The art of food plating and presentation has evolved over centuries, and chefs today are now able to create beautiful and innovative dishes that not only tantalize the tastebuds, but also the eyes. It has become a necessary skill for chefs to learn and master in order to stay ahead of the competition and to be successful in the culinary world.
Gone are the days of simply throwing food on a plate and calling it a meal. Today, chefs must think outside the box and create dishes that are as visually appealing as they are tasty. This guide from Total Food Service, a leading industry publication for chef news and guides, will provide an overview of the basics of food plating and presentation, from the fundamentals of choosing the right plate to the art of arranging and garnishing. Armed with the knowledge in this guide, chefs will be able to take their plating and presentation skills to the next level with the help of the right equipment.
Plating in the Modern Food Service Industry
In a market where restaurants are now competing on a global scale and platforms like Instagram have taken the importance of presentation to the next level, the art of food plating and presentation is more important than ever.
Food plating and presentation is the art of arranging food on a plate in a way that is both visually appealing and appetizing. This includes using various techniques to arrange and garnish the food, as well as choosing the right plate for the dish.
The art of food plating and presentation has evolved quite a bit, and chefs today are now able to create beautiful and innovative dishes that not only tantalize the tastebuds, but also the eyes. It has become a necessary skill for chefs to learn and master to stay ahead of the competition and to be successful in the culinary world, which often lives parallel to the social media landscape and diners’ feeds on Instagram and Facebook.
Basics of Food Plating and Presentation
Choosing the Right Plate
When it comes to food plating and presentation, the plate is the first step in creating a visually appealing dish. Chefs should consider the shape, size, and color of the plate when selecting the right one for the dish.
Arranging Food on the Plate
Arranging food on the plate is an art form in itself, and chefs should use various techniques to create a beautiful and balanced presentation. This includes layering and spacing out ingredients, creating layers of texture, and creating a balanced color palette.
Garnishing
Garnishing is the finishing touch to a dish and can be used to add color, texture, and flavor. Chefs can use a variety of garnishes such as herbs, fruits, vegetables, and sauces to enhance the presentation and flavor of a dish.
Equipment Necessary for Food Plating and Presentation
Plates
Choosing the right plate is an important part of food plating and requires chefs to select the appropriate shape, size, and color for the dish.
Utensils
Chefs should select utensils that are the appropriate size and shape for the food they are serving. Utensils such as tongs, spoons, spatulas, and ladles can be used to arrange and place the food on the plate.
Garnishing Tools
Garnishing tools such as tweezers, microplanes, and spoons can be used to create intricate and detailed garnishes.
The Kitchen Equipment to Make it All Happen
Before the food reaches the plate, kitchens need to be well-stocked with the right equipment.
Cooking line
The cooking line is the foundation of the kitchen and should be outfitted with all the necessary equipment such as ranges, ovens, and fryers to prepare the ingredients for the dish.
Refrigeration
Refrigeration is essential for storing and preserving ingredients, as well as maintaining food safety. This includes refrigerators, freezers, and walk-in coolers.
Food Preparation
Food preparation equipment such as cutting boards, knives, blenders, and food processors can be used to prepare ingredients for the dish.
Storage
Storage equipment such as shelves and racks can be used to store ingredients and equipment for easy access.
Small Wares
Small wares such as measuring cups, whisks, and spoons can be used to measure, mix, and prepare ingredients.
Learn More at Total Food Service, The Ultimate Foodservice Publication for Chef News and Guides
At Total Food Service, the leading industry publication for chefs, we strive to provide the latest news and guides to help chefs stay ahead of the competition. Our website is filled with articles, news, and tips to help chefs create beautiful and innovative dishes that are as appetizing as they are appealing to the eye.
For more information on food plating and presentation, check out our guides on kitchen equipment and dealer listings, or subscribe to stay in the loop with everything happening in the foodservice industry.
