It’s never any fun to show up to a big event with great anticipation of lip-smacking cuisine, only to be let down by the same old standard catering options. It can never be over-stated: food plays an important role in people’s lives and, of course, in their special events. Your sense of taste and smell links to so many memories, so why not make those memories amazing?
These days, when food seems to be more important than ever, everyone is out to make a statement with the catering at his or her own events. If you’re looking to surprise and delight your guests and do something really special for the catering at your next big event, you’re going to want to check out these four popular Toronto event-catering trends in 2017.
1. Adventurous Tastes
There is a general consensus that people are becoming more adventurous as a whole, but this is especially true when it comes to their food. While years ago it could be considered crazy to see a foreign fish on a menu, these days it seems like the lesser known an ingredient is, the more interested people get about it.
Adventurous ingredients like sea urchin, edible flowers, and tropical fruits and vegetables are just the beginning. An adventurous aspect can also be incorporated into the way your food is served, let alone prepared.Consider having the food prepared in front of your guests where the chef can speak about the unique ingredients. For many people, something that looks and smells mysterious and unknown is only going to whet their appetites that much more.
2. Food as Art
You’ve probably heard the phrase “presentation is everything,” and while that’s not exactly true (food definitely still needs to taste good too) appearance does count for a lot. We almost always see our food before we eat it, and this has become a major consideration for Toronto event catering trends.Engage your sense of sight with colourful displays of food as art.
You may have noticed that, at big, fancy events, the food is rarely just sitting on a platter. Over the coming year you can expect to see this theme carry on as food will start to be considered just as much as an art piece as much as it’s considered nourishment. One of the coolest things happening these days is the dessert display where everyday treats like donuts and cupcakes are served as if they are prized pieces in an art gallery.
3. Healthy Eating
The healthy eating trend may seem like it’s something that will come and go through the Toronto event-catering scene, but you can bet that this is one food trend that is here to stay (at least for another year). Normally, special events are where guests tend to let loose and indulge in things that might not be part of their everyday diets, but recently people have been playing it tight. People are considering calories and portion sizes even at parties where they’re supposed to be having a carefree and fabulous time.
This is the kind of news that will make most chefs cringe, but resistance is futile. Catering companies need to embrace the healthy ways of today’s diners by offering calorie-, portion- and nutrient-conscience menus to appease those who desire them.This is also a great way to include all of your guests, like vegetarians and vegans.
4. Luxury Cuisine
Contrary to the healthy food trend that just keeps picking up steam, luxury cuisine is another trend that is sweeping the Toronto event-catering scene. As economies strengthen, special events are becoming more and more special and those who are hosting them want their guests to enjoy them as much as possible.
Think prime cuts of meat, high-end wines and liquor offerings, and delicious shellfish bars where no expense is spared. People want food that is imaginative, experiences that their guests will remember, and perfection right down to the smallest of details, and they’re willing to pay for it.This makes your guests feel appreciated and cared for.
