Any chef worth his salt will tell you that preparing good, flavorful food is only half the battle. If you really want to rise above the culinary crowd, then it is essential to understand the basic principles behind presentation and plating. What is the point of creating the perfect meal if you are only going to slop it onto the plate like an overzealous lunch lady? Here are 6 steps that will help you create the perfect plate.
Color – Your plate should start with the protein you are serving. For example, if you have prepared a chicken breast, nicely seared, then add an element like a vegetable medley. The bright colors in that side will act as a counterpoint to the chicken, and make it stand out on the plate.
Height – You want to try and give your plate a three dimensional type look. This can be achieved by mounding rice or mashed potatoes and using that as a base for your protein. In doing so, make sure that the protein is angled in a way where your base is still visible.
Texture – The palate of the eater is truly tested when several different textures are combined for a single pleasing effect. Using the examples above, a creamy mashed potato combined with a tender-crisp vegetable medley, on top of a moist, nicely seared piece of chicken will create a party in the mouth.
Placement – Imagine your plate as a picture frame, and, without messing with the integrity of your dish, arrange it so that there is a natural frame around the serving. Doing so will bring the eye back to the food.
Garnish – There are a couple of ways you can go here. Use a piece of rosemary or basil if that is an ingredient used in your dish. A lemon wedge is also a nice touch, given that it can add another hue to the look, whilst also adding a layer of flavor when squeezed onto your dish. Whatever you decide, be sure that the garnish complements the dish.
Cleaning – As mentioned earlier, the plate serves as a frame for the food, so be sure that no stray food or fingerprints are visible on the plate. Wiping the rim off with a clean, white cloth will do the trick.
With a little practice, even the average home cook can make a beautiful looking plate. Go online and look for examples of dishes plated by the pro’s and try to follow their lead. Before you know it, friends and family will think you are ordering in from a 5-Star restaurant.
John Watson splits his time between work that pays the bills, and writing which is his true love. As a Scotsman living in the deep south, he is forced to write in order to be understood. John currently resides in the Atlanta area with wife, Penny, a regional chef. You can read more of his work by visiting his blog at TheInkedWriter.com
