Dining and the art of human touch

At a time where every penny counts, you’d forgive the 49% of Brits¹ who are cutting down on dining out. But dining experiences are still valued, with 45% of consumers saying it’s a ‘fundamental activity’.² Great news!

We’re experiencing a fusion of the digital and physical world – from restaurants blending interactive technology such as games with the dining experience, to AI’s growing influence in different areas of our lives. But it’s comforting to know that there’s something technology can’t replicate: the joy of a delicious, handcrafted meal.

So, what are customers looking for from restaurants? And how can chefs make these valuable experiences unforgettable ones in a digital world?

MEMORABLE
MOMENTS

Despite rising costs, 65% of UK folks still eat at restaurants or food outlets to treat themselves.³ Food has always connected people through shared moments and memories, and as chefs, you have the power to shape these experiences and make lasting memories.

Tip: Go deeper
Use an ingredient’s origins and your personal inspirations to engage diners on a deeper level. Find a connection that extends beyond the plate. 75% of UK adults believe that world cuisine products make a midweek meal ‘more of a treat’⁴, so dig into them and reveal the story through flavours!

THE PLEASURES
OF THE PALATE

A chef’s craft is a human art that blends tradition and innovation. So, while the digital world expands its influence, it can’t create the unique joy that comes from dining out. No virtual reality or AI can replicate the buzz of a bustling restaurant, the aroma of sizzling dishes, or the symphony of flavours you can whip up.

Tip: Experiment with flavours
Experiment with new flavour combinations, techniques, and unexpected presentations that challenge the norm. Blending the familiar with the unexpected will captivate palates and spark conversations, and 64% of people will likely visit you if your food looks good on social media.⁵

A HUMAN
TOUCH

In a world brimming with technological advancements, the heart of the dining experience remains in the human touch— the warmth of a smile, the personal recommendations, and the time and attention given by chefs.

Tip: Surprise & Go deeper personalise
Surprise diners with more choice. Think unexpected treats, amuse-bouches, or a special creation tailored for their table. These personalised gestures will help to create a unique and truly memorable experience.

THE STAGE IS SET
_{In the face of a cost-of-living crisis and the ever-expanding digital world, people yearn for personable dining moments. So, the stage is set – from restaurants and cafés to canteens and food trucks – for chefs to take the spotlight. To give people more reasons to dine out and to serve up more memories that strengthen that human connection that people are still looking for.}

^{1 Bidfood: Food and Drink Trends 2023 | 2 Bidfood: Food and Drink Trends 2023 | 3 Mintel: UK Eating Out Review Market Report 2023 | 4 Mintel: World Cuisines, UK, 2022 | 5 Bidfood & CGA by Nielsen IQ: Trends Survey 2023}

SMOKIN' MEAT-FREE BBQ VEGETARIAN BURGER

You can’t get much better in summer than a classic burger.
It’ll always have a place on the menu!

Serves 1 - Calories 595kcal
Cook time: 20 minutes

• 1x 4” vegan brioche bun
• 1x GARDEN GOURMET^® Sensational™ Vegan Burger
• 1g burger seasoning
• 3x pickles
• 24g shredded iceberg lettuce
• 2x American-style burger cheese slice
• 20g BBQ sauce
• 8g vegan mayonnaise
• 1x onion ring

Method:

Toast the vegan brioche buns evenly until golden.
Deep fry the Vegan Burger from frozen on 170oC for approx. 5 minutes until centre reaches 78oC.
Place 10g of BBQ sauce on the heel (base) of the toasted brioche.
Top with the shredded iceberg and 1 slice of the cheese.
As the Vegan Burger comes out of the fryer, drain off excess oil and then season on both sides. 2 shakes of the dredger.
Place the Vegan Burger on top of the cheese, add the second slice of cheese and the 3 pickle slices.
Top with the deep-fried onion ring.
Dress the crown (top) of the brioche, toasted side, with 10g of BBQ sauce and 8g vegan mayo, then place on top of the onion ring to complete the dish.

Chef's tip:

Make it vegan by replacing with vegan cheese or skip it altogether.

GARDEN GOURMET^®Vegan Sensational^™ Burger delivers the same juicy taste and texture to that of a meat-style pattie burger. If you’re looking for a 100% plant-based burger which looks, cooks, smells and tastes like the real thing, the Sensational Burger was made to provide an amazing flavour and experience.

BANG BANG
CHICKEN-STYLE WRAP

No need to wrap up warm when you have this on the menu. Great option for your lunchtime visitors.

Serves 1 - Calories 584kcal
Cook time: 15 minutes

• 1x 12” tortilla wrap
• 40g iceberg lettuce
• 70g GARDEN GOURMET^®Sensational™ Fillet Pieces
• 40g chopped tomatoes
• 30g naked slaw
• 20g pickled cucumber
• 35g sriracha mayo
• 5g coriander, chopped
• 20g Piri Piri marinade

Method:

Marinate the Fillet Pieces in Piri Piri sauce, following packaging guidance.
Heat the Fillet Pieces in a microwave for approx. 1 minute until hot.
Lay the tortilla flat on the surface and put the shredded iceberg across the wrap leaving approx. 2 inches either side so that the edges can be folded in. Also have it just off centre towards you.
Lay the re-heated fillet pieces on the lettuce.
Top with the chopped tomatoes, naked slaw, pickled cucumber, and coriander.
Finish off with ‘criss cross’ lines of the sriracha mayo.
Fold in the edges first and then roll away from you keeping it very tight and the edges tucked in.

Chef's tip:

Add some variation by changing up the protein; you can stay vegan using tofu, or swap in some chicken.