Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to some of the common questions about our products and services.
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SOUS VIDE & CUISINE SOLUTIONS

What is sous vide?

Sous vide is a French term that means “under vacuum,” and it refers to a cooking technique where food is sealed in a plastic pouch and then precision cooked in a meticulously controlled water bath at a consistent temperature.

This technique is favored by professional chefs and is now becoming popular among home cooks as well. Sous vide allows for exact control over the temperature and cooking time, resulting in perfectly cooked food with optimal texture, flavor, and aroma. It was originally used in industrial food production, but now it is used by chefs worldwide to achieve the best possible results with various types of food.

What makes sous vide different from other pre-cooked products?

Sous vide stands out as a unique cooking method, setting it apart from other pre-cooked options. Its key distinguishing feature lies in the precise control it offers over cooking temperature and time, resulting in consistent, perfectly cooked food with optimal texture, flavor, and moisture retention. Unlike traditional methods like grilling, baking, or sautéing, sous vide maintains exact temperature regulation, allowing food to be cooked to specific levels of doneness. As a result, overcooking is never a concern, ensuring each serving of meat is consistently juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor. Additionally, the food is sealed in a pouch and immersed in water during cooking, guaranteeing moisture preservation and preventing flavor loss or dryness.

Beyond the advantages of precise temperature control and moisture retention, sous vide also maintains the nutritional value and vitamins of the food, making it a healthier alternative to other pre-cooked choices.

The sealed pouches extend the shelf life of the food, eliminating the need for preservatives and ensuring prolonged freshness. Sous vide has become a popular option for individuals leading busy lives, as it allows them to enjoy healthy and delicious meals without compromising on quality or convenience. With the ability to prepare meals in advance and easily reheat them, sous vide proves to be a versatile cooking method for anyone striving for, or maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

How can you claim to be the original sous vide pioneers?

Dr. Bruno Goussault’s groundbreaking work on the sous vide cooking method in 1971, which involved vacuum-sealing beef in a specially designed pouch and cooking it at a slightly lower temperature, without a doubt qualifies him as the founder of modern sous vide and a visionary in the culinary world. He discovered that by vacuum-sealing beef in a specially designed pouch and cooking it at a slightly lower temperature, it showed little sign of profit-robbing shrinkage compared to conventional cooking methods, and the flavor was notably enhanced. 

Dr. Goussault’s contributions to the sous vide technique have been recognized and honored with the Albert Einstein Legacy Project’s Genius: 100 Visions of the Future initiative. This initiative celebrates the world’s 100 greatest living visionaries, and Dr. Goussault joins the ranks of distinguished recipients such as Deepak Chopra, Frank Gehry, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and many other Nobel Laureates and luminaries. As part of this honor, Dr. Goussault contributed to an accompanying book project that featured the visions of the 100 greatest innovators, artists, scientists, and thought leaders of our time. 

PARTNERING WITH CUISINE SOLUTIONS

How do I know if sous vide is right for my business?

Sous vide cooking can benefit a wide range of businesses, from restaurants and hotels to catering companies and more. If you’re looking to elevate your menu offerings, reduce waste, and streamline your kitchen operations, sous vide may be the right solution for your business.

Some key factors to consider when evaluating whether sous vide is right for your business include the types of dishes you serve, your kitchen’s capacity and resources, and your desired level of consistency and quality. 

At Cuisine Solutions, our team of expert chefs and culinary professionals can help you determine whether sous vide is the right fit for your business. We offer free consultations to discuss your needs and goals, and can provide customized solutions tailored to your unique requirements. 

Contact us today to learn more about how sous vide can benefit your business and to schedule your free consultation. We look forward to working with you! 

How do I talk to someone about getting started?

You can email us at custservice@cuisinesolutions.com, contact us through our website www.cuisinesolutions.com, or call us at 703-270-2900.

Is there a minimum spend to qualify?

We do not have a minimum spend requirement, but our sales team can help you determine the minimum order quantity based on your specific needs and order details. Please contact us to discuss your order and we will be happy to provide you with further guidance.

Can franchisees of major chains partner with Cuisine Solutions?

Yes, franchisees of major chains are welcome to partner with Cuisine Solutions! Our extensive customer base includes a wide range of businesses, from retail to military and restaurant and hotel chains. We’re proud to provide innovative sous vide solutions to all types of businesses, no matter their size or industry. 

