How to Taste Vodka

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Rebecca McKinney

I was born a foodie. My dad is a chef, baker, and restaurant owner and my mom might as well be because she owns whatever kitchen she walks into. I grew up working in my family’s restaurant and bakery in Pawling, New York – McKinney and Doyle. I started behind the bakery counter at 12 years old after begging my parents to let me start working. At 16 I worked as a hostess. By 18 I was serving tables and training behind the bar where I then worked every other weekend throughout my college career. Even now, when I am visiting my family in New York, I help out where I’m needed. To make a long story short, the food and restaurant industry has been my life for as long as I can remember.

I wanted to create this blog for a few reasons. First and foremost, to share tips, tricks, and knowledge about the food and beverage industry in general but also to help people see a different side of the restaurant world. Every restaurant has a totally unique culture and world within it. I want to help open people’s eyes to more than how fast the service is or how easy or hard it is to secure a reservation.

So, thanks for stopping by! I welcome your ideas, input, and feedback and hope you enjoy!

Eat well & travel often,

Becky McKinney

Latest posts by Rebecca McKinney (see all)

How to Taste VodkaWe all have our favorite cocktail or spirit. In today’s world, most of us know how to make our favorite cocktail at home too. We know that a Cosmo is made with vodka, a Mojito with rum, and a Margarita with tequila. We know which liqueurs and juices and fruit we need to make our favorite drinks. But how many of us understand where the base spirits came from or how they’re made? How many of us know how to decipher high quality liquor from a poorly made version (aside from the difference in how we feel the morning after)? Of course it isn’t necessary for you to know the ins and outs of your favorite spirit or cocktail in order to enjoy them, but once you learn more about it, you’ll appreciate a well-made, high quality cocktail so much more. Today, let’s talk a little bit about the nation’s most beloved spirit, vodka.Continue Reading

Reputations in the Restaurant Industry

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Rebecca McKinney

I was born a foodie. My dad is a chef, baker, and restaurant owner and my mom might as well be because she owns whatever kitchen she walks into. I grew up working in my family’s restaurant and bakery in Pawling, New York – McKinney and Doyle. I started behind the bakery counter at 12 years old after begging my parents to let me start working. At 16 I worked as a hostess. By 18 I was serving tables and training behind the bar where I then worked every other weekend throughout my college career. Even now, when I am visiting my family in New York, I help out where I’m needed. To make a long story short, the food and restaurant industry has been my life for as long as I can remember.

I wanted to create this blog for a few reasons. First and foremost, to share tips, tricks, and knowledge about the food and beverage industry in general but also to help people see a different side of the restaurant world. Every restaurant has a totally unique culture and world within it. I want to help open people’s eyes to more than how fast the service is or how easy or hard it is to secure a reservation.

So, thanks for stopping by! I welcome your ideas, input, and feedback and hope you enjoy!

Eat well & travel often,

Becky McKinney

Latest posts by Rebecca McKinney (see all)

FullSizeRenderToday’s topic is one very near and dear to my heart and I know I’m not alone. I want to talk about the reputations that surround those who work in the restaurant/bar industry. To preface this post, I have worked in the industry in one way or another since I was 12 years old. I’ve worked full time, part time, and as a fill in, as a hostess, bartender, server, busser, counter clerk, and catering server. When I wasn’t working in a restaurant, I was eating in one. I live and breathe this industry (even when I am not actively working in it) so my opinion may be a bit biased but I am going to share it anyway. And I welcome your feedback and thoughts in the comments!

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Welcome and Introductions

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Rebecca McKinney

I was born a foodie. My dad is a chef, baker, and restaurant owner and my mom might as well be because she owns whatever kitchen she walks into. I grew up working in my family’s restaurant and bakery in Pawling, New York – McKinney and Doyle. I started behind the bakery counter at 12 years old after begging my parents to let me start working. At 16 I worked as a hostess. By 18 I was serving tables and training behind the bar where I then worked every other weekend throughout my college career. Even now, when I am visiting my family in New York, I help out where I’m needed. To make a long story short, the food and restaurant industry has been my life for as long as I can remember.

I wanted to create this blog for a few reasons. First and foremost, to share tips, tricks, and knowledge about the food and beverage industry in general but also to help people see a different side of the restaurant world. Every restaurant has a totally unique culture and world within it. I want to help open people’s eyes to more than how fast the service is or how easy or hard it is to secure a reservation.

So, thanks for stopping by! I welcome your ideas, input, and feedback and hope you enjoy!

Eat well & travel often,

Becky McKinney

Latest posts by Rebecca McKinney (see all)

FullSizeRender-1We have officially entered the blogosphere. Welcome to the shiny and new McKinney & Doyle blog! For the most part, I, Becky McKinney, will be writing our weekly posts on a variety of different topics. I am owners’ Shannon and Aida McKinney’s daughter aka the pain in the butt that has been nagging both of my parents to be active in the social media world for years now. First came the M&D Facebook page, then the Instagram account, and now the blog. Talk about progress! I’m teasing, but really I am thrilled to have this up and running and I hope you find it informative, useful, and fun.

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