out what it is, what foods cause it and what symptoms are associated with it.

There are plenty of reasons to do Cooking Activities with your children. I've come up with a list of 10 as I am kicking off a "Kids CAN Cook Too!!" campaign. Both you, and they will reap the benefits. Hear my list and join the newest addition to the Potluck Cook's Club Newsletter Series here: www.potluckcooksclub.com/kidscook Also, in the opening of the show I mentioned "Mushroom Dust" your secret weapon for flavor enhancement. Terrific in soups, stews, sauces, gravies, rice dishes, potatoes, egg dishes and much more. You can not get your free sample here at www.potluckcooksclub.com/freesample I love your feedback, so if you have a suggestion, comment or just want to say hi, please send your emails to potluck@potluckcooksclub.com Keep Playing With Your Food !!! Peter

I've put together a must have collection for cooks, chefs, and kitchens alike. Tools to make your everyday cooking more efficient, safer and enjoyable. View the accompanying buying guide at www.potluckcooksclub.com/Tools.html