Professional and stylish dining is one of the many experiences that guests expect of good hotel service and an element which is clearly essential in a restaurant. The selection of porcelain, cutlery, glassware and accessories contribute greatly to the style of food presented and the overall décor of the establishment.
Nick Green of Villeroy & Boch explains how his company helps its customers get it right.
Selecting the right tableware, glassware and cutlery should be of great importance to any restaurant, especially in an age when value for money and quality is at the forefront of everyone’s minds.
Culinary trends drive tableware style: for example, several leading chefs we work with are currently being influenced by international gastronomy, especially the food cultures of regions such as Asia, and are playing with the traditional order of the menu by introducing new courses; and of course the popularity and influence of molecular gastronomy remains.
All of these trends are demanding creativity and flexibility in the kitchen, during the service and also in the presentation of the plate and the table. It is also important to keep in mind the economic aspect by selecting a brand and collection that is timeless and long-lasting.
The biggest trend that we have seen over the last couple of years is hotels and restaurants opting for durable and sustainable tableware solutions. Especially during a recession, it is important for hotels and restaurants to buy quality and to choose products which will stand the test of time in terms of looks and performance.
The most prominent factors to look for are durability, quality of materials and timeless designs. A cheaper design may seem financially appealing but investing in a quality product that doesn’t chip or crack easily should be a priority – “buy cheap, pay twice” is a worthy motto.
The Villeroy & Boch Hotel & Restaurant Division was set up around 25 years ago to respond to the needs of our customers from the catering and hotel sectors. This division is responsible for creating sophisticated tableware, glassware and cutlery for the trade industry and is equally recognised for its high degree of customer support in terms of professional advice and service.
The ethos of the Hotel & Restaurant Division is the same as the wider Villeroy & Boch brand which also includes products for the home and a bathrooms sector. The core values are originality, quality, functionality, creativity and premium appeal which are further supported by good service and the extensive range of products on offer.
Villeroy & Boch works in the best possible way to ensure the best results, meaning that they use the highest quality raw materials and innovative production techniques for tableware that is resistant and durable.
As a result, Villeroy & Boch is in a position to meet extraordinary quality standards.
The brand also works closely with chefs on product development in order to meet the professional needs and demands both in the restaurant kitchen and front of house.
Some collections offer up to 60 individual pieces and provide the added advantage of stackable shapes as well as resistance to dishwashers, hot plates and microwaves; all of which are important elements for the hotel and catering sector.
Furthermore, Villeroy & Boch is just as popular with guests as with restaurateurs due to its stylish designs and innovative shapes, colours and patterns.
Contacts in more than 120 countries around the world ensure competent advice and service. This is complemented by the company’s sophisticated distribution system which supplies customers quickly and directly. In the professional environment durability and functionality are essential.
Villeroy & Boch have succeeded in setting the industry benchmark for resistant materials using premium bone porcelain and premium porcelain finished with a glaze that is also resistant to abrasion. The aesthetic aspect is as important as the functional; pieces have been designed specifically with the professional chef in mind and how best to work with their culinary presentation.
For example the soft curves and open shape of the Cera collection allow for a new way for food to be arranged; that’s why this design was selected to present the creations during the Culinary World Cup 2010.
As an established and desirable brand, Villeroy & Boch has the benefit of gastronomes having a natural and active interest in our products. Investing in a well-established, high-end brand such as Villeroy & Boch will not only bring a gravitas to the establishment, but will provide clients with a well designed product that will still look fresh after several years of use.
Villeroy & Boch’s teams work closely with chefs, restaurateurs and designers to advise on the shapes and patterns which best suits the desired culinary style and décor, whether it is a completely new space or if the tableware is simply being updated.
We’re also able to produce bespoke patterns and decoration such as personalised logos, initials or designs for an exclusive touch. What’s exciting for us is the variety of businesses that we supply and projects we get involved in: ranging from a haute cuisine Michelin-starred restaurant, to a gastro pub; a large hotel order to a private mega-yacht looking for a bespoke design.
For more information on Villeroy & Boch Hotel & Restaurant Division visit…