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• 10 Professional Food Plating Tips, from Chefs 🍽️
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10 Professional Food Plating & Food Photography Tips

Tip #1: create a framework.

Start with drawings and sketches to visualize the plate. Find inspiration from a picture or object. Assemble a “practice plate” to work on executing your vision. It’s always good to start conceptualizing your plating and presentation ideas before doing the actual plating. Here are a few tips to get you started:

• Start with actual drawings before experimenting with real food on a plate.
• Sketch out your presentation to help you visualize the final plate as well as how it will fit in the picture.
• Keep up to date with the latest plating trends by reading food magazines.

Tip #2: Keep it simple

Select one ingredient to focus on and leave enough space to keep the presentation simple. Clutter distracts from the main elements of your dish and might make it confusing for the diners to figure out what to focus on. An overcrowded plate is never pretty, so make sure there are appropriate spaces in between your plating elements.

Tip #3: Balance the dish

Plating shouldn’t be seen as just decoration; it should also taste good.

• Experiment with flavors and textures that have stark contrasts yet go well together.
• Sauces are better served on the sides than directly on the food so that the dish doesn't get soggy. 
• Food presentation is key: play with colors and shapes and try combining them – round shapes, cones, rods, etc. 
• A mix of textures creates an exciting variety of mouthfeels too!  
• Balance can also be created by separating. Try serving different parts of the dish in separate plates to create a visual and flavor balance. 
• Keep function and flavor in mind when creating balance. The presentation should never overpower flavor and function. Having too many unnecessary ingredients can clutter a dish. The normal rule of thumb for components is to have a hot element, a cold element, an element of texture, something crunchy, something soft. This just keeps your palette amused. 

Tip #4: Get the right portion size

Ensure that there is the right amount of ingredients and that the plate complements the dish – not too big or small. Strike the right proportion of protein, carbohydrates and vegetables to create a nutritionally balanced meal. The image below shows a classical plating technique that uses the three basic food items of starch, vegetables and main in a specific arrangement. A simple guide to a classical plating is to think of the plate as the face of a clock. Using the clock analogy, this is how you should arrange individual food items:

• Main: Between 3 to 9 o’clock
• Starch: Between 9 to 11 o’clock
• Vegetables: Between 11 to 3 o’clock

Tip #5: Highlight the key ingredient

When plating, always highlight the key ingredient. Nobody wants to order a steak and find the plate crowded with sides and the beef hidden. Ensure the main ingredient stands out, but pay equal attention to other elements on the plate, such as garnishes, sauces and even the plate itself. Here are a couple of notes to help you put the main ingredient in the spotlight:

• Balance the portion size of the 3 elements of the plate.
• Make sure the main ingredient stands out among the 3 elements and not the other way around.

Tip #6: Color is King!

This plays a significant role. Choose a color that will complement your dish. Although white dish ware is popular as it provides high contrast for colorful creations, blue, black, red, and yellow plates can look spectacular when paired with the right food. In this digital era, food is easily an experience most people want to capture and share on social media. Give them something to remember by providing colorful food arrangements that can instantly elevate even the most mundane ingredients in the food that you are serving. One tip is to make sure there is proper color balance and that green is the first thing your guests see; it is the color that pops out to most people when it comes to food. 

Tip #7: Present your food with sauces

How are you going to serve your sauce? Aside from creating an additional layer of flavor and depth, sauces are also used for decorative purposes. They act as a visual element that ties all the other elements together. Here are a few tips on incorporating sauces to your plate:

• Lightly pour or drizzle on the plate, over or underneath the dish.
• Create dots on the side of the plate or as a feature on one side of the plate.
• Draw lines that run through the different elements of the dish to unify them visually.

 The trick here is to think of your spoon or squeeze bottle as a paintbrush and apply your sauce artfully. Think dots or lines to unify different elements of the plate. Or, serve your sauce on the side in an attractive jug.

