different kinds of plating presentation

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• Food Photography and Food Plating Tips & Techniques
• 8 Modern Food Plating & Presentation Styles
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8 Modern Food Plating Trends & Presentation Styles

In the restaurant business, food plating can be critical, especially when guests are ready to post and share on social media. Our chefs curated a list of the top food plating techniques that helps to elevate the guest experience.

1. Landscape Technique

Taking inspiration from landscape gardens, this linear arrangement of food is usually kept low and long. 

3. Food on organic materials Technique

Using organic materials such as wood, slate and stone as a plating device lends a more rustic and back-to-nature feel to dishes. 

5. The Nordic Look Technique

Make ribbons or chunks of vegetables and scatter herbs on a dish to garnish for seemingly effortless style. ‘Gone Fishing’ by the Danish chef and food stylist Mikkel Karstadt is a good place to look for inspiration; follow him on Instagram

7. Bathing Technique

Bathe fish in broth or sauce. For example, these tortellini with a shellfish sauce or coquilles with chicory, truffle foam, goat cheese and shrimps.

2. Free-form Technique

Like many modern paintings, free form plating may seem carelessly strewn across a plate, but each stroke and food placement is carefully thought out to create an abstract yet intriguing “painting” on a plate. 

4. Futuristic Technique

Making use of sleek materials like metal, glass and steel, futuristic plating creates a cutting edge and futuristic plating like the example below.

6. Hide and Seek Technique

Layering adds an element of playfulness and surprise to the dish. Think a puffed rice cracker covering crab meat, thinly sliced radishes hiding a yummy sea bass tartare... 

8. Super Bowl Technique

Bowl food is a massive trend, with cookbooks and restaurants to match.

Try a more elegant styled bowl; used for smaller dishes, like starter or entremets. 

FINDING THE RIGHT PLATE

Which plate you choose can make or break your dish, says South African Chef Jack Coetzee. Try to avoid symmetry, it’s not very interesting. And you need to create some height on your plate. However, if you are blatantly going for symmetry,  then you can get away with it because it’s your intention. But the plates do look very average if you’re trying to do something and you end up with it looking symmetrical. You can follow his course on plating in our UFS Academy for a more visual explanation.

Here are a couple of take-outs he shares on the different shapes of plates you can use and their possibilities to present your food. 

Rectangular or elongated plate

Using a rectangualr plate is effective if you have lots of small little garnishes that can wind their way through the length of the plate, making it look like a garden.

Square plate

This is not the easiest shape to work with. You have to use the Rule of Thirds, which is a theory dictating how an image (in this case your plate) should be composed in order to create an aesthetically pleasing result. You basically break your plate up into a grid system of 9 block and try to avoid using the bull’s eye itself because that’s a so-called dead spot. Also try not to use any of the spots in the corners.

Round plate

These are most commonly used. The same rule applies to your grid system on this plate, except you don’t have to worry about all the dead corners. Try not to get anything in the middle unless it’s deliberately in the middle. 

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The Art Of Food Presentation — Plating Like A Pro

• Shannon The Helpful Chef
• November 9, 2023

I’ve learned that food presentation is just as important as taste. When it comes to creating memorable dishes that wow customers. While taste is paramount, how the food looks on the plate is almost equally as important.

The visual presentation delights customers’ eyes before they even take their first bite. An artful presentation demonstrates care, creativity, and skill. It can turn an enjoyable meal into an unforgettable dining experience.

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In this blog post, I’ll share my tips and tricks for plating and presenting dishes. I’ve been a chef for 20-plus years and have learned a thing or two about plating food. Master these techniques to wow patrons and create Instagram-worthy culinary artwork with every meal.

Food Presentation Plating Like A Pro

Throughout my career as a chef, I’ve come to view each plate as a blank canvas. Waiting to be turned into an edible work of art. While the flavors and textures of a dish are crucial, elegant, and enticing.

The presentation takes the meal to the next level, delighting customers and showing them you’ve put care into every component. As any successful chef knows, food presentation and plating skills are well worth developing .

Start With Quality Ingredients

Truly, exceptional ingredients make the job easier. The freshest, properly butchered proteins and peak seasonal produce. They showcase their natural beauty with minimal preparation required. While technique is important, sourcing the best seasonal ingredients gives you an advantage.

Focus on Color And Contrast

One of the keys to eye-catching presentations is playing with vibrant colors and bold contrasts. I like to feature ingredients with bright natural hues like:

• Deep Greens — Spinach, arugula, fresh herbs, lettuce leaves, zucchini, fresh peas, and green beans.
• Rich Reds — Fresh tomatoes, red bell peppers, English radishes, red beets, radicchio, red leaf lettuce, and sliced red meats cooked med-rare.
• Sunny Yellows — Squash, yellow zucchini, golden beets, corn, and yellow beans.
• Earthy Browns — Mushrooms, jacket potatoes, taro, Jerusalem artichokes, and seared or slow-cooked meats.

Contrasting colors help each component stand out. For example, I’ll place a seared med rare red meat like beef rump next to arugula or roasted potatoes to make both stand out. Varying colors excite the eyes and spark joy on the plate.

Chefs Pro Tip — Use colorful ingredients to your advantage. Don’t complicate the process, when preparing each ingredient keep it fresh and simple. You will be amazed at what plating designs you can create.

Find Inspiration In Nature

I find endless inspiration for plating designs by observing the visual beauty inherent in nature. Notice compositions like seashell spirals, patterns in flower petals, or leaves fanned on a platter. Mimicking nature’s artistry through food is a constant source of ideas.

Allow Simplicity To Shine

Sometimes simple is best if I don’t overcomplicate a presentation . When the star ingredients speak for themselves. A pristinely seared fillet of salmon needs little more than an herb oil drizzle and chive garnish to impress. Allow quality ingredients and elegant simplicity to shine when appropriate.

Draw Plating Inspiration From Anywhere

I find plating inspiration almost everywhere. Nature, artwork, and even well-designed retail displays. Study what paints a pleasing visual picture and think about how to replicate it on the plate. Inspiration is endless for those with observant, creative eyes.

Pay Attention To Shapes And Height

When conceptualizing a dish, I always consider the natural shapes and heights of each element I’m including. Mixing and balancing the shapes and vertical dimensions makes the presentation more dynamic.

For instance, balls of zucchini are cut using a melon baller. Potatoes are cut into rectangular shapes. Spears of grilled asparagus can provide vertical lines next to rounded potato rosti. Or combine the height of a vegetable salad with the low profile of a sliced seared beef. Defining individual shapes gives a satisfying composition.

Food Presentation Go Vertical

Height adds drama and excitement to plated dishes. I build upwards with stacked ingredients like potato gratin, blanched broccolini, and a confit duck leg placed on top. Salads become more dynamic when ingredients are arranged vertically rather than tossed haphazardly across the plate. Reaching upwards with towers and heights naturally draws the diner’s eye in.

Incorporate Odd Numbers

When garnishing and portioning ingredients. Odd numbers do wonders when it comes to food presentation. Artful plating incorporates variety. Odd numbers of components like three ravioli or five haricots verts are more interesting than even pairs. The unevenness creates movement and delights the eye as it flows across the plate.

Play With Proportions

I carefully consider proportion when food presentation is the focus. The star of the dish is featured prominently with supporting sides artfully framed around. For example, an ample tenderloin takes center stage while the potatoes and vegetables are thoughtfully portioned as accents. Getting the proportions just right ensures an ideal bite each time.

Leave Negative Space

Don’t overcrowd or clutter the plate. I remind myself to leave ample negative space between the ingredients and leading up to the edges of plates and dishes. Negative space focuses the diner’s attention exactly where you want it. It also allows you to thoughtfully frame each component within the surrounding clean plate.

Consider Texture Contrasts

Beyond colors and shapes, textures add tactile variety and entice the appetite. I purposely pair contrasting textures like the juiciness of fresh tomato against the creaminess of mashed potatoes. A crispy crystalized chicken skin is another favorite. Varying textures excite both the palate and presentation.

Drizzle With Intent

One of my favorite plating techniques is taking advantage of the beautiful trail left when sauces and vinaigrettes are artfully drizzled onto the plate. I get creative with smears, straight lines, dots, and other patterns to adorn proteins or seasonal vegetables. Drizzling brings elegance through both taste and presentation.

Garnish With A Purpose

No plated dish is complete without a perfect garnish. Sprigs of fresh herbs, edible flowers, chopped nuts, and microgreens. These are my go-to garnishes to provide the final touch. I carefully select and position garnishes to complement other components. This is like a frame that completes a painting. This thoughtful detail finishes the food presentation.

Use Plating To Tell A Story

In my view, the best plating tells a thoughtful story. The ingredients, flavors, and preparation involved in crafting the meal are conveyed through a harmonious arrangement. Seasonality and passion come across in the details. This storytelling instills pride and attention to detail in my cooking.

Experiment With Plate Styles

An often overlooked plating tip is choosing plates, boards, and surfaces that complement the food. Patterns on plates can frame simply presented dishes. Wooden boards offer rustic charm while sleek slate can modernize a presentation. I get creative with my “canvas” to enhance the overall dining experience.

Develop Your Own Style

Just like with cooking techniques, plating has recognizable styles. Find what you love by looking at inspirational photos and experimenting. Over time, my personal plating preferences emerged into my signature style. Then I refined and perfected it. Maybe you prefer minimalist plates or architectural presentations. Your unique style is part of the art.

Practice Plating At Home

Even during home-cooked family meals, I practice plating in ways that feel fun and creative. The more you deliberately compose dishes with care, the more second nature beautiful presentation becomes. Use low-stakes at-home meals to hone your skills.

