You've probably noticed the increase in restaurants adding seasonal dishes to their menus to take advantage of local crops. It's a smart way to increase business.
Upserve Restaurant Insider lists three ways that seasonal dishes bring in new business. First, local farm-to-table connections help the local economy while connecting with the community, especially for drawing new diners who are passionate about patronizing local businesses. Second, the use of seasonal, local foods may prove less expensive for restaurant operators, a savings that can be passed along to diners.
Third, seasonal dishes have proven to be a choice diners put their money behind: seasonal menus see 26 percent more orders than menus without those choices.
The trend in incorporating seasonal dishes is one noted by FONA, formerly Flavors of North America Inc., which develops and produces flavors for food, beverage, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical companies worldwide.
With peach season in full swing, the company states it has logged just over 500 peach mentions on menus nationwide. And surprisingly, that's not desserts. Beverage, appetizer and entrees are the top three areas advertising peach-flavored items.
These local restaurants have peach dishes on their seasonal menus:
» Tupelo Honey, 1110 Market St.: Griddled Peaches & Pork is available after 4 p.m. Sundays through Wednesdays. The $15 savory entree mingles the flavors of peaches and pork with corn, goat cheese grits, cilantro and hot honey sauce.
Tupelo Honey has a downsized-version of this dish on its lunch menu: Peaches & Pulled Pork Pressed Sandwich. The panini-like sandwich includes peaches, pulled pork, cheddar cheese and hot honey sauce served on griddled flatbread with a side of either mixed greens salad or pork belly collards.
The Peachy Keen Pizza at Uncle Maddio's Pizza includes fresh peaches with crispy prosciutto, red onions, caramelized onions, shredded mozzarella and feta crumbles. It's $8.99 for a 10-inch pizza. (Uncle Maddio's Pizza photo)» Uncle Maddio's Pizza, 1924 Gunbarrel Road: To draw attention to the fact August is National Peach Month, Uncle Maddio's has created the Peachy Keen Pizza and a grilled peach salad for a limited time. The 10-inch pizza is $8.99, 12-inch medium pizza is $15.99 and 16-inch extra-large is $19.99.
The Peachy Keen Pizza starts with handmade crust, garlic olive oil, shredded mozzarella, caramelized onions, crispy prosciutto ham, feta crumbles and fresh local peaches. It's topped with basil and drizzled with balsamic glaze.
The peach salad is a bed of mixed greens and arugula topped with fresh peaches, crispy prosciutto, feta crumbles and red wine vinaigrette, then drizzled with honey and topped with toasted pistachios. It's one-size for $8.99.
» O'Charley's, 2340 Shallowford Village Drive, 5031 Hixson Pike, 2541 Battlefield Parkway in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia: Peach Chutney Chicken is a lightly seasoned, grilled chicken breast topped with warm peach chutney for $9.99. It's served with sides of mashed sweet potatoes and broccoli.
Peach-flavored beverages account for 79 percent of all peach-flavored menu items, according to FONA, especially peach iced tea.
During the month of August, Chili's Bar & Grill locations will offer a special $5 margarita: The Grand Peach.
The drink is made with Grand Marnier Liqueur, Lunazel Tequila and peaches. No coupon is required, just ask your server for The Grand Peach at any participating Chili's.
Contact Susan Pierce at spierce@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6284.