Tip #8: Use the right equipment

Another thing take into consideration is the equipment. What equipment have you got to work with? Here are the common tools used for cutting, moulding and shaping

• Pastry bag – Different tips for different decorations for icings, creams and butter mixtures.
• Metal spatula – To mould icings and sauces.
• Peeling knife – To peel, trim and clean produce. Also used to make decorative cuts.
• Fluted knife – To make wavy decorative cuts.
• Vegetable peeler – To peel and core produce.
• Melon baller – To scoop out balls or half balls from melons, carrots, cucumber, pumpkin and butter.
• Round cutters – To make circular decorative cuts.
• Egg slicer – To divide the eggs.

Tip #9: Check your Resources

How many times are you going to plate this in a service? How long have you got to plate it? Who is plating it? These are all things that you must take into consideration when you’re coming up with your dish. At the end of the day, it’s not the head chef that plates up the final dish. They inspect it, but it is often the junior chefs and the more senior guys in the kitchen that end up plating the food. So, it really has to be something that you can put down and can be replicated at high speed. That creates consistency.

Tip #10: Find your Style!

Last but not least, it is important for a chef to find his own identity, his style, and what he believes in. A lot of your philosophy and your ethos goes into how you plate. For example, at Urbanologi we try and encourage healthy eating, responsible eating. We’ve all got a part to play in saving the planet, so we like to push that angle through our plating. A lot of it is root to tip, we don’t like to waste anything. You’ll see a lot of our garnishes have got quite a few deep-fried leaves, there are lots of powders, there are lots of pickles made from ends that normal restaurants would throw away. We try and keep the peels and use them in stock. These all influence how the plate looks because we have to use the whole vegetable or the whole animal, for example. You need to find a way to put that on the plate and keep it aesthetically pleasing.

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11 Industry Expert Food Presentation and Plating Techniques

At the peak of social media and food bloggers, food presentation and plating have never been more important. Photos and videos of one single dish and then shared by multiple people online, tempting more customers to dine at your restaurant. The value of sight cannot be overlooked in the overall dining experience.

The plating process is a culinary art but it's not only about how visually appealing your food is either. Excellent food plating techniques can evoke the appetite and feelings of anticipation and excitement. We engage all our senses while dining, not solely relying on taste. When a diner chooses to eat out, they want all their senses invigorated.

Whether you own a casual home-style restaurant or a fine dining venue, our food presentation tips can elevate your culinary expertise.

Why Food Presentation Matters

In a study by the National Library of Medicine , it was concluded that "our subjective sense of taste is significantly influenced by our visual perception". In other words, when food is visually appealing, it can stimulate our appetite and taste buds significantly. This is why we have the common phrase "we eat with our eyes first".

The multiple benefits of food plating and presentation go beyond visual appeal:

• Highlights your high-quality food - Exceptional ingredients and cooking expertise deserve a high-quality finished plate.
• Worth a higher price tag - Customers are willing to spend more when they see the care and effort involved.
• Enhanced flavour perception - Dishes with aesthetic appeal can increase the perception of flavours.
• Competitive edge - Food plating is an art form in which the chefs can express themselves. Your restaurant can stand out from the competition with a unique style.
• Brand image - High-quality food plating demonstrates your brand's commitment to quality, professionalism and attention to detail.
• Improved operations - Consistency and attention to detail are some of the ways you can improve restaurant operations . Setting a benchmark with your staff members enhances customer service.

Key Considerations for Food Plating Techniques

Great food presentation relies on quality ingredients and excellent cooking skills. Roast, fry or braise your food to perfection to stand out on the plate and create textures. Vary your dishes with contrasting colours, different sauces and edible garnishes to elevate tastes and visual appeal.

Equip your chefs with the best tools and plate styles to match your cuisine.

Deciding Your Plate Style

Plating food in a stunning presentation will depend on your plate size and style. It should represent your branding and cuisine to boost your dining experience. With varying sizes and colours, the right plate size should be in proportion to your portion size.

Consider the following plates:

• Classic round white plates - Usually used for fine dining restaurants, white plates offer a clean and sophisticated presentation.
• Square plates - A contemporary option for a simple presentation. A square plate can highlight your food plating through different shapes.
• Platters - For a home-style sharing menu, food plating can scale for large plates or platters. Don't underestimate the importance of food presentation on a larger scale.
• Boards or slates - Food presentation can still be a priority for more casual or grill restaurants by using boards or slates for food plating.

