DISHING tips
tips on how to dish up a meal and to present a buffet table
I received an email from Janine who is thinking of doing a garden party for my daughter's first birthday.
She feels that all of the kids party decorations look so passé and cheesy. I have to agree with her. She asked for some ideas. I am proposing a cool flower theme.
Party Planning
A first year birthday is often more for the parents and family since the baby is not well aware of what is going on. It is best to plan for a two-hour party. Schedule some activities to play with the kids.
Flower-Power Décor
The cakes for the 10th anniversary of Cakes by Tatiana were my inspirations. Located in Ottawa, Cakes by Tatiana has a list of distinguished customers including two former Prime Ministers of Canada and Adrienne Clarkson. The two cakes are creations by award-winning pastry Chef Tatiana Vorobej.
I do not expect you to get such an exquisite cake for a first birthday. The flowers and spheres can be reproduced on a larger scale for your garden. Make a few vignettes that you spread across your space to define and cheer up your garden.
A cheap version is the cute Flower Ballons created by Martha Stewart. The steps by step instruction are published on Martha’s site. It is not complicated to do. Fill pails with a baby friendly toy (sandbox tor for example) and insert a paper daisy to dress it up. Reserve the lollipops for older young kids or distribute them to the moms.
The Menu
Since you need to entertain and take care of the babies, keep the menu simple. Serve bite foods, sandwiches and snacks. As long as you make your food look pretty, serving simple foods look sophisticated. And it can look stylish without a lot of work.
Take this cool tray of vegetables designed by Martha. I am sure you have seen those before. You can use square flower vases instead of the glasses or clear acrylic boxes. Start by cutting your vegetables. Cut each type on a same length. Blanch the asparagus, beans, cauliflowers and broccoli to give them a vibrant color. Serve the veggies neatly in the glassware sitting on a tray.
Get inspired by Revisiting the Sandwich Box for serving sandwiches to the adult guests. For the kids, you can serve the blossom sandwiches by Martha Stewart.
Baby Activities
Singing is always popular with babies and parents. Set up a singing circle in the garden where parents and kids can sit. A sandbox is always a fun activity for the little ones.
You can organize a small play. My sister in law asks her teenager babysitter to create a 10-minute show. The farmyard party photo canvas available at Pottery Barn will make great memories and older kids can participate.
Get a girls' first birthday bib for the day. Preserve the memories not just in photos and videos; store the bib and the other decorative elements in a cute keepsake cardboard box.
I hope this will inspire you. And Janine, keep me posted on how the first birthday of your little girl will turn out.
>>> Sourcing:
Party supplies: Flower Balloon How-To [Martha Stewart]
Inspirations: cakes by tatiana -10th anniversary [cakes by Tatiana]
Party supplies: Flower in Pail Party Favors [Martha Stewart]
Buy online: farmyard party photo canvas [Pottery Barn] – price: on sale at $24.99 USD
Buy online: girls' first birthday bib [Pottery Barn] – price: $12 USD
Video: Crudités with Buttermilk Peppercorn Dip Recipe [Martha Stewart]
Dishing up: Edible Blossom Sandwiches [Martha Stewart]
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
OUTDOOR
KIDS party
DISHING tips
PARTY favors
FAMILY style
posted @ Monday, May 12, 2008 3:54 PM | Feedback (2)
My favorite Mother's Day memory is the year my brother, sister and I (all in elementary school) pooled our money together and bought as much chocolate fudge as we could afford from our mother's coveted chocolate emporium. As Mom is a chocoholic, she was thrilled. And so were we, since, for some reason, we bought way too much chocolate for just one person.
The memory inspired me to create a Mother's Day menu designed with children in mind. Adult supervision is required, but the kids can do most of the work.
Breakfast in Bed for Mom
Breakfast is the easiest meal to prepare. And after all the tedious work that Moms do, they deserve a day to sleep in and enjoy a day off. Start the day off right with the most important meal of the day. And if there's chocolate involved, prepared by loving hands, it's sure to be an extra good day.
Breakfast Menu
- French Toast au Chocolat
- Sage seasoned sausage patties
- Fresh strawberries
- Coffee or tea
- Freshly squeezed orange juice
Recipes by Jennifer Mitchell
French Toast au Chocolat Recipe
This is easy for children to help prepare, as it bakes in the oven instead of cooking on the stove.
- 1 baguette – a day old
- 4 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup confectioner's sugar
- Chocolate sauce
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Lightly butter a 9 x 13-inch baking pan, slice the baguette into 1-inch slices, and place the slices into the pan.
- In a bowl beat the eggs, then whisk in the milk, sugar, vanilla and salt. Pour over the bread, and let it soak for 15 minutes.
- Bake the French toast for 30 to 40 minutes, until the egg mixture is set. Remove from the oven.
- Place the French toast on plates, dust with confectioner's sugar. Finish by drizzling the chocolate syrup over the top.
Sage Sausage Patties Recipe
You can always buy the ready-made variety. But if you're in the mood for a special treat, why not make your own?
- 1 pound ground fresh pork, chilled
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh sage
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- In a bowl combine the ingredients, except for the oil, in a bowl and chill for an hour.
- Divide the mixture into 8 balls and flatten into patties.
- In a skillet heat the oil over moderate heat until it is hot but not smoking. Fry the patties for 3 minutes on each side and drain them on paper towels.
Presentation
Moms love a nice place setting. Start with a breakfast tray lined with a personalized placemat. This can be made from any kind of paper you have around the house. Have the kids make a special drawing or decorate it with stickers, glitter or whatever art supplies you have in the house.
