If you want to add a little pizazz to your next event, how about considering adding some exciting catered food stations to your dinner menu?
Stations are a fun way to get your guests up and moving around. This interaction will help get the event started and prevent everyone from just sitting around in their seats waiting for the program to get under way. Another benefit of catered stations is that it allows your guests to choose exactly what they do and don’t want to eat, and these days, everyone appreciates having a choice.
If you’re stumped for fun food ideas, check out these seven catered food station ideas to consider for your next event:
1. Sushi
While sushi was once considered pretty exotic fare for events, these days it’s a food that will make most people smile with delight. Gone are the days when sushi was reserved for only those who were daring enough to eat raw fish—these days there are more types of rolls than you can shake a stick at, making it a fun and colourful food station that anyone can try.
2. Tempura
If a sushi station just isn’t enough Japanese for your big event, try adding another fun twist with a tempura station. Tempura can be anything that’s coated in a light batter and fried until lightly browned. Popular items can include tempura shrimp, chicken and vegetables. Top it all off with a variety of dipping sauces and your guests will wonder if they’re really at an event or at a Japanese restaurant!
3. Tapas
Globally influenced food stations are all the rage, so try taking your guests on a trip to Spain with a fresh and vibrant tapas station featuring all the flavours of the Mediterranean. Salty iberico ham, marinated olives, fresh bread and Spanish cheeses will all delight your guests and have them dreaming of days in Barcelona.
4. Raw Seafood
Raw bars are all the rage these days, so if you really want to go high-end and impress all your guests, this is definitely one of the catered food stations to consider. In the GTA we’re not exactly overflowing with the bounty of the ocean, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find a quality fish and seafood company who can bring the ocean right to your doorstep. Think crab legs, giant prawns, succulent lobster, and fresh briny oysters from our own Canadian coasts.
5. Risotto Station
There’s nothing more satisfying than the rich creamy texture of a well-made risotto. This menu item is featured in many high-end restaurants, so a risotto station is an excellent way to bring some elegance and luxury to your next event. Guests can create their own customized bowl by adding different toppings such as asparagus, pesto, assorted cheeses, and seafood.
6. Slider Station
Miniature foods are hugely popular right now, so a slider bar is an excellent idea if you’re thinking of catered food stations for your next event. It’s incredibly versatile since you can offer your guests so many different slider options from traditional beef, to pulled pork, fried chicken, and even vegetarian portobello sliders. Guests can either choose from pre-assembled sliders or create their own with an assortment of toppings.
7. Salad Station
This next catered food station idea is a great option if you’re doing a lunchtime event or one that’s focused on health and wellness. A salad station is a great way to offer your guests something that’s both healthy and can be customized to meet their own unique tastes.
