GET THE LOOK—BEEFING UP THE BUFFET! And SMALLER IS BIGGER!!--MINI BITES and ‘TASTINGS’
The days of the ‘standard buffet’ (plain rectangular tables, solid linens and chafing dishes) are long gone! And we are glad to see them go! Nowadays, creativity does not stop at innovative new ingredients and plate presentations, but carries on to the very way the foods are set out for your guests to grab.
LATEST BUFFET TRENDS:
- Using varying shaped tables, including Rounds, Half-Rounds, Serpentines or a combination.
- Build up! Modern buffets have height, with many levels, tiers and risers. This technique also works great to bring in a strong presence in a small space (if you can’t build out, build up!)
- Mix it up! All of the items don’t need to be uniform. If you run out of round platters, mix in some square or triangle ones. We even knew a bride that bought 100 different dinner plates at estate sales, garage sales, and antique stores, to give each place setting a unique look.
SMALL BITES:
Why has the ‘Tapas-Style’ trend in dining been so big over that last few years? Well, for several reasons:
- people love variety and are able to sample a abundance of different flavors.
- people are watching their waistlines, and by tasting and sharing small dishes, they can control their portion sizes while still indulging.
- guests love the relaxed environment of a tasting menu instead of a traditional, formal seated dinner. Tasting parties create environments for conversation by offering fun adventurous foods.
- creative and artistically presented small ‘bites’ and mini plates are beguiling and irresistible!
You may hear them referred to as short plates, mezze, antipasti, or simply finger foods, and you will find them everywhere you turn in restaurants and at events. It goes without saying that most important aspect of these ‘bites’ is taste, but a very close second is appearance. Chefs use creative items for serving these foods, from basic pristine white plates, to Asian style bowls and spoons, sleek shot glasses, and black trays. Other unexpected items, including demitasse cups, decorative ashtrays, toothbrush holders and votive candle holders can serve a different purpose by displaying tasty treats. Some stores to try for fun ideas: Pier 1, Cost Plus, Ikea, and even Home Depot!
SPOONFULS:
Mouthfuls of festive treats, presented on individual, elegant silver spoons, Asian style soup spoons, or modern clear acrylic ‘teardrop’ spoons.
- MANGO SHRIMP SPOONS, With a Tropical Salad of Sliced Mango, English Cucumber & Radicchio, Finished with Coconut Vinaigrette
- HERBED ROAST BEEF, Served over Bleu Cheese Mashed Potatoes
- CHICKEN PICCATA BITES, Served Over Rich Parmesan Orzo
- PAELLA, Spoon-sized Portion of the Traditional Spanish Dish
TASTING TABLES:
Guests are able to put together their own plate to sample a multitude of tastes. Our most popular Tasting Table consists of an array of Italian Delicacies:
- Fine Olive Oils and Aged Wine Vinegars
- Assorted Artisan Breads
- Imported Italian Cheeses, Including Shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano, Gorgonzola, and Fresh Mozzarella Marinated with Olive Oil and Basil
- Olive Melange, Marinated in Fresh Thyme, Rosemary, Roasted Garlic & Chiles Arbols