A flower, cut from the garden, adds a nice touch. For extra fun, garnish Mom's plate with photo cutouts of the kids taped or glued onto toothpicks.
>>> Sourcing:
Buy online: Mother's Day Card by scarycarriecreates [etsy.com] – price: $3.75 USD
Buy online: Cooking Owl - Limited Edition Print by barkingbirdart [etsy.com] – price: $9 USD
Buy online: Joy Bed in a Bag [Target] – price: $71.99 - $109.99 USD
Photo credit: French Toasts covered with oatmeal, picture by Kim Vallee – rights reserved
Guest Blogger: Jennifer Mitchell [Design Hole]
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
HOLIDAY
DISHING tips
FAMILY style
posted @ Saturday, May 10, 2008 4:53 PM | Feedback (1)
I adore custards for their smoothness and velvety texture. From what I read this morning, custards produce the best chocolate puddings in the world.
In the United States, many Chefs wrote on their menu Pudding instead of Pot de crème to trigger the emotional connection that people have with puddings. But the best puddings are in reality Pot de Crème, a French recipe. In Quebec, we will call it Pot de crème.
I am showing you again the delicious Chocolate pot-de-crème, caramel and Maldon salt that my husband enjoyed at Laloux last winter.
Custard is a creamy preparation made with eggs and cream or milk, thickened with heat. Some recipes call for a bain-marie (double boiler) while other do it on a skillet. But one thing for sure, always melt your chocolate in a double boiler.
Not your Grand Mother Pudding Recipe
Melissa Clark wrote an article about her quest for the perfect chocolate pudding at home.
Melissa started by saying that she imagined an idyllic US grand mother all her life but now she had to switch her mind to a French Grandma. When she learned the trick about the Pot de crème, she decided to try 4 recipes involving custards in one way or another.
Dark Chocolate Custard
While we are on the subject, I could not resist spotlighting a recipe from Béatrice of La Tartine Gourmande. She is the master of little pots after all. And I was curious to see how a French expatriate living in Boston makes her custard.
One important trick given by Béa with her Dark Chocolate Custard recipe is how to save your custard. If you let it boil, your ruin your custard. But all you need to do are a few simple steps to make your custard smooth and creamy again.
Serving a chocolate custard or pudding with fresh fruits instead of whipped cream makes the dish not only healthier but lighter. With temperature rising, that freshness will be welcome at the dining table.
What do you think?
Any of these 5 recipes would make a delightful dessert for your family and your guests. Which recipe inspires you the most? Do you have a trick of your own?
>>> Sourcing:
Via: You Call That Pudding, Grandma? by Melissa Clark [New York Times] – photo by Francesco Tonelli
Recipe: Giving in to Dark Chocolate Custard — Craquer pour un pot de crème au chocolat noir [La Tartine Gourmande] – photo by Béatrice Peltre
Middle Picture: Pot de crème at Laloux – photo by Kim Vallée
Categories:
EVERYDAY
FOOD + drinks
DISHING tips
posted @ Monday, April 28, 2008 12:14 PM | Feedback (1)
Event design is a huge market. Big brands have the monetary wealth to indulge in fabulous event decor. They make us dream and inspire us.
Let's me introduce you to the lavish creations from a prolific Australian three-dimensional design studio Gloss Creative.
Founded by Amanda Henderson in 2001, Gloss Creative merges the world of Visual Merchandising and design. They call their style Grand Simplicity. Gloss Creative works in four areas: marquees, runaways, set design and floral styling.
In case you do not know, marquee is the British term for a large tent set up for an outdoor party, reception, or exhibition. What I am showing you here are tents designed for the haute society horse races in Australia. I am talking about the Melbourne Cup Spring Racing Carnival events.
Three Party Themes
I could resist when I saw the Audrey Hepburn's Breakfast in Tiffany theme done for the Longines watches. It finished the circle that I started Monday with my beauty secrets.
Created in 2007, Fashion Topia featured shades of greens. The poufs with their velvet fabric were the stars. This marquee feels less luxurious but the layout works well for a cocktail event. People can move the seating at will to suit the social exchanges.
The Picnic Luxe Tent is adorable. I enjoy how they display the food. You could recycle this concept for a party this summer. The picnic theme can be interpreted in so many ways from a casual family style to a stylish Victorian era backdrop.
Wonderful Finger Food
I feel bad that I did not buy the February/March 2008 issue of Belle. I read this Australian magazine occasionally. The great article was published on Moët & Chandon's Le Chapiteau Merveilleux. That tent design raised the bar.
The woman Chef Shannon Bennett of the French restaurant Vue du Monde prepared the lunch platter. Guests were served vintage Moët & Chandon champagne with mini Wagyu steak sandwich, chickpea fries with dijonnaise, rabbit pithivier and the classic Peach Melba served with a modern twist on an Asian spoon. It sounds delicious.
>>> Sourcing:
Learn more: Gloss Creative
Photo credits: Bella article pictures taken by Mark Roper – Copyright pictures
Via: bye bye boring white . walls with dimension [ready 2 spark] + Gloss Creative [design to inspire]
Categories:
PARTY ideas
DISHING tips
BIG events
posted @ Saturday, April 26, 2008 2:33 AM | Feedback (1)
Stylish living begins with great food. With our busy life, we, me included, are often exhausted at the end of the work day. So we have problems deciding what to prepare for supper. Following an easy-to-made recipe done with widely available ingredients would simplify our life.
