Credit: Dips Kitchen

Create a DIY Experience

Snack plates heighten the dining experience

Creativity and personalization are some of the biggest benefits of snack dinners at home, and operators would do well to adopt a similar mindset when embracing the snack-dinner trend. Take a neutral base like naan, tortilla or water crackers and serve it with a variety of snacky toppings that guests can mix and match to suit their own palates. At Milton’s in Houston, fluffy house-made tigelle comes on a platter with a variety of thinly sliced meats, pickled veggies and creamy, rich burrata, inviting guests to build their own perfect bite.

Or make snack dinner a “dip it yourself” experience. Creative dips offer a low-pressure way for diners to try out new ingredients and flavor profiles. At Dips Kitchen in Atlanta, the Dip Sampler lets guests try a little of everything. Spicy, herbaceous Schug Hummus with peppery radish slices for scooping? Rich New England Chowder Dip with a side of saltines? There’s no wrong way to dip.

About the Author

Leigh Kunkel is a freelance journalist with more than a decade of restaurant industry experience as a server, bartender and sommelier. She has written about restaurant operations for B2B publications, as well as foodservice brands, including Beam Suntory and Dawn Foods. She specializes in covering flavor, ingredient and cuisine trends. Leigh has also covered the food and beverage world for a wide range of consumer outlets such as The New York Times, Eater and Vinepair.Read More Stories by Leigh Kunkel