#10.Culinary Buffet Wares: Whether your buffet is formal or informal, you can introduce whimsy or fun by using items that may not normally be thought of as serving pieces to display foods. Specialty spoons, ladles, tongs, spatulas, and other serving pieces not only make it possible for the food to get from the service piece onto the guest’s plate, they also have a direct impact on how the food looks and how certain foods are portioned so don’t just rely on your regular kitchen tools for your buffet service. Browne Foodservice has an excellent selection of buffet ware to accomplish your goals.
Typically, foodservice operators are familiar with traditional chafers, but what about alternative food cooking-holding-serving such as cast iron skillets or camp ware, woks, built-in flat top griddles, or induction stations. A manned station with cooking/serving activity is a great way to create enthusiasm for the menu and interaction with your guest. In addition, Chefs can help control portions and keep buffet neater in appearance.
Other trimmings for banquet and café buffets could include pedestals and fruit stands or risers that create interesting levels of dimension and height to your buffet. Another idea to consider is the serving pieces such as appetizer/dessert plates, salad plates, bullion bowls, and dinnerware. Made In America, Homer Laughlin has an excellent selection to choose from that are durable and fun for your guest. Remember that the color, texture, and shape of your serving pieces can bolster your buffets theme and increase its visual appeal.
Beverage displays may often be left to the last minute and not be given the same attention to detail as the food displays. Something as critical as coffee and demitasse or espresso cups with petite plates can be easily overlooked but will be important to the overall guest experience so don’t neglect these areas.
Creating a unique and functional buffet is as easy as contacting Dine Company – The Restaurant Store. With our knowledge of current trends in buffet ware styles and designs, plus access to all the resources, catalogs and vendor reps, we can help you bring your concepts into reality. Let us help you “Make Foodservice Easier”, together we can, “Build a Better Buffet”.