So starting today, I will be posting every afternoon of the week about once a week a one or two main dish suggestions. A tasteful main dish is all you need to cook for a weekday meal. If you like my suggestion, simply print the recipe and grab what you need at the grocery store on your way home. I hope it will stimulate you to try new recipes and live in style every day.
So for April’s Fool Day, a fish dish is in order. Do not be anxious by the food presentation. This dish is simple to make and to plate. In fact, I would put the green beans on the side since you will put them down to eat anyway. The featured main dish recipe is:
Mushroom-Crusted Red Snapper by Anthony Sedlak of The Main TV show.
Let’s start a conversation
To help others, I would like to hear your tips and suggestions. You can answer:
- Have you ever tried a similar recipe?
- Can you share a fish recipe that you do for your family?
- What are you cooking for supper tonight?
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
DISHING tips
FAMILY style
posted @ Tuesday, April 01, 2008 3:03 PM | Feedback (0)
I discovered a wonderful French porcelain maker today. I am not just showing you their vessel. REVOL targets the hospitality market which explains these amazing food presentations. Wow!
Since 1789 from Saint-Uze in France, the culinary ceramic maker REVOL draws its inspiration from the heart of the Rhone valley, famous for its wines and gourmet cuisine. The vessel they produce response to today’s culinary trends.
European products are often available in a vast array of colors. Les Froisses, translating into Crumpled Tumblers, is available in 14 colors. This 9–piece collection is used for hot beverages, appetizers, tapas, French fries and desserts this stackable tumblers.
Like I said in earlier, Breakfast dinnerware constitutes an under-used category. But maybe te stunning dishing seduced me. Anyway, Breakfast delivers the basic vessel for a stylish morning meal.
A novelty, the Belle Cuisine series delivers a cocktail terrine, a collection of 4 mixing bowls, an individual portion stew pot and more.
XS food responded to the mini-portion craze. REVOL offers more than 30 miniature creations designed for mises en bouche, little mouthfuls and delicacies, and condiments.
Sourcing:
Learn more: REVOL
Categories:
DISHING tips
TABLEWARE
posted @ Wednesday, March 19, 2008 12:15 AM | Feedback (0)
Styling your buffet table requires time, imagination and special dishes. I found a serving ware solution that is stylish, original and affordable.
When you are in a hurry, go straight to this composition by CB2. You can reuse all or some of the elements to serve appetizers on a coffee table, at a buffet station or when sitting at the dining table. The possibilities are vast so you can have fun playing around with these bowls and servers.
To reproduce this look, you will need to get:
In fact, if you opt for branches of orchids, the flowers will be your biggest expense. So I think this is pretty neat tableware solution for entertaining.
At this price, I would get some extra servers and at least a dozens of spoons. You may want to stock one set for a future gift. You never know when you will be needing a cool housewarming party gift or a simple wedding gift for a neighbor.
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
DISHING tips
TABLEWARE
posted @ Tuesday, March 11, 2008 4:16 PM | Feedback (0)
This post started because I saw the most wonderful dishing of picked eggs photographed in the March 2008 edition of EnRoute magazine. I forgot my copy on the plane so I will describe it for you. And I promise to show you my own version before next Tuesday.
You may be aware that pickled eggs are back in style. But the current version are far more sophisticated than boiled eggs in vinegar jars available in cheap deli restaurants.
These pickled eggs are subtle in taste, often done with organic eggs, duck eggs and quail eggs. You can serve them resting on a nest of watercress or mache salad.
Farm 255, a restaurant that seeks to reconnect food to its roots & people to their food in Athens, Georgia currently serves pickled eggs as appetizers with olive oil, dill, cracked pepper and fennel. Yum!
Nature inspired Easter Tabletop
Forget the artificial color Easter eggs and go for a more natural look. I really enjoy wrique did by dying boiled eggs with onion skins. It really looks like a piece of art. Instead of the basket, use a grayish or brownish earthenware small bowl, a rice bowl for example.
Wrique explains steps by steps how to make these stunning Easter Eggs on Instructables. Wrique provides useful tricks. Did you know that rubbing some oil at the end gives the eggs a nice shine and seals their pores which should help them fresh longer?
Harmonize it with an organic dinnerware like this handmade matte olive Coutour dinerware set available at Viva Terra. The plank is a beautiful touch. Unfortunately, this one is too narrow and too high to feel comfortable while eating. Spring calls for a punch of colors. Therefore, I would place colored flatware with either yellow, orange or pink handles.
Add more colors through your centerpieces
Display a snakelike line of the new Tiny Tin Edible Flowers by BloemBox. And let your guests brings back home their own after the meal. Each tin contains edible flower seeds. Alternate the Edible Tiny Tins with the Habitat Hummingbird Garden to add movements. Each Habitat box contains three 5’ biodegradable, plantable tissue paper seed ribbons, one of each nectar-rich variety with planting instructions.
These elements would create an Easter tabletop that is out of the ordinary.
Sourcing:
Learn more: Easter Eggs Dyed With Onion Skins by wrique
Buy online: Matte Olive Contour Dinnerware – price: $129 for a 16-piece set
Buy online: Habitat Hummingbird Garden – price: $99 for 6 boxes
Buy online: Tiny Tin Edible Flowers – price: $36 for 6 tins
RELATED POSTS:
+ Bunny shaped napkins at your Easter brunch
+ Dressing up your Easter brunch by Colin Cowie
+ Grown ups tabletop - Easter's Inspiration Board Part 2
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
HOLIDAY
DISHING tips
TABLEWARE
PARTY favors
posted @ Wednesday, March 05, 2008 1:27 AM | Feedback (1)
My choice this week from my fellow bloggers features a mix of stylish comfort food and modern architecture masterpieces.
