The food you like and what you like to eat are part of your personal style as much anything else you have, do or love.
It’s easy to think “style” means fashion, or interiors. But it’s the way you wear your hair, how you wear your makeup.
And of course, the food you love.
When it comes to what we eat, everybody has a different palette, a different taste. Some love spicy, others keep it simple. Decadent, rich, zesty, earthy. The sky is really the limit. What one person considers their comfort food is completely different from another.
The great thing about cooking today is that there is so much more access — to unique cuisines, interesting ingredients, clean foods, healthy options, organic, and all kinds of other tasty treats that can enable you to eat stylishly at home anytime. These foods, meals and menus are often no less extra work or time to prepare. You’re just using different ingredients, seasonings, and in some cases, tools. But, that’s generally it!
The time and effort it takes to make the classic foods you may already know and love really isn’t much of a contrast to any other meal you might make or item you might cook.
It’s just a matter of shopping for whatever it is that gets the job done. The key is to break outside of your usual sources and shopping list, and get creative with your favorites at home.
Play With Ideas
Think about the things you like to eat. Focus on a single ingredient. Maybe it’s pasta, or a lettuce variety like romaine or iceberg. Do a search online for recipes and ideas that incorporate that item. You can use a search engine, or a site like Pinterest. As you find ideas that look interesting, take note. Make these the things you make at home instead of your usual fare.
You can find a lot of inspiration from cookbooks, and print magazines, too. In fact, they can be easier to work with because you can keep near the counter, etc. if you don’t want to use a mobile device.
Find Your Sources
Today’s grocery world is so much larger than it has ever been. If you’re in a major city, you likely have at least one major grocery store if not others. Particularly grocers like Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s, which tend to carry more unique, startup and other more eclectic items. Your city may also have ethnic shops for specific regional cuisines like Mexican or Polish, or you may have Farmer’s Markets, small organic food stores, etc. But even mainstream and traditional grocers are edging into more unique foods and foods of other cuisines.
There is also a growing number of online stores that sell foods of all kinds. It can include fresh meats and fish, sent via special packaging overnight to your door, as well as frozen items. So, if you aren’t close to any local groceries to get creative, see what you might be able to find online.
Start (Or Even Stay) Small
Eating stylishly at home doesn’t have to be an endeavor. You don’t have to make it a large effort at all. Simple food items and ingredients can be transformed with seasonings, sauces, and other easy ideas. Snacks also count.
Don’t Forget The Details
Part of what makes restaurant eating so stylish isn’t just the food. It’s also the dining experience. Even fast food places try to capture at least some kind of ambiance. You don’t have to create an elaborate spread or setup for your cooking at home. But, put a little investment into pretty plates, glasses, flatware, etc. It can make the meal all the more special.
If you already own these items, look to place mats, napkins and accessories. Even just the smallest touches will transform your meals from ordinary to something special.