Summer is here, and, like others in the hospitality industry, restaurants are looking to draw in the crowd and make the most of their busiest season. So, what are guests looking for?
Summer is all about having fun and enjoying lighter fare. After all, many people are thinking about getting out those swimsuits that haven’t seen the light of day in quite a while. When planning your summer menu, consider incorporating salads, fish, and fruit in a way that aligns with your brand.
Chef Hector Diaz of La Grande Boucherie shared this with Total Food Service, “Summer brings bright, colorful ingredients with a fun twist—it is an opportunity to use fruits in savory dishes. The season also offers more options for fresh seafood, as fishing is easier in the warmer months. Some more ingredients that many chefs will be utilizing include citrus fruits, peaches, almonds, and melons.”
Resy recently reported on this summer’s dining trends. UnOrdinary Hospitality Group, a hospitality collective founded in Washington, DC, that focuses on creating experiences, said, “Our team is very intentional about showcasing the vibe along with the food and beverage on our Instagram. These days, it’s not just about what’s on the plate or in the glass – atmosphere, music, and overall ambiance play a huge role in the dining experience, and we want that to come through in everything we share.”
So, how are restaurants hitting the summer vibe with their atmosphere, music, and ambiance? Let’s check it out.
Summer Food
Total Food Service also spoke with Adam Fiscus, the executive chef from Central Park Boathouse. He believes raw seafood selections will be popular this summer, such as fresh oysters and tuna tartare. Other must-have dishes include fresh pastas, light fish dishes, and fruit-forward salads. Shareable platters are also part of the summer dining experience.
For desserts, executive pastry chef Jean Baptise Scordel from La Grande Boucherie, shared some of her favorite fruits that provide a refreshing after-dinner experience. These include passionfruit, pineapple, lemon, and lime.
Summer Beverages
Complex, non-alcoholic beverages are becoming increasingly popular. Spirit-free aperitifs, umami-driven mocktails, and fermented drinks, including various kombuchas, are also on the rise.
Summer is also the time to integrate fresh herbs and botanicals into both the craft cocktail and mocktail segments. Basil, lavender, elderflower, mint, rosemary, lemon verbena, turmeric, and ginger root can all find their place in your beverage recipes.
Summer Ambiance
More homeowners than ever have extended their homes beyond the interior, creating outdoor retreats where friends and family spend a significant amount of their summer. And they expect the same from restaurants.
Optimizing outdoor dining for the summer months requires creating an atmosphere that evokes a sense of peace, fun, and whimsy, which we associate with summer. The right application of string lights and lanterns can transform an okay area into a work of art.
Today’s high-performance LED tape lights allow you to conceal the source of illumination and change it with the tap of a button. One night, create a golden candlelight glow. The next evening, celebrate the season with lighting that mirrors the tropics in shades of azure, cerulean, and celadon. Have fun, and so will your guests.
Plants are another key ingredient to an exceptional outdoor ambiance. Planters also offer a great way to divide space. One example is patio trees, which create a focal point and are an elegant addition. Consider palms, Japanese maples, and olive trees whose silvery foliage and Mediterranean flair offer timeless beauty. Citrus trees bring a splash of color along with a refreshing sensory experience. Bamboo grows quickly and carries a mystique of serenity.
Flowering plants, like hydrangeas, are a classic addition, showcasing their beautiful, showy blooms. Some geranium varieties are known for their ability to deter mosquitoes. Climbing vines, such as jasmine, honeysuckle, or ivy, create a romantic allure or an old-world charm.
Elephant ears and ferns offer a tropical vibe that’s perfect for the summer months. You can, with the right lighting and plants, totally transform your outdoor dining area for the summer months. And, of course, don’t forget the music.
We could write a book on transforming your restaurant for the summer. Essentially, creating a space where people want to relax and linger, sharing fresh, seasonal food and light, refreshing beverages in a relaxing and beautiful atmosphere are the key ingredients to a successful summer season.