While I make my weekly selection, I pay attention to find a harmony between the pictures in top of presenting you a great source of information on stylish living.
This week, my picks give some clues on color trends. Think orange, bright blues and greens for a cool factor. Also, you can reflect on how to integrate more circular shapes for food presentation.
My 4 picks of the week
The Kitchn for How to Boil an Egg: Eiko Egg Boilers from Vessel
I got the impression that some AT readers miss the point. This is to make soft-boiled eggs. If you like gadgets, you will love this new product from Vessel that can be used to eat the egg once it is half cooked. I do like the colorful aspect that Eiko will bring to my table.
Design*Sponge for in the kitchen with: béatrice peltre
Once more, Béatrice of La Tartine Gourmande stimulated all our senses with her beautiful food pictures. Here, she made a bicolor soup – potato soup + pea soup. Perfect for the remaining cold days until Spring really surfaces. She was the subject of a post on Design*Sponge.
Apartment Therapy Los Angeles for J.Crew Goes to the Kaufmann House
As retailers want to upscale and bring an element of cool in their catalogue, they use iconic houses and places to try to convince. The Kaufmann House in Palm Strings is a Modernist masterpiece that is currently on sale. If you have millions lying around, you can still bet at the auction on May 13th, 2008.
J.Crew clothing lines are still not cool enough for me but the current intro of their Web style looks fantastic. The mid-century modern trend is not over yet. Will this trend suffer from marketing exposure by mainstream retailers?
Apartment Therapy San Francisco for Snee-oosh Cabin by Zero Plus Architects
Everyone wishes to own a getaway house from the city. This beautiful example of modern architecture tries to minimize its footprint on the planet. Snee-oosh Cabin was designed by Seattle architecture and design studio Zero Plus Architects. I love the design. You can see interior shots on Apartment Therapy San Francisco.
Categories:
HOME decor
FOOD + drinks
DISHING tips
TRENDS
posted @ Saturday, March 01, 2008 12:48 PM | Feedback (1)
Like many wedding blogs these days, Project Wedding was born out of the needs of a couple to find the right vendors for their big day. The site connects brides across the United States and helps them share ideas, advice and vendor recommendations.
The photo gallery is huge. You can find inspirations for your dress, reception, ceremony, flowers, cakes, invitations, amongst other things. I selected key photographs that showcase what I considered to be excellent entertaining habits.
Greeting Guests
These festive lanterns on bamboo sticks are great to illuminate an outdoor party at night. Put three rows at the entrance pathway to greet your guests in style. Select harmonizing colors with your party décor, ideally on a brighter or a warmer tone. I avoid pastels because the color is lost at night when lighted.
Centerpieces
Following my post of how to select a centerpiece, I am showing you two successful tabletops. The centerpieces would not interfere with conversations, the tables are not overcrowded, the design is kept simple yet the tables look out of the ordinary. The long rectangular tables feel homier than the round tables. Before personal taste, the table shape is determined by the size of the room and how many people will sit down at your dinner party.
Candy Buffet
Sweets and candies are always appreciated. Here the Rocher Chocolate party favors are personalized with the guest names. Use these candy buffets as your muses for your Oscar night party on February 24th, 2008. They form an excellent guide on how to create a beautiful candy station.
Sourcing:
Learn more: Reception photo gallery at Project Wedding – See them for the photo credits
Categories:
EVERYDAY
TABLESCAPE
DISHING tips
BIG events
posted @ Wednesday, February 20, 2008 1:49 PM | Feedback (0)
To stand from the crowd this Sunday, serve an upscale version of the football meal.
As I told you yesterday with my coverage of Design Hole’s book club dinner, you will have more fun if you select a menu that you can prepare in advance. This is crucial if you are a football fan.
Taste of the NFL is an amazing source for helping you to prepare your party. They asked chefs around the country to come up with new recipes for the big game. Each chef was inspired by their home team.
Here are my personal favorites:
I read in the Globe and Mail an interesting article by Rebecca Field Jager on the subject. I encourage reading it for more tips on how to host a stylish Super Bowl party.
Sourcing:
Via: Spruce up your Super Bowl menu
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
PARTY ideas
DISHING tips
posted @ Saturday, February 02, 2008 1:32 AM | Feedback (0)
If you like to hosting parties, you know that amazing serving ware look impressive. In fact, for the time challenged entertainers, the best method for quickly set an impressive table is to equip themselves with remarkable serving dishes, plates and utensils.
Swedish brand Sagaform appeals to the stylish modern entertainers. Their design products have definite style, function well and are affordable. I look at their latest collection. Here are the products that caught my attention. Unfortunately you would not able to get them for the 2008 Super Bowl party, since these are new products.
What is coming soon?
The three in one service utensil is sure to turn heads. Its three-arm star form supports a spreading knife, a service fork and a serving spoon. Very practical, you can buy a set of 4 to 8. This way, you always have the right utensil ready to use. This design is a space saver. I feel that once you tried those threes in ones, they will become essential for your picnics and barbecue events.
The picture of the latest Bamboo collection is so well styled. Use it as an inspiration on how to serve antipastos. When you are having many friends over, antipastos are the stress-free way to entertain. Since you can drink wine and beer with dry meats, antipastos are truly a crowd pleaser snack.
