From caviar-topped potato chips to Champagne served at burger joints, high-end ingredients are being reimagined in casual settings.
Fine dining staples can be incorporated into casual dining through reimagined versions or by offering them as part of a wider, more accessible menu.
This can involve using high-quality ingredients in a more relaxed setting, offering smaller portions, or focusing on specific dishes that bridge the gap between the two styles.
Here are some examples of how fine dining staples can be adapted for casual dining:
Caviar’s salty, briny flavour and signature ‘pop’ can elevate unexpected dishes, adding a luxurious touch and textural contrast. It can be used to enhance both savoury and sweet dishes and is a great addition to both traditional and unconventional preparations.
Think devilled eggs with a dollop of caviar, seared scallops sprinkled with caviar and whipped ricotta toast topped with these black pearls, crafting a fine dining experience at home.
Foie gras, known for its rich flavour and creamy texture, can be incorporated into a wide range of surprising and delicious dishes. It's not just limited to traditional pâtés and appetisers; Chefs are increasingly experimenting with foie gras in desserts, savoury mains and even unexpected pairings.
Photo credit: Marky’s.
Would you eat foie gras ice cream? How about foie gras crème brulee?
Here’s one that will take the bubbles…Champagne paired with a burger!
It is a surprisingly good pairing due to its acidity and cleansing bubbles, which can cut through the richness of a burger. A Brut bubbles is usually recommended to complement the burger’s flavours, especially with more indulgent toppings.
Some restaurants even offer specific Champagne pairings with their signature burgers. Here are three recommendations to try with your next burger:
Krug – a luxury Champagne brand that has been specifically paired with burgers.
Cava – a Spanish sparkling wine that offers a budget-friendly option with similar characteristics to Champagne.
Brut Nature – a style of Champagne known for its dryness and acidity, making it a great match for the richness of a burger.
Finally, lobster is the ultimate in luxury seafood but would you serve it in a BLT?
While many traditional pairings for lobster are popular and delicious, some unexpected combinations are also surprisingly enjoyable.
Photo credit: Grandbaby Cakes.
Think lobster mac and cheese as a classic pairing, along with a lobster BLT to create a unique savoury experience. Here are four more ways to serve this delicious crustacean:
Lobster potato chips – crispy, salty and lobster flavoured chips can be a fun snack.
Lobster with cheddar biscuits – the rich, cheesy flavour of cheddar biscuits can be a satisfying and quirky pairing.
Lobster and mashed cauliflower – the creamy, neutral flavour of mashed cauliflower can provide a light and healthy base for the lobster.
Lobster with Caesar salad – the creamy dressing and crunchy croutons offer a refreshing contrast to the lobster.
