The rising cost of living for guests and increased food prices for restaurants and caterers call for creative solutions. We show you how to use imaginative crisis management to reinterpret comfort food classics and create inexpensive dishes that impress with their flavour and familiarity: from hearty potato dishes to warming soups.
Increased food costs require creativity in the kitchen and new approaches to menu design. Under the motto ‘Simple & Affordable’, restaurateurs can take a pragmatic approach to crisis management while still being imaginative.
For example, by deciding to include simple dishes on their menu that are cheaper to buy and easier to prepare, but still good and tasty.
Inexpensive, simple dishes not only offer guests flavour at a lower price - with familiar, traditional ingredients such as potatoes, onions, carrots or eggs, and dishes such as stews and casseroles, they also create a sense of warmth and familiarity that is particularly appreciated in challenging times.
Inexpensive dishes for every day
Sustainability and affordable meals often go hand in hand: ingredients such as pulses and root vegetables are not only inexpensive to buy, but also conserve resources if they can be grown locally and sourced seasonally. When served, they represent a down-to-earth yet stylish simplicity.
"Comfort food classics" is the buzzword for inexpensive dishes that many people enjoy and are easy to prepare, from hearty potato gratin to warming soups and sweet pastries, there is a wide range of popular and inexpensive recipes.
Sustainability and style combined: inexpensive dishes presented in a high-quality way
“It doesn't always have to be filet mignon", says our food stylist Michael Koch. In the video 'Budget-friendly flavours: The Side Cut for Tight Budgets', he shows how to use affordable ingredients in creative ways. Among other things, Michael Koch uses the 'Chuck Flap Tail' sidecut, an inexpensive cut of meat that is still juicy and tasty. Once the meal is ready, its aesthetic presentation ensures a harmonious overall experience.
Watch the video here:
Made from clay and 90% recycled ceramic, PLAYGROUND's RENEW collection combines sustainability, environmental awareness and design without compromising on style. The material is called EcoGres". The smooth glaze of the plates, platters, bowls, etc. ensures a hygienic eating surface and the neutral colours underline the down-to-earth nature of the dishes.
Focus on side dishes & vegetarian dishes
Main dishes can be complemented with simple but sophisticated side dishes: roasted root vegetables or flavoured purées can add something special to a simple main dish. Or make the less expensive side dish the centrepiece of the meal and reduce the more expensive meat component.
Giving vegetables, pulses and grains more space on the plate is an easy way to save money and reduce the carbon footprint of each dish.
One tip is to increase the number of vegetarian dishes on the menu and include them as main courses.
Defying the odds with creativity and simplicity
Especially in challenging and demanding times like these, it is possible to create welcoming experiences even with simple dishes. Simplicity, sustainability and attractive design really do go hand in hand when it comes to creating a harmonious overall experience for guests. With a clever selection of ingredients and dishes, and creative table setting methods, enjoyment remains affordable - and guests keep coming back for more.
Find out more about our collaboration with Michael Koch on our YouTube and Instagram channels.
