HANDHELD TABLETS , QR CODES AND NEW KITCHEN APPLIANCES ARE CHANGING the GAME FROM THE KITCHEN TO THE TABLE .
TECHNOLOGY : F & B
Contributed by
BRENDAN MANLEY
HANDHELD TABLETS , QR CODES AND NEW KITCHEN APPLIANCES ARE CHANGING the GAME FROM THE KITCHEN TO THE TABLE .
REINVENTING the
MEAL
Mobile handheld tablets , embedded quick response ( QR ) codes and robust inventory management systems are some of the leading-edge technologies redefining modern food and beverage operations , while back-ofthe-house innovations like hydroponic gardens and sophisticated kitchen appliances make it easier to create art on a plate . From the way guests order their wine and select their fish to the methods used to source and prepare that meal , technology is driving change .
“ It ’ s all about the customer experience ,” says Sebastien Silvestri , vice president of food and beverage for the Venetian and the Palazzo in Las Vegas . “ I ’ m not talking about replacing human touch by technology , but at the same time , people are living with their iPhones or Blackberrys , so we need to make their lives easier .”
The tablet takeover Digital tablets are now being employed for purposes ranging from digitized menus and wine lists to staff training .
Silvestri says the Venetian wants to use tablets in the future for drink ordering , while Hilton Hotels recently made the switch to tablets for many of its hotels ’ wine lists . “ We can do pairings , offer information on the wine , view up-todate inventories and know what vintages things are without a whole lot of effort ,” says Beth Scott , vice president of F & B strategy & innovation – full service and luxury brands , for Hilton Worldwide .
Tablet technology is useful in other areas of the hotel , especially for concierges and room service . And for a diverse , international lodging company like Jumeirah Group , Dubai , the devices can offer an intuitive , streamlined approach for guests seeking information or placing orders ,
58 HOTELS July / August 2013 www . hotelsmag . com