The Comparison to Art

• Comparing a plate of food to a work of art is nothing new, and many chefs and cooks use this analogy when putting together their dishes. Even though the objective is to break down and consume the dish, taking time with the aesthetic element helps bring the artistic aspect of culinary arts into play. Crafting dishes as though they were artwork is more common at home when making desserts, but using the plate as a canvas can enhance the overall appeal of any dish.

Eating With the Eyes

• The idea that people eat with their eyes before they taste food is part of the reason food aesthetics exists. Even with the highest-quality ingredients and most desirable flavors, if everything is strewn onto the plate in a big mess, diners might not make it to the tasting part. In the moment they first see the dish, they decide whether it is worth eating. Part of that decision is based on history with the particular food, but presentation is also important when introducing ingredients.

More Than Just Food

• Food has the ability to make a statement that goes beyond satisfying physical hunger. Its sensual aspect attracts many chefs to the industry, and the aesthetic element often follows a specific chef's likes and passions for topics outside of food. In some cases you can learn about the chefs, their influences or their causes by watching the way they present food on the plate.

Things to Consider

• Aesthetics is a word that deals with beauty or making things more beautiful, so when you are considering food aesthetics, don't leave anything to chance. Incorporate the ingredients, textures, garnishes and complementary colors or flavors to create a balance on the plate. Serve the food as it is meant to be eaten, but don't be afraid to try something new to add to the overall presentation. If you keep in mind that your goal is to make the dish better and enhance the dining experience, you will always make wise aesthetic choices.