When it comes to catering for your next corporate event, it’s time to move food firmly UP the agenda, according to one hospitality consultant and her external catering specialist client. Liz Taylor is a leading luxury hospitality consultant with Liz Taylor Consultancy and an event planner with over 35 years of operating in the luxury sector. With her exciting new catering client – Hessian – they are redefining corporate event dining. There are exciting catering trends to tap into…
“Corporate event catering has evolved beyond recognition from the days of sandwich buffet or rich six-course gastronomic challenge” says Liz, “From conferences and seminars to recognition events, organisers are focussing on creative catering solutions that enhance the overall experience.”
Chris Yates from Hessian added: “In our daily lives we’re used to having a global buffet at our fingertips#. A rich tapestry of food outlets peppers the high streets in every city and people are more experimental in their home cooking too. The upshot is that at events guests expect the food to be enticing, innovative, and of the highest quality. Food is central to how an event is perceived.”
To upscale your next corporate event, Chris and Liz have highlighted three catering trends to impress:
1. Interactive Dining
Food is entertainment. More frequently we’re being asked to create immersive dining experiences that engage guests. Make it multi-sensory and offer customisable dishes that allow guests to personalise their culinary experience. Build-your-own taco bars, sushi rolling stations, and DIY dessert trolleys. Incorporate live cooking stations where your guests delight as chefs grill and flambe, exquisite, freshly prepared dishes.
2. Global Cuisine (with a twist)
With a more adventurous palate, event attendees are seeking diverse and authentic global cuisines. Catering menus now often feature a mix of international dishes, from Mediterranean mezze to Asian fusion.
Introduce bespoke combinations of international flavours that shouldn’t work, yet dance on the tastebuds and add colour and excitement to the dining experience. A fusion of Israeli with Italian, African, and South American. A hint of spice to elevate the traditional plate.
3. Multi-sensory presentation
Good event catering is not just about taste. Every plate is a masterpiece. A performance of colours, textures, flavours, and artistry.
Hessian is renowned for its colourful dishes that are not only bursting with flavour but awaken all the senses. Your catering should always be part of the overall aesthetic. Bring freshness and vibrancy to the room, as well as an enticing aroma. Serve a personalised cocktail menu alongside food. Create visually stunning displays for food stations and buffets. Use elegant and thematic table settings with scented fruits and herbs that enhance your dish. Use unique props and out-of-the-ordinary presentations. Liquid nitrogen, for example, can add an entirely new dimension to your event feast.
Your culinary brand can deliver the story of your business
Finally, why is this so important? Crafting a menu can tell the culinary story of your business. Personalised menus create a uniqueness to any event… and it becomes unforgettable. That’s where Hessian can help.
You can find out more about Hessian Catering for your next event.