When you partner with Cuisine Solutions, you’ll gain access to our cutting-edge sous vide technology, which allows for precise, consistent cooking that brings out the best in your ingredients. Whether you’re looking to streamline your kitchen operations, reduce waste, or elevate your menu offerings, we have the solutions you need to achieve your goals. 

Our team of expert chefs and culinary professionals will work closely with you to develop customized solutions that fit your unique needs and preferences. From menu ideation and recipe development to equipment selection and training, we’ll be with you every step of the way to ensure your success.

USING CUISINE SOLUTIONS PRODUCTS

Can I use Cuisine Solutions products with my existing menu?

Yes, you can definitely use our sous vide products with your existing menu offerings. Our sous vide products (proteins, grains, sauces, and much more) are cooked to perfection using our proprietary sous vide cooking method, which means they’re already lightly seasoned and ready to use in a wide variety of dishes. This gives your kitchen and cooks creative freedom to experiment with new flavors and combinations, and to create custom dishes that will delight your customers. 

Our team of expert chefs and culinary professionals can also work with you to develop customized recipes and menu items that incorporate our sous vide products. We’ll provide guidance on cooking times and temperatures, as well as suggestions for flavor pairings and presentation.

Are Cuisine Solutions products complete, ready-to-eat meals?

We provide a diverse selection of complete meals and individual products that can be mixed and matched. Our extensive range includes fully cooked sous vide proteins, ideal for a variety of dishes and menu options. These proteins are minimally seasoned and cooked flawlessly using our exclusive sous vide cooking method, ensuring precise and consistent results every time. Our protein options encompass beef, pork, chicken, fish, and more.

In addition to our proteins, we also offer a variety of main and side dishes that are fully cooked and ready to serve. Sides pair seamlessly with our proteins, and every product is designed to incorporate easily into your own dishes and menu offerings. Examples include Vegan Chili, Risotto, Mashed Parmesan Cauliflower, and more.

Our specialty sauces are perfect for drizzling over our proteins, using as a dip, or as soups.

PLACING AND RECEIVING AN ORDER

Is there a minimum or maximum order size?

At Cuisine Solutions, we understand that every business is unique, and that’s why we work with each of our customers individually to determine the order size that makes the most sense for their specific needs.

Whether you’re looking to place a small order to sample our products, or need a larger order to meet the needs of your business, our team is here to help. We can work with you to determine the order size that makes the most sense for your business and ensure that you’re getting the products you need to succeed.

How long does it take to receive an order?

At Cuisine Solutions, we recognize that timely delivery is essential to the success of your foodservice operation. We make every effort to deliver your order as quickly as possible while ensuring that you receive the highest quality products.

For larger orders, our standard lead time is typically two weeks. This timeframe allows us to prepare and package your order with care to ensure that it arrives in the best condition possible.

We understand that there may be situations where you require your order to be delivered more urgently, and that’s why we offer expedited shipping options for smaller orders. If you need 1-2 cases on an urgent basis, we can often ship your order via FedEx for an additional fee, which will be your responsibility.

Our team is dedicated to working closely with you to ensure that your order arrives when you need it, whether it’s a larger order with our standard lead time, or a smaller order that requires expedited shipping. Please contact us today to learn more about our shipping options and to place your order.

How will my order be delivered?

We offer various shipping options depending on the size of your order. For orders of 12 cases or fewer, we use FedEx and offer overnight or 2-day delivery. For larger orders, we use LTL shipping which leaves our facility every Friday. If your location has a dock that can accommodate a 53’ sleeper truck, LTL delivery is your best option. Otherwise, we can ship to the nearest warehouse or use a refrigerated sprinter van or dedicated truck at an additional cost.

How long will frozen products stay good during shipping?

When shipping frozen products through FedEx, we use dry ice to keep the products frozen for up to 3 days, including the day of shipping. For LTL and dedicated orders, we ensure that the products are shipped in a refrigerated truck to maintain their quality and freshness during transportation.

What is the frozen/refrigerated shelf life of the products once I receive them?

The shelf life of our products varies depending on the type. For proteins, grains, and egg products, the shelf life ranges from 365 to 548 days when frozen. Our refrigerated products, which are typically fresh items, have a shelf life of 45 to 65 days.

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