Kitchen Tools You May Need

To create dishes with unique food presentation designs, you may need some extra tools to be precise when plating:

• Precision tongs
• Squeeze bottles for drizzling
• Plating brushes to sauce
• Food tweezers for delicate items
• Plating spoons for decorative designs

11 Food Presentation and Plating Techniques

• Use textures
• Play with colours
• Follow an order
• Make a focal point
• Create height
• Serve small portions
• Fluff up vegetables
• Don't forget your sauces
• Wipe the edges
• Garnish for a finishing touch
• Add service flare

1. Use textures

A combination of smooth and soft or hard and crispy textures creates depth in your food presentation. It's important to balance every element of your plate, including the texture. Create contrasting textures through:

• Puree sauce for a soft base
• Seared protein with a crisp finish
• Crunchy nuts
• Shiny glaze
• Scorched sugar

Once you have prepped the perfect elements with a burst of flavour, be playful in the final presentation.

2. Play with colours

Vibrant and contrasting colours naturally attract interest in any situation. With food plating, colours can make dishes more visually appealing and stimulate the appetite. Bold combined with soft colours can also influence the diner's perception of flavour. A colourful food presentation on a table will set a bright mood and anticipation.

3. Try free-form plating

Free-form plating is the technique of treating the plate like an artistic canvas. The chefs can get creative with splashes of food and colour, smearing, drizzling and drawing for a food presentation masterpiece. By being loose with your free-form plating, every dish will be unique and exciting.

4. Make a focal point

Many food presentation tips from chefs advise to start in the middle of the plate to create a main focal point. Other elements will then support the main ingredient around the plate. It's also important to leave empty space to avoid overcrowding and overwhelming your diner.

5. Create height

Ever heard the phrase "people eat with their eyes"? Creating height gives the illusion of more food and elevates the perception of great value. You can create height with your food placement by:

• Stacking - Placing vegetables on top of each other for an interesting mound.
• Layering texture - Rather than placing food into individual sectors on the plate, layer on top of each other. For example, layer fish on top of mashed potatoes to create a peak.
• Spiralling - Spiral vegetables or twist pasta into a bouncy mound.
• Vertical placement - Plating your main ingredient at an odd angle can add a sharp high point to your dish.

6. Serve small portions

As a general rule, leaving empty space on the plate will allow your food to stand out. It frames the dish and encourages the diner to focus on the characteristics of the plate. By serving smaller portions, you can be more creative with the balanced placement.

7. Fluff up your vegetables

Fluffing up vegetables can create more texture and appeal on the plate. The fluff process involves gently tossing or separating the vegetable pieces to prevent clumping and to create a more airy and appealing texture. It can also help them to absorb the glaze or sauce you drizzle on, which will enhance the flavour.

8. Don't forget your sauces

Sauces are delicious but can also make your food plating more exciting. Here are some sauce food presentation tips:

• Dollop and Swoop - Place a spoonful of sauce on the plate and use the back of the spoon to drag the sauce to the other side of the plate, creating a swooping effect.
• Squeeze Bottle - Use a squeeze bottle to create artistic designs or precise lines with the sauce. This technique is suitable for thick, smooth sauces that will hold their shape.
• Brushing - Dip a clean brush, such as a pastry brush, into the sauce and brush it across the plate to create elegant designs or patterns.
• Pooling - For larger servings of sauce, such as a red wine pan sauce or crème anglaise, create a pool of sauce on the plate to complement the dish.
• Splatter Technique - Use a squeeze bottle to create splatter designs by applying pressure at an angle to the plate, creating various dot sizes for contrast.
• Zig Zag Technique - Use a squeeze bottle to create zigzag patterns with the sauce, adding visual interest to the plate.

9. Wipe the edges

After taking such care in your food plating techniques, it pays to clean the negative space on the place. This is especially important for fine dining restaurants using white plates. A clean framed plate adds sophistication and quality to your dish.

10. Garnish for a finishing touch

Herbs, edible flowers and nuts can be the "topping on the cake" you need. Garnishes add an extra special quality and texture and enhance the perception of depth and flavour.