Invest In Quality Tools

Having quality tools at your fingertips facilitates plating success. I recommend investing in small spoons, tweezers, squeeze bottles, a melon baller, and other specialty items. The right kitchen tools allow you to intricately stack, drizzle, and embellish with ease. They’re essential for every aspiring platter.

Helpful Resources

• Chef’s Non-Negotiables That Separate the Amateurs from the Pros
• A Beginner’s Guide To Kitchen Slang Culinary Lingo All Aspiring Chefs And Cooks Should Know
• A Day In The Life Of A Chef Knives Fire And Passion
• Sourcing Seasonal Ingredients To Inspire Your Home Cooking

What Are Some Basic Plating Tips For Beginners To Improve Presentation?

Some basic plating tips are to start with evenly portioning ingredients. Use odd numbers for garnish. Use height to add dimension, and incorporate contrasting colors and textures. Leave negative space around components, and pay attention to the plate style. Even simple improvements can make a difference.

What Are Common Plating Mistakes To Avoid?

Here are some of the common plating mistakes to avoid. Crowding the plate, not leaving negative space. Lack of color contrast, sloppy or uneven drizzles. Overcomplicating the presentation, and poor proportions that don’t highlight the star ingredient.

A common mistake I see when cooks are plating food is the lack of height. They place everything on the plate which makes the dish look one-dimensional and boring. Another common mistake I see is minimal to no garnishes.

How Do I Come Up With Unique Plating Ideas?

Ways of coming up with unique plating ideas are drawing inspiration from nature, artwork, and other chef’s plating ideas. Also, telling a story about the dish’s flavor profiles can guide the presentation.

Final Thoughts

Perfectly executed taste with artful presentation creates a sensational dining experience. Mastering plating techniques demonstrates a passion for food and visual aesthetics that diners notice and appreciate.

I encourage all cooks and chefs to view every plate as a new opportunity to create food into an artistic showpiece. With practice, you can learn to plate dishes as skillfully as you craft the flavors. Turn every meal into a visually stunning culinary delight for patrons.

Skillful food presentation makes for an exciting dining experience. It touches all your senses and demonstrates the care and creativity the chef has put into the food. Food presentation it’s easier than you think.

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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

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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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Food Plating Techniques: Elevating Your Presentation

Want to take your culinary skills to the next level? Look no further than the art of food plating. In the world of gastronomy, presentation is just as important as taste. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice cook, mastering food plating techniques can elevate your dishes from ordinary to extraordinary. Join us as we explore the secrets behind creating visually stunning plates that will impress your guests and leave them wanting more.

Table of Contents

1. Understanding the Importance of Food Presentation

Food presentation plays a vital role in enhancing the overall dining experience. It goes beyond just the taste and quality of the food; it involves the art of showcasing and presenting the dish in an appealing and visually stunning way. The way a dish is plated can elevate the entire eating experience, stimulating not only the taste buds but also the sight and even the sense of touch.

1.1 Enhancing the Dining Experience

Food presentation goes hand in hand with the enjoyment of a meal. The visual appeal of a well-plated dish can excite and entice you before you even take the first bite. When the presentation is thoughtfully executed, it can create a sense of anticipation and build excitement around the meal. By enhancing the dining experience, thoughtful food plating can leave a lasting impression and make the meal more memorable.

1.2 Creating Visual Appeal

A beautifully plated dish can be a work of art. The arrangement of colors, textures, and shapes on the plate can catch the eye and create a visually pleasing composition. It adds an aesthetic value to the dish that can be appreciated even before tasting it. Beautiful food presentation not only makes the meal more visually appealing but can also demonstrate the chef’s creativity and attention to detail.

1.3 Impressing Guests and Diners

Food presentation is especially crucial when it comes to entertaining guests or running a restaurant. The way a dish is presented can leave a lasting impression on guests and diners. When food is plated elegantly and creatively, it shows that the chef takes pride in their work and cares about providing a memorable experience. Impressing guests and diners with visually stunning dishes can lead to positive reviews, word of mouth recommendations, and repeat customers.

2. The Basic Principles of Food Plating

To create visually stunning dishes, understanding the basic principles of food plating is essential. These principles guide the arrangement of the elements on the plate and help create a harmonious and balanced composition.

2.1 Balance and Proportion

Balance and proportion are key principles in food plating. A balanced dish has an even distribution of elements and symmetrical or asymmetrical arrangements that visually appeal to the eye. Proportion refers to the sizes and proportions of the components and garnishes used in the dish. Ensuring that the portion sizes and ratios are visually pleasing and proportional enhances the overall presentation.

2.2 Color and Contrast

Color and contrast are powerful tools in food plating. Using a variety of vibrant and complementary colors can make a dish visually striking. Contrasting colors, such as a bright green herb against a dark brown sauce or a red tomato nestled next to a white component, create visual interest and make the dish pop. Selecting ingredients with naturally occurring contrasting colors can help achieve a visually appealing plate.

2.3 Texture and Height

Texture adds depth and dimension to a dish. Combining different textures, such as crispy, creamy, or crunchy elements, can create a more interesting eating experience. Additionally, creating different heights on the plate can add visual interest and dimension. Stacking or layering components can give the dish an elegant and sophisticated look.

2.4 Clean and Neat Presentation

A clean and neat presentation is crucial in food plating. Wiping the plate’s rim, ensuring that there are no drips or spills, and arranging the food in an organized and intentional manner creates a polished and professional appearance. Paying attention to these small details can elevate the overall presentation of the dish.

2.5 Use of White Space

White space refers to the empty areas on the plate. Using white space strategically can provide a visual break and enhance the focus on the main components of the dish. It also creates a sense of elegance and sophistication. Leaving space between components allows each element to stand out and be appreciated individually.

2.6 Plate Placement

Plate placement is the positioning of the dish on the plate. Placing the main component off-center, using the rule of thirds, can create a visually appealing composition. It adds asymmetry to the plate, making it more interesting to the eye. Additionally, considering the shape and size of the plate when placing the elements is essential for a well-balanced presentation.

3. Plate Styles and Shapes

The choice of plate style and shape can greatly impact the overall presentation of a dish. The selection of the appropriate plate can enhance the visual appeal and complement the aesthetics of the food.

3.1 Round Plates

Round plates are the most common and versatile option. Their symmetrical shape allows for easy arrangement of components. They are suitable for a variety of cuisines and can create a classic and timeless look.

3.2 Square Plates

Square plates offer a modern and contemporary look. They provide a unique canvas for food presentation, allowing for creative and geometric arrangements. Square plates work well for dishes that have straight and clean lines.

3.3 Rectangular Plates

Rectangular plates are an excellent choice for elongated dishes such as sushi or for creating a sense of movement on the plate. They provide a sleek and visually interesting presentation that complements the shape of the food.

3.4 Oval Plates

Oval plates offer a sophisticated and elegant look. Their curved shape creates a soft and visually pleasing backdrop for various types of cuisine. Oval plates work particularly well for dishes with elongated or irregularly shaped components.

3.5 Specialty-Shaped Plates

Specialty-shaped plates, such as leaf-shaped or fish-shaped plates, can add a playful and whimsical touch to food presentation. These unique shapes can enhance the visual appeal and create a memorable dining experience.

4. Utensils and Tools for Food Plating

Having the right utensils and tools is essential for precise and creative food plating. The following tools are commonly used by chefs to achieve aesthetically pleasing presentations:

4.1 Chef’s Knife

A sharp chef’s knife is a fundamental tool for food preparation and plating. It allows for clean and precise cuts, ensuring that the ingredients are uniform in size and shape.

4.2 Offset Spatula

An offset spatula is ideal for carefully transferring and placing delicate components onto the plate. Its angled design and thin blade allow for precise control and prevent damage or disturbance to the arrangement.

4.3 Plating Spoons

Plating spoons come in various shapes and sizes and are used for precise placement and arrangement of sauces, purees, and smaller food items. They allow for controlled pouring and scooping of ingredients.

4.4 Tweezers

Tweezers are a versatile tool for food plating. They are used for precise positioning of delicate elements, such as edible flowers or microgreens. Tweezers provide the chef with full control over placement.

4.5 Decorating Pens

Decorating pens, filled with edible ink, are used to add decorative details or write messages on the plate. They offer precision and creativity in creating intricate designs or personalized touches.

4.6 Culinary Brushes

Culinary brushes are used to apply sauces or glazes to the plate or directly onto the food. They allow for controlled and precise brushing, resulting in clean lines and an even distribution of the sauce.

By utilizing these tools, chefs can create visually stunning plates that are not only delicious but look impressive as well.

5. Techniques for Arranging Food on the Plate

The arrangement of food on the plate can greatly impact the overall visual presentation. Chefs employ various techniques to create visually appealing compositions:

5.1 The Classic Elegant Stack

The classic elegant stack involves layering components on top of one another to create height and visual interest. This technique works well with ingredients of different colors and textures. Ensuring that each layer is well-defined and stabilized provides an aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound presentation.

5.2 The Freeform or Organic Style

The freeform or organic style involves arranging the components in a natural and flowing manner, similar to the appearance of food in its natural state. This technique creates a more relaxed and casual presentation, allowing the ingredients to shine on their own merit.

5.3 The Geometric Composition

The geometric composition technique involves arranging the food in clean lines and precise shapes, such as squares, triangles, or circles. This approach creates a visually striking and contemporary look. The use of rulers or guides can help achieve perfectly straight lines and sharp angles.

5.4 The Spiral or Swirl Pattern

The spiral or swirl pattern technique involves arranging the food in a circular or spiral shape. This technique adds movement and visual interest to the plate, drawing the eye towards the focal point. It works particularly well with saucy or pureed components.

