"applebees" news and stories

On Dec. 24, Owasso, Okla.-based National Steak and Poultry initiated a voluntary recall of 248,000 lbs. or 124 tons of steak that had been distributed to popular chain restaurants nationwide over fears of E. coli contamination.

Now, at least five restaurants -- Olive Garden, Applebee's Neighborhood Grill and Bar, Moe's Southwest Grill, Carino's Italian and 54th Street Grill & Bar -- are included on a list of establishments affected by the late December recall, Nation's Restaurant News reports.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed 21 people in 16 states have been infected with the E. coli bacteria.

A new table-top computer device installed at several Central Florida Applebee's franchises this fall allows customers to summon their servers at the touch of a button.

"It puts the guest in constant contact with the server," James Whyte, general manager of an Orange City Applebee's, tells the Orlando Sentinel.

The system, designed by ESP Digital Media, based in Charlotte, N.C., was first installed two years ago in Tampa Applebee's franchises owned by Casual Restaurant Concepts, Inc. It is being piloted in other markets, the paper said.

Casual Restaurant Concepts, based in Tampa, owns Applebee's franchises across Central Florida. The company didn't respond to Slashfood's request for comment.

Remember the Omnibot? When Radio Shack first introduced the short-lived 1980s sensation, it promised buyers could "astound and impress their party guests" by relying on the personal robot to deliver their drinks.

Now Applebee's is borrowing the Omnibot's shtick, employing a newfangled electronic system that's designed to downplay the human element of service. In restaurants across central Florida, servers are now outfitted with watches that vibrate whenever their guests press tabletop buttons.

Applebee's diner Virginia Wesson this week told the Orlando Sentinel she loves her button, since she often has trouble getting her server's attention.

"This way, they have no choice," Wesson said. "They make sure you can't be ignored."

Eric Asimov discusses the new breed of lighter, subtler Napa Valley Cabernets.

Applebee's moves beyond the riblet in an effort to save itself from Bennigan's fate.

The Hamptons get real Mexican-style tacos. Yay?

The Minimalist makes tomato jam.

Recipes for icy summer mocktails. And not just virgin daiquiris - think homemade tonic with lavender, chamomile, fresh herbs and lime juice.

Meet the raspberry fig.

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