Color Themes

Why? A small cake with fruit compote on top was served. The shape was molded in to a square with ridges. It just looked very unappealing to me. I remained calm as I watched the other guests question the desert. They literally all said at different times, “What do you think this is?” I watched them take their fork and lightly pick a little piece from it. It was truly amazing. No one finished the desert. In fact, most only took a bite or two.

My conclusion is that the color of the dessert was all wrong. The chef might have been experimenting on this one. It was a mango cake. The brownish shade of orange appeared overdone. If it were sorbet, you might think it was orange Pepto Bismol on hallucinogenics. The cake should have been a bright orange or creamy color and then fresh mango on top. Luckily, everyone had enough to drink and eat long before the dessert came. I’m sure the sugar-holics in the group were very disappointed.

The next night, we went for dinner at a local Italian restaurant, Piccollino’s. We love the food and the atmosphere is simple but nice. After dinner, we were surprised with a flan-like dessert. The plate was a piece of art with chocolate drizzled on the edges, a small array of blueberries, and just two strawberries. There was one small fluff of real whipping cream and the flan in the middle with a mini cookie on top. My first bite sent me in to many Mmmms and Yummms!. I thought I died and went to heaven. My husband and I fought over the last two bites. I wanted to lick the plate.

Today, I went to a restaurant with a friend. She noticed that the decor had changed yet but not enough to elicit a response from her. The previous colors on the walls were warm. Now it is painted in blues and yellows, blue being the dominant color. We enjoyed our meal but I noticed the crowd is less these days than in the past.

My point here is that color effects everything in life. Decor around food must have the right colors to create the sensations that make people hungry and comfortable. Shape, size, color and placement are the same with restaurants and food as if you were decorating a home. Think of all the great restaurants that you’ve visited and consider the colors of the environment. Think about food. Think of what would encourage an appetite.

One of my favorite appetizers is eggplant dip. It tastes great, but the color will make you lose your appetite. It’s best to top it with a colorful garnish. Plates should also accent the food. A bright orange plate for breakfast with sunny-side up eggs and fresh strawberries, is a wakeup call. That would also work for tacos but not so much for a fish dinner in the evening.

So if you’re serving food at home or at work, keep in mind the palette.