This one’s for the foodies.
Like AV, without great catering your event will fall flat. Your guests are increasingly more exposed to international dining trends, fads and new culinary concepts via the media, Instagram and food blogs. So they’re far better informed and food-savvy and you need to keep up.
But don’t fear. We got the scoop on this year’s top catering trends from Geoff Haviland, Culinary Director at The Fresh Collective. Incorporate some of these into your events and we promise your guests won’t leave disappointed.
They’re visually appealing and practical for caterers. The ph balance of the rice means they can be prepared in advance without compromising the quality or safety of the dish – so great for large events too.
They are also pleasing for the health-conscious and easy to eat at a cocktail event.
Kombucha, kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, house-made or artisan pickles… all these are still in vogue. Plus, they’ve been identified as important to our overall health.
This year it’ll be really important to use locally grown produce wherever possible, with a great focus on provenance and sustainability. Make sure your caterer sources their food from local suppliers and make it visible on the menu too.
Grilling over coals imparts a beautifully honest smoky flavour. And the textural changes as a result are incredible. The technique also ignites memories of childhood barbecues.
Pairing with upcoming or current “hot chefs” allows catering companies to stay ahead of the trend and incorporate these innovations in their menus. Ask your catering supplier if they’ve got plans for this in 2018.
This year expect to see increasing demand for action stations and chefs talking with guests, explaining what they are doing. You can’t go past a yummy food truck, unique pop-up concept or dynamic self-service station.
The formal sit-down menu is out. Substantial canapes and static stations are in. Guests want variety and love to serve themselves from a food station – especially if it’s grammable.
We all know presentation is key. But the trend this year is towards honest and practical. Caterers will concentrate on the honesty of flavours – everything has a reason for being on the plate.
What can you expect to see from caterers in 2018?
So there it is. Who else just got hungry?
The Fresh Collective is Sydney’s premier catering company boasting excellence in quality of food, impeccable service and offering new and exciting standards within the catering industry.
Whether you are organising a boardroom lunch, a cocktail reception, a gala dinner or a conference; Fresh provides a menu that is of the highest quality with superior customer service, reliability, flexibility and creativity.
Contact The Fresh Collective now to chat about their event services.