Should Restaurants bother with twitter

This question came about while I was talking to one of our clients last week. We were meeting to discuss the realtimeseating late availability texting service we provide to them and during the course of the conversation I happened to mention twitter, at which point my client said he could not be bothered with it?

 

When I asked him why he thought this, he simply said that twitter was just a fad and of no value to any business. I then tried to explain to him that twitter is about engaging and building up relationships with your customers and potential customers, other restaurants and restaurateurs, foodies, local people and local area “advocates”, raising your profile and building a network of people interested in what you do and monitoring what is being said about your restaurant. (a perfect example below)

“@realtimeseating: White Brasserie (Kings Arms) in #Teddington . Last night good food and ambience but deplorable service.

His argument was that twitter was a waste of time and time cost money.

Having worked with this particular client for two months and knowing that to him the proof is in the pudding, I simply said that I was going to tweet that afternoon asking local people and local area “advocates” what their favourite restaurant was in the area (in this case Teddington) and would let him know what the result was.

He could not believe when I called him within 24 hours with the following results:

13 replies –all local people

12 different restaurants (his restaurant was named twice)

A total of 3,067 followers between the people that replied (a potential 3,000 fold exposure of his restaurant and 11 other restaurants mentioned)

 

So his setting up his twitter account as I write this …..

 

[Just this morning we received a reply suggesting a restaurant and the person has 100 followers so the exposure for that restaurant has just increased potentially 100 fold]

 

For those that are interested, below is the list tweeted to us of people's (peeps) local favourite restaurant in Teddington:

 

1.    Retro

2.    Scarpetta

3.    Prem

4.    Simply Thai

5.    Red Peppers

6.    Bloated Mallard

7.    The Wharf

8.    Tide End Cottage Pub

9.    Al Borgo

10.    White Brasserie

11.    Shambles

12.    Diners Delight

 

14/12/2010 permalink | 0 Comments »

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FESTIVAL BRAZIL

As a Brazilian I often come across stereotypical comments about my country; Football, Samba, Beautiful Women and Carnival are the words most associated with Brazil. However from time to time Brazilians take over a little part of the world and show their complexity, creativity and passion as individuals and an emerging country.

I see myself standing in the middle of a crowd at the Royal Festival Hall during Festival Brazil; counting my steps and looking attentively to the instructor on stage while she tries to teach ,a group of enthusiasts, the first steps into a Samba routine. 5 minutes into my shameful attempt at samba dance and I am sweating, as if I was under Rio`s 40 degrees; I stop to take a breath and can`t help but notice that there are over 100 people uncontrollably shaking their bodies to the intoxicating rhythm of the live performance of Paraiso School of Samba. I feel my eyes filling up with water and my heart with pride, but I am not quite sure if the tears are a mix of emotion or just the pain on my tights. No wonder "cariocas" have an amazing body - What a work out!

And if like me a cultural feast is not complete without food, London has many wonderful authentic Brazilian restaurants, so enjoy a little bit of Brazil in London and for information and promotion in some of the best Brazilian restaurants sing up now at realtimeseating.com 

24/08/2010 permalink | 0 Comments »

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Dinner on the London Eye

For the second year running Ramsay will be cooking in London's most

sought-after pop-up restaurant where one capsule on the London Eye will be

transformed into the capital's most exclusive restaurant, completing one

rotation for each course. Ten guests will have the London Eye to themselves

to enjoy dinner 135m above the River Thames with what's been described as

the UK's most exclusive chef's table.

London Evening Standard restaurant critic and Festival Founder Fay Maschler

said "The London Restaurant Festival 2010 is so proud to be working with

Gordon Ramsay once again. This night means such a huge amount to the

festival but also to our official LRF charity StreetSmart."

The StreetSmart charity works with London's homeless to provide food,

clothes and shelter and is well known for working with London's restaurant

industry to raise money.

The winning bidder and their nine guests will have dinner cooked for them by

Gordon Ramsay and will get then chance to meet the chef. There will also be

a champagne reception which will be hosted at the brand new Park Plaza

Westminster Bridge Hotel. A varied wine selection which has been designed to

complement each menu will also be served

Last year an anonymous bidder paid an impressive £23,000.00 for the experience, so if you have some spare cash and would like to have dinner in the sky, that is your chance.

