If you’ve been to an event in the last few years, you may have noticed something: our love of celebration and experiences has grown. But the food has gotten smaller.
Tiny bites of just about everything — from charcuterie to salads to cocktails — are on the menu and guests are here for it. Try offering one of these four mini food trends to delight your event clients.
Four Mini Food Trends To Add To Your Menu
1. Sliders
These small sandwiches have been around for some time and started with mini burgers. But now, anything can be a slider: Nashville hot chicken sandwiches, mini pulled pork sandwiches, crab cake burgers, Cuban sandwiches, and so much more. Take one of your most popular sandwiches from your regular menu and miniaturize it.
Or take your sliders to a new level. Check out what Latitude Bar and Grill is doing with their burger sliders. Their slider tower is what savory and salty dreams are made of, with stacked mini burgers, a coating of cheese, and fries at the bottom.
2. Jar-sized bites
Mason jars were becoming the bane of event planners’ existence because they had become too popular, with clients insisting on them for decor and drinks at events. In 2020, they made a comeback because of their ability to be a vessel for single-serve, COVID-safe dishes.
One of these trends, known as “jarcuterie,” is the perfect way to enjoy charcuterie on the go. Simply fill a Mason jar with small cubes of cheeses, a layer of thin meat slices, topped with nuts or dried fruits, or your choice of garnishes. You can also use them to serve other types of dishes like mini salads, oatmeal, or yogurt with toppings, layered desserts, or a grain bowl meal.
Photo Credit GrazingKC - you can follow her here: Instagram
3. Mini brunch
Brunch is already a celebrated event on the weekends, but tiny food makes it even better. Restaurants are adding miniature options on the menu and as a complementary companion to regular brunch orders.
Mini quiche, bagels, and pancake stacks are available from many restaurants. Iron Cactus in Austin serves up mini waffles on their brunch menu, and Glowbal by Glowbal Group in Vancouver delights guests with complimentary mini donuts and fruit smoothie shooters.
4. Cocktails
When you think of cocktails, the word “miniature” might not immediately come to mind. But small cocktails are a fun way to try different flavors or to imbibe without going overboard.
Walnut Street Cafe in Philadelphia created some shooter cocktails during the pandemic and sold them as to-go or delivery options. This Valentine’s Day cocktail kit includes six different flavors and a negroni flask. The Gwen Hotel in Chicago recently celebrated the addition of a Moët & Chandon mini champagne bottle vending machine.
Looking for the perfect venue for your next celebration?
Enjoy your event menu of tiny foods at one of EventUp’s venues in your city. Start the search at eventup.com.
