The Surgery - Ways to give your sharing platters a wider appeal

By Ben Woodhouse

- Last updated on GMT

Related tags Vinegar Food

Dear Surgery: Platters are popular but some people steer away from them because they are perceived as fried food. What can I do to make them appeal...

Dear Surgery: Platters are popular but some people steer away from them because they are perceived as fried food. What can I do to make them appeal to a wider audience?

The Surgery says: Combination plates have suffered from the prevalence of fried foods, however licensees can attract a wider audience to their sharing platters by using a variety of colours, flavours and textures to make the dishes come alive. A combination of stuffed vegetables and grilled kebabs moves away from the deep-fried options and can offer an ethnic twist. For example, risotto-filled cherry tomatoes, chicken yakitori, green Thai chicken kebabs, barbecue pork satay and king prawn skewers. To offer a taste of the Mediterranean, chefs can create tempting "deli-boards" with a delicious combination of olives, antipasti, fresh meats and cheeses.

Licensees looking for a strong, health-driven offering can provide a mixture of fresh salad choices. Carrot, celery, pepper and onion crudités served with a selection of low-fat and tomato-based dips and breads will attract customers looking for a balanced combination. Breads are excellent carriers for combo-style foods: pittas, wraps and flatbreads can instantly make a regular platter more appealing.

Alternatively, a mixed selection of breads served warm with olive oil and balsamic vinegar is always popular and will keep things simple for the busy licensee.

Desserts are often neglected as a sharing occasion. By offering an indulgent selection of small-portioned sweet treats, hosts can maximise their food offer and upsell to their customers.

A final reminder is to be sure of the target market. While families and groups of female customers may look for "healthy" sharing options remember to keep a deep-fried selection of stomach-fillers on the menu to continue catering for your loyal "beer and football" customers.

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