11. Add service flare

How you serve your food to your diner is as important as your food plating. This is exceptionally important in the age of social media where diners are looking to share their dining experience online. Consider asking your waiter to finish the final element of food plating at the table in front of the customer. Some ideas include:

• Flambé - The flames from flambéing can create a sense of excitement and anticipation.
• Caramelising - Use a burner to caramelise your sauce or glaze in front of the diner.
• Creative garnishing - Add your herbs or toppings at the table to show the effort put into your dishes.
• Smoking - Use a smoker to add a dramatic presentation and extra flavour.

Focusing on the customer’s experience within the food plating process is what makes a restaurant 5-star quality . 

Grant Chefs More Time For Food Presentation

Careful food presentation takes a lot of time and effort. It requires precision, focus and a steady hand. The last thing you want is a stressful restaurant kitchen environment causing your chefs to rush their plating.

Support your chefs by investing in technology for real-time order management. ResDiary’s restaurant reservation system order feature allows instantaneous communication between customer ordering and kitchen workstations. 

With over 50 integrations including food inventory, kitchen processes can be streamlined for accuracy and speed. Restaurant technology saves time for your chefs and servers so they can focus on food presentation and customer service.

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The Art of Food Presentation: Elevate Your Culinary Creations

Uncover the secrets of Food Presentation and learn how to elevate your culinary creations to a new level. Discover the importance of plating and the techniques used by professionals.

Food presentation is an art that marries culinary skills with aesthetics. It's the secret weapon of chefs and food enthusiasts worldwide, transforming ordinary dishes into extraordinary culinary experiences. The way food is presented on the plate can influence our perception of taste, making it an essential aspect of the dining experience. This article will delve into the world of food presentation, providing insights and tips to help you elevate your culinary creations.

Food presentation goes beyond merely arranging food on a plate; it's about creating a visual feast to complement the flavors of the dish. It involves the careful placement of food, garnishes, and sauces to create a balanced and appealing look. The colors, textures, and shapes all play a crucial role in making the dish visually appetizing.

Rules of Food Presentation

The first rule of food presentation is to keep it simple. Overcrowding the plate can make it look messy and unappetizing. Instead, focus on the quality of the ingredients and let their natural beauty shine. Use a clean, white plate as your canvas and arrange the food in a way that highlights its colors and textures.

Contrast is another important element in food presentation. By contrasting colors, shapes, and textures, you can create a visually appealing plate. For example, a bright, crunchy salad can be paired with a creamy, soft pasta dish. The contrast in colors and textures will make the plate more visually appealing and exciting.

Garnishes are the finishing touches that can elevate a dish from good to great. However, they should not be used merely for decoration; they should enhance the flavor of the dish. Fresh herbs, edible flowers, and citrus zest are some examples of garnishes that can add a pop of color and flavor to your dish.

The arrangement of food on the plate is also crucial. As a general rule, the main ingredient should be placed at the center of the plate, with the side dishes and sauces arranged around it. This not only makes the plate look balanced but also allows each ingredient to shine.

Remember, the goal of food presentation is not to create a work of art, but to enhance the dining experience. By paying attention to the presentation, you can make your dishes more appealing and enjoyable. So, the next time you're preparing a meal, take a moment to consider how you can present it in a way that will delight the senses.

Food Presentation In Different Cultures

Food presentation is not a new concept. In fact, it has been a part of culinary traditions around the world for centuries. In Japan, for example, the art of food presentation, or "kaiseki," is considered an integral part of the dining experience. Similarly, in French cuisine, the presentation of food is given as much importance as the taste.

Here are a few examples of food presentation in different cultures:

Japanese Cuisine : Japanese food presentation focuses on simplicity, balance, and minimalism. Plates are often arranged with precision, showcasing the natural colors and textures of the ingredients. The use of bento boxes and compartmentalized dishes allows for the separation of flavors and prevents mixing of different components.

French Cuisine : French food presentation emphasizes elegance and artistry. Dishes are meticulously plated with attention to detail, creating a visually appealing arrangement. Sauces are often used to create intricate designs, and garnishes such as herbs and edible flowers are used to enhance the overall presentation.

Indian Cuisine : In Indian cuisine, food is often presented on a thali, a large round platter with multiple small bowls. Each bowl contains a different dish, providing a variety of flavors and textures. The arrangement of colors and the use of spices like turmeric and saffron add vibrancy to the presentation.

