Food presentation and trends
Food presentation and trends
Food Presentation Techniques
- Plating techniques: The arrangement and overall styling of food on the plate; very important in conveying a sense of professionalism and attention to detail.
- Garnishing: Placement of edible decorations to enhance visual appeal; using elements like fresh herbs, citrus peels, and edible flowers can make a dish stand out.
- Contrast and colour: The use of diverse colours and textures in a dish to make it more visually appealing. For example, a creamy pasta can be contrasted with fresh green herbs.
- Use of sauce: Ideas like drawing a pattern with the sauce, drizzling it around the rim of the plate or dotting it across the dish add complexity and visual depth.
Contemporary Food Trends
- Global influence: Chefs borrow and adapt food styles and ingredients from around the world to create novel culinary experiences; embracing diverse cultures expands culinary horizons.
- Plant-forward menus: A trend reflecting increased consumer interest in healthful eating and sustainability. Many chefs now aim to make vegetables the star of the dish.
- Whole food focus: A movement towards minimally processed foods and a reduction in artificial ingredients; reconnects diners with the origins of their food.
- Food tech innovations: Innovations in technology, from high-tech kitchen appliances to food delivery apps, are shaping consumer behaviour and expectations for convenience, speed and customisation.
Trends in Catering and Gastronomy
- Pop-up dining: Temporary, one-off events offering unique dining experiences often at unusual locations, leading to increased public interest in gastronomy.
- Experiential eating: Diners are now increasingly seeking immersive experiences where they can learn about the food’s origin, the chefs’ inspiration, or the culinary process itself.
- Sustainable catering: Growing awareness about food waste and environmental impacts are driving more sustainable practices in catering, such as sourcing locally and reducing waste.
- Gastronomic tourism: This trend involves travelling for the experience of tasting and experiencing a place’s cuisine, creating a link between gastronomy and travel.
Key Presentation Ingredients
- Edible flowers: These add a splash of colour and a unique twist to dishes, becoming increasingly popular in modern catering.
- Herb oils: Used not just for flavour but for their visual appeal when drizzled over plates.
- Multi-coloured vegetables: Variants like heirloom tomatoes, purple potatoes, and rainbow chard are popular for their vibrant colours.
- Gold leaf and pearl dust: Often used in fine dining to add a touch of opulence and sophistication to a dish.