Small plates are trending big

What are they, exactly? Small plates are small dishes akin to appetizers which are ordered or served a’ la carte. Intended to be shared by a couple, or a table, the idea is to have a variety of delicious foods to sample without narrowing your selection down to one larger entrée.

Small plates can also refer to small courses served as a part of a more formal meal.

 Either way, the small plate trend is super hot right now across the country and around the world, which is where the term originated.

Case in point:

• Spanish tappas, including a variety of appetizers in Spanish cuisine
• Mezze, Turkish or Greek appetizers
• Antipasti, sometimes referred to as cicchetti in Italy
• Banchan, small plate Korean cuisine
• Small and usually shared dishes available at izakaya, traditional Japanese pubs
• Pu Pu platters, famous in Hawaii

When small plates are served by Jacquie’s Gourmet Catering, you know you are going to get two or three delightful (and sustainably sourced) main ingredients on each plate with flavors, textures and sometimes sauces, that complement each other.

Here are some of Jacquie’s favorite small plates:

• Hotel Tango bourbon glazed Cajun gulf shrimp with bacon and cheddar red grits
• Mini ahi tuna tacos with avocado and jalapenos
• Filet Mignon with Horseradish Cream on Toasted Baguettes
• Roasted pork with sautéed apples and horseradish mayo.
• Saffron risotto cakes with aged parmesan
• Mini meat loaf cup cakes with mashed potato ‘frosting’
• Maple bacon wrapped with chicken, covered with Asian glaze and sesame seeds

Small plates don’t mean small taste.

Although the servings are bite-sized, the taste is mouth watering, rich and very satisfying. At Jacquie’s Gourmet Catering, the presentation is on point, too – with pops of color and herbed sauces or tangy glazes, lavishly arranged on stylishly appointed tables.

Small plates are a great option and fit well within most budgets. It also helps on the flow of the event – with guests able to choose their own servings whenever they like.

It's not hard to see why small plates have been building in popularity for the last decade or so. Small plates. Fun to share. Fun to eat. And the bonus? Guests enjoy tasting lots of different flavors and combinations. That means happier guests and great conversation starters. And that is the key to a successful event!