Chinese Cuisine : Chinese food presentation focuses on the balance of colors, textures, and flavors. The use of a lazy Susan allows for communal dining, with dishes placed in the center for everyone to share. Stir-fried dishes often incorporate a variety of vegetables and meats, creating a visually appealing mix of ingredients.

Middle Eastern Cuisine : Middle Eastern food presentation often includes a variety of mezze or small appetizer dishes. These are arranged on a large platter and served with bread, creating a communal dining experience. Garnishes such as fresh herbs, olives, and yogurt are used to add color and freshness to the presentation.

These are just a few examples, and food presentation practices can vary widely within each culture as well. The presentation of food not only reflects cultural traditions but also influences the dining experience by engaging multiple senses and creating a visually enticing meal.

Food Presentation in the Age of Social Media

In recent years, the importance of food presentation has been amplified by the rise of social media. With platforms like Instagram and Pinterest, food has become a visual medium, and presentation has become more important than ever. Chefs and home cooks alike are using these platforms to showcase their culinary creations, pushing the boundaries of food presentation.

While food presentation can seem daunting, it's something that anyone can master with practice. Start by observing how food is presented in restaurants and cookbooks, and don't be afraid to experiment with different techniques. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and let your creativity shine.

Mastering Food Presentation: A Guide for Home Cooks

Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, mastering the art of food presentation can take your meals to the next level. A well-presented dish not only pleases the eyes but also enhances the overall dining experience. From visual appeal to showcasing your skills, food presentation plays a crucial role in creating memorable meals. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore various techniques, tips, and tricks to help you become a pro at food presentation. From balancing colors to arranging garnishes and making your dishes look as good as they taste, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and creativity to create stunning plates that will impress your family and friends. Get ready to elevate your cooking to a whole new level and make your meals a feast for all the senses with our ultimate food presentation guide.

Food presentation is more than just a culinary technique; it's a form of expression. It allows chefs and home cooks to showcase their creativity and passion for food. So, whether you're preparing a meal for your family or hosting a dinner party, remember to pay attention to the presentation. After all, we eat with our eyes first.

So, are you ready to take your culinary creations to the next level? Start experimenting with different food presentation techniques and see how it can transform your dishes. Remember, the key to great food presentation is creativity, so don't be afraid to think outside the box. Happy cooking!

The Art of Plating: Techniques and Tips

The art of plating is a culinary skill that involves arranging food on a plate in a visually appealing way. It's a crucial aspect of food presentation that can enhance the dining experience and make a dish more appetizing. Here are some techniques and tips to help you master the art of plating:

Choose the Right Plate: The plate is your canvas, so choose it wisely. A white, round plate is a classic choice as it allows the colors of the food to stand out. However, don't be afraid to experiment with different shapes, sizes, and colors to add a unique touch to your presentation.

Create a Focal Point: Every dish should have a focal point that draws the eye. This could be the main ingredient or a striking garnish. Place this element in the center of the plate or slightly off-center for a more dynamic look.

Use Color and Contrast: Play with different colors and textures to make your dish visually appealing. Contrast bright and dark colors, and mix soft and crunchy textures. For example, a bright green herb can add a pop of color to a dark meat dish, while a crunchy garnish can add texture to a creamy soup.

Arrange Food in Odd Numbers: Odd numbers are more pleasing to the eye, so try to arrange food items in groups of three or five. For example, if you're plating scallops, serve them in a group of three instead of two or four.

Use Sauces Creatively: Instead of pouring sauce over the food, consider using it as a decorative element. You can drizzle it around the edge of the plate, or use a squeeze bottle to create dots or lines. Remember, less is more when it comes to sauce.

Garnish Wisely: Garnishes should enhance the flavor of the dish and complement the presentation. Use fresh herbs, edible flowers, or a sprinkle of spices. Always make sure the garnish is edible and relevant to the dish.

Keep it Clean: Keep the edges of the plate clean for a neat and professional look. You can use a paper towel to wipe off any drips or smudges.

