Each year sees its fair share of food trends played out on social media, in restaurant menus and in shops, and 2017 will be no different. However, is it possible to incorporate them into your wedding menu? Let’s take a look at some of the key 2017 food trends, from a wedding caterer’s perspective, to find out.
Kimchi
What is Kimchi?
Kimchi is a spicy Korean condiment made from fermented cabbage and a host of seasonings. It’s served alongside pretty much anything as a flavourful side dish.
Why Should We Care?
Kimchi has always been popular in Korea, to the extent where locals say “kimchi” instead of “cheese” when smiling for a photograph. Thanks to the rise of Korean restaurants and street food stalls in cities such as London and Glasgow, kimchi has recently reached the plates (and Instagram accounts) of consumers across the UK.
Wedding Potential
2/5. Although many may find it delicious, spicy food will always be a controversial choice for a wedding. The pressure of catering for so many ages, tastes and nationalities at one event sees most couples opting for a much milder main course. However, we think Kimchi could be a part of wonderful (and crucially, optional) canapés.
Poke
What is Poke?
Pronounced “po-kay”, Poke is a Hawaiian starter made of diced raw fish (usually tuna) marinated in a soy-based sauce, often customised with avocado, spring onions, nuts or seaweed. In recent years, Asian influences have frequently inspired the use of wasabi or kimchi and the serving of the dish over rice.
Why Should We Care?
Poke has recently made its way onto many restaurant menus. It provides a refreshing alternative to well-known and well-loved sushi and ceviche.
Wedding Potential
4/5. You could serve Poke as a refined starter or canapé, particularly in the summer months. The dish is also easily customisable to cater to individual tastes, and is a relative newcomer as far as food trends go, making it a good talking point for guests.
“Dude Food”
What is “Dude Food”?
Burgers, chicken wings, nachos… Think unashamedly unhealthy eats, posted in all their glory on social media sites.
Why Should We Care?
Whilst clean eating and healthy living blogs continue to thrive, this counter-attack has emerged over the past year on social media, fuelled by the popularity of street food, food festivals and artisan burger and pizza restaurants.
Wedding Potential
3/5. You may not be rushing to incorporate burgers and chips into your wedding breakfast any time soon. Yet, more and more couples are choosing to serve ‘evening food‘ to soak up alcohol and stave off hunger. Popular choices include hog roasts, pulled pork, bacon sandwiches and hot dogs.
Heirloom Fruit and Veg
What is Heirloom Fruit and Veg?
Fruit and vegetables in their natural states — think purple carrots, red celery and yellow tomatoes. If we’re being scientific, heirloom vegetables are naturally pollinated, resulting in the continuation of varieties which can be hundreds of years old, as opposed to the hybrid fruit and vegetables commonly sold in supermarkets.
Why Should We Care?
Of all the 2017 food trends, this is surely the most worthy. Heirloom produce is by its very nature produced on a smaller, more local scale. More than simply supporting the production of age-old varieties, these unusual vegetables can look stunning on plates due to their unusual colours (purple being the most popular among fine dining restaurants).
Wedding Potential
5/5. The recent trend towards refined, restaurant-inspired wedding breakfasts lends itself to colourful presentation and fresh-looking produce, particularly when served on a feature plate. Much like poke, heirloom produce can also provide a crucial talking point for victims of an unsuccessful table plan.
Charcuterie Board
What is a Charcuterie Board?
Predicted to eclipse the traditional cheese platter in 2017, charcuterie sharing boards consist of cold, cured meats (often cured in-house or locally) with bread, chutneys and all the trimmings.
Why Should We Care?
Cheaper than a cheese board and with a quintessentially British, picnic feel, charcuterie has become a gastro-pub staple as well as a popular choice at parties and events.
Wedding Potential
4/5. Cheese buffets are a popular choice for evening food, and charcuterie boards could easily serve the same purpose. Alternatively, as these boards are for sharing, serve one instead of canapés to get your guests talking at the beginning of the evening.
Guest post by Julie Gray of Bovingdons
Images from…
Kimchi, Chicken and Vegetables: Pixabay
Poke: Wikimedia Commons by Openmalware (CC BY-SA 4.0 License)
Charcuterie Board: Flickr by Breville USA (CC BY 2.0 License)
