Adding Balance to Your Menu: Something for Everyone

A balanced menu is one in which flavours, textures and aromas are all working in harmony to create a positively memorable dining experience for your guests. It caters to dietary requirements, ensuring there is something for everyone. 

Balanced meals 101

1. Start with your centre of plate

The ‘centre of plate’ refers (typically) to the protein portion of the meal or the main showstopper! This is the best place to start, as your centre of plate should determine which sides, sauces and garnishes will accompany it.

Include a variety of vegetarian, vegan and gluten free centre of plate options to diversify your menu and cater for everyone.

Breakfast Plating Inspiration:  Vegan Potato Rosti with Sweet Cherry Tomatoes, Avocado & Rocket.

2. Choose your carbohydrate

Quinoa, freekah, couscous, sweet potato, sourdough, brown rice, potato rosti.... Take your pick! Choose a carbohydrate to make your centre of plate POP! Experiment with ancient grains such as spelt, millet, barley, buckwheat or quinoa - best known for being low GI, which helps to regulate blood sugar levels, and are high in fibre for gut health.

Lunch Plating Inspiration:  Vegan Curry Filo with Pearl Couscous Salad and Grilled Pumpkin.

3. Add a touch of fresh

Balance out flavours with a zing-y coleslaw, edamame bean salad or sautéed garlic green beans. Showcase seasonal produce such as artichokes, broccoli, fennel, rhubarb and pumpkin.

Dinner Plating Inspiration:  Chicken & Camembert Gourmet Filo with garlic beans, asparagus and potato gratin.