Plating pasta like a pro Plating pasta in a restaurant is an art that involves not only making the dish look appealing but also enhancing the overall dining experience. Here are some tips for effectively plating pasta in a restaurant: 1. Plating pasta in a restaurant is an art that involves not only making the dish look appealing but also enhancing the overall dining experience. Here are some tips for effectively plating pasta in a restaurant: 2. Use Quality Ingredients: Start with high-quality pasta to create a foundation for a visually appealing dish. 3. Choose the Right Plate: Select plates that complement the colour and style of the pasta. A white or neutral- coloured plate often works well, allowing the pasta and sauce to stand out. 4. Consider Portion Size: Ensure that the portion size is appropriate for the type of pasta and the style of the dish. Overcrowding the plate can make it look messy. Pre-portioning your pasta ahead of serving will save time during service. 5. Twirl the Pasta: For long pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine, consider twirling it into a neat nest using tongs or a fork. This technique adds height to the plate. 6. Layer the Components: If the pasta is served with multiple components (e.g., proteins, vegetables), consider layering them for a visually appealing presentation. 7. Sauce Placement: Toss the pasta with the sauce just before serving to prevent it from clumping. Pour the sauce over the pasta rather than pooling it at the bottom of the plate. 8. Garnish Wisely: Add fresh herbs, grated cheese, or a drizzle of olive oil as a finishing touch. Garnishes should complement the flavours of the dish. Herbs like basil can be deep fried to ensure your garnish is bright and not wilted before being served. 9. Pay Attention to Colour Contrast: Consider the colour of the pasta and sauce when plating. Contrasting colours, such as a bright tomato sauce against a light pasta, can be visually appealing. 10. Keep it Neat: Wipe the rim of the plate to remove any sauce splatters, ensuring a clean presentation. 11. Experiment with Shapes: Consider using moulds or ring forms to shape the pasta or create interesting patterns on the plate. 12. Temperature Matters: Ensure the pasta is served at the right temperature. Cold pasta can be unappetizing, and overly hot pasta may cause the sauce to separate. 13. Customize for the Dish: Adjust your plating techniques based on the type of pasta dish. For example, a rustic ragu might be presented differently than a delicate seafood linguine. SPECIALS ARE NOT APPLICABLE FOR CUSTOMERS RECEIVING A REBATE ON PURCHASES. STOCK AVAILABILITY MAY VARY FROM BRANCH TO BRANCH, SPEAK TO YOUR SALES CONSULTANT FOR 2 MORE INFORMATION. SPECIALS AVAILABLE FOR ONLINE PURCHASES VIA WWW.MYBIDFOOD.CO.ZA FOR THE PROMOTIONAL PERIOD, WHILE STOCKS LAST. SEE FULL T&C’S ON BACK COVER. E&OE. 8654 April 2024 BidFood Broadsheet_FA01.indd 3 2024/04/22 13:22
Download PDF file