EVENT FOOD TRENDS: THE STREET FOOD EXPERIENCE / by Eric Monteiro

Over the past year, we have seen a rise in interest and demand for street food. Super fine dining with white-gloved waiters in bow ties has taken a back seat to the street food genre, which naturally encompasses the current trends of local and sustainable while reflecting a diverse array of popular cuisine from around the world. 

“Street food brings a more casual experience which more and more guests are leaning towards,” says Thierry Isambert. “Small plates, or street food Items, can be eaten on the go, which is ideal for social and corporate events where guests prefer to stand and snack while mingling, rather than being confined to a table.” 

Catering Miami Street Food - Greek Stationjpg

Greek-Themed Street Food Station

A hot ticket item for weddings, social and corporate events alike, is our Teppenyaki Bar, featuring Skirt Steak Medallions with Truffle Wafu Sauce, or Lemongrass Kafir Lime Chicken Medallions served with Quinoa Salad, Japanese-style Risotto and Seared Vegetables. Other favorites are our Stir Fry Asian Station, and our Greek Themed Station, serving freshly carved and made-to-order Gyros which can be doused in tasty sauces like Tzatziki, Mint Sauce and Roasted Pepper Sauce. Our chefs make the food to order, which truly reflects the authentic street food experience, and also offers an interactive experience for guests who get to talk with the chefs directly and observe their dish being prepared to their liking. 

“The whole Street Food experience is very sociable and interactive. It is also exciting to see people be more adventurous, exploring new tastes and flavors from around the world”
— Thierry Isambert

We are serving Asian Stir Fry, Arepas, Mexican Corn on the Cob, Bao Buns, Gourmet Tacos, Gyros and small plates of Spicy Indian fare, because in countries where these items originate, street food is the norm. In the luxury catering business, the street food concept offers ethnic fusion on a high-end level, our chefs take street food to another level for an exciting, adventurous and exotic dining experience. 

This year we catered a huge corporate event for an international client. We recreated a real street fair ambiance in an urban production studio backlot. The decor was really beautiful, we brought in small trees and furniture, and draped strands of bistro lights across the venue.  Guests ordered their food from actual food trucks and carts and everyone loved it! 

Another example of the street food catering concept, was at a recent, very lavish wedding we catered. The couple opted for a romantic, vintage-industrial decor at a chic urban venue. Although vintage farm tables were beautifully set with name cards and cascading bouquets, guests got up and ordered their meals from our various food stations.  Traditional Argentinian and Brazilian comfort food was served in honor of the bride and groom who were born and raised in Brazil and Argentina respectively. This was a fun way to honor their cultural origins.

Classic Interactive Carving Station attended by Thierry Isambert's uniformed chefs, featured Roasted Beef Tenderloin and Whole Roasted Grouper with Hidden Crush Tarragon Sauce. [Wedding]

Classic Interactive Carving Station attended by Thierry Isambert's uniformed chefs, featured Roasted Beef Tenderloin and Whole Roasted Grouper with Hidden Crush Tarragon Sauce. [Wedding]

A few years ago we rarely spoke of Ramen. Now it seems there are ramen or pho restaurants all over the place. Whether street food is here to stay, or only a passing fad, it's a great way to experience different cultures through their cuisine.

Note: This article was originally written by Thierry Isambert Culinary and Event Design for https://www.allseated.com/