Menu ideas?

So today I spent most of the night looking over our menu mix. Apps. Were around 55% soups and salads at 88% and desserts at 45%. So apps are down from previous months but desserts are up by 110% so I am going to focus on getting our starters up to around 75% sales and desserts up to 60% sales. In this current economic condition, we know people are going to spend a little less when eating out. I feel if we make our starters a little more mainstream maybe people will feel comfortable when deciding whether to buy a first course and choose to buy one due mostly to being familiar with the menu item. As for desserts maybe I need to generate a buzz in house and have some sort of story behind the dessert? I am happy to see the sales up regardless of the economy. As for our outlook the start of the New Year will bring menu items that are cost effective due to the low volume in sales and the fact that we will be closed Monday thru Wed. I am sorry to say No winter truffles for the first quarter of 2010. We will also be remodeling our kitchen getting ready for the summer season. I think it is important to stay busy. In addition I am planning on going to L2O in February and Trotters, Spiaggia or Alinea again in my Culinary weekend field trip. I am going to fill in breakfast and lunch with some off  the wall places? Not sure yet but I think those meals will be spontaneous. I think if I can swing it I may go to Vegas also, there are some great restaurants there and deals are very good as far as airfare and hotel stay.  I need to recharge and see and taste some food from high end restaurants. I guess It’s the foodie in me, it will also give me a chance to practice writing, and give me an opportunity to possibly get published.