The Art of Food Plating is reflective of an Entrepreneur’s traits!

I am not really a food connoisseur but still have three meals a day like everyone often in brisk moments of an undesired rush. Over the last few years, I have attempted to simplify the desires & variety and instead starting admiring the efforts in coordinating, planning, sourcing, preparation and all the hush hush conversations that goes behind the home kitchen or restaurant's kitchen to prepare and table food that pleases all those dining.

At the same time, I have become more sensitive and demanding for the plating part of food served and have often stepped-in to make a change and please myself. From a simple egg dish to daal-rice, chicken steaks to cut-fruits to desserts - I have developed my own way of pleasing my eyes with self-initiated plating techniques. And it so well matches with my personal ideology of "Less is More" both from the consumption and effort's perspective. You would agree that it makes a lot of difference to consume a excellently prepared dish plated in an ordinary fashion Vs a decently done dish presented in an exotic plated format.

Lately, these thoughts have often provoked the entrepreneur in me on how each dish coming out of the kitchen is so similar to what an entrepreneur dishes out as a product or offering and how it can be potentially well-plated to please someone’s five senses. I consider plating to have equal weightage if not more than flavours, taste and variety. And trust me the transformation it can bring about is amazing.

As an entrepreneur, every aspect of our lives tends to revolve around efficiency, creativity, and a touch of uniqueness to create a salience for our identity. From the way we manage our businesses to the manner in which we present our ideas, our entrepreneurial habits can subtly influence even the simplest activities, including how we plate our dishes.

Presentation and Storytelling

Just as entrepreneurs must convincingly present their business ideas, a beautifully plated dish serves as a medium to convey a story to the diner. Entrepreneurs are skilled at crafting narratives, and this also reflects in a gourmet chef’s ability to create a narrative with the plated dishes, evoking emotions and connections with the diners.

Creativity and Innovation

Chefs like entrepreneurs are often expected to be creative and innovative individuals, and this trait is boldly expressed in their plating style or management habits. ?Just as both constantly seek unique solutions in the culinary or business world, entrepreneurs also enjoy experimenting with various plating techniques and ingredients to create visually stunning and delightful dishes or businesses.

Attention to Detail

Entrepreneurs are (and should be) practicing keen eye for detail, and this habit effortlessly extends to the way chef’s plate their dishes. Just like meticulously organizing business strategies and processes, entrepreneurs should also be careful when arranging elements on the plate. Each component serves a purpose, and the dish comes together like a well-thought-out business plan.

Balancing Flavours and Risks

Entrepreneurs are expected to be accustomed to taking calculated risks in business, and this mind-set also reflects in the way a chef balances flavours & presentation on their plates. Like a successful business venture, a well-plated dish balances diverse flavours and textures in a way that surprises and delights the diner, showcasing a willingness to push boundaries and embrace innovation to please the customer.

Patience and Resilience

The world of entrepreneurship is often filled with ups and downs, requiring a great deal of resilience and adaptability. When plating a dish, a chef may encounter unforeseen challenges, like various ingredients not cooperating as planned. However, they swiftly adapt, find ways to make alternative arrangements without losing their composure. As entrepreneurs understand, not everything can be perfect all the time, plating a dish might not always go as planned, and just like an entrepreneur embraces imperfections, knowing they can lead to unexpected discoveries and opportunities for improvement, a well-trained chef also utilizes the imperfect moments as opportunities to rediscover something new.

Collaboration

Entrepreneurs understand the value of collaboration and teamwork in achieving their business goals. Similarly, when plating a complex dish, a chef relies on a well-coordinated team in the kitchen to ensure every component is in sync & harmony, just like a successful business venture relies on a well-coordinated team to be successful.

Passion and Dedication

Above all, the passion and dedication that drives an entrepreneur in their business endeavors are also evident in how a chef plate their dishes. A beautifully presented plate reflects the love and dedication they have for their craft, inspiring others to share in their culinary journey.

The art of plating can serve as a potential glazed mirror to an entrepreneur's habits, showcasing their attention to detail, creativity, time management, willingness to take risks, adaptability, storytelling abilities, resilience, collaboration, continuous learning, and unwavering passion.

So, the next time you sit down for a dining moment or prepare a meticulously plated dish, take a moment to appreciate, rediscover, jump start your entrepreneurial spirit and enjoy a great dish and pat on your wife, mother, daughter or housemaid back or if dining out - then the chef’s back to appreciate the effort that might have gone into its creation & plating.