Types of restaurant tableware, beyond plates!

Types of catering tableware

Types of tableware for the hotel and catering industry

The right choice of tableware is essential in a restaurant, bar, café or hotel. Not only should it be functional, but it should also represent the brand image of the hospitality business and create an unforgettable experience for customers. The use of different types of tableware can be a tool to enhance the presentation of dishes and add a special touch to the dining experience.

II. Types of tableware materials for the hotel and catering industry

Tableware is available in different materials, each with its advantages and disadvantages. The most common materials are:

Porcelain: It is a classic and elegant material, which is considered high quality. It is stain and heat resistant, making it ideal for restaurants. However, it can be an expensive material.
Ceramic: This material is more durable than porcelain and is ideal for a casual setting. Ceramic is heat and stain resistant, and can come in a variety of colors and designs.
Glass: Glass dinnerware is clear and elegant, making it perfect for presenting colorful dishes. Glass is stain resistant and can be easily cleaned. However, it is less resistant to shocks than other materials.
Stainless steel: It's tough and durable, making it perfect for restaurants with a more casual atmosphere. Stainless steel dinnerware is scratch and impact resistant and easy to clean.
Plastic: An economical and practical choice for casual restaurants. Plastic tableware is lightweight, durable and easy to clean. However, it may not be the most elegant choice for high-end restaurants.

III. Types of dishes for restaurants

Plates are the foundation of any restaurant table. Each type of restaurant plate is used for a specific purpose, such as:

Dinner plate: This is the main course of the table and is used to serve main dishes, such as meat or fish.
Deep dish: Used for serving soup dishes or stews.
Dessert plate: It is smaller than the shallow dish and is used to serve desserts.
Salad plate: It is smaller than the shallow dish and is used for serving salads.
Presentation plate: It is a large plate and is used to present dishes in an elegant manner. It is not used to serve food at the table.

IV. Types of bowls

Bowls are used for serving dishes containing liquids or foods that require a deeper bowl. The most common types of bowls are:

Soup bowl: This is a large, deep bowl, perfect for serving soup or stews.
Rice bowl: This is a small, deep bowl, perfect for serving rice or dishes with sauces.
Dessert bowl: This is a small, shallow bowl, perfect for serving desserts.

V. Types of glassware

Glassware in a restaurant is a key element to complement the dining experience. Choosing the right glassware for a restaurant can be very important, as it can enhance the presentation of dishes and beverages, and create a sophisticated and elegant ambiance. Below are the most common types of glassware in a restaurant:

Wine glasses

Wine glasses are an essential element in any restaurant table. They are used to serve wine and enhance the aroma and flavor of the beverage. There are different types of wine glasses, depending on the grape variety and the type of wine being served. For example, red wine glasses are larger and wider than white wine glasses, to allow the wine to breathe and oxygenate properly.

Water glasses

Water glasses are another fundamental piece on a restaurant table. They are often placed on top of the wine glass. These glasses are used to serve water, soft drinks and other non-alcoholic beverages. Water glasses are usually larger than wine glasses.

Champagne glasses

Champagne glasses are a popular choice in restaurants for serving sparkling beverages. These glasses usually have a tall, slender goblet, which allows the champagne bubbles to concentrate at the top of the glass. Champagne glasses can also be used to serve cocktails.

Vessels

Tumblers are a type of glassware used to serve beverages such as soft drinks, juices, beers and liquors. There is a wide variety of glasses available on the market, from tall glasses for cocktails to low, thick glasses for drinks such as whiskey.

Catering cutlery

The choice of flatware in a restaurant is an important part of the dinnerware design process. In addition to being functional, flatware can also add a touch of elegance to the table. The different types of flatware for a hospitality business are:

Knives

Knives are probably the most important element of the cutlery. It is important to have different types of knives for different uses, such as cutting meat, fish or vegetables. Table knives are generally smaller and are used for cutting soft foods such as bread or fruit. Steak knives have larger, serrated blades, making them ideal for cutting roasted or cooked meats. Chef's knives are larger and heavier, with a sharp blade used for slicing and chopping.

Forks

Forks are a staple on most tables. Table forks are the most common, with four sharp prongs used for cutting and scooping food. Dessert forks are smaller and have only three prongs, ideal for softer foods such as cakes, pies or fruit.