Sourcing:
Learn more: Sagaform
Categories:
EVERYDAY
DISHING tips
posted @ Thursday, January 24, 2008 5:43 PM | Feedback (1)
With less than 2 weeks before the big game, it is time to finalize your design. You know me; I am going for a stylish look. So I compiled a mood board to get you started.
My best advice is to stay away from the easy and expected props to celebrate the Super Bowl. The trick is to find an inspiration and to harmonize the rest.
Vintage meets modern
My design kicked in with these cute vintage football plates. A glass set completes the series inspired by classic 1940s artwork. A new addition to the Williams-Sonoma catalogue, each set shows a quarterback, a cheerleader, a punter and a running back.
Some of your guests may be die-hard fans. A kicker can be to serve walnuts as a snack during the game. The dark wooden bowl is a two in one serving ware piece: the bowl integrates the nutcracker. I suggest you get an extra nutcracker so no one fight for one.
You can serve nuts in a carafe like I have seen at Westin Casuarina in Las Vegas. Very hygienic, the shape pours easily the nuts in your hand without touching the nuts.
It is also a great time to serve Almond Croccante and Peanut Brittle. Read my Homemade tricks and treats post for the recipes.
Football field Invitation and Centerpiece
This water color invitation by Oddballs sets the tone of your Super Bowl event. The same idea is translated into a playing field made of flats of wheatgrass covered with miniature plastic football players. I took this Super Bowl theme centerpiece from the In Style Parties book.
Instead of wheatgrass available at the florist, you could stop by the garden center for a sample of turf. Or even, use artificial turf as a reference to what they installed in most stadiums.
Each Football Guys package at Kaskey Kids includes 26 players, one referee and two goalposts. There is no need to over pack your wheatgrass field; use just enough players to look great. The washable felt field can become a thematic tablecloth. You may find a similar kit at a hobby store near you.
About the presentation
Have a signature drinks. I am in my margarita phase sine I went to Vegas. Drop ice cubes into the tube insert to keep your drinks cool with watering it.
For dessert, serve long tubular cupcakes. With a cap, cupcakes look more stylish. For details on how to make them, see my muffin presentation. Use raffia ribbons of the color of the opposing teams. The square cake stand carries on this most modern look.
I hope you get fun participating in this national pastime event.
Sourcing:
Buy online: Super Bowl party invitations by Oddballs at Fine Stationery – price:$83.90 for 30 custom prints, $33.90 as blank stock
Buy online: Vintage Football Plates at Williams-Sonoma – price:$29.99 for a set of 4
Buy online: Vintage Football Glasses at Williams-Sonoma – price:$24 for a set of 4
Buy online: Nut Bowl & Cracker at Williams-Sonoma – price:$75
Buy online: Football Guys at Kaskey Kids – price: $25.99
Buy online: Icing Pitcher at Williams-Sonama – price: $18
Buy online: Square Cakestand at William-Sonoma – price: small $48, large $65
Buy online: In Style Parties at Amazon.com
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
PARTY supplies
DISHING tips
TABLEWARE
posted @ Thursday, January 24, 2008 12:13 AM | Feedback (1)
Sandwiches are the ideal food for many occasions. To raise the bar, why not serving them in a more fashionable way?
One definite way to grab your guests’ attention is to reproduce at home how they serve your sandwich at Sandwich Box in Toronto.
Ever since my last trip to Toronto, I am dreaming of Sandwich Box. I could not eat there at that time because I just ate lunch minutes before. So I had to skip.
An upscale sandwich
The concept behind Sandwich Box is to serve gourmet sandwiches at a fast food price. But before I spot the freshness and the excellent quality of their ingredients, what strikes the designer in me was the way the sandwiches are served?
Again you see that attention to details goes a long way. A white, logo free rectangular carton box hosts your sandwich and apparently, a small mesclun salad. The more elegant clear plastic cutlery and an extra-thick paper napkin complete your place setting.
Setting up a buffet table
I would pre-make the gourmet sandwiches, place a piece of parchment paper (or wax paper) and layout inside the box two sandwich pieces so we can see the toppings. Neatly arrange the boxes in row and columns. You can label the boxes, if you want to be more ornamental. You can do the same for a picnic.
Install a self-serve salad bar next to the sandwich table. Prepare between one and three salads, depending on the number of guests. Vegetable platters are always popular, especially with sandwiches. Insert the veggies into individual paper cones. Shooters can be used as private dipping sauce.
If you want, you can serve a soup before, on a self-serve manner. Either way, your guests should be impressed with all these details.
The menu at Sandwich Box
The pre-made sandwich menu is the tip of the iceberg at Sandwich Box. They carry 14 kinds of bakery breads (zoom on the picture to list the list), 7 spreads, 7 meats, 7 vegetables and 7 cheeses. Since a custom made sandwich is composed of 1 type of bread, 1 spread and 3 toppings, Sandwich Box proposes to you exactly 130,340 possibilities.
Prices vary between $3.50 for a simple egg salad to $6.25 for a grilled vegetables, pesto and Asiago cheese sandwich up to $7.35 for a made to order sandwich. Next month, I am going twice in Toronto. So hopefully I can tell you if the taste matches the look.
Sourcing:
Learn more: Sandwich Box
Categories:
EVERYDAY
FOOD + drinks
DISHING tips
posted @ Thursday, January 17, 2008 6:17 PM | Feedback (2)
The unified element for my weekly blog spotlight is simply brilliant design. As a bonus, you can recycle the color scheme. Even if there is a lot of pink, the result does not feel too girly.
