Chef's Corner: Swine Flu Protection

MADRID, Spain (Ivanhoe Newswire) -- More than one million people in the United States have been infected with the H1N1 flu virus. Swine flu is making its way across the country, spreading from person-to-person through coughs and sneezes. But when one restaurant manager in Spain realized it was scaring his customers away, he took matters into his own hands

At Mesa y Placer restaurant in Madrid, instead of an appetizer, customers start their meal with a packet of hand sanitizer.

"When they arrive for the restaurant the first thing is, clean their hands," Miguel Angel de la Cruz, manager of Mesa Y Placer, told Ivanhoe.

It's part of Angel De la Cruz's plan to keep tourists scared of the swine flu coming to his restaurant.

When employees arrive at work, their body temperatures are checked and recorded in a log. If their temperature is high, the staff must return home or go to the doctor.

Staff must also sanitize their hands, and chef's wear special masks that prevent the spread of the virus. Today, Angel de la Cruz is cooking one of Spain's signature dishes -- huevos rotos sobre chanquetes.

First, crack and fry two eggs in hot oil.

"The eggs fried in Spain in olive oil," Angel de la Cruz said.

Next, coat the chanquetes -- or little fish -- with flour. Fry 'em up, place them on a plate and top 'em off.

Protecting your health and tempting your taste buds with an authentic Spanish meal.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 80 percent of all infections are spread by hands. While hand washing and sanitizers help prevent the spread of the swine flu virus, they say the H1N1 vaccine is the first and most important step in protecting against it.

If you would like more information, please contact:

Mesa Y Placer
http://www.platoyplacer.com
info@ampellconsultores.com