Spoons

Spoons are used for scooping liquid or soft foods. Soup spoons are larger and deeper than tea or coffee spoons, making them ideal for soups or stews. Dessert spoons are smaller and are used for sweeter foods such as ice cream or mousse.

Special cutlery

There are many types of specialty cutlery that are used in specific situations, such as teaspoons, cocktail spoons, ice cream spoons and seafood spoons. Butter knives are smaller and are used for spreading butter on bread. Serving spoons are larger and are used for serving food from plates to diners' plates.

VII. Design considerations for restaurant tableware.

In addition to functionality and quality, design is an important consideration when choosing dinnerware for a restaurant. The design of the dinnerware can have a big impact on the presentation of the food and the overall customer experience. By choosing the right dinnerware, you can create an atmosphere that complements the style and theme of the restaurant.

Color: The color of the dinnerware can complement or contrast with the color of the food. Light colors such as white or ivory are common because they allow the colors of the food to stand out. However, there are dinnerware with vibrant, bold colors that may be appropriate for certain types of restaurants. For example, dark-colored dinnerware might complement the theme of an upscale Italian restaurant, while brightly colored dinnerware might be perfect for a Mexican restaurant.
Shape: The shape of the dinnerware can also complement or contrast with the food presentation. Most plates have a round or square shape, but there are also dinnerware with unique shapes such as triangular, oval or wavy edges. The shape of the plate can affect how the food is presented and how the diner feels when eating it. For example, a plate with raised edges may be useful for holding sauces or liquids, while a plate with a flat, smooth surface is better for presenting more elaborate dishes.
Style: Dinnerware style can be simple and classic or modern and edgy. Some dinnerware has minimalist designs with clean, simple lines, while others have more elaborate designs with intricate patterns and decorative details. The style of the dinnerware should be in keeping with the overall style of the restaurant, whether it is a traditional establishment or a more modern and edgy place.

VIII. Care and maintenance

Tableware is an important investment for a restaurant, and proper care and maintenance can extend its useful life and reduce replacement costs. Here are some general recommendations for dinnerware care and maintenance:

Wash dishes immediately after use to avoid stains or residues.
Use mild, non-abrasive detergents to avoid damaging the surface of the dishes.
Avoid using steel sponges or abrasive utensils that may scratch the surface of the dishes.
Regularly inspect the dishes for cracks, chips or breaks, and remove any damaged pieces immediately.
Store crockery in a dry and well ventilated place to avoid the formation of mildew or bad odor.

It is important to remember that, although tableware is resistant, it can break or be damaged over time, so it is important to have an adequate inventory and stock of spare parts to ensure continuity of service.

Recommendations for dish care

Here are some recommendations to help you prolong the life of your dinnerware:

Pretreatment: It is important to clean food debris and grease from dishes before washing to prevent them from sticking. This also helps prevent food and grease from building up in the sink's plumbing lines.
Selection of the detergent: Choose a detergent that is suitable for the type of dishware you have. Use mild detergent for porcelain and ceramic dishes to avoid surface wear. For stainless steel and glassware, opt for a stronger detergent to ensure proper cleaning.
Water temperature: Wash the dishware with hot water to ensure the removal of bacteria. However, do not use water that is too hot, as this may damage the surface of the dishes.
Cleaning the cutlery: Clean cutlery by hand and avoid using abrasive products, such as wire sponges or hard fibers, as they may damage the surface. Use a soft cloth to clean and dry immediately to avoid water spots.
Drying: Dry dishware completely after washing to avoid water spots. If using a dishwasher, make sure it is in good condition and dries properly.
Storage: Store tableware in a clean, dry place to avoid dust and bacteria buildup. Make sure that stacks of dishes and bowls are not too high to prevent them from falling and breaking.
Regular inspection: Conduct regular checks of the tableware for any damage or signs of wear and tear. Replace any parts that are damaged or cracked to avoid the risk of breakage.

By following these care and maintenance recommendations, you can ensure that your restaurant dinnerware stays in top condition and looks great for longer.

Conclusion on types of tableware for the hotel and catering industry

In conclusion, choosing the right tableware for a restaurant is essential to achieve a satisfactory dining experience for customers. The choice of materials, shapes and designs can affect not only the presentation of the food, but also the image and perceived quality of the restaurant in general.

It is important to consider factors such as durability, ease of cleaning and aesthetics when choosing tableware, as well as the type of food to be served.