Fragile trends

Many attempts have been made at defining an order of priorities among factors which determine how satisfied guests feel in restaurants. In any case, we can be sure that a combination of several factors is required. However, cover is probably the first among equals, because the first impression we get in a restaurant is a visual one. – Taste is obviously the most important factor, but gastronomy should stimulate all of our senses, including vision – says Bence Víg, managing director of Progast Kft.  – No basic change is anticipated in the way tables are laid – believes Katalin Paksi, sales director of Hungaro Management Kft. – Minor changes always occur, but traditional ways should be respected.- she adds. In the opinion of retailers, premium category restaurants, usually located in Budapest are the ones which follow new trends most enthusiastically. One of the most apparent such trend is the absence of tablecloths and covers composed of a minimal number of elements. In covers of the new generation, the freedom of shapes is the dominant feature. Leaf or water drop shapes are popular, because a psychological importance is attributed to these as expressions of nature. The use of designer sets is also a matter of money, because these are far more expensive than conventional china sets. Conventional sets are also easier to store, as pieces can be piled up. – Square shapes are no longer trendy, according to a survey by Foodservice Equipment and Supplies. Coloured china has also failed to become a real success, because not all dishes look good on coloured surfaces. Coloured sets are only used in restaurants where chefs are creative enough to adapt their compositions to the colour of the set. In any case, there are few chefs who get their inspiration from the unusual shape or colour of plates. – In Chinese cuisine, harmony is not only a product of the flavours in the ingredients of food, but also of the colours seen on plates – says Viktor Segal. Covers made from glass are also on their way out. At the same time, there are attempts to rationalise costs by creating multifunctional plates. The new generation of quality china sets are quite expensive, which might further increase the gap between top of the market restaurants and ordinary ones. – New and trendy shapes are not only for premium category restaurants – says Katalin Paksi. These are also available in mass produced Chinese versions. – Chinese sets are cheaper and there is a shift in the market towards cost efficient solutions– says Ibolya Kabók from Zsolnay Porcelánmanufaktúra Zrt. Users accept the fact that these are not made for use by several generations. Zsolnay products are made manually and belong in the premium category usually used by top of the market restaurants. There has been practically no change in glasses, with lead-free crystal still being the dominant trend. Changes in shapes are hardly perceivable, though the new trend is that a different glass for each drink is no longer required.