If you own a foodservice business, you know that food plating and presentation are central to keeping guests happy as they experience your restaurant. However, plating is often overlooked by chefs who are either too busy or more concerned with the taste of their dishes. People eat with their eyes, and and thoughtful plating enhances both the look and taste of your food. Focusing on presentation also allows chefs to showcase their creations and demonstrate to guests that they're getting their money's worth. While there aren't any hard and fast rules when it comes to "correct" plating, there are several important concepts to keep in mind as you prepare and present your restaurant's delicious culinary creations.
Things to Remember Before You Begin Plating Food
Before you begin preparing your dish, you should consider the kind of cuisine you're serving. Are you making a hearty steak dinner, or are you preparing a delicate side dish or appetizer? You can't start building your plate until all of your flavors are finalized, so it's wise to have your ingredients prepared before you begin the actual plating process.
Additionally, you'll want to consider portion sizes before you begin plating. To do so, focus on balancing your protein, carbohydrate, and vegetable to create a nutritionally balanced meal. Ultimately, carefully placed ingredients create art, but presentation should never overshadow taste.
