No questions about it, people eat with their eyes. Once a plate is sat down in front of a guest they have already passed judgment on how that food is going to taste. They look at the plating, they look at how the food is arranged, and they look at the flatware and glassware. They haven’t even tasted the food yet, but they have already formed an opinion on what the food is going to taste like.
At this point, we think you could agree that having some sort of presentation with the tableware is as important as making sure the food tastes good. But you don’t necessarily have to go overboard to make a great presentation. Here are our top 6 tips for bringing a little pizazz to the table:
1. Use larger plates and bowls. When there’s a lot of empty space, it helps the food speak for itself. It puts emphasis on the food, much like a solo artist under the spotlight – all eyes are on them.
2. Stack food. If the food goes well together, try stacking it instead of having everything spread out. You don’t have to opt for mile-high towers, but a little height looks nice.
3. Wipe up dribbles. Unless it’s artfully done, dribbles are distracting and take away from the main attraction. Wipe up spills and keep the dish clean.
4. A dash of color. Sprinkle on some chives, parsley, or micro greens to add a dash of color to food that may otherwise look plain.
5. Make the right cut. Think of other ways you can cut the food. Doing big chunks of vegetables on a plate looks much different than thinly sliced, peeled, and shredded food.
6. Learn to swoosh. Spoon swooshes are a great way to add a little oomph to a plate. But take our advice on this one: never, ever touch a swoosh twice (things will get messy if you do).