Submitted by Ira Wolin: Like most accounts, we were plating our featured entrees and then displaying them on a table at the entrance to our dining room. Although this allowed the residents to see first hand what menu items were being showcased, there were many draw backs to this presentation technique. The plates only looked appetizing for a short period of time. When we covered the plates with a dome, it usually got steamed up and it became hard to even make out what was on the plate.
Instead of the plates, we now display the featured item using a Digital Picture Frame. Talk about a simple, yet extremely effective idea! We plate and garnish the items we want to feature, then take pictures of each one. We then load it from the camera into the frame and let the technology do the work for us. The Digital Picture Frame slowly scrolls through whatever pictures we have loaded it with and the plates we set up are used for our FACTing.
Since we bought our 10" Digital Picture Frame (readily available at Target, Walmart, etc for about $100) we have observed that our residents are really taking notice of our "features" table. It has generated conversation about the dinner selections too. When touring prospects, our facility Marketing Managers now have a professional display to discuss the menu and the prospects can see the actual items we may have served during the prior evening. We plan on buying a second unit and filling it with pictures of our special events so that the Marketing Department can have pictures scrolling in their office too.
Here is how it works for us: our Chef takes two pictures of each item, a side view and a top view. Depending upon what's on the menu, he may take shots of desserts or appetizers as well. The only rule is that whatever we take a picture of, it will be professionally plated and garnished (just like the way we serve it). I can assure you that there aren't any pictures of unrecognizable food drowning in a watery sauce. We remove the SD card from the camera and place it in the picture frame for the slide show We set the display table with a linen cloth, the picture frame, the dinner menu and a vase. It's easy and makes a powerful impact.