After the holiday break, there were a lot of posts to choose from. Considering that must produce a unified board, I feel that Oh Joy!, Garden Rooms and Yanko Design published the most interesting posts from a stylish living and entertaining point of view. Enjoy!
1 | Oh Joy!
You can resist these verrine desserts from Spanish baker Bubo, they are simply amazing. It is certainly not me a dessert lover like me. Hey honey, when do we visit Barcelona?
From left to right, these delicacies are:
- Rhubarb glass: a strawberry cream, a cheese mousse, a rhubarb compote and strawberry gelatin topped with a tiny strawberry french macaron
- Hawaii glass: a bittersweet chocolate cream, a lime gel, a macadamia nut streusel and a praline mousse
- Litchi glass: a light litchi cream and brilliance of strawberry and raspberry a la vanilla
I second Oh Joy! taste and declare them the tiniest perfections.
2 | Garden Rooms
On her Fresh Flowers post, Robyn of Garden Rooms showcased simple modern flower arrangements from Vogue Living. The latest trend seems to immerge your flowers completely inside the clear glass vase. Take note, it is so easy to reproduce. Soft pinks, oranges and yellows make a stunning combination.
3 | Yanko Design
I spot on Yanko Design this unique concept for a takeout drink tray. Designed by Sonyun Kang, the idea behind Bundle Box is that you easily carry two drinks and napkins with one hand. Better yet, this drink carrier takes less storage space that the standard tray currently used by the food industry.
I was unable to find more on the materials used. If we can roll on the Bundle Box when not in use, I could see myself carrying one on my day purse. The ultimate green solution is a reusable solution. Nonetheless, I feel that Bundle Box answers a need on the market. Definitely a clever design!
Sourcing:
Learn more: Bubo
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
DISHING tips
posted @ Monday, January 07, 2008 4:08 PM | Feedback (3)
I got the pleasures to meet Jennifer of Design Hole while she came in Montreal to celebrate her birthday with her husband.
We read each other blogs and we communicate through Facebook. It was fun meeting face to face. A lot of fabulous restaurants are closed on Sunday. Since she and her husband are foodies, I suggest that we eat at Laloux, a French Bistro in Montreal.
The first course
We all enjoyed a delicious meal. Everything was plated. We like it so much that we forgot to take pictures until the desserts. For the appetizers, our table selected:
- Scallop Carpaccio, lime and avocado vinaigrette, fennel, radish and mujjol caviar
- Smoked squash soup, maquerel, oven dried tomato, glazed onions, marinated mushrooms
- Tomato broth soup with fresh basilic.
The main course
For the main dishes, it looked like a girl menu versus a boy menu. Jennifer and I opted for the delicious Roasted monkfish, white beans, chorizo, crunchy fennel and green olives. I would like to prepare my own version of this recipe when I am having friends over.
Our husband were happily seduced by the Beef short rib from Eumatimie farm served on top of aligot potatoes, roots vegetables stew and horseradish milk foam. Both dishes satisfied us.
The dessert course
Take notes on how the Chocolate pot-de-crème, caramel and Maldon salt is served in a Mason jar. This is something you can do for any types of verrines.
Jennifer had the Pear sorbet, Araguani chocolate cream, chocolate crunch and caramelized pear purée with single malt whisky. The presentation was artistic. Honestly, visually it was not what you expect when you read the description.
I wanted to try something new. So I picked the Litchee granité, white chocolate and yogurt cream, grapefruit, Campari and hibiscus. It was divine with a green tea.
In conclusion
I was a while since I ate at Laloux restaurant before last Sunday. Since everyone was happy with their meal, you can put it on your list for the next time you visit Montreal.
Appetizers average at $9 CAD (from $5 to $19 for foie gras), the main courses cost about $25 and all desserts are at $8.
You can read Jennifer's husband review of Hotel Gault where they stayed on his blog Hotel Hallways. Arthur gave an excellence award to Hotel Gault. You can see a picture of Jennifer, who did not want to be photographed and the huge snowfall that we got on Monday. Jennifer is also having Montreal design review on her blog.
Sourcing:
Learn more: Laloux restaurant
Via: Weekend in Montreal Part 1: The Hotel Gault by Design Hole
Categories:
DISHING tips
DINING out
posted @ Wednesday, December 05, 2007 6:50 PM | Feedback (3)
This in-flight magazine for Air Canada always brings significant views on restaurants and the dining experience.
It is clear that classics making a comeback are growing in importance. From the November 2007 issue, I am listing enRoute latest trends in dining:
- Tap Water
- Feist
- Tiny Restaurants with Tiny Menu
- Blackboard Menus - I am a big fan of them even at home
- Champagne Cocktails
- House-Marinated Olives
- House-Made Chorizo
- Mom’s Cooking
- Spaetzle - the new gnocchi
- Pannacotta - the new crème brûlée – I see them everywhere
- Single Varietal Honey
- Peanut Butter Ice Cream
- Tongue, cheek
- Duck Confit in Risotto
- Rosé
- Salt Cod
- Cheesecake
- Mostarda
- Fernet-Branca and Cynar - two herb-based bitter Italian digestifs
- House Ketchup with unexpected flavors
- Ratatouille
Recipes on Tastespotting
The recipes that I selected from Tastespotting represent well the new dining trends. Rhubarb is popular lately. It is so easy to grow your own rhubarb that you can enjoy them for many weeks. Brandade, a salt cod tapenade is a classic French appetizer. Almost every French bistro will serve them. The provencale ratatouille is one of all time favorite vegetable dishes.