5.5 The Diagonal or Chevron Layout

The diagonal or chevron layout technique involves arranging the food in a diagonal or zigzag pattern across the plate. This technique adds energy and dynamic movement to the presentation. It is visually appealing and creates a sense of excitement.

6. Garnishing and Decorating Techniques

Garnishing and decorating are the finishing touches that bring a dish to life. These techniques add visual interest and enhance the overall presentation:

6.1 Herb Sprinkles or Microgreens

Herb sprinkles or microgreens are used to add a touch of freshness and vibrant color to a dish. Sprinkling chopped herbs or scattering microgreens on top of a finished plate can provide an appealing contrast and aroma.

6.2 Edible Flowers

Edible flowers are used to add an elegant and visually stunning element to a dish. They come in various colors and shapes and can be used as a focal point or scattered around the plate for added beauty and delicacy.

6.3 Sauce Drizzles or Swirls

Sauce drizzles or swirls are an effective way to add artistic flair to a plate. By using a spoon or squeeze bottle, chefs can create decorative patterns or abstract designs with sauces. This technique adds depth and visual interest to the presentation.

6.4 Powders and Dustings

Powders and dustings, such as cocoa powder, powdered sugar, or spice blends, can be used to enhance the appearance of a dish. By carefully dusting these elements over the plate, chefs can create visual accents, add flavor, and highlight specific components.

6.5 Crispy and Crunchy Toppings

Adding crispy or crunchy toppings, such as toasted nuts or fried shallots, can provide textural contrast to a dish. They can also serve as visual accents, adding depth and complexity to the overall composition.

6.6 Edible Arrangements

Edible arrangements involve creatively arranging edible components, such as fruit slices or vegetable ribbons, into decorative shapes or designs. These artistic displays make the dish visually captivating and demonstrate the chef’s attention to detail.

7. Incorporating Color and Texture into Plating

Incorporating color and texture into plating is essential for creating visually appealing dishes. The following techniques can help achieve vibrant and textured compositions:

7.1 Using Vibrant Fresh Ingredients

Using a variety of fresh and vibrant ingredients can add color and visual appeal to a dish. Incorporating colorful fruits, vegetables, and herbs can instantly brighten the plate and make it more visually enticing.

7.2 Incorporating Different Textures

Combining different textures, such as smooth and creamy with crispy and crunchy, creates an enjoyable and dynamic eating experience. Incorporating textural contrasts in a dish can be done by adding crispy garnishes, creamy sauces, or velvety purees.

7.3 Contrasting Colors

Contrasting colors can create visual impact and make a dish stand out. Pairing complementary colors, such as red and green or blue and orange, creates a visually appealing composition. Color wheel guidelines can be used to select contrasting colors that work well together.

7.4 Seasonal Color Themes

Using seasonal color themes adds excitement and freshness to a dish. By utilizing ingredients that are in season, chefs can create visually appealing plates that reflect the colors and flavors of a particular season. For example, incorporating bright and vibrant colors in summer or warm and earthy tones in autumn.

8. Tips for Plate Placement and Negative Space

Plate placement and negative space are important considerations for creating a visually balanced and appealing presentation:

8.1 Focal Point and Plate Anchoring

Identifying a focal point helps guide the arrangement of the components on the plate. Placing the main ingredient or the star of the dish in a prominent position creates a visual anchor for the plate. Building the composition around the focal point ensures that it receives the attention it deserves.

8.2 Balancing Elements with White Space

White space, or negative space, is the empty area on the plate. Utilizing white space effectively can create balance and harmony within the composition. A well-structured arrangement that allows for appropriate spacing between components enhances the visual appeal and prevents overcrowding.

8.3 Guiding the Eye

The arrangement of components can guide the eye and draw attention to specific elements on the plate. Placing components in a linear fashion or creating visual lines can guide the eye from one element to the next. This technique adds flow and movement to the presentation and ensures that each component is noticed.

9. Creative Plating Techniques for Specific Dishes

Different dishes require different plating techniques to showcase their unique characteristics. Here are some creative plating techniques for specific types of dishes:

9.1 Pasta and Noodle Dishes

For pasta and noodle dishes, consider twirling the pasta or arranging it in a nest-like shape. Topping it with herbs or a sprinkle of grated cheese can add visual interest. Additionally, incorporating colorful vegetables or contrasting sauces can make the dish more visually appealing.

9.2 Seafood Plating Techniques

Seafood dishes can be plated by arranging the seafood on a bed of vegetables or grains, such as risotto or quinoa. Garnishing with thinly sliced citrus fruits or edible flowers can add freshness and visual appeal. Consider adding a drizzle of sauce or placing the seafood in a sauce-filled shell to elevate the presentation.

9.3 Dessert and Sweet Treats

Desserts and sweet treats are an opportunity to showcase creativity and playfulness. Consider layering ingredients or creating decorative patterns using whipped cream or sauces. Garnish with edible flowers, dust with powdered sugar, or add chocolate shavings for an elegant finishing touch.

9.4 Salads and Vegetable Plating

Salads and vegetable dishes can be plated using the freeform or organic style to mimic the natural shape of the ingredients. Consider arranging the ingredients in a circular pattern or stacking them for height. Incorporating colorful vegetables and toppings, such as nuts or seeds, can create a visually appealing and nutritious dish.

9.5 Meat and Poultry Plating Styles

Meat and poultry dishes can be plated by slicing the protein and arranging it on the plate in an artistic manner. Consider drizzling a sauce around the components or using a ring mold to shape side dishes. Garnishing with herbs or sprinkling with spices can add flavor and visual appeal.

10. Experimenting with Modern and Avant-Garde Plating

For chefs who want to push the boundaries of traditional food plating, experimenting with modern and avant-garde techniques can create unique and visually stunning presentations:

10.1 Deconstructing Traditional Dishes

Deconstructing traditional dishes involves presenting the components of a dish separately, often in a visually striking and unconventional manner. This technique allows diners to experience flavors and textures individually, creating a new and exciting perspective on familiar dishes.

10.2 Playing with Asymmetry

Asymmetrical plating involves intentionally arranging the components off-center or at different angles, creating a visually dynamic presentation. It breaks away from the traditional symmetrical arrangements and adds an element of surprise and modernism to the plate.

10.3 Using Non-Traditional Elements

Incorporating non-traditional elements, such as unconventional tableware or surprising textures, can add an unexpected twist to a dish. Using unique serving vessels, like seashells or glass orbs, or utilizing molecular gastronomy techniques, can create visually stunning and memorable presentations.

10.4 Fusion and Cross-Cultural Plating

Fusion and cross-cultural plating involve blending ingredients and techniques from different culinary traditions. By combining elements from various cuisines, new and exciting compositions can be created, showcasing the diversity and creativity in the culinary world.

By experimenting with modern and avant-garde plating, chefs can push their boundaries, challenge culinary norms, and create unique dining experiences that captivate and delight their guests.

In conclusion, food presentation is an essential aspect of the culinary experience. By understanding the principles of food plating, utilizing the right tools, and employing various techniques, chefs can elevate their presentations to new heights. Whether it’s through the arrangement of ingredients, creative garnishes, or the choice of plate style, food presentation has the power to enhance the overall dining experience, impress guests, and turn a simple meal into a visually stunning work of art. So unleash your creativity, experiment with different techniques, and elevate your food plating skills to create unforgettable dining experiences.

The Perfect Plate: Principles of Food Presentation

A delicious meal appeals to more of your senses than just smell and taste. It must also appeal to the eye. Imagine sitting down at a restaurant, and in front of you is a beautifully plated dish, thoughtfully laid out and presented.

A perfectly plated dish can upgrade your meal immensely. Through the strategic placing of ingredients, you will automatically view the meal as a high-value. You’re also more likely to enjoy the taste and hold a higher opinion of the meal.

Plating the perfect dish is both an art and a science. Chefs and cooking enthusiasts must explore their creativity and play with color and texture while placing foods to create a visual appeal.

How do you create the perfect plate to present your food? We’re covering the basic principles to get you started.

Start with a Canvas

To begin plating the perfect dish, you must start with a canvas, or in this case, a dish. While you may be tempted to pull any old plate from your cabinet, there is more to it than that.

You’ll want to consider the size, shape, and color of the plate you’ll use. Typically, chefs use white dishes because they contrast nicely with food. However, other colored plates can work very well, depending on the color of the food presented.

Your plate’s size should be large enough so your meal doesn’t crowd the plate, yet small enough to make the portion sizes look fairly filling but not too small. Pick a plate that’s too large, and your meal will seem insufficient. Pick a plate that’s too small, and your meal will seem like too much.

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The Perfect Placement

Now that you have your canvas, it’s time to make some art. The placement of your ingredients is crucial for a perfect plate. This is where scientific facts come in to create aesthetically pleasing dishes.

The Clock Guidelines

Pretend your plate is a clock. Imagine the numbers along the edges to help guide where you should place certain foods. By following these rules, your meal will be evenly plated.

• Between 12 and 3, you should plate your vegetables.
• Between 3 and 9 is where your meat will sit.
• Between 9 and 12, you’ll present any starches included in the meal.

Stay Symmetrical

According to science, people find things that are symmetrical more attractive than asymmetrical. Use this principle to your advantage and make sure that your plate boasts symmetry.

Utilize White Space

Don’t underestimate the power of using white space on your dish. To create the perfect plate, spread out your food and leave parts of the dish empty. This will make your meal look cleaner, more elegant, and overall more professional.

Moist Ingredients First

Creating the perfect plate means paying attention to every detail. This also applies to what foods to present first.

Place moist ingredients, such as mashed potatoes or purees, on the dish before other elements. You can then place the rest of your meal on top of or beside these moist ingredients to keep them from shifting and ruining your perfect plate.