On the other hand, if like me your budget is tight you can still enjoy fabulous dinner experiences at your favourite local restaurant with up to 50% off. Now, that is a deal not to be missed! Just sign up @ realtimeseating.com

The 2010 London Restaurant Festival (4-18 October) http://www.visitlondon.com/londonrestaurantfestival/

in partnership with American Express

19/08/2010 permalink | 0 Comments »

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Village life in London – yes, we’re in Chiswick

Funny place, Chiswick. Famous for its villagey atmosphere, it’s also a town but, only 25 minutes by tube from Piccadilly Circus, it’s very much in London. Just don’t ever describe it as a suburb. We are Londoners who live in Chiswick.

With numerous independent shops – a butcher, fishmonger, greengrocer, grocer, several delicatessens, a baker, chocolatier, an ice cream shop and numerous one-off cafés – Chiswick is on the map as one of the capital’s best foodie shopping areas.

Yes, Chiswickians love to cook. We buy wallet-scorchingly expensive olive oils. Smoked mackerel, fresh from the smokery not vacuum-packed in a factory, turns into paté – when we’re not eating oysters. We’re the first to have Vacherin Mont D’Or on our cheeseboards in winter and the last to gorge on Bombay Alphonso mangoes as spring becomes summer. In the annual marmalade-making competition, the men are the most competitive – using unnecessarily extravagant ingredients to impress the celebrity judges.

But we’re not slaves to the kitchen. People who cook in Chiswick also eat out in Chiswick. A lot. From the Michelin-starred La Trompette to the greasy spoon by day, Thai by night, café (of which we have two), supper is not a meal but a hobby.

And we pursue our hobby locally – and I don’t mean in Chiswick. People who live in central Chiswick patronise restaurants near the High Road. Bedford Park residents stroll to the Duke of Sussex for a taste of Spain and Le Vacherin for Gallic gastronomy. Annie’s and Reef are first choice in Strand on the Green or around Chiswick House. Pissarro’s draws crowds from homes on the river. Stamford Brookers go to The Brook. Venturing beyond your very local restaurant does happen, of course, with many braving the long hard journey over the Hammersmith border to the sophisticated but unpretentious Indian Zing.

Which Chiswick eatery gets your vote? Nominate your favourite at www. realtimeseating.com  – and you could soon receive a special invitation to take up your hobby (or should that be habit?).

04/08/2010 permalink | 0 Comments »

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It's here- Croydon Summer Festival

21/07/2010 permalink | 0 Comments »

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It is NOT just a dining table...

It is Albert`s Table! albertstable.co.uk

The charming and yet unassuming exterior conceals one of the best restaurants in Croydon. The tasteful decor transports you from the hustle and bustle of the city centre to an amazing relaxed atmosphere, were you are often greeted by the lovely Jane Rawlings co-owner and restaurant manager.

In the kitchen the skilful hands of Joby Wells, head chef and co-owner, are always busy preparing to perfection an array of exquisite dishes. Albert`s Table menus changes frequently to make the most of the best, seasonal produce available, however no matter what you choose the food never fails to impress. Impressive is also the varied choice of wines.

Albert`s Table is a must for all food lovers and you can now enjoy it with discounts of up to 50% off, just register at www.realtimeseating.com

12/07/2010 permalink | 0 Comments »

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Mamma Mia

I love all things Italian and am always on the look out for that authentic piece of Italy in London. My search starts in my own backyard and I don`t have to go much further before I come across "Mamma Mia" the most charming Italian Restaurant in Purley. The owner Antonio is always there to greet you; the waiting staff are a breath of fresh air, very attentive and full of personality and the food….Mamma Mia!!!! The best thing about this little gem is that they don`t keep their secrets to themselves, Antonio also offers cooking classes, where you find yourself immersed in the Italian culinary culture.

So, after many disappointments and a load of frozen pizza and pasta I find myself finally becoming fluent in Italian in my own little piece of Italy right in the middle of Purley. But since I am not selfish; you can now enjoy Mamma Mia with up to 50% discount - just sign up for  www.realtimeseating.com

Chi Mangia italiano. . . Mangia bene.

