By Eve Victory
Eating is a multisensory experience. Even before we get to taste, we are wooed by presentation, smells, and sounds. All of our senses build anticipation even before that lovely bite reaches our lips.
You don’t need artisan skills to make your plates prettier. Just Google your favorite dishes to get ideas and keep the following in mind:
- Composition – Build your idea around the main ingredient, but consider the companion ingredients’ sizes and shapes, and any sauces to be used.
- Color and contrast – Color plays an enormous part in eye appeal. Vibrant hues of mixed bell peppers pack a big punch against the more subdued colors of chicken and fish.
- Texture — Add depth to your presentation by pairing different textures. Think creamy with crunchy or hearty with smooth, such as roasted crispy salmon with creamy dill sauce.
- White Space – Overcrowding can confuse and dull the reaction to a plate. Too much of a good thing will detract not only from presentation but even the taste of your food.
- Garnish – Never mere decorations, garnishes are meant to enhance flavor and serve as a complementary element. If you’re stumped for choices, herbs, and edible flowers work with almost everything.
Make more memories this holiday season with meals that not only tantalize tastebuds but also capture attention. Think of your plate as a canvas of colors, textures, and flavors, and create something beautiful.
Working for years as an event and tradeshow planner and personal chef, Eve Victory is the Hospitality and Tourism Management professor at National Park College. For more information, contact Eve at evictory@np.edu.
