{"id":63,"date":"2012-03-02T17:14:13","date_gmt":"2012-03-02T17:14:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/culinaryvisions.org\/trends-new\/?p=63"},"modified":"2019-02-03T16:01:48","modified_gmt":"2019-02-03T16:01:48","slug":"the-dish-on-catering","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/culinaryvisions.org\/trends\/the-dish-on-catering\/","title":{"rendered":"The Dish on Catering"},"content":{"rendered":"

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(Chicago, March 2) Olson Communications attended the annual Catersource show in Las Vegas this past week to uncover latest trends in catering.\u00a0 Catersource is the leading catering-specific tradeshow in the U.S. that features food, equipment, serving ware, and professional services.\u00a0 Caterers can see creative concepts and new, money saving resources as they network with foodservice experts and industry leaders.<\/p>\n

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The conference is also marked by exclusive events such as the culinary challenge table top competitions, catering excellence achievements, and the coveted CATIE (Catered Arts Through Innovative Excellence) awards.<\/p>\n

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Here are highlights of the conference and the trade show.<\/p>\n

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Designer Dinnerware from Fallen Leaves<\/p>\n

Eco-friendly, compostable, recyclable, bamboo, natural, biodegradable, and edible service ware dominated the show floor.\u00a0 Sustainable materials such as fallen leaves and bamboo were used to weave tiny baskets, spoons, paddles, skewers, cups, and boats with handmade flourishes like patterned painting, beadwork, and curvy serving ware.<\/p>\n

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Designs were sleek and on trend.\u00a0 Many suppliers also boasted high performance for heavy and sauced items.\u00a0 Disposables are becoming the statement dinnerware that adds appetite appeal and a global conscience without sacrificing the functionality needed for catered events.<\/p>\n

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All that Glitters<\/p>\n

Crystal is hot in 2012, from lighting to linens \u2013 crystal made a statement.\u00a0 Almost the counter point to eco-friendly designers were dazzling over the top fabrics, lighting and glittering displays perfect to be showcased in Las Vegas.\u00a0 Even chocolate truffles covered in dazzling edible glitter in a rainbow of colors were available.<\/p>\n

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Flights and Small Bites<\/p>\n

From appetizers to dessert, small, delicious bites remain a strong component of catering.\u00a0 Further evidence that this is a trend with staying power was the array of permanent dinnerware designed specifically to serve small plates and collections of bite size indulgences.<\/p>\n

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Contemporary Service Style<\/p>\n

In many ways, food trends are leading trends in service ware.\u00a0 Although chafing dishes still have a place in many catered events, there were plenty of new ideas like warming stones made of granite.\u00a0 Miniature footed domed cake platters were just right to showcase a single cupcake as an elegant dessert.<\/p>\n

Miniature homespun items like mason jars served as dramatic light fixtures adding drama with warmth to any setting.\u00a0 As farm to table dinners become more captivating, elegance has been re-interpreted in seating arrangements and fabrics that are no less expensive, but fit the mood of today\u2019s catering customer.<\/p>\n

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Nibble, Sip, Savor Unexpected Flavor Pairings<\/p>\n

Wine and cheese, beer and cheese, cupcakes and cordials, what\u2019s next?\u00a0 Cookies!\u00a0 Cookies with a variety of flavor profiles were paired with wines, beer, bourbon and cordials a memorable finale to a meal experience.<\/p>\n

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Everyday Catering<\/p>\n

As consumers are dining at home more and cooking less, the appeal of catering for everyday life has never been more appealing.\u00a0\u00a0 Supermarkets, restaurants, gourmet shops and even corporate cafeterias are looking for new ways to capture these food savvy, time starved consumers by offering do it yourself catering for smaller special events.<\/p>\n

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A recent study by the Culinary Visions\u2122 Panel on everyday catering found that 36% of consumers surveyed had chosen their local supermarket to cater a recent special event at their home.\u00a0 The top occasion to celebrate is birthdays, mentioned by 49% of those surveyed. These consumers are looking for convenience and good value as well as signature service and destination flavor.<\/p>\n

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Food Democracy<\/p>\n

The idea of great food anytime for everyone at a reasonable price is becoming more of a reality as caters and restaurateurs alike take their food to the street.\u00a0 Mobile catering has become a chic new segment of the food industry giving consumers a chance to try new foods that might not otherwise be available to them.\u00a0 Wholesome, quality ingredients are used in a way that is delicious for the consumer and cost effective for the operator.<\/p>\n

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Interesting Sightings<\/p>\n