26/05/2010 permalink | 0 Comments »

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Sweet Indulgence

Here I am sitting in front of the computer with a nice glass of a collector`s French white and a tummy full of indulgent food thanks to my wonderful job.

In the morning breakfast at Arthurs on the Green - Twickenham. A family run gourmet bistro with a modern British menu and delectable food. Great family atmosphere - next time must bring the kids.

By lunchtime I sat for a quick nibble at The Canbury Arms - Kingston. What a Risotto!! The welcoming atmosphere of the place works like a charm and talking about magic, walk up to the bar and you will see a great trick with balancing wine glasses. I shall tell you no more….

In the early evening a quick stop for a Happy Hour at the amazing Thai on the River - Battersea. The outside area is fantastic for those summer days (yet to come) the food and drink were absolutely tantalising. I wish I had stayed more, will have to come back for full dinner.

Mid Evening, given the fact that the weather is disappointingly cold for May, I settle for a nice curry at the one and only Taste of Mogul - Twickenham. Authentic Indian food cooked perfectly and served by friendly and attentive staff.

Would you like to try those and many other amazing restaurants without breaking the bank????

Sign up now to www.realtimeseating.com and get up to 50% discount. Alternatively you can always find out where I have been eating on my blogs and enjoy my experiences. Personally I like to try things for myself, but that is only me...

HUMMMM……I wonder where am I going to eat tomorrow….

 

13/05/2010 permalink | 0 Comments »

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Dirty, little, secret…..

Kiss and not tell or kiss and bare all??? I have always been one of those people that you can`t say "Guess what?" followed by "I`ll tell you later…", secrets kill me and yet I catch myself going to amazing lengths to keep mine locked away.

In an era of Tweets, Blogs and social media, how do we keep our sacred secrets safe? Remember what happened last time you told your dirty, little ,secret to "just" one friend!

Some secrets are worth keeping while others have to be shared to be enjoyed, so here goes a few of my secrets worth sharing.

1 - Carnival in Rio is an amazing experience but you can get it for 1/4 of the original price if instead of watching the official parade (during the 5 days of carnival) you go to the winner`s parade after the carnival. Only the best are featured, the prices are generous and the atmosphere still electric.

2 - Acai fruit is the new super food craze. Often sold as a concentrated pill, however you can find the fresh product in the UK direct from the supplier with Gaya Ecotrade.

3 - During WWII women had limited or no access to stockings, so they had the brilliant idea of tinting their legs with used tea bags and you thought that fake tan was a modern commodity.

But since I am no gossip girl, I will retire leaving you with my most precious secret; I often eat out paying up to 50% off my food bill with www.realtimeseating.com. Not  really a secret but definitely worth sharing.

What is your dirty, little secret???

10/05/2010 permalink | 0 Comments »

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Volcanic Ingredients: ash, asparagus & rich list!

As I sit here reading the Sunday Times it suddenly dawns on me that in 2011 we could be seeing a local asparagus farmer on The Sunday Times Rich List.

Why? Well according to some articles I have read in our national press this past week suggests that the volcanic ash has not only caused havoc with travellers but has severely affected supply of fruit and veg into the UK. The demand for asparagus alone has doubled and in the short term the market could go bonkers – a good time for local farmers to cash in.

So will this supply of imported fruit and veg turn us on to local food? Well why not! On the back of St George`s day let`s keep supporting local produce and local everything – and now we can support local restaurants and it won’t cost us a packet - so support local and head over to realtimeseating.com and sign up for up to 50% off at your local restaurant..

26/04/2010 permalink | 0 Comments »

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Great Food Debate

It can be tough coming to an agreement on what to eat on a night out – especially on the spur of the moment.

Chinese? Indian? Italian? French? That new Lebanese place down the road?

Still it’s a nice dilemma to have when there is so much choice in your area all competing for your custom. Especially when some of them will take up to 50% off your food bill.

For some of us an offer like that can be the deal breaker – it would certainly get my vote!

To see which restaurants in your area are currently topping the polls in your area with discounts of up to 50% check out realtimeseating.com and sign up today

23/04/2010 permalink | 0 Comments »

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