To learn more about the extraordinarily innovative and engaging Austin food trends we have seen at recent Ma Maison events, we reached out to our culinary partner—Crave Catering—for their expert knowledge. With a combined 50 years of award-winning experience, they have integrated a vast variety of creative food trends into custom menus. And it is our pleasure to now hand it over to them as they reveal the latest dishes and drinks that are booming in popularity at top Austin events.
As you begin to imagine your custom menu, we invite you to explore renditions of these popular menu items guided by our exemplary team.
Food Trends Suited to Austin Events
1. Poke
It was not long ago that many people had to ask, “What is a poke bowl?” But now, it has carved the way for fun new food trends. Sushi-grade raw fish placed on top of rice with various toppings and flavorful sauces is almost the norm at corporate and social events. It is indeed the “next generation” of sushi, and we can’t think of a tastier way to show your modern taste.
2. Fine Dining Small Plates
Small plates are one of the biggest food trends to grace the catering and restaurant industry in 2018. People want to explore the culinary world and all the cultures and cuisines it shares. Mixing old with new and dishing out the unfamiliar with flare—small bites give guests an exciting sample of your taste and a vast array of options. From our pizzettes made with manchego, pancetta, honeycomb, shallots and figs to our empanadas stuffed with smoked buffalo and chimichurri crème fraiche, our sample wedding menu provides plenty of inspiration for creative small plate and bite ideas.
Sophie Epton Photography
One of the best menu items to adapt to your style and story are tacos. These are a top 2018 Austin food trend that lend themselves to extensive customization and artistic presentation of different cultures. Imaginative chefs are even elevating them to the level of fine dining. Our open-faced duck taco made with goat cheese and cherry chipotle salsa is a fantastic example of this. We can also imagine putting together some vegan and vegetarian items that have guests’ mouths watering.
Jenny DeMarco Photography
If your event will embrace two or more different cultures, then we encourage you to explore our fusion dishes that beautifully marry flavors and ingredients from various cuisines. Great examples of these are our Mexican–Indian fusion dishes that include a mini chicken masala taco with tamarind chili sour cream and tomatillo salsa as well as our rajma tostada with paneer, curried crème fraiche and avocado pico.
3. Live Action Stations
Interactive, innovative and completely customizable—live action stations provide everything top Austin event menus call for. Bring them out at your main dinner service with savory stations like a Cajun, Asian fusion and Southwest taco bar. And then continue the action-packed food service with late-night sweet stations featuring bananas foster, cherries jubilee, root beer floats and s’mores fondues. Through every course, our chefs will put on a show that perfectly illustrates why live action stations top the list of 2018 food trends!
Sophie Epton Photography
4. Local Drinks and Expertise
Locally produced spirits, wine and beers are among the hottest 2018 drink trends—right up there with culinary cocktails. And by sourcing alcohol from a local purveyor and providing wonderful garnishes for you to choose from, we can help you marry these. Let us design a regional signature cocktail that speaks to your style and showcases a top Austin food and drink trend. We can even interlace expert knowledge about your fine beverage choices—coming straight from their source and the experts behind them.
One of our favorite ways to escalate any beverage service is by showcasing our Crave classic margaritas that are elevated by fruit pureed ice cubes in the following flavors and colors:
- Purple prickly pear
- Green jalapeño
- Blood orange
5. Creative Food & Beverage Pairings
What is better than fine chocolate, coffee, wine and beer? The answer is a perfect pairing of them. Culinary experts say people are seeking out tasting rooms more than ever, so why not set one up at your event? Wine and food pairings constantly evolve with the times, while beer and food pairings continue to be one of the most flexible catering trends—making it easier than ever to showcase local Austin drinks and your unique taste.
To learn how these fun food trends and your creative custom menu accentuate the memorable experience guests enjoy at Ma Maison, contact us online or give us a call at 512.777.1642.
add a comment
+ COMMENTS