If you are still using paper plates then you've got problems. Presentation is everything. Get a few nice white plates and some good utensils and you'll be fine. When plating food don't slop it on the plate like it's food for a pigs trough, instead why not make the plate look good. Garnish it with herbs and other spices, maybe even an edible flower. Not every item in a menu needs garnishing. For example, naturally colorful foods or in "busy" containers will be fine on their own. But if a soup, sauce or other dish is a boring pale or monotone, a sprig of a fresh herb, a dusting of finely grated cheese or grind of fresh black pepper, or a swirl of cream can add needed color and texture.
Some of the most eye-catching garnishes are fresh fruits: citrus zest, wedges, wheels and other shapes, kiwi rounds, pomegranate seeds, nectarine, peach or pine. You can sprinkle dry green herbs such as parsley, basil and oregano. Just remember not to go too crazy. Also, everything on your plate must be edible. You can even get wonderfully creative and serve your meal on an interesting serving vessel. (Other than a plate, I mean.) Possibilities include cutting boards or glass dishes. Make it interesting to impress your new squeeze. This way, even if the food sucks, you may still have a chance. A little effort goes a long way.
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Comments (7)
Great short tutorial!
Posted by Chou | September 10, 2008 4:30 AM
Posted on September 10, 2008 04:30
that is absolutely true. love that pic on the right. are those flowers edible?
Posted by nags | September 10, 2008 6:55 AM
Posted on September 10, 2008 06:55
Good post, a little thought on the plate certainly goes a long way. I like to see food plated well, although secondry to flavour it is still important.
Cheers the citykitchen!
Posted by thecitykitchen | September 10, 2008 9:17 AM
Posted on September 10, 2008 09:17
Nice post. I'm still working on my plating and making the food look as good as it tastes.
Posted by patsyk | September 11, 2008 5:05 AM
Posted on September 11, 2008 05:05
Plating food is probably my second favorite activity to finishing food that I cook. The first is eating! A little plating does go a long way.
Posted by Lando | September 11, 2008 1:00 PM
Posted on September 11, 2008 13:00
Heh, I was just thinking the other day that I need to find a few white plates.
Food plating for food blogs is actually a critical component to taking a good picture. It doesn't have to be difficult, but a little thought in this area goes a long way.
Posted by Christina | September 11, 2008 9:47 PM
Posted on September 11, 2008 21:47
Thank you for that... very helpful! I'll be following your advice :)
Posted by dirtykitchensecrets | November 16, 2008 5:30 AM
Posted on November 16, 2008 05:30