Tasteful presentations: tableware trends

HN talks to representatives of two international tableware brands, as well as the founder of Adara Holding Group, about the crockery and cutlery trends shaping and dominating the eating-out experience

What has been behind the move toward different-looking tableware?

The most obvious and important trend in recent years has been the emergence of a new catering segment known as, ‘Bistronomie’, which is a cross between fine and casual dining. This brought about unprecedented focus in terms of attention to the right ingredients, originality and creativity in the presentation and composition of every offering. As a result, a careful reevaluation of tableware styles has seen the plain classic choices used to serve most dishes replaced with plates that are more fitting and diverse depending on the individual menu items requested. Such cutlery comes in various shapes, sizes, materials, colors and is usually chosen by the chefs themselves as they are intimately familiar with the menu and by reciprocity, what food works best.

What impact does such tableware have?

The dishes used add value to the culinary marvels on offer and have become synonymous with both taste and presentation. The interplay of form (dishes) and content (food) is intended to highlight or even downplay certain elements to give rise to others and it is that choice of vessel that allows for such creative flexibility. One other aspect that has become common practice is centered on the menu items offered. Every new dish is accompanied by new cutlery to maintain and lend it the most effective element of novelty possible and in turn ensure the growth of the item.

What other elements are further driving this trend?

A noteworthy facet to novelty referred to as flexitarianism, relates to fusing or making available different cuisines within a menu, then adapting the offerings to the best possible fit. However, a clear distinction that should be addressed is the approach, which previously saw cutlery introduced to lend the served food a different look and feel. To that end, the Degrenne brand, which Inthra is the exclusive distributor, has multiple product ranges best-suited to deliver impecable results on all levels. These are: Gourmet, Mondo and L’ collections. degrenne.fr

DEGRENNE has joined forces with the world famous designer PHILIPPE STARCK to develop a linear style and resolutely contemporary collection of cutlery named L’E STARCK® (L’ECONOME’S monogram)

Damien Leruste VP Sales and Marketing Middle East and Asia Degrenne