Our students can always expect delicious food, but they are often surprised that it's so delicious since they just learned to make it themselves. As I recently watched students serve up their wedge salads during a Steakhouse DIY class, it got me thinking about how home cooks can bring more intention to their plating. It is often forgotten that delicious food doesn’t end when the cooking is complete.
Plating includes table settings, serving ware, and how the food is arranged on a plate. Garnishing is an aspect of plating that involves adding decorative elements, usually edible, to enhance the dish's appearance and flavor. Together, these elements contribute to the overall visual appeal and dining experience. As explained in The Art of Plating, aspects of plating include balance, color and texture, portion size, focal point and arrangement.
Why does plating matter? How food looks affects how it tastes, how it's experienced, and how it's remembered.
Visual Appeal and Appetite Stimulation
We've always heard that people eat with their eyes first - and it's true. A vibrant plate with thoughtful textures and colors can instantly make a food item more appetizing and enticing. There’s also the added potential of causing eaters to slow down and savor their food. Try slicing food on the bias (i.e. diagonal) or providing an edible food “holder” for smaller bites that diners can just pick up and enjoy.
The way food is presented can influence how diners perceive its taste. Consider your food’s cut, layout and serving dish color. Sometimes smaller pieces are enticing.
Make a Memorable Experience - Tell a Story
Show off a family recipe by serving it on an heirloom serving platter. During the meal, be sure you share the story represented by the dish. Holiday guests listen intently when I serve them chopped liver. I share that not only was my grandmother’s recipe followed explicitly through the parsley garnish, it was also prepared in the same wooden chopping bowl she used. For another story, match the cuisine with the plate. I always serve fish tacos on plates I bought when vacationing in Mexico.
Adds Value
Thoughtfully plated dishes can make food feel more special. Proper utensils and designated serving dishes make guests feel comfortable, valued and safe. Dressing your table to fit the season will complement your food too. Use fresh spring flowers and linen napkins in Spring. Save candles and dark colors for the colder months.
Highlight Ingredients
Show off your ingredients! A sprig of herb or a few whole spices used in the dish can double as a garnish, giving visual cues about what to expect and making flavors pop.
With the entertaining season in full swing, now is the perfect time to start experimenting. Pull out that platter you never use, repurpose extra ingredients as garnishes, and don’t be afraid to get a little artsy. Inspiration is everywhere - from food magazines to your favorite cookbooks.
For professional inspiration, attend one of our chef's Tasting Table demonstration classes. These intimate experiences allow for lots of conversation and instruction of our chefs' favorites foods. For hands-on guidance, our Culinary Boot Camp culminates with a special lesson on plating as students learn to master the art of the dinner party. We even have plating ideas for beverages during Cocktail Happy Hours, where drink garnishes get creative. And of course, our hands-on Sushi Workshop allows you to delve into making art out of food with vigor.
Food is meant to be tasted - but don’t forget, it’s also meant to be seen.
