Ask any caterer what they think the most important aspect of their business is, and most of them will probably tell you that it is food presentation. This refers to the way in which food is designed and placed. While such details may seem trivial, there are actually many benefits to knowing how to best present a dish.
Adequate nutrition is certainly important, but people have long been subjected to psychological influence related to food. For centuries, food presentation has been considered an art, a skill that requires knowledge to master. When you stop to consider the fact that many children refuse to eat common foods like vegetables mainly due to their appearance, you quickly realize that food presentation deserves some recognition.
Food Presentation is Used Everywhere
Aside from getting testy kids to finish their dinner, isn’t it nice to actually enjoy a meal every once in a while? In a world dominated by fast food restaurants, many families do not cook meals at home anymore. This is unfortunate for many reasons, not to mention the health concerns these habits raise.
Nevertheless, food presentation is used by the advertising industry as well. Have you ever looked at the billboard and signs posted by companies like McDonalds and Starbucks? If you have been paying attention, you have probably realized that food is displayed in an attractive light. This is not coincidental; catering companies recognize how much of an impact a properly decorated dinner plate can have versus one that is careless.
The Benefits of Food Presentation
Have you ever heard the saying, “the eyes are the windows to the soul?” A deep phrase to say the least, it also lends some weight to the fact that the ways in which people visualize their surroundings can have a drastic effect on their mood and actions. In the simplest sense, inner peace can often arise from experiencing pure happiness. Sometimes, it is the little things like what we eat that can make this happen.
A beautifully designed entre can make eating all the more enjoyable. Catering companies work hard to make sure that the color, arrangement and portion of foods are all in harmony when preparing for events. Although it may seem absurd to conceive of food as anything more than an ingredient for survival, it is important to remember that most of us crave (and need) this simple pleasure in our lives. All in all, food presentation is a fun way to get the most out of what we eat.