The worst trend according to enRoute is square plate. Personally, I like them. My everyday tableware are square plates and bowls. I received lots of compliment for my dinnerware set. So it is fair to say that I am not the only one that appreciates them. You need a little time at the beginning to get used to plating the food. I have this set for a year now. I do not regret my purchase.
Their dislike has not deter enRoute from recommending several restaurants that used square dinnerware. I feel that the plate from Vella Restaurant seems a little bit to full to look truly stylish. From my point of view, the green salad should rest in another plate or bowl.
Sourcing:
Recipe: Ratatouille by Fanny on Tastespotting
Recipe: Panna cotta with hibiscus and rhubarb jelles by Lincoln on Tastespotting
Restaurant: Vella in Montreal - picture from enRoute
Recipe: Brandade by Sarah on Tastespotting
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
DISHING tips
DINING out
posted @ Friday, November 30, 2007 12:52 AM | Feedback (2)
Stylish entertaining calls for dramatic effects. To quickly add a touch of sophistication nothing beats elegant cake pedestals.
For tea party treats, pastries, sweet delights and cupcakes go with a three tier model. Since they stack together, you can only use one or two if that is what you need. Not just for desserts, stands can be used to serve canapés and tapas.
My favorites from the selection at Neiman Marcus (and Horchow) are definitely the floral black and ivory Covered Cake Plate, the Lavender Glass Cake Stands series and the Cupcake Stand series.
I saw the black Scalloped Cake Stands at Ballard Designs. If you make a long dessert table, black scalloped cake stands match well with flocked black and ivory cake plate.
If you are looking for a Moorish motif dinnerware set, the Morena 16-Piece Dinnerware Set is an affordable option. You can see the salad plate beside the black stands.
Sourcing:
Buy online: Covered Cake Plate at Neiman Marcus – price: $180 USD
Buy online: Lavender Cake Stands at Neiman Marcus – on sale: $179.90 for the three tier set, pieces also sold separately
Buy online: Cupcake Stands at Neiman Marcus –– on sale: $99.90 for the three tier set, pieces also sold separately
Buy online: Scalloped Cake Stands at Ballard Designs – price from $39.50 to $49.50 USD
Buy online: Morena 16-Piece Dinnerware Set at Ballard Designs – price:$99.50 USD
Categories:
DISHING tips
TABLEWARE
CAKES
posted @ Wednesday, November 21, 2007 2:38 PM | Feedback (4)
You gave excellent wrapping ideas for your Holiday Baking in my First Giveaway post of last Friday. Due to your interests in the subject, I scoured more ideas for other bloggers.
1 | The Baker Family
Send them home with a sweet treat is the story of the party favors that Denise of the Baker Family gave to her guests this year at her Halloween’s party. The jars are from IKEA and she was lucky to have a friends cooked close to 500 cookies for her.
If you want to give cookies at your Christmas party, know that presenting your party favors in long rows always looks more impressive. While you buying your jars at IKEA, do not forget to buy enough LACK wall shelves for your display. Calculate in advance the total surface you need assuming two rows and leaving the space for at least 1 jar free at each end side.
2 | NOTCOT
The December 2007 edition of Glamour published a unique twist on how to gift cookies without baking. You find cake and cookie preparation kits in store, so why not make your own version. I like the idea to include a cookie tool like a measuring spoon or a cookie cutter.
And if Neiman Marcus sells it own version with its notorious urban legend chocolate chip cookies at $20 per jar, rest assured that you would not look cheap. As NOTCOT stated in their post, everything is in the packaging.
3 | Design & Inredningsbloggen
If you have no time to bake you can give instead bowls of nuts. Making your own spiced nuts is a simple way to add a personal touch. Nuts take a new life when presented in the cool Paus bowls by Cult Design. Sadly, Cult Design is only available in Scandinavia as far as I know. This post shows again that Pethra of Design & Inredningsbloggen has an eye to spot great products.
An idea for the next time you host a cocktail party, why not distribute individual bowls for snacks? This way, your guests can move around with their owl bowls of nuts or chips. You can give it a try at your Thanksgiving dinner.
Giveaway reminder note
If you have not done it yet, it is not too late to participate in the First Giveaway of At Home with Kim Vallée. You have until Tuesday, November 20, 2007 11:59 Eastern Time to answer the question.
Sourcing:
Buy online: SÖTA jar at IKEA – price: $3.49 CAD
Buy online: LACK wall shelf at IKEA – price: $19.99 CAD for 110 cm long, $29.99 for 190 cm long
Buy online: Neiman Marcus Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix – price: $20 USD
Categories:
PAPER goods
GIFT ideas
DISHING tips
posted @ Monday, November 19, 2007 2:36 PM | Feedback (1)
Thanks to Liberty Post, I visited the video section of Canadian House & Home Magazine.
One food video caught my attention. It shows the multiple usages for a simple sushi ginger dressing. You can use it to marinate firm fish, to enhance the taste of a BBQ salmon or as vinaigrette.
There are a few cooking tricks to know. What is practical is that the video explains the dos and the don’ts. Watch the Sushi-Ginger Dressing video to learn how to create a tasty dish in a few minutes.
More recipes for entertaining
Since many of you are without the September 2007 issue of Canadian House & Home, I took the liberty of publishing the recipe. The magazine edition showcased finger food recipes. Three that I recommend for entertaining are the Gingery Asian Nachos, the Ricotta Pancakes with Smoked Salmon Gremolata and the Spiced Lamb Meatballs in Saffron Almond Sauce.
