Dessert Presentation in Las Vegas

Continuing where we left off with our Las Vegas Catersource presentations, I wanted to take just a little time and go over last year’s presentation about desserts. Unfortunately, many caterers and restaurants just think of dessert as an afterthought. However, it is the last thing that most people will eat at an event. Putting a piece of chocolate cake on a plate may taste delicious, but can come off as very plain - especially when a ton of time and energy was spent preparing hors d’ oeuvres and the entrée. We believe guests should leave thinking WOW, that was amazing.
Of course, the dessert needs to taste great, but there are a number of ways to add that extra factor into your dessert presentation.
Our simple brownie sundae dessert is delicious. We serve fresh-baked decadent brownies, vanilla bean ice cream, chocolate sauce, and homemade whipped cream. However, we offer some luxurious upgrades such as a Godiva White Chocolate sauce, strawberries splashed with Gran Marnier, Cointreau-soaked maraschino cherries dipped in chocolate, crushed pistachios, fresh berries, or homemade ice creams like coffee or chocolate jalapeno. Our “Martini Curtain” is another popular option where martini glasses are hung from a coat rack giving the impression of a glass “wall.”
Another way to make a dessert station memorable is by having a chef-attended station. Having a uniformed chef present really adds a big impact for many guests. They can ask questions, interact with the chef, and if they want their food prepared a specific way, the chef can accommodate the order. Examples of action stations for dessert include cherries jubilee, sautéed pound cake (with different toppings), any flambé dessert, or a crepe station.
If you’re looking for a more traditional, plated dessert, there are still a number of ways to make them memorable. We really believe two is better than one, and three is better than two. While a lemon curd tart is delicious, it is even better when paired with fresh raspberries or a blueberry-tarragon compote. When served with some homemade chocolate soufflé cookies, the combination of all three flavors is unbeatable. Another great add on is to add a complimentary beverage pairing to the course. This can range from a small sample of a good champagne to a shot of liqueur or even an Italian soda or smoothie. They are just so unexpected, guests always remember them.

Finally, coffee service is one of those areas where if don't offer it, people may get upset. However, coffee is often an afterthough. There's usually just regular OR decaf, rarely both. Sweetners may or may not be available, and once you get your glass, a refill is often hard to get. Inspired Occasions likes doing a coffee bar, where regular, decaf, and hot water (for tea) are available. Then we offer an assortment of tea bags, chocolate shavings, cinnamon, whipped cream, warm cream, orange peel, and other gourmet condiments. We often serve Irish Cream or Whiskey with the bar, if the client likes. This just shows that all the details are taken care of, and guests can get what they want, when they want.
We’ve included a few pictures of our desserts, so please enjoy. If you have any questions, feel free to email me any time at lon@inspiredoccasionskc.com, or just post your question on our Facebook Fan page, and I’ll be sure to get back to you. Thanks so much!!!