A Feast for the Eyes

When you ponder art, the first works that come to mind are probably paintings, photography, and sculptures. With food there is a growing trend toward “edible art,” which moves beyond sustenance and puts the focus on presentation. Edible art, the practice of creating artistic displays using food, transcends traditional culinary boundaries, turning ordinary ingredients into extraordinary visual masterpieces.

"Catering today goes beyond taste with edible art displays that turn food into stunning, artistic presentations," says Meg Grasso (Constellation Culinary Group). "From intricately designed hors d’oeuvres to elaborate dessert tables, these displays captivate guests while showcasing culinary skill. Picture hand-painted macarons or a mosaic-style charcuterie board as the event centerpiece. These edible creations add luxury and elegance, leaving a lasting impression."

Today, caterers and chefs are harnessing their artistic talents to create visually stunning and Instagram-worthy dishes that leave a lasting impression on guests.

Garden Mosaic of edible flowers & blossoms, micro lettuce & spring vegetables | Photo courtesy Eatertainment Events & Catering

Dessert inspired by Picasso’s cubist style (gilded chocolate cubes and Valencia orange blossom water) served during the Daffodil Ball 2019 | Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth | Photo courtesy Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth

Potato Pear Croquettes | Elegant Affairs | Photo courtesy Elegant Affairs 

Coconut Mousse with passionfruit, raspberry & mango coulis, crispy fruit salad, and shaved coconut  | Eatertainment Events & Catering | Photo courtesy Kennedy Pollard

Chocoberry Sunset (Tainori Chocolate, Moelleux Cake, and Sea Buckthorn Berries) | Luce (InterContinental San Francisco Hotel) | Photo courtesy InterContinental San Francisco Hotel

Earthen Rosebud (Beetroot, Rose, Concord, Yogurt, Jaguar Seeds) | Luce (InterContinental San Francisco Hotel) | Photo courtesy InterContinental San Francisco Hotel

“Things Aren’t Always As They Seem,” made with cheese molded to resemble summer fruits, pumpernickel “dirt,” chocolate-covered “grasshoppers,” edible “pebbles,” and grilled bread. Blue Plate | Photo courtesy Blue Plate

Árbol de Caramello (dark chocolate souffle, crème fraiche gelato, Amarena cherry compote, and spun sugar)  MDRD (Amway Grand Plaza) | Photo courtesy Quinn PR