Here Comes the Sun... We Hope...

Just when the months of snow, ice and frigid temperatures were fading from memory, rains continued once again this week to pester the Bay Area. The sopping blitz on restaurant patios and farmers fields has hindered outdoor dining and created extra challenges for seasonal restaurants that value local produce.

Fortunately, between creative menus packed with fresh ingredients, new covered-patio options and diners determined to make the most of any dry hour, it's shaping up to be a delicious spring.

Chef-Owner Douglass Dick knows to expect cancellations at his restaurant when the forecast predicts storms. To help fill up his reservation book, he sends updates to an e-mail list of regular customers announcing the arrival of seasonal produce such as asparagus, morels and soft-shell crabs. "Lettuces and some of the heartier greens that I usually get early were almost impossible this year," said Mr. Dick. But a lot of spring produce is grown in greenhouses, so he's still had plenty to work with. "I've had a lot of fun with local asparagus," he said, "grilling them, doing a light marinade and [putting] that on tasting salads with some different shaved cheeses."

While there's plenty of spring food to enjoy, it's been a bit harder to enjoy it outdoors. All this rain is especially frustrating for restaurants that have put extra effort into al fresco offerings. One restaurant owner says that when outdoor dining is available "it doubles the seating capacity of the restaurant," said bar manager Tom Mastascusa. "This year, it has been used about 10 percent of the time." Read full article here.

Parenti & Associates Restaurant Program is setup based upon needs we have uncovered through contact with over 600 restaurants. The program is backed by over 50 carriers who have a strong appetite for restaurant risks and can write policies ranging from Liquor Liability to Workers Compensation and everything in between.

Jesse Parenti is an insurance specialist for the restaurant industry and is the head of our restaurant program. He has been helping restaurant owners in California for over 5 years and is endorsed by the California Restaurant Association. Prior to writing restaurant insurance, Jesse worked in the hospitality industry for 20 years. His hands on experience within the industry set him apart from other brokers because he understands the primary concerns and needs of restaurant owners.

Please contact Jesse at RestaurantProtection@ParentiInsurance.com or by calling him at (650) 596-9500 for his free reports on why you need to work with a Restaurant Insurance Specialist. He responds to all calls within 24 hours. Please visit our website at www.ParentiInsurance.com.