Always Use Odd Numbers

When serving individual foods, always plate them in odd numbers. While we recommended staying symmetrical with the entire presentation, the human brain finds odd numbers more pleasing than even numbers.

For example, if you’re serving ravioli, plate five instead of four or six to achieve the perfect plate.

The Details

To achieve a well-plated dish, you must pay attention to the details. Your guests may not notice these intricate details, but these little considerations make a world of difference if ignored.

It’s time to bring back those memories of elementary school art class and the color wheel. When creating the perfect plate, use complementary colors. A colorful, bright meal will look more attractive and taste better than a dull, colorless dish.

Create a focal point and add a burst of color. You can use herbs, vegetables, or fruit as accent colors if the main dish seems a little bland. Lastly, utilize your white space by adding some color to pull the entire meal together.

A variety of textures on your plate will help present your meal attractively. Accentuate the different textures used through strategic placement.

For example, if serving creamy mashed potatoes, add sprinkled chives to create more depth and add another texture. You can do the same with meat by adding crushed nuts on top.

Create Tasteful Bites

While getting caught up in the perfect plate principles of food presentation, you can’t forget that your meal still has to taste good. Amplify the flavors in your meal with careful arrangements on the plate. You want the ingredients to go well together when someone takes a bite.

This thoughtful placement will give your guests a delightful flavor experience while adding another sense of beauty to your plate.

The Final Touches

You have your ingredients flawlessly placed on your dish to accentuate colors and texture and to amplify the flavors, but you aren’t done just yet! To achieve the perfect plate, you must consider some final touches.

Drizzle Your Sauces

Remember how we mentioned the importance of little details? Now it really shows when you simply drizzle sauce over your plate and pull it all together.

Think of your squeeze bottle as your paintbrush, adding the final touches to your canvas. Add accent dots to the white space, drizzle your sauce across the food, outline a ring on the plate’s outer edges, or create a unique design.

Let your inner artist shine through!

Thoughtful Garnishes

Adding a garnish to your plate can be a complete game-changer. However, you must be careful and strategic when using them. Some cooks tend to overdo it with garnishes.

While it’s a great way to add some more color and texture to the plate, they should be ingredients that will go well with your meal. You’ll want to avoid garnishes with a strong, overpowering smell, so as not to ruin the main dish.

A Quick Touch Up

They say a messy cook is a great cook. Unfortunately, that does not apply to perfect plating.

Before serving your dish, take a napkin to clean up any splotches or smears that may have accidentally shown up. Once you have cleaned up with crisp edges, you will have created the perfect plate using food presentation principles.

More Than Just a Pretty Plate

Cooking a great meal is more than just presenting an entree on a pretty plate. Embrace your enthusiasm for cooking and learn to make home-cooked gourmet meals in our online classes . With 320+ courses, you can learn the trade secrets and get one-on-one help from a professional Escoffier culinary school Chef Instructor.

Or take your passion further and earn an online culinary or pastry arts degree or diploma from Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.

If you enjoyed this article, read these next:

• Top Apps for Finding Recipes for Ingredients You Already Have
• How to Tournée Cut
• 4 Tips to Become an Artist in Plating

This article was originally published on March 06, 2019, and has since been updated.

• 4 Tips To Become An Artist In Plating
• Top Apps For Finding Recipes For Ingredients You Already Have

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• Food Plating Techniques 101: Fundamentals of Plating

Food Plating 101: Principles of Food Presentation

Learn how to achieve attractive plating by mastering basic plating techniques

Whether you’re serving up fine cuisine or modest fare, it’s important to pay attention to how you present your dish. Therefore, it’s crucial for chefs to master the essentials of plating food. Learn these basic techniques, then use your creativity to conjure up attractive works of culinary art as you keep experimenting and working on your craft.

5 basic elements of plating and principles of food presentation

1. Create a framework

Start with drawings and sketches to visualise the plate. Find inspiration from a picture or object. Assemble a “practice plate” to work on executing your vision.

2. Keep it simple

Select one ingredient to focus on and use space to simplify the presentation. Clutter distracts from the main elements of your dish and might make it confusing for the diners to figure out what to focus on.

3. Balance the dish

Play with colours, shapes and textures to ensure diners are not overwhelmed. The presentation should never overpower flavour and function.

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.

5. Highlight the key ingredient

Ensure the main ingredient stands out, but also pay equal attention to other elements on the plate such as garnishes, sauces and even the plate itself.

Basic food placement and presentation 

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 food plating tip 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

How to Plate Asian dishes

Asian dishes are unique in look, style and how they are eaten. Take note of these tips and plate your Asian dishes accordingly.

Sharing food is common in Asian culture.

Though slightly more challenging to plate, you can still use aesthetically pleasing garnishes and interesting bowls or containers (such as steamboats, dim sum baskets and even banana leaves) to heighten the food’s presentation.

For fusion dishes that would like to adopt more modern, Westernised styles of smaller, individual servings, you may opt to adopt Western presentation techniques.

One-Dish meals

Local favourites such as nasi lemak are complete meals. The rice is usually plated in the centre, topped with protein and vegetables placed around the sides. For such one-dish meals, balance the colour and texture to make them more visually appealing.

Keep these tips handy when planning and practicing your plating techniques, then showcase your talents when plating your unique creations. 

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How to Beautifully Plate and Present Food

Last Updated: July 5, 2024 Approved

Starting With Beautiful Food

• Plating a Meal

Presenting Tricky Dishes

Expert q&a.

This article was co-authored by JoAnna Minneci . JoAnna Minneci is a retired Professional Chef based in the Nashville, Tennessee area. With 18 years of experience, Chef JoAnna specialized in teaching others how to cook through private cooking lessons, team-building events, and wellness and nutrition classes. She also appeared in numerous television shows on networks such as Bravo and Food Network. Chef JoAnna received Culinary Arts training from the Art Institute of California at Los Angeles. She is also certified in sanitation, nutrition, kitchen management, and cost control. There are 18 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, several readers have written to tell us that this article was helpful to them, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 616,147 times.

Things You Should Know

• Cook meals with a variety of colors and complementary textures to give your meal some visual appeal even before plating.
• Default to white plates, leave 1/3 of the plate empty, and add different foods in odd numbers to achieve a balanced look.
• Layer proteins or main courses on top of filler foods like rice or noodles, and use herb or sauce garnishes to add finishing touches.

• When you're planning meals, think ahead about the colors you want to feature on the plate. You might not be able to represent all the colors of the rainbow at every meal, but challenge yourself to have as much color as possible.
• If you realize you're about to serve several like-colored foods, like grilled chicken and mashed potatoes, adding a serving or two of fruits and vegetables is a fantastic and easy way to add pops of color. The richest greens, oranges, reds, purples, blues, pinks, and yellows on your plate probably take the form of fruits and vegetables.
• If you're not sure how to add color, utilize garnishes. [3] X Research source Nearly any savory dish is well-served by a sprinkling of fresh chives, parsley, dill, or mint. Lemon and lime wedges are welcome alongside poultry and seafood dishes.

• Lightly steam them instead of boiling them. [4] X Research source Steaming vegetables makes them look appetizing and flavorful, while boiling creates the opposite effect. [5] X Research source Take broccoli, for instance: steaming broccoli turns it a fresh, bright green, and each floret retains its shape and texture. Boiling broccoli results in a mushy texture and a paler color, which isn't as pretty on the plate. The same holds true for asparagus, carrots, green beans, and many other vegetables.
• Roast or sauté them with a little oil or butter. Roasted or sauteed vegetables look quite appetizing when they're allowed to caramelize a little in oil or butter. The bright orange or green of the vegetable is offset by brown, crispy spots. It's a delicious way to cook vegetables.

• There are exceptions to the rule of searing your meat. For example, if you're serving braised beef , you'll have to think of creative ways to make the meat look appetizing even though it doesn't have a crispy crust. Serving it with a sauce is a good way to add visual interest.

• Fried foods often continue browning a bit after they've been removed from the hot oil. Carefully monitor foods as you're frying them to make sure they don't get too dark.
• Take pains to handle the fried foods gently so they look appetizing when you're ready to plate them. For example, if you need to check whether a piece of fried chicken has reached the correct internal temperature, stick the meat thermometer in a place where the resulting hole won't be visible. [8] X Research source

• The way you handle the food just after it has been cooked, and before it is plated, can really affect the texture. Pasta, for example, should be kept in water or tossed in a bit of oil just after cooking so that it doesn't start to clump. [9] X Research source Fried foods should not be covered with airtight lids because the heat from the food will end up steaming the breading and causing the food to get soggy.
• Once the food is on the plate, a spritz of oil or water can improve its visual appeal if it looks too dry.

Plating it With Care

• That said, there are exceptions. If you have a set of special plates with a pattern or a certain color scheme, it's fine to use them. Just make sure they complement the food you're serving instead of vying for attention.
• Don't forget to take the rest of the table into consideration, too. Cutlery, glasses, and linens will enhance the overall appearance of the dish upon the table.
• When looking for interesting tableware, try going to Asian grocery stores, craft or flea markets, and antique stores. You can find some very interesting tableware from all of these sources.

• As a general rule, half of the food on the plate should be comprised of vegetables, one fourth should be comprised of meat or another protein, and one fourth should be comprised of a starch.
• Start plating food in the center of the dish and work outward from there so that the food is centered in the middle of the plate.

• To quickly add some crunch to a dish, try topping it with some crushed, roasted walnuts, almonds or pepitas.
• A dollop of crème fraiche or some pieces of goat cheese can add a soft, creamy texture to savory dishes. Whipped cream or pastry cream is a good way to add a soft element to sweet dishes.