Practice: Like any other skill, plating takes practice. Experiment with different techniques and presentations until you find a style that you like. Remember, the goal is to create a dish that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

By mastering these techniques, you can turn your dishes into works of art and elevate your culinary creations. Happy plating!

What Is a Food Presentation Called?

Food presentation is the art of modifying, processing, arranging, or decorating food to enhance its aesthetic appeal. The way the food looks on the plate is what tempts our eyes and makes you want to taste it.

What Should Be Included In A Food Presentation?

A food presentation should include a balance of color, texture, and arrangement. The food should be arranged on the plate in a way that it is visually appealing, and the colors and textures should complement each other. The plate itself is also an important part of the presentation.

What Are The Three Aspects of Food Presentation?

The three main aspects of food presentation are arrangement, color, and contrast. Arrangement refers to how the food is placed on the plate; color refers to the visual appeal that the food has, and contrast refers to the different textures and flavors in the dish.

What Are The 5 Importance of Food Presentation?

The five important aspects of food presentation are visual appeal, balance of color, enhancement of the dining experience, showcasing the skill of the chef, and making the food look as good as it tastes. A well-presented dish can enhance the dining experience and make the food more appetizing.

Visual Appeal: Food presentation is crucial for creating an enticing visual experience. The arrangement of ingredients, garnishes, and the overall plating style make the dish visually appealing, stimulating appetite and setting the stage for an enjoyable dining experience.

Balance of Color: A well-presented dish incorporates a thoughtful balance of colors. Vibrant and diverse hues on the plate make the meal visually attractive and enticing. The use of contrasting colors can enhance the overall presentation, creating a visually dynamic and inviting plate.

Enhancement of the Dining Experience: Food presentation enhances the overall dining experience by engaging multiple senses. The visual appeal of a well-presented dish elevates the anticipation and excitement of the meal, setting the stage for a memorable culinary journey.

Showcasing the Skill of the Chef: Food presentation is a way for chefs to demonstrate their culinary skills and artistic flair. Thoughtfully presented dishes reflect the chef's expertise, creativity, and attention to detail. It showcases their ability to transform ingredients into visually stunning and delightful culinary creations.

Making the Food Look as Good as it Tastes: Effective food presentation aims to make the dish as visually appealing as it is delicious. When food is presented in an attractive and enticing manner, it creates a harmonious balance between visual appeal and taste. The careful arrangement of elements on the plate reflects the care and precision put into the culinary process.

In summary, food presentation holds great importance in terms of visual appeal, the balance of color, enhancing the dining experience, showcasing the skill of the chef, and ensuring that the food looks as good as it tastes. It adds an extra layer of enjoyment and satisfaction to the overall dining experience.

Conclusion: The Art of Food Presentation

In conclusion, food presentation is an essential aspect of the culinary arts that can enhance the dining experience. By paying attention to the colors, textures, and arrangement of food onthe plate, you can create a visually appealing dish that delights the senses. Whether you're a professional chef or a home cook, mastering the art of food presentation can elevate your culinary creations and make your meals more enjoyable. So, embrace the art of food presentation and let your dishes tell a story.

Remember, the beauty of food presentation lies in its ability to transform ordinary dishes into extraordinary culinary experiences. It's not just about making food look good, but about enhancing the overall dining experience. So, the next time you're in the kitchen, consider how you can present your dishes in a way that will delight your guests and elevate your culinary creations.

In the world of food, presentation is just as important as taste. It's the first impression that a dish makes, and it can significantly influence our perception of taste. By mastering the art of food presentation, you can create dishes that are not only delicious but also visually stunning. So, embrace the art of food presentation and let your culinary creations shine.

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The art of plating: Our 7 favourite food presentation techniques

Plate presentation is one of the most vital ingredients in ensuring your diners have an outstanding experience. It’s part of what will set your restaurant apart from your competitors and it will ensure your meals not only taste great, but look great too; playing on all of your customers senses. The art of plating is tricky to master, but these seven food presentation techniques should get you on your way.

Scaling is one of the most popular food presentation techniques in the catering industry and although primarily used in fine dining establishments, the trend is now being welcomed across the wider catering collective. This intricate technique requires skill and plenty of practice but when done right, produces a delicate and exquisite result which will blow your diners away.

