When food is put in front of us we eat first with our eyes. We imagine the tastes and the textures that we’re going to enjoy, how the flavours will balance each other out, we’re curious and hopefully excited about what we’re about to eat. Therefore the presentation of a dish is vital for creating the right impression on the dinner. The look of a dish should stimulate the appetite and create a sense of anticipation of how the meal will be enjoyed. Here some tips and tricks on plate presentation:
- Choose Your Plates Carefully.
Beautiful crockery is essential as it acts as the backdrop for your food. Play with colours, patterns and textures. In general use pale plates for bold vibrant colours so that the contrast is highlighted. Darker plates can be used for lighter coloured foods. If you use patterned tableware, make sure that the overall look is muted enough so as not to distract your guests from their meal. Use large plates as you will have more room to present your food.
- Don’t Serve Huge Portion
The smaller your portions, the easier they will be to style. Also stick to 4-6 elements on each dish and don’t be overcrowding.
- Contrast Colours and Play with Symmetry
This will add energy and fun to your presentation. But remember not to repeat the same look too often, because of becoming monotonous.
- Position Your Ingredients With Care
Imagine that your plate is the face of a clock: the centrepiece of your dish (meat for example) should go at 6 o’clock. Place vegetables at 11 o’clock and perhaps starchy foods at 2 o’clock for slight asymmetry.
- The Right Tools
The right tools such as pastry cutters, brush, pipette and moulds will be very helpful in giving shape to your dishes and to build layers.
- Use Small Individual Sauce Boats
Really useful if you are serving a curry or a stew. This allows your guests to help themselves to as much or as little as they like, and it will be neater.
- Decoration
Use herbs, spices, edible flowers or citrus zest for decoration. By using edible flowers and micro herbs you can completely transform the look of your dish.*
Source: La Belle Assiette