• An easy way to start layering food is to serve the protein on a bed of starch. For example, serve a kabob on a heaping of rice, or serve grilled swordfish on a pile of mashed potatoes.
• You can use sauces to layer as well. Ladle a pool of au jus, marinara, or whatever sauce you're using into the center of the dish, and arrange the other elements of the dish on top.
• Aim to make foods look bigger, not smaller. Fluff up your salads, for example, instead of smoothing them down. Create a little cross-hatched stack of cooked asparagus instead of presenting it in one flat layer. [17] X Research source

Adding Appetizing Touches

• If you serve a dish with lemon or lime wedges, consider creating slender, pretty twists instead of slicing them into thick wedges. This might entice the diner to actually use the garnish instead of scooting it to the side of his or her plate!
• Think outside the box and use garnishes you might not normally consider. Sprinkle a dash of cinnamon over a chicken dish, or a handful of pomegranate seeds over an otherwise ordinary salad. Choose garnishes that add a burst of both flavor and color.
• In many cuisines, flowers are an acceptable garnish or a large inedible leaf sitting underneath the food. In broader Western culture, it's recommended that nothing inedible be served on the plate. As well, since certain garnishes can affect the flavor, choose carefully.

• Rather than just pouring a sauce over your food, consider putting it in a squeeze bottle so you can create a pretty swirl or pattern. [19] X Research source If you don't have a squeeze bottle, put the sauce in a plastic food storage bag, cut a small piece off one of the corners, and squeeze the sauce through the bag.
• Don't overdo it. The key is to add a touch of color, flavor, and texture without overpowering the main part of the dish.

• If you're serving the pasta with a protein, arrange it attractively on the heap of pasta. For example, if the dish includes shrimp, place the shrimp on top instead of burying the pieces inside the pasta heap.
• Just before serving, you can mist the pasta with a bit of olive oil to make it glisten attractively.

• Soups and stews tend to splash and run, so it's also important to make sure that the sides of the bowl or plate you're serving them in are wiped clean before serving.
• Casseroles might also come out on the brown side. Serving them alongside a bunch of fresh salad greens is a good way to offset the neutral-looking main dish.

• Use a cookie cutter to create a neat shape. A star or leaf-shaped brownie will look more interesting than your basic square.
• Serve it with mint. Adding a few fresh sprigs is a great way to enhance many desserts, especially fruity ones.
• Sprinkle cocoa, cinnamon or powdered sugar on top. Choose the powder that contrasts in color to the dessert you made.
• Sprinkle crushed peppermints on top. It'll look like you topped your dish with pink glitter.
• Speaking of glitter, add edible glitter to the dish to take it over the top.
• When all else fails, plate it with a swirl of whipped cream. [23] X Research source You can pipe it through an icing bag fixed with a star-shaped tip to create a visually pleasing shape.

• Try keeping all presentation of the food relevant and simple. A nice formal dish is great for a celebration, but even simple meals can be improved with the addition of some herbs. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Read current cooking books and magazines for ideas. Your local library is a wonderful resource and many culinary magazines are now available for download, allowing you to read the recipes in the cooking area straight off your iPad, eReader, or other device. This also enables you to decorate a table with the electronic device as a reference! Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• There are now plates that keep food hot (patented). An excellent final touch for certain delicious hot recipes (Especially if they are expensive and time-consuming to prepare). Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Things You'll Need

• Food magazines and cookbooks
• Ideal dinnerware and tableware
• Inspiration from recipes and restaurants/cafes that you like

You Might Also Like

• ↑ JoAnna Minneci. Professional Chef. Expert Interview. 23 November 2021.
• ↑ https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/13/plating-food_n_1763865.html
• ↑ https://www.webstaurantstore.com/article/200/basic-guide-to-food-presentation.html
• ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-steam-vegetables-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-108512
• ↑ https://www.professorshouse.com/steaming-versus-boiling-vegetables/
• ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-sear-meat-47333
• ↑ https://www.bonappetit.com/test-kitchen/how-to/article/learning-to-fry
• ↑ https://www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/how-to-use-a-meat-thermometer-article
• ↑ https://www.huffpost.com/entry/texture-of-food-cheap-spaghetti_n_5b60c302e4b0b15aba9d7d4e
• ↑ https://www.today.com/food/how-plate-your-food-pro-celebrity-chefs-reveal-their-secrets-2D80186757
• ↑ https://blog.kitchenaid.ca/10-tips-plating-food-like-a-pro/
• ↑ https://www.tablespoon.com/posts/how-to-plate-like-a-chef
• ↑ https://startcooking.com/seven-ways-to-present-food-like-a-chef
• ↑ https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/food/food-reviews/Plate-your-food-like-a-pro/articleshow/32962204.cms
• ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/tip-for-plating-pasta-perfectly-264049
• ↑ https://www.mirlandraskitchen.com/how-to-decorate-with-whipped-cream/
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihxsCYijU20

About This Article

When you’re plating food, try to visualize what the finished product will look like. Only fill the plate about two-thirds of the way, since the negative space will accentuate the appearance of your food. As you add elements, remember that odd numbers look more appealing than even numbers, and try to group foods with different textures near each other. Stacking and layering foods is a good way to play with height, which can create even more visual interest on the plate. For tips on choosing garnishes to finish your dish, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Top Chefs Share Their 10 Food Presentation and Plating Techniques

• by Lightspeed

minute read

Do food presentation and plating techniques actually matter?

In short, yes. 

The way you present your food is what tempts customers to try a dish. We eat with our senses: what we see, smell, and feel.  And in the age of Instagrammers and food bloggers, plating techniques and food presentation matters more than ever. 

A study from Oxford gastrophysicist, Professor Charles Spence , suggests that the food presentation can actually make a dish taste better. 

In the study, Spence gave 60 people 3 salads and asked them to rate each one before and after they ate them.  The salads each used the same ingredients but presented them in different ways. One salad was put together with no regard given to presentation, one was neatly arranged, and the third was plated to resemble a painting by artist Wassily Kandinsky.

Can you guess which salad diners liked best? 

It was the salad that resembled a painting. 

Diners thought it tasted better (29% tastier to be precise), even though it used the exact same ingredients.  Spence’s study concluded that consumers were willing to spend as much as three times more on a well-plated dish. 

Even basic dishes like a salad can benefit from thoughtful presentation—it makes the dish seem more appetising and valuable. 

So how can you use that information to your advantage? 

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We talked to chefs Daniel England, Joyce Tang, Tanner Agar, Jim Solomon, Michael Welch, and Brian Poe to learn their favourite food presentation and plating techniques. Each technique focuses on five key food presentation factors: colour, arrangement, balance, texture, and how easy it is for guests to eat. 

The top food presentation and plating techniques

• Create height on the plate
• Cut meat horizontally
• Play with textures
• Use contrasting colours
• Match presentation to the restaurant theme
• Choose the right plates
• Serve smaller portion sizes
• Use edible garnishes and decorations
• When in doubt, keep it simple
• Express yourself

1. Create height on the plate

Daniel England, corporate chef with San Diego’s OMG Hospitality Group , likes to create height as he plates food. 

“It’s important that you don’t separate the food trying to fill the plate—build from the bottom up,” he says. “If you could use a little structure, you can always purchase a ring mould to start with a base. Simply pack some food in the mould and gently lift it up. Now you have a base to build on.” 

2. Cut meat horizontally

England also recommends “fanning” or shingling out slices of meat to show off its quality. 

“Slice your meats on a 45-degree bias, and also slice against the grain of the meat for a more tender cut,” he says. “Show off that perfect medium-rare steak!” 

3. Play with textures

Joyce Tang, chief baking officer at Oakland, California’s La Chinoserie , suggests playing with textures, foams, and sauces to make the dish look more interesting. 

“I like to play up contrasting textures on my plate,” she adds. “Foams are usually really helpful in plating and can be really easily done, playing around with different sauces and textures.” 

4. Use contrasting colours

Tang also stresses the importance of playing with contrasting colours. She avoids artificial colours and uses matcha, powdered sugar, or natural colours to catch the eye instead. 

“The way you present your food is hyper-important” she adds. “The more time you spend on how you present each dish, the more visual interest you can stimulate in folks.” 

Tanner Agar, owner and chief experience officer at Rye Restaurant in McKinney, Texas, echos that sentiment. 

Agar recommends using bold colours to create appealing visuals. “The easiest way to add colour is to start working with more colourful ingredients. Items like carrots, potatoes, cauliflower, lettuces, beans, and more come in a variety of gorgeous colours,” he says. “The difference a purple cauliflower puree makes on a plate is striking.”

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5. Match food presentation to your restaurant theme

Jim Solomon, chef and former owner of The Fireplace in Brookline, Massachusetts, says that the style of plating should match the restaurant’s atmosphere.

“Small ethnic restaurants, where it appears grandma is cooking in the kitchen, can’t serve plates that try to emphasise vertical, architectural compositions,” he says. 

“Your guests expect a simple, welcoming presentation that stresses straightforward flavour cooked with heart and served with an unfussy, rustic quality. At relatively pricey, hip and high-end restaurants, guests want to see a degree of artistry and care taken in constructing the dishes.”

The way you plate your food should directly reflect your restaurant type. 

Solomon adds that “food should have an element of height or visual texture, the balance of colour and thoughtful garnishes—both carefully placed and intentional in flavour and texture.”

6. Choose the right plates

Michael Welch, the executive chef at Backyard Kitchen & Tap in Pacific Beach, California, preaches using the right plate-size, colour, and style. The colour of plate matters as the plate serves as the canvas for your food. 

“Typically, chefs will stay away from blue plates as there isn’t any naturally blue food and it is thought to be an unappetising colour,” he says. “If you have something with a lot of vibrant colour, it might stand out better on a white plate.” 

