The way a dish looks has been important to the dining experience since forever, but perhaps never more than now. Relaxed and homey. Or vibrant and celebratory. And perhaps shareable, too.
“Chefs know that guests spend a lot of time looking at their plates,” says Chandra Ram, associate editorial director of Food & Wine magazine.
“So it’s another detail, before you eat, to help set the stage for a visual experience. This is especially true for dishes they know are going to make it onto Instagram — a beautiful plate makes for a better (and more shareable) image, which helps market the restaurant.”
As with restaurants, so with the home.
Design is all over new tableware. The classic white ceramic circle has ceded some ground to plates in a variety of creative shapes and colors.
“Chefs and restaurants are moving away from traditional ways of food presentation,” says Thomas Kastl, director of dining at Ambiente, the global homewares trade fair in Frankfurt each year. “The latest trend embraces handmade-style tableware, or irregular shapes inspired by nature, like leaves or shells.”
Massachusetts House launches budget debate, including proposed spending on shelters, public transit
Rangers option rookie Jack Leiter 1 day after he allowed 7 runs in his major league debut
Teen fighter pauses near Myawaddy to talk of decision to join resistance — Radio Free Asia
Lottery 'loser' boyfriend, 39, who is fighting his ex
Another Republican candidate to challenge Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren
The EPA is again allowing summer sales of higher ethanol gasoline blend, citing global conflicts
Religious leader faces new charge in case that brought 5
Primary school teacher who was sacked by school for teaching nine
Kourtney Kardashian, 45, shows off her incredible post
Video of 2 bear cubs pulled from trees prompts North Carolina wildlife investigation but no charges
Louisiana dolphin shot dead; found along Cameron Parish coast
Royal Bank of Scotland to close 18 more branches with the loss of 105 jobs