The effect is created by carefully layering food of similar shape and size, to produce a scale like effect. We’ve seen this plating technique used by many chefs, but one of our favourites is this dish by Anthony Raffo, who used a combination of pickled beets and apples to create the scale effect.

Find Anthony Raffo on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anthonyraffo/

Photo by: http://pavlovaandcream.com/

2018 is set to see the ‘one hue’ plate presentation technique sweep the catering industry. Doing exactly what it says on the tin, chefs have been using food of similar tones and matching it with their tableware to create a one tone look. This technique provides an outstanding, luxurious finish which is sure to set your restaurant apart.

As the trend continues to pick up pace within the industry, some chefs, such as Connor J Lowery, are already paving the way. Check out this awesome dish he created using one of our very own plates, utilising black tones to create a unified look.

Find Connor J Lowery on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connorjlowrey/

Explore our range and create a plate like Connor’s here: https://www.surreyceramics.com/products/

Arrangements in odd numbers

Arranging your dish so that elements are presented in odd numbers is an age-old trick of the industry. This food presentation technique creates an un-balance which is visually captivating to the diner. Whether you arrange in threes, fives, sevens or more, your dish is almost certainly going to be more aesthetically pleasing when elements appear in odd numbers.

Although superbly used by many chefs, we particularly like how Scott of Crockers String uses three simple elements in this dish to create an outstanding appearance.

Plate by Surrey Ceramics. Explore our range: https://www.surreyceramics.com/products/

Find Scott on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottabmfc/

Centre your meal

Perhaps the simplest plating presentation technique to ensure your food looks of the highest quality, is to centre your meal. Don’t feel like you must use the entirety of the plate, having smaller portions centred in the middle of your plate is the easiest way to secure a luxurious feel.

Many chefs make the technique work. But we particularly like how Luke Fouracre has used this method in this dish. He’s also used one of our plates to create this look, with the ‘Soho’ finish.

Find Luke Fouracre on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/lukefouracre/

Keep it simple

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when plating your dish is over garnishing the plate. Sometimes the best plate presentation, is the simplest. Plate up your meal and only add garnish, sauces and extra elements where they will add to the dish.

A chef who does this well is Robby Jenks. As shown in the dish below, Robby keeps dishes simple and doesn’t over garnish which creates real impact. We’ve had the pleasure of providing Robby with tableware for his restaurants and here he uses one of more u niquely shaped bowls .

Find Robby Jenks on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rjenks86/

Contrasting textures

Using food items with contrasting textures is a particularly good food presentation technique for drawing in the eye. The striking balance between soft, hard, rough and smooth textures is not only satisfying for the palette, but for the eye too.

If you want to go the extra mile and really impress your diners, try to ensure every bite or segment of the meal includes contrasting textures.

Our long term customer and marvelled chef, James Cochran, used this technique particularly well. Just check out the dish below where is utilises a mixture of soft and tough textures. Again, James uses a Surrey Ceramic plate in finish ‘Tempest’.

Find James Cochran on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jcochranec3/

Add height, not width

Give your dish an instantaneous sense of luxury by building your dish with height, rather than width. Stacking and layering elements of your dish can make the plate look more interesting, giving the meal more depth and luring in the eye of your diner.

Building a dish with height rather than width is a great plate presentation skill and this will immediately be apparent to the diner. We love how Marc Guibert builds height in his dish below by carefully stacking and layering the elements.

Find Marc Guibert on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/marcguibert/

We hope this plate presentation guide provides you with enough food presentation techniques to create new, innovative and stunning dishes. But remember that plate presentation isn’t the only thing that will help you make an impact. Instead, you must also consider how your tableware matches the look and taste of your dish.

At Surrey Ceramics, we provide bespoke tableware solutions to restaurants, hotels and the wider catering industry. With over 200 products and 30 glazes to choose from, we can help you choose a combination that will bring your meal to life.

We’ve recently had the pleasure of working with Oblix , The Find and Nathan Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen (click the name to read the case study). If you too want tableware solutions to enhance your restaurant, get in touch with our friendly team today or browse our website and make an enquiry .

Feeling inspired? Let's chat about your ideas - Call us now on 01428 604 404