Jim Solomon echos the importance of choosing the right vessel to present your dish. “Choose a dish vessel that makes it easy for your guest to eat. This is also an opportunity for your chefs to show their personality in the dishes they create.” 

7. Serve smaller portion sizes

Smaller portion sizes were named by the National Restaurant Association as one of the top five hottest restaurant concepts for 2019. 

Of course, you still want to serve enough food to satisfy your guests and portion sizes can vary depending on the type of establishment you’re operating, but smaller portions are typically easier to style. 

Stick to no more than six elements on each dish to prevent them from looking overcrowded. 

8. Use edible garnishes and decorations

Garnishes and decorations are a great way of styling your dish, but there are some guidelines you should follow when using them.

Whatever you use—whether it’s a herb, spice, or a flower—it needs to be edible. Everything on your plate should be placed with the intention of elevating the dishes taste first, and the way it looks second. 

9. When in doubt, keep it simple

Michael Welch also emphasises the value of simplicity. 

“Overcrowding the plate with unnecessary oils or spices or microgreens just takes away from the food you worked so hard to make,” he explains. “Subtraction is your best ingredient.” 

Rather than piling on a zillion garnishes or swirls of sauce, let the quality of the cooking speak for itself. 

“A properly seared steak with some fresh watercress and perfectly roasted baby potatoes will look better than the fanciest of plates with subpar cookery,” Welch says. “Proper cooking will give you a lot of contrast within your ingredients with both texture and colour.” 

10. Express yourself

There’s an art in plating food; it’s where chefs can allow themselves to be creative and have a high impact on how guests perceive the dishes they’re eating. 

Chef Brian Poe of Bukowski Tavern in Cambridge, and Parish Café and Tip Tap Room in Boston, believes that chefs should approach food presentation and plating just as an artist would approach their next piece. 

“Presentation should be approached just like art, cooking, and music,” says Poe. “Take a moment to relax and look at what the others are doing, learn a bit of the technique and then find your own voice and style.” 

One of Poe’s favourite approaches is to go “Jackson Pollock,” holding out the plate like a canvas and splattering it with sauce. “Other times we might look toward a more linear approach with could either be Picasso or street graffiti style,” he adds. “Other times the negative space technique might work.” 

Time-saving tools to help your food preparation 

Beautifully plating food takes time. While you want it to look great, you need to plate your food fast as possible—especially if it’s a hot dish that you don’t want to go cold before it reaches your guests. 

Now, you can’t help how long it takes to properly cook and prepare a meal, but you can give your chefs more time to prepare dishes by streamlining your ordering process. 

Lightspeed point of sale enables service staff to quickly take a guest’s order and send it to the appropriate kitchen workstation in seconds. 

Kitchen staff see orders in real-time on their kitchen display system and can notify servers as soon as the dish is ready to be run to guests. Over the course of a service, those saved seconds compound and enable kitchen staff to spend time getting food presentation and plating techniques just right. 

The right restaurant technology can streamline your ordering and food preparation, which gives your cooks more time to create dishes with strong visual appeal.

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Food plating and presentation matters 

When consumers dine out, they expect their food to taste great and be visually appealing. That, along with your restaurant’s interior design , are all instrumental to the quality of their dining experience. 

When plating your dishes, each element matters equally: colour, arrangement, balance, texture, and how easy it is for guests to eat. If you hit each of these out of the park, you’re setting yourself up to get rave reviews and user-generated content that you can share on your Facebook and Instagram for some extra publicity. 

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Heidi Billotto Food | Charlotte NC

Cooking Classes | Recipes | Restaurants | Food Lovers Travel

Plate Presentation 101: Tips, Recipes and a Video

Even if you are not an industry pro, you can still score when it comes to the art of plate presentation. Use this post as a guide for a few quick Holiday How-To’s that will take you through the season and keep your plating game strong throughout the year.

When you want to gussy things up for the holidays or any other special occasion, remember we all eat with our eyes first.  Think about your plate presentation ahead of the meal; and then take the time to add those extra little touches.

Rather than serve buffet – where guest’s pile it on each plate on their own; think about plating each course, with a little something special on each individual plate.  If a buffet is your only option, that’s OK, too. You can use some of the same plate presentation tricks and tips outlined in this post for your larger serving platters, as well. 

A simple sprig of parsley on top of your steak or a leaf of mint on that berry tart is fine, but if your really want the wow factor, its time to up your game. Use larger dinner plates for your desserts and first courses, so you have plenty of room.  Don’t crowd it all in. Leave plenty of “white space”. Use edible garnishes and make your plate presentation fun and fanciful!

Your Presentation Starts with the Plate

All of the pottery pieces I will showcase in this post are from the talented  group of potters in Seagrove, NC, just a short 90 minute drive from Charlotte. If you haven’t visited Seagrove, NC yet, put it on your bucket list.  Many of these talented craftsmen and women are production potters, with a range from traditional pottery to the more contemporary, and have more plates and platters available for sale than you can shake a stick at.

In fact, if you are still in search of the perfect holiday gift, the pottery studios of Seagrove’s artisan community of nearly 100 talented potters and craftsmen and women is the answer you’ve been looking for. Studios are open for your to drop in a buy or many of these artisans now have online shopping options as well.

You’ll find a link to the Discover Seagrove website with links to each of the Seagrove Potters studios at the end of this post. #TellThemHeidiSentYou

As I often do, it was my pleasure to appear on WCNC Charlotte’s Charlotte Today for a segment they so aptly called Holiday Plating Hacks. I shared several fun ways to help you plate like the pros.  Upping your plate presentation game is easy. Just let me show you how.

Here is the video from the  Charlotte Today segment. You’ll see I stuck mostly to plate presentation ideas that revolved around desserts…life is short so sweet things first. 

My the same tactics apply to the savory side. Once you watch the video, keep reading for all the how-to’s.  Then, enjoy recipes for lemon pots de creme and chocolate mousse. I’ve also included some fun ways to plate individual portions of your favorite winter soup and bread. Just keep watching and reading….

 Plate Presentation 101

Video takeaways:

Swirl, don’t smear; and don’t garnish with poisonous plants, no matter how pretty they make the plate. Think of edible alternatives.

This is why I don’t like the classic “smear” used by chefs all over. While it might look good, it’s not easy to eat.

When a sauce or melted chocolate is smeared across a plate, it hardens or dries out. This makes it nearly impossible to eat.  Sad not to be able to enjoy it all. Instead, put your sauce in a squeeze bottle and squeeze out a swirl, a line or  a row of drops. Then, use a swizzle stick or a toothpick or skewer to draw through the drizzle. This creates a beautiful marbling or spider web affect. Every bit of your marbled or spider web sauce may be enjoyed with each forkful of food on the plate.

Fun Chocolate Bark makes your plate presentation all the sweeter

My second dessert tip here is probably one of my favorites. Its super simple and  a fun way for little hands to help with the meal.

For this plate presentation, you’ll need bubble wrap and a pastry brush or good paint brush that you have dedicated for kitchen use. 

Brush the bumpy side of the bubble wrap with a good quality melted chocolate.  Work on a small square of bubble wrap 4×4 or 5×5 or a 3 by 5 or 6 inch rectangle. Simply paint the chocolate on the wrap, totally covering the soft, bumpy surface. 

Gently press the chocolate side of the bubble wrap onto a piece of parchment or waxed paper. Refrigerate until firm, about 30-45 minutes.

Just before plating, carefully peel the bubble wrap off of the now firm chocolate.  Remove the parchment paper and place the bark in the center  of your plate or platter. Top your homemade chocolate bark with your favorite bite-sized cake, cupcake or pastry. Now dessert and your garnish are both totally edible!

A Tip on  Melting Chocolate

If you ask a chocolatier, like my friend Blair Potts of Potts Chocolate, about melting chocolate, he will most certainly use the word “tempering”.  Its true, if you are melting chocolate to make fanciful filled truffles, you need to temper the chocolate as it melts.

For the plate presentations I have described here and for my chocolate mousse recipe to come, don’t sweat the tempering.

Just put good quality chocolate blocks, bars or chocolate chips in a glass bowl. Pop the in the microwave on high for 30 seconds. Take a look and give the chocolate a stir; Repeat for another 30 seconds, if needed. In my older microwave at home, its takes a minute total. Keep in mind that, in a microwave, chocolate chips hold their shape even after they have melted. Stir the chips to check if they are melted, before adding on another 30 seconds of cooktime. Once the chocolate is melted, continue with your recipe as directed.

Edible Garnishes make Plate Presentation Deliciously Good!

Sometimes, it is just so tempting to cut a few sprigs of whatever is in our gardens and bring the beauty back to our tables. Great idea if we are talking herbs or perhaps a flower from a vegetable plant or fruit tree.

Bad idea when a plant might be poisonous. During the holiday season, you’ll want to take particular caution when it comes to seasonal plants like holly leaves and berries. Instead, carve or cut out your own.

Use the peel of a cucumber or zucchini squash from the grocery store to cut out your own holiday holly leaves. You can cut with kitchen scissors or a pairing knife. You don’t need a pattern. I have confidence that you can do this free-hand. Then, use fresh or dried cranberries in place of the real thing. Keep it all in place with a tiny little blob of cream cheese.

Just A Dusting…

Here’s an easy way to take on the world of plate presentation.  Simply dust powdered sugar or cocoa on the plate. But as I mention in the video, dust with caution.

Covering the plate with powdered sugar is as lovely as they fresh fallen snow, but its also messy and hard to serve. As soon as your guests touch the plate they will be covered with powdered sugar – and dark cocoa is even worse! 

Instead take my tip on using a larger plate and then keep your dusting of cocoa or powdered sugar contained to the inside of the plate or platter. Take care to leave a margin of white space around the edges.

