1. What sort of food and drink should universities be offering in the mornings?
Takeaway options like porridge bowls, pastries, and muffins that can be prepared in advance offer significant convenience for university caterers.
For students who are less pressed for time and desire a heartier start to the day, the RATIONAL iCombi Pro combi steamer can produce a full English breakfast in approximately 8 minutes. This efficiency streamlines cooking processes, delivering high-quality results swiftly.
For eat-in services, the iVario advanced bratt pan operates up to four times faster than conventional kitchen appliances, significantly boosting productivity. Similarly, the iCombi Pro delivers 50% higher productivity and 10% shorter cooking times than its predecessors, effectively reducing customer waiting times.
The RATIONAL iCombi Pro ensures remarkably fast cooking times:
Sausages: 6 minutes
Bacon: 4.5 minutes
Tomatoes and Mushrooms: 5 minutes
Fried Eggs: 2 minutes
Toast: 3 minutes
Hash Browns: 8 minutes
2. How can breakfast contribute to a student’s required food and nutrition intake?
With RATIONAL cooking systems operators can benefit from up to 95% less fat, up to 40%* fewer calories and retention of more vitamins, colour, minerals, and flavour compared to predecessor models.
A slice of whole-grain or sourdough bread toasted in the iCombi Pro, topped with mashed avocado and a sprinkle of salt, can be further enhanced with additional toppings like a poached egg. This simple yet flavourful option is perfect for a healthy and satisfying start to the day.
For bulk breakfast preparation, the iVario Pro excels in making porridge as well as whole grain, fruit-topped pancakes or waffles. Utilising iZoneControl, operators can divide the pan base into four separate heating zones, each operating at different temperatures. This innovative feature allows for the simultaneous cooking of multiple products in one pan, making the breakfast service more efficient and versatile.
With the iCombi Pro, chefs can easily prepare vegan pancakes, vegan breakfast burritos, or tofu scramble, ensuring that plant-based options are just as delicious and satisfying as their non-vegan counterparts.
These advanced cooking solutions not only enhance the quality and variety of breakfast options but also streamline the preparation process, ensuring efficiency and consistency in every dish.
3. Are there any special pieces of front of house or back of house equipment needed to offer a good breakfast service?
The iCombi Pro offers the intelligence of iProductionManager which further empowers kitchen staff by allowing simultaneous preparation of breakfast items. Operators can utilise the preset "breakfast" shopping cart, where all necessary cooking processes are conveniently stored. Simply drag the corresponding ticket to an available rack slot, and production begins effortlessly. This ensures the buffet remains stocked with fresh, high-quality offerings without excess production, regardless of who is in the kitchen.
Veggie-packed breakfast burritos, made with tortillas filled with scrambled eggs or tofu, black beans, and veggies, offer a simple yet nutritious breakfast option. These burritos are a great choice for those looking for a hearty, plant-based meal. Similarly, egg muffins with chopped vegetables and cheese can be easily prepared in the iCombi Pro using the RATIONAL Multibaker accessory, providing a convenient and tasty breakfast item that students will love.
4. How can universities help students eat the right food for the most important meal of the day?
RATIONAL cooking systems inspire breakfast menu innovation, encouraging chefs to experiment with various cooking techniques and ingredient combinations. This culinary exploration results in inventive breakfast options that can cater to a wider range of student preferences.