If you like Canadian House & Home, you can subscribe to a print subscription, a digital only edition or the print and digital version. Having access all the time to the digital version is handy. As a bonus if you opt for the print and digital subscription, you will get access to the September 2007 issue. And the digital edition arrives before the print magazine is delivered in my mail box.
Sushi-Ginger Dressing by Food Editor Jennifer Low
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup rice wine vinegar
- 3 stalks green onion, white parts only
- 2 Tbsp coarsely chopped sushi ginger
- 2 Tsp mirin (Japanese cooking wine)
- 1/2 Tsp sugar
- 1/4 Tsp dried thyme (or ½ teaspoon of finely chopped fresh thyme)
- 1/4 Tsp salt
- 1 Tbsp canola or corn oil (or any mild vegetable oil)
How to prepare:
- Make all ingredients except the vegetable oil in a small food processor and purée.
- Stir in manually the vegetable oil. IMPORTANT: At this stage, do not use the food processor because you will produce a creamy texture and we do not want that.
Sourcing:
Watch: Sushi-Ginger Dressing video on Canadian House & Home
Buy online the back issue: Canadian House & Home, September 2007 edition - Recipe by Food Editor Jennifer Low
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
DISHING tips
posted @ Sunday, November 18, 2007 2:01 PM | Feedback (2)
I went looking for inspirations on how to decorate cupcakes for you on Flickr. I would several types.
Textile cupcakes
First, Amigurumi Kingdom is excellent at crafting decorative cupcakes. Although you cannot eat her creations, they would be a cute way to decorate your dessert table at a baby shower or a party.
Super Mario cupcakes
My husband is a gamer and we like to host Wii parties as I told you earlier. Hello Naomi makes these amazing Super Mario cupcakes. The levels of details are well executed. I wish I knew how to decorate cupcakes like that. These cupcakes are perfect for birthday parties for kids and adults that enjoy video games.
So grab your fondant and baking gear and challenge your friends this week-end to a game of Super Mario Galaxy for the Wii. You can read a review on Gamespot.
Sourcing:
Inspiration: Cupcakes! set by Amigurumi Kingdom
Inspiration: Super Mario Cupcakes set by Hello Naomi
Via: adorable upcakes on Hostess with the Mostess
Categories:
DISHING tips
CAKES
posted @ Friday, November 16, 2007 1:32 PM | Feedback (2)
Artists can take the simplest things in life and elevate them to a higher ground. This is exactly what the talented artist Lorena Barrezueta from Brooklyn, New York did with her Gourmet Collection. This tableware collection is huge.
The tasty wink to disposable tin food container can become a conversation starter at your next party. Gourmet pieces are made of fine porcelain in three finishes. My favorite is Fresh for the array of wonderful colors like salmon, lemon, chartreuse, green, and turquoise.
The next time you will get invited to a potluck, why not bring your food in a witty fine porcelain dishware like those? And you are sure to receive lots of invitations if you can leave it as a hostess gift.
I am letting you on a secret: I wrote down a few pieces so I can ask Santa Claus when I will see him. You can find them at several specialized retailers. Naturally, Lorena Barrezueta has her own etsy shop.
Sourcing:
Buy online: Rust Red Nibble at lorenabarrezueta on etsy – price: $20 USD
Buy online: Green Meal at lorenabarrezueta on etsy – price: $55 USD
Buy online: Dine pie plate at lorenabarrezueta on etsy – price: $55 USD
Buy online: Classic Mac n Cheese at lorenabarrezueta on etsy – price: $70 USD
Artist: Web site of Lorena Barrezueta
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
GIFT ideas
DISHING tips
posted @ Friday, November 16, 2007 11:59 AM | Feedback (0)
Before chatting about the latest trends in Christmas decorations and party themes, why not examine some stylish tabletop realized in the past?
I selected EQ3 because they supply modern design home furnishings at affordable prices to the fashionable crowd. Since I am Canadian, you will understand that I like to promote outstanding Canadian brands whenever it is possible. EQ3 products reflect the global trends in modern design.
Reviewing the designs
The tables look splendid. By changing the color scheme and a few accessories, you can simply actualize these looks.
You can deposit a small stainless steel bowl inside a large one to make your own version of the featured serving bowl. Use flaked coconut to simulate the snow effect. Make sure the coconut is high enough to hide three quarters of the small bowl.
The middle picture features their tableware collection. Most of the products are still available. That design is not complicated to reproduce. If you have bold floral wallpapers and play with glass, white and silver on your Christmas table, omit a floral arrangements.
I typically forgo the flowers and the greenery centerpieces for my Christmas tables. I prefer decorative items and lights instead. It is the time of the year to play with reflections and sheens. Take a peek at the stainless steel SHINE candle holder family for a start.
The bottom picture can served as the basis for setting up a buffet or a dessert table. An all white theme is always appropriate. Here the organic treatment modernizes the look. To create some depth, add some hints of pale silver to the white sprayed fruit twigs. They are shown here inside the OFF CENTRE vases.
Do not try to find these pictures on EQ3’s Web site, they just removed them. Lucky for us, I prepared my montage two weeks ago.
Sourcing:
Learn more: Web site of EQ3
Learn more: SHINE candle holder at EQ3 – price: $12.99 CAD for small, $14.99 for medium, $19.99 for large
Learn more: OFF CENTRE vase at EQ3 – price: $27.99 CAD
RELATED POSTS:
+ Trend: Natural sophisticated Christmas
+ A Montreal store for EQ3
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
HOLIDAY
DISHING tips
posted @ Tuesday, November 06, 2007 12:00 PM | Feedback (2)