Completing Dishes Using Presentation Techniques
Completing Dishes Using Presentation Techniques
Dish Presentation Techniques and Importance
- Understand that presentation techniques are crucial to making dishes visually appealing, thus affecting the customer’s overall dining experience.
- Recognise that presentation is just as important as taste in the hospitality and catering industry.
- Learn the basic elements of dish presentation, such as colour, balance, texture, and garnishing.
The Art of Plating
- Familiarise with the concept of plating, the process of arranging and presenting food matter on a plate.
- Understand the use of garnishing to improve the aesthetic appeal of dishes.
- Gain knowledge about the common plating techniques, like placing the main ingredient at the centre, adding sauces in an interesting pattern, and framing the dish with garnish.
- Master the 45-degree rule, which suggests that dishes should be viewed from a 45-degree angle when plating.
Colour and Contrast
- Learn how to use colour and contrast on the plate to make it pleasing to the eye.
- Understand that contrasting colours and textures can add aesthetic appeal to a dish.
- Recognise the importance of including a variety of colours and textures in dishes for balance and visual interest.
Portion Size and Balance
- Understand the need to control portion sizes for aesthetic and nutritional reasons.
- Learn to maintain balance on a plate, too much or too little food can affect the presentation and satisfaction of a diner.
- Be aware that balance refers to the balance of colour, texture, size, and shape of the dish as well as the balance of flavours.
Garnishing Techniques and Tools
- Learn about various garnishing techniques which include the use of fresh herbs, edible flowers, citrus peels, etc.
- Understand that garnishes should complement the dish’s flavour, not distract from it.
- Familiarise with the tools used for garnishing, such as zesters, melon ballers, and garnishing knives.
- Understand that the appropriate use of these tools can greatly enhance the visual appeal of a dish.
Synchronising Dishes Service
- Recognise the need for synchronising dishes service to maintain quality and temperature consistency.
- Be aware that timing is crucial in serving multiple dishes to ensure that each is at its best when served.