For some, their idea of ​​a good meal is to go to the local buffet restaurant, where you can fill your plate with all the food you want for one low price. However, what you gain in quantity does not make up for what you lose in quality. And it doesn’t matter if the lady who cuts the rib is wearing a woman’s chef pants, she’s not a real chef. In fact, you probably just heated the rib in the oven before taking it out. No, if you want really good food, you must go to a good restaurant. One that serves food prepared the right way, with only the freshest, highest quality ingredients. And while that food will taste wonderful, there is another aspect in which it has the rhythm of the local buffet: the presentation. You see, when food not only tastes good, but looks good too, it can turn a great meal into a sublime experience.

A well-presented meal can add a unique touch to a plate of food when done correctly. The important thing is to make things interesting without overdoing it. For example, simply twisting a piece of tuna so that it rests on its short side, like a skyscraper, can add a lot of flair. But stacking several chunks of yellowfin tuna to look like Stonehenge takes the dish from fancy to tacky. Instead, don’t let the chef’s shirt go to your head and opt for simple over elaborate. Find out what the central focus of the board will be and build around that. And most importantly, don’t take too long! Whether your plate is hot or cold, it is very important to get it quickly to the person who is actually going to eat it.

Variety is an important thing to think about when presenting food. You probably want to avoid putting a lot of spherical food together – a plate of meatballs, new potatoes, and Brussels sprouts doesn’t exactly scream “variety.” Consider putting some asparagus or pork tenderloin instead to mix things up a bit. And pretend you’re wearing cleaning uniforms when you prepare your plate, keep things clean! You don’t want chunks of meat or sauce on your plate. White space is just as important as where the food is. Lastly, don’t be afraid to inject some color. Use a drizzled sauce around food or add a colorful veggie like an orange bell pepper to the mix. Visual stimulation can make the difference between a good meal and a wonderful experience!