We’re not talking appetizers. Chefs are used to using the newest and best equipment in their kitchens, so it makes sense that they’d be on the cutting-edge of digital technology, too. Here, we ask them what they have ready to go on their mobile devices.
Chef Manny Lozano of Bistro Rollin (142 Fifth Ave, Pelham 914-633-0780; bistrorollin.com)
Kitchen calculator Pro (kitchen calculator). “A lot of my recipes I’ve used in the past are in European measurements. The conversion function saves me a lot of time.”
Mise En Place (helps plan meals with shopping lists, cooking schedules, and reminders). “I do a lot of my ordering on it; it makes it really easy.”
Chef/Owner Michael Abruzese of Polpettina (102 Fisher Ave, Eastchester 914-961-0061; polpettina.com)
Angry Birds (physics game). “It fills in the space when there’s nothing to do—which is not a lot of the time.”
Chefs Feed (a recommended-dish guide for chefs by region). “It helps me keep up on where other chefs are eating and what’s new and hot.”
Translate (language translator). “It’s helpful in communicating with kitchen staff who are not fluent in English.”
Pandora Radio. “Endless music at all times no matter what the mood is, and it’s great for the restaurant, too.”
POSLavu client. (restaurant’s POS management system, i.e., electronic cash register software/hardware). “It’s inexpensive and it’s super-new. Most POS programs are thirty thousand dollars but this app is free!”
Chef/Owner Vincent Gaudio of Gaudio’s Italian Family Restaurant (2026 Saw Mill River Rd, Yorktown Heights 914-245-0920; gaudiosrestaurant.com)
Epicurious recipes & shopping list (recipe database). “It’s a quick reference when you’re putting together a menu.”
Google search. “We use it to figure out how to explain to customers what some of the ingredients we use are.”
Plate (breaks down food cost for specific dishes). “It’s able to break down by price point what ingredients I’m using and gives me ideas for international dishes.”
Wine Enthusiast guide (wine selector). “It keeps me updated on all of the new wines and the points they received for the year.”
Zagat. “We use it to see exactly what our customers think of the restaurant and what kind of a job we’re doing.”
Chef/Owner Philip McGrath of Iron Horse Grill (20 Wheeler Ave, Pleasantville 914-741-0717; ironhorsegrill.com)
Vintagechart+ by Wine Spectator. “I can get information on wines I’ve never tried before and look up wine lists before I go to a restaurant.”
Chef/Owner Angelo DiFeo of Westchester Burger Co (White Plains/Rye Brook westchesterburger.com) and Graziella’s Italian Bistro (99 Church St, White Plains 914-761-5721; graziellasrestaurant.com)
Bubo Bubo (digital video recorder remote viewer). “It actually monitors the restaurant’s camera system for me so I can keep an eye on things and know where I’m most needed.”
Facebook. “It’s a good way of advertising and a great way of keeping in touch with friends when everybody is so busy.”
Yelp. “It keeps me connected with the restaurant community. Getting bad reviews makes you better. It makes it easier to fix problems.”