A fun and easy way to create a bit of drama is to place a paper doily or perhaps a fork or spoon on the plate. Then lightly dust powdered sugar or dark cocoa ( which ever coordinates best with the color of your plate) over the fork or doily.

When you are done, gently lift the fork or doily – which will be covered so be careful – and voila! You have the impression of a cool design or a figurative fork on the plate. For savory dishes you can do the same thing with tomato powder available from my friends at the Savory Spice Shop .

Check to see that plates for presentation are food safe…

Not all plates and platters are created equal and just like your garnishes, you want to be sure that the plates and platters on which you serve are food safe.

In selecting the plates and platters for this post and televised segment, my eyes were drawn to lots of the decorative art pottery from some of the potters in Seagrove, NC.  I really wanted to use a red plate or platter and I knew that several Seagrove potters feature a red glaze. What I didn’t know, before I spoke to sixth generation potter, Boyd Owens of The Original Owens Pottery, is that these traditional bright red glazes, albeit gorgeous,  are not food safe.

The problem is not in the pottery itself but with the fact that some foods might leach the lead in the glaze. So, if you want to use these plates on your table, you’ve got to get creative. Go ahead and serve on those stunning plates, but use a doily or a fun mirror to separate the food from the decorative plate or platter.

All of the other pottery featured in this post and that from other production potters in Seagrove is food safe. If you are not sure, ask.

The same dilemma applies if you are using old flea market finds. Take caution with bright red, bright yellow or orange china or glass. Err on the side of caution. The tiny mirrors I used are a fun addition to the table and are readily available in big box stores or candle shops.

With this layering technique, use can still use and enjoy artisan, hand crafted platters and keep foods safe to eat as well. 

When your Plate is a Bowl

Hard to dust anything on a bowl of food, save a bit of cheese on top, but you can get more creative than that!

Use handcrafted, oven-safe pottery bowls and mugs you’ll find among the Seagrove pottery studios to bake in.

I took this photo of Seagrove Potter Eck McCanless at work on one of my trips to Seagrove and just had to buy the mug after I watched how it was created. Once I got home, the mug inspired another fun recipe I think you will love.

Find my recipe for chocolate mug cake easily baked in the microwave in a Seagrove mug here. Aside from these individual cakes, hot dips can all be made and served in the same beautiful bowl or mug in  which it was baked.

Prepare individual portions of  soup or chili into stoneware bowls. Top each with a dollop of cornbread batter or biscuit dough. Place in the oven; bake according to the bread directions for results that will really wow your guests.

Plated Desserts for a Crowd

Sometimes its more fun to create a sense of community and let everyone eat from the same plate. Use what are often labeled as chip and dip bowls to create a large deconstructed, of your will, s’more or lemon meringue dessert dip and let your serving bowl or deep dish platter be the star of the show. 

My recipe for lemon pot de creme  , from a summer cooking with cucumbers post, is perfect for this. Bake it in the pottery bowl and then top it with whipped heavy cream or whip up six local egg whites with a quarter cup of sugar to make a meringue. Toast the top of the meringue with a brulee torch. Surround with biscotti or hard Italian lady fingers and enjoy.

For a platter of deconstructed s’mores. Make the following recipe for my easy-peasy chocolate mousse. Top with mini marshmallows and brown with a brulee torch. Serve with graham crackers for dipping.

Don’t put either of these dip-able desserts under the broiler to brown the topping. The idea is for the creme and mousse to be cold, while the “toasted” topping is still slightly warm.

Heidi’s Chocolate Mousse

2 cups organic semi sweet or dark chocolate

2 Tbsp. butter

1/4 cup of your favorite local liquor or liqueur

2 Local egg yolks

1 1/2 cups heavy local or organic cream, whipped to stiff peaks

Melt the chocolate or chocolate chips and butter in a bowl in the microwave for 1 minute. Stir to insure all the chips are melted. Blend in 1/4 cup of your favorite local Liquor or Liqueur ( for suggestions check out my Drink Local lists here and here .

Scoop out a fourth of the whipped cream and blend it into the melted chocolate. Then, take a third of the whipped cream that is left and gently fold it into the chocolate mix. Stop folding when the chocolate and whipped cream are just barely blended. You will still be able to see some white streaks of the whipped cream.  Repeat with the remaining whipped cream doing half of what remains at a time. Spoon into bowls or stemmed glasses. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes and enjoy.

To make Heidi’s deconstructed s’mores. Spoon the chilled chocolate mousse into a hand crafted pottery bowl. Top with your favorite marshmallows or marshmallow cream. Carefully use a handheld brulee torch to toast the marshmallows golden brown. Serve with graham crackers or your favorite cookies for dipping.

Plan a Trip to Seagrove and The Heart of North Carolina

Click here for a list of all the pottery studios in Seagrove with links to connect you with individual websites.

The Heart of North Carolina is the official source of Randolph County Tourism.

Seagrove, NC is just one of the many cities in Randolph County located just 90 minutes from Charlotte on one side and 90 minutes from Raleigh, NC on the other!

You’ll find more info on all the potters and artisan’s in Seagrove, NC, here at their official website.

When you plan your next trip, why not spend a night or two and take in all this wonderful part of the state has to offer, including the NC Zoo in Asheboro, NC. It’s a day (or two) long adventure you will love!  Betcha didn’t  know that our NC Zoo is the largest natural habitat zoo in the world?

Where to eat and what else to do in Randolph County

Be sure to plan to eat at the Zoo, as there are wonderful restaurants on the property. Among them I would heartily suggest BillyD’s Fried Chicken a hot chicken sandwich concept that is the brainchild of Chef William Dissen, owner of Haymaker in Charlotte NC and The Market Place restaurant in Asheville, NC.

Then,  while you are in Asheboro, be sure to make plans to enjoy the many area restaurants. Two don’t miss suggestions:   The Table and at Magnolia 23  ; and if you want to stop along the way for a spot of tea ( to sample and buy to take home)  and some local art, take some time to pop in at Carriage House Tea.

Also in North Carolina’s Randolph County, look for  U-Pick fruits (in season) at Millstone Creek Orchards. Millstone, located in Ramseur, NC also offers apples, baked goods and fresh pressed cider as well as lots of family friendly adventures available all year round.

Randolph County is also home to the Richard Petty Museum and the Petty’s over the top Victory Junction.  A camp established in memory and honor of Adam Petty, Victory Junction provides year round camp experiences for children with serious or chronic medical conditions at no cost to families. It is a camp where these children can be free from the confines of disease, illness or disability, and discover that they can just be kids!

So much to see, do and eat in The Heart of North Carolina ! Its a part of our state with something for everyone and I, for one, can’t wait to go back!

When you go to visit, tag me in social media posts and photos of your adventure.

Be sure to #TellThemHeidSentYou!

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Plating 101: Contrast and Balance in Food Presentation

• Andrea Feldman
• 21 April 2017

November 2020 Update: Learning to trust your own instincts and eye is a crucial aspect of developing plating expertise. This post has been updated to include both savory (Culinary Arts) and sweet (Baking & Pastry Arts), with JWU Providence chefs Branden Lewis '04, '06 MBA, CEC , and Jaime Davis Schick '07, ’19 M.Ed., CEPC , weighing in on the exacting but fun art of making beautiful and balanced plates.

The art of plating is all about contrast and the balancing of multiple elements on a single plate. When Chef Lewis teaches plating and presentation to Culinary Arts students in the College of Food Innovation & Technology , he emphasizes 4 key concepts:

• Flavor and Texture: Contrasting textures and flavors also help avoid tasting boredom. You want diners to anticipate every bite, and engineering the plate in such a way that complementary textures and flavors enliven each bite ensures that element of surprise.
• Color: Think of how bored you’d be if you were faced with a totally beige plate. Vibrant and contrasting colors naturally attract. We eat first with our eyes and the rest of our senses follow.
• Complexity: The complexity of your plate should suit your restaurants clientele. There are many different levels of formality — and plating to match!
• Symmetry and asymmetry: Think about the negative space on the plate as much as the positive space (i.e., where the food sits). Guide food into place, and don’t try too hard — you want things to look naturally artful, but not overdone.

On the dessert side, Chef Schick has a few rules to live by — but she is quick to remind students that rules are made to be broken. The overall goal when plating is to please the customer’s eye and palate, which means that every decision about flavors, colors and textures should support that goal.

• Balance unorthodox flavors with accessible ones. Don’t be afraid of “wild card” flavors that brings something unexpected to the plate. For example, Schick plates a jalapeño doughnut with milk chocolate cremeux, coconut ice cream, mango sorbet and mango ribbons. The mango adds color and a pop of bright fruit flavor, plus it cuts through the richness of the chocolate and ice cream.
• Odd numbers are best. “Think of creating lines that your eye can follow. Odd numbers are the rules I live by!” When the central elements on your plate are geometric — for example, a rectangular crème brûlée or perfectly round doughnut — it frees you to play with asymmetry in the actual plating.
• Deploy fruit like little pops of bright flavor. Schick’s fruit elements are deployed with precision, and always to balance out rich and/or savory elements: “I always cut blueberries and raspberries in half — not only does it reduce bulk on the plate and make a more interesting shape, but it’s a more pleasant bite.”
• Got scraps? Use (and re-use) ‘em! There’s no room for food waste in Schick’s world. Her miso dessert features a shortbread base made of miso, vanilla, butter, cake flour and almond flour. Any leftovers can be pulsed in a food processor to make miso sand to use as a textural element. She’s all about finding a use for everything — it just takes a little creativity.

