Five-Star Appetizers for Your Restaurant

June 28, 2019

It’s not uncommon for a chef to introduce new concepts as appetizers. This helps create a menu variety on a smaller scale, and not require the same ingredient quantity as full entrées. If your Missouri restaurant is wanting to make some new leaps in the appetizer world, there are some really fun trends happening that you may want to incorporate. It’s time to WOW your customers with a fantastic appetizer selection, and we have some delicious suggestions.

Street Tacos

If a dish is inspired by the street foods served from the Far East, the Middle East, and the Caribbean, and Latin America - they take the cake (er … taco!). Street tacos make a perfect example of this, especially in appetizer form. Mini tacos can be filled with pork shoulder, grilled pineapple, and cilantro. Chicken Chorizo tacos are also a big hit, think of green chicken chorizo sausage paired with avocado salsa - it’s basically a fiesta in your mouth, and a fun way to play with these flavors in your facility.

Octopus

Surprised? Over 20% of new menu items since 2010 have been seafood-related. If you are looking to incorporate a new type of seafood into your menu, specifically appetizers, Octopus is a great way to ease your way in. Octopus has been growing in popularity over the last few years, and you’ll find it popping up quite a bit on menus across the country. From baby octopus that’s marinated in signature sauces to warm octopus salad with roasted veggies - the possibilities are endless.

Cauliflower

As healthy eating becomes more and more of a priority in people, you’ll find that cauliflower isn’t going anywhere. The cauliflower craze means that you’ll want to start getting creative with this rustic vegetable. It’s a wonderful gluten-free alternative, holds up like a grain, and can easily absorb any flavors. Flatbreads, mashed “fo-tatoes” and even imitation wings - it’s quickly become a favorite and it’s not going anywhere. Roasted cauliflower is a neat way to serve this vegetable. Another option is to serve it up as a buffalo cauliflower with a side of blue cheese.

Very Vegan

The clientele who visit your restaurant do not have to be vegan in order to appreciate the plant-based food items. Of course, vegans will be very appreciative if you do offer several delicious items for them as well. Some studies are showing that vegan options are on over 11% of all U.S. menus, and it’s going to continue rising. Root vegetables make excellent fries, especially when served with plant-based sauces, like a spicy peanut sauce.

Asian Apps

The possibilities are endless when it comes to Asian inspired appetizers. Dumplings, spring rolls, tempura, are just the beginning - and while egg rolls are a delicious option, they aren’t the only Asian apps on the block anymore. The best part? These delicious features aren’t just found in ethnic restaurants, either. Need some ideas on where to get started? Tuna poke, edamame, bamboo bite rolls, and even pan-seared Edamame and ginger dumplings (to appeal to the vegan crowd, as mentioned above). Not sold yet? Asian cuisine is on over 31% of all U.S. menus, and it’s not going to be going away any time soon.

Got Your Creative Juices Going?

After a while, it’s always fun to spice up your menu - especially as the summer starts to heat up. If your restaurant is located in a place that gets frequent summer tourists, this is especially important as a way to keep everyone on their toes. Of course, a new fancy menu is no good if your restaurant equipment in Missouri breaks down. While you are busy creating your new menu, let us be busy keeping your equipment running smoothly. Our restaurant maintenance services in Mid-Missouri are the perfect solution to equipment that breaks down unexpectedly. Let us take care of your equipment, and you take care of the creative stuff!