As much as you may focus on the décor, the music and planning fun entertainment, when it comes to planning a special event, the aspect most guests will remember is the food.
That’s why it’s so important to stay up to date on the latest trends when planning your special events catering in Vaughan.
In 2022, there have been a number of incredible food sensations. Caters and event planners have been going light, choosing locally sourced food options over imported ones, carefully matching their meals to the event’s theme, and more.
Planning a memorable event is essential. You want to keep your guests or clients happy and make sure everyone has a great time. But with so many different food-centric decisions to make, it can feel like you’ve got too much on your plate.
That’s why we’ve put together this must-read list going over the best food trends that have been gaining popularity throughout 2022. All of these trends are sure to impress your guests and ensure your event is a delicious success.
1. Plant-based cuisine
Plant-based cuisine is all the rage in 2022 as health-conscious consumers are also becoming increasingly environmentally mindful. Sustainability is becoming even more important to people’s diets, and event planners are following this greener mindset.
Sustainable catering has become fashionable, with ethical suppliers seeking locally sourced ingredients, resulting in more farm-to-table fare.
We will see this increase in more options for plant-based substitutes for chicken, seafood, milk, bacon, and more.
Flexitarians have largely fueled the plant-based movement, and we can expect this to continue to expand in comfort foods like plant-based fried “chicken” and beyond-meat meatloaf.
2. Comfort foods and mocktails
Although these new trends are exciting, people are also reconnecting with traditional fare and the familiar taste of comfort foods. Savvy caterers are revamping old-time classics that bring back nostalgia and evoke cozy memories of mealtime.
Catering is also seeing a rise in curated non-alcoholic cocktails. Consider virgin mojitos and margaritas or orange Moscow mule mocktails. Mixologists are stirring up fresh and esthetically beautiful beverages sans alcohol, which has become a preference for many health-conscious consumers.
Signature drinks are more popular than ever, with dried citrus wedges and herbs garnishing these cocktails. Craft breweries are also seeing a surge, giving a nod to the local brewhouses and keeping it local.
3. Insta-worthy
Whether you’re willing to admit it or not, Instagram has changed how many people look at food. Insta-worthy food presentation has become a lifestyle statement, and this trend continues to grow in 2022.
To be at the top of the Instagram food chain, consider colourful ingredients, crazy combinations, and funky foods with a new take on an old favourite.
Think deep-fried lobster towers, stacked-up Caesars, or over-the-top versions of the classics such as BBQ turkey meatloaf or mashed sweet potatoes with maple and thyme.
Instagram has undoubtedly transformed the food industry, so make sure it’s part of your party plan. Whether you use pretty dishes or serve deliciously colourful canapes, a little pop of colour and a tasty twist could be all it takes to make your soiree the talk of the town.
For inspiration, visit Chateau Le Jardin or consult with their experts when looking for special event catering in Vaughan.
4. Grazing tables
Grazing tables allow guests to mingle over specialty cheeses, cured meats, artisan bread & crackers, grapes and seasonal fruit, an assortment of nuts, marinated olives, honeycomb, jams, & fresh herbs.
Artful arrangements of colours and textures are curated to deliver a specific aesthetic, whether it’s luxe or laid-back. They are a great option if you want to opt-out of expensive stations or substitute passing around appetizers during cocktail hour.
2022 marks a change to more passed foods and individual servings, with fewer buffets to limit crowds. Enter cones and cups as convenient and chic holders for crudité and charcuterie.
Expect to see elevated takes on foods that have gone viral on TikTok, such as salmon poke bowls and superfood slaws in nifty takeaway containers that bring vibrancy and colour to the table while keeping food safety a priority.
5. Themes with matching fare
While many people opt to serve creative crowd-pleasing dishes or even their favourite foods, one key trend in 2022 is serving a meal with a matching vibe that tells your unique story.
Looking for inspiration? Check out Chateau Le Jardin’s creative options with mouthwatering mindful menus and tasty, trendy options to tantalize your guests’ taste buds and create an event that will be remembered for many years to come.
With over three decades of hospitality experience, the team at Chateau Le Jardin continues to set the standard for high-level luxury events with top-tier cuisine and world-class customer service.
They understand that the key to a successful event is to tell your unique story or uplift your distinctive brand. Their fairytale castle setting with a state of the art audio-visual entertainment is the perfect venue for any occasion.
For a consult about special event catering in Vaughan, click here. Or, if you’re looking for a stunning venue, don’t hesitate to reach out to Chateau Le Jardin. We look forward to helping you create the event or occasion of your dreams soon!