Three Food Plating Styles

• TRADITIONAL: Think family dinner: veggies at 2 o’clock, main at 6 o’clock and starch at 10 o’clock.
• TRIO: Quite popular, especially in small plate/tapas restaurants.
• LINEAR AND CONTROLLED RANDOMIZATION: Where your food aligns to an imaginary grid line or curve, with some of the food artfully breaking out of the grid at seemingly random intervals.

Plating styles are influenced by current trends in cuisine and culture. There are countless plating styles in use today, and luckily, social media allows us to see a dish someone is eating in Spain, for example, almost simultaneously. That kind of unprecedented access means that you can track food trends and styles in real time.

It’s important for students to find their own favorites through trial and error. Chef Lewis recommended students start by mapping out their plates ahead of time while they built up a stronger comfort level with plating. It takes serious focus and practice to create or define your own plating style. (But it can be done!)

Explore more of Chef Schick’s dessert plating philsophy . Follow Chef Lewis , Chef Schick and Advanced Pastry on Instagram; Advanced Pastry is curated by Chef Schick and showcases the incredible work of our advanced students!

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DISHES FROM CHEF SCHICK (TOP) AND CHEF LEWIS (BOTTOM).

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19 Types of Garnish for Top-Tier Plating & Presentation

Often, types of garnish are thought to be unnecessary and frivolous, but they are what draw you to the dish by adding visual appeal to it.

Let’s face it—that sprig of mint that just came with your drink is going to be brushed aside in a second, but you can’t deny the fact that your drink looks so much better with that mint sprig.

You’re more likely to eat a well-garnished bread-and-eggs breakfast than two plain slices of toast and an omelet, even if the latter is super delicious.

You see, visuals matter in the world of food—the more visually appealing the platter, the more likely you are to eat the food on it. Garnishes, as you are well aware, add a ton of visual appeal to food—not to mention making you seem Master-Chef-level impressive.

19 Types of Garnish

Some of the benefits of garnish in cooking include greatly enhancing the visual appeal of a dish, enhancing the flavor profile of a plate or course, visually filling the plate if the arrangement of the food seems scarce (even when it isn't), and helping people identify what a dish is by following conventions in plating.

If you’re getting into the garnish game, here’s a breakdown of the different garnish types, from fruits to herbs to peels, that you can use.

Herbs & Leaves

Herbs and leaves are the most commonly used garnishes, adding color and an unbeatable, distinct, mouth-watering aroma to the dishes.

They’re also the most varied—there are multiple garnishing possibilities with herbs and leaves. Herbs and leaves can be used fresh or dried for garnishing.

Basil is among the most commonly used leaves for garnishing purposes. Found aplenty between November and April, there are many different types of basil , each with a different level of flavor.

Some of the commonly used varieties include lettuce leaf basil (large green leaves), dark opal (dark purple leaves), fino verde (with small leaves) and Thai basil.

Basil adds a strong sweet-and-spicy flavor to the dish, making it a popular addition to salads and savory dishes. ‘Basil and tomato’ is a star combination and the basis of pesto recipes across the world.

Another popular garnishing option is bay leaves, used to flavor everything from soups to stews to stocks to braises to marinades. These are generally added for flavor and removed while eating.

Chives are another commonly-used garnish option, available from September to May. A part of the onion family but less pungent, they are quite a versatile herb, used with salads, egg dishes, vegetables and meats.

Ensure that you add chives only just before serving, as these are heat sensitive. Garlic chives are another popular option. If you want to know how to grow chives and have an endless supply, we have the answers.

Sharp-tasting, tangy and refreshing, sorrel leaves are used in soups, omelets, salads and sauces and very often as a replacement for most types of spinach . The leaves of these types of garnish are quite good looking, very similar to baby spinach and add instant flavor to the dish.

Thyme comes in many varieties—fresh, dried, lemon, standard and so on. Lemon and standard thyme, commonly available, can be used cooked or raw, in soups, stuffing, braises, stews, salads and with meat. Fresh sprigs can be added to oil or vinegar for a delicious dressing or marinade.

Coriander / Cilantro

A staple in Indian, Thai, and Chinese cuisine, fresh coriander leaves are used in sauces, curries, salads, stir fries and to make delicious chutneys. These various types of cilantro are among the most obvious examples of garnishes.

The seeds are also staple types of spices in many South-East Asian households (whole or ground) and the roots and stems are also used.

Another common ingredient in South-East Asian cuisine, lemongrass roots and leaves are used as types of garnishes. These add a great aroma to the dish.

Similar to coriander, parsley is a super-versatile herb that can be used in a range of dishes. All of the types of parsley can be used chopped or in sprigs for garnishing and is best added at the end to preserve flavor. Italian parsley and standard parsley are two common garnish types.

Mamma mia—no list of herbs is complete without at least one of the types of oregano . Used in pizzas, salads, mayonnaise, rice, omelets and with vegetables, oregano makes a delicious couple with eggplant, tomatoes, potatoes and courgettes.

Oregano is also known as marjoram in some parts and comes in many varieties, so please explore many of these types of garnish and don't get turned off by any single attempt. It's wildly popular.

An herb that’s popular around the world, mint is used in salads, desserts, water, juices, cocktails and a seemingly endless list of other dishes.

Mint can be paired with a range of other flavors and comes in a range of varieties such as peppermint, apple mint and spearmint. This herb is available around the year.

A versatile herb, sage’s strong flavor warrants only small quantities in dishes—bread, stews, quiches, dressings, soups, pulses, stews and the like.

Whole leaves are commonly used with skewers of vegetables and meats. Sage is available in different varieties, such as standard, sweet and pineapple sage. Grow sage in your herb spiral for lasting enjoyment.

Another extremely strong herb, rosemary is used sparingly with meats and most commonly in marinades and stuffing.

Generally added at the beginning of the cook, so that the flavor permeates, rosemary can be used dried or as whole leaves. Its purple flowers can also be used as types of garnishes.

You can also put rosemary in vinegar or oil, which, in turn, can be used to flavor salads. Apart from these, there are many other herbs and leaves, such as curly kale, tarragon and dill.

Roots also make great garnishes. Horseradish, for example, can be used grated or peeled, with a hot taste, or even enjoyed as one of the types of mustard available.

They can also be mixed with vinegar, lemon juice and sour cream or grated and added to salads and steamed vegetables. Young leaves can be used in sandwiches and salads.

Wasabi is another popular root, often eaten as a pungent green paste with sashimi or alongside many types of sushi with soy sauce. A staple of Japanese cuisine, wasabi leaves are finely chopped and used, while stems are used in preserves. These types of garnish are even popular in the states now.

Syrups & Sauces

Sauces like teriyaki, BBQ, southwest and others are great examples of garnishes, especially on meats simmering in any types of smokers , grills, or ovens. Sauces like strawberry and chocolate are great for desserts.

Kids, especially, love a healthy splash of chocolate sauce and will eat almost anything with chocolate sauce on it. Little do those little dummies know that they're enjoying garnish types they'd otherwise reject!

Veggies & Fruits

Lemon wedges, watermelon slices, orange peel, whole berries, tomatoes, types of radishes , and all types of grapes all make great garnishes. Fruits and vegetables, whole and sliced, are great options for garnishing.

Many citrus fruits are used as slices, wedges or for their zest, whereas fruits like tomatoes, especially cherry tomatoes, are used whole.

Some of the popular garnishing options with fruits and veggies are:

• Lime quarters
• Orange and lime zest
• Pineapple pieces
• Any types of watermelon chunks
• Lemon spirals
• Thin slices of fruits and vegetables, like julienne carrots

You can also use deep-fried vegetables or shavings of deep-fried vegetables as types of garnish, as well as deep-fried or roasted bread cubes.

Purees of fruits and vegetables are also commonly used to garnish dishes. They can either be poured over like a sauce or spread out on the platter. Tomato puree is a highly popular garnish. Purees can bring flavor, texture and color to the dish.

Nuts are a great option as types of garnishes, in both dessert and savory dishes. Roasted and/or sliced nuts are great with ice cream, in cakes and their types of frosting , a range of sweet dishes, as well as in rice dishes. Seeds are another great option, either raw or roasted. Too add an interesting flavor, choose various types of pecans before other nuts.

Edible Flowers

Off late, the trend of using edible flowers to garnish dishes has taken over many professional kitchens around the world. Chefs use a range of delicious flowers, ranging from types of jasmine flowers to pansies to calendula, as a garnish.

An edible flower provides a nice pop of color to the dish and you can either use seasonal or perennial flowers as types of garnish.

Pansies and calendula, for example, are available throughout the year, whereas other flowers such as nasturtiums are only available from September to April.

Heart’s ease pansies, with their rich, deep purple tones, add a regal, luxurious touch to any dish. The petals of calendula flowers are very commonly used in salads—most folks only use these for their color, though, since they are quite lacking in their flavor.

Certain types of marigolds are another popular option, available between November and April. Similar to calendula, these flowers can also be used as a substitute for saffron for a bright yellow shade, especially in rice dishes. Additionally, they can also be used in salads.

Though very similar to pansies in their looks and fragility, Nasturtiums are a popular option because of their vibrant orange, red and yellow hues, with leaves that add a peppery zing to the dish and seeds that can give capers a run for their money, especially pickled.

Cornflowers are another popular option. In bloom between November and May, these bright purple flowers are also found in white and pink shades.

Rounding off the ‘popular’ list are the types of verbena , in bloom between December and April. Verbena, available in pink, red and white, adds a subtle lemony zing to the dish.

Types of Garnish for Every Dish

When it comes to types of garnish, there are no hard and fast rules—anything that’s edible, delicious and presented right can be used as a garnish types. The kitchen is your oyster, so don’t restrict yourself to just the commonly used herbs—let your imagination (and taste buds) go wild.

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Author: Anne Cowart

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