I spent the weekend in the fabulous food city of Portland, Oregon. While there, I had the good fortune to be hosted by three different sets of long-time friends for lunch, dinner, and brunch. While enjoying the third delicious meal, we remarked that after all these decades of life and friendship, we’ve finally learned how to create a beautiful meal.
I’ve been reflecting on impact of this remark on feeding your family. The visual appeal of a food, or meal, creates the anticipation and desire (or lack of) before the food is even tasted. You can increase the pleasure people take, in eating the food you provide, just by presenting it in an attractive way.
Observations on creating desire for a delicious meal:
- Thoughtfully arrange the food on the plate
- Garnish with fresh herbs, chopped mint or parsley, edible flowers
- Take food out of containers and put into serving pieces (catsup, salt, milk, etc.)
- Offer a single type of food per serving plate
- Artistic presentation reflects time; time communicates care; and care is emotional nourishment that amplifies the caloric nourishment of the food
Simply Stunning Summer Watermelon by Renee Russo, owner and designer, EWF Modern
- 1 small watermelon
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint, finely chopped
1. Slice melon in half and cut rind off of melon 2. Slice melon into equal thin segments 3. Fan slices on plate 4. Sprinkle chopped mint on top of melon. Serve cold and enjoy.
Have a beautiful week!
