Restaurant guests are often looking for twists on classic comfort foods to both intrigue and satisfy. While updated versions of classic homestyle meals are often a favorite, chefs are starting to push the envelope by reimagining classic campfire foods.
Chefs are constantly challenged to be innovative while still appealing to the general public’s tastes. Marrying the nostalgia of childhood camping staples with fine dining is one way to accomplish this feat.
- Tableside cooking: Once a staple of the fine dining experience, this lost art is making a big comeback in nontraditional ways. Offering customers the chance to cook their own meal over a heat source is one way to bring on the campfire memories. As this is not always a possibility, consider offering a few dishes that are cooked within view.
- Cast Iron Skillet: Serve up a one-pan meal in these iconic dishes and you are sure to evoke the spirit of camping. When served hot, the gentle sizzle offers guests a multi-sensory experience.
- Wood-fired Grill: Cooking over a wood fire can bring out the inner caveperson in us all. Whether it’s a wood-fired oven for pizzas or an open grill for meats, the flavors are unmistakeable.
- Smoke It: A little smoke flavor goes a long way in transporting guests to memories of camping experiences. Meats have long been a smoked favorite, but fruits and alcoholic drinks are increasingly becoming beloved eats.
- Food on a Stick: Most campers have cooked something on a stick during their stint outdoors. From hot dogs to marshmallows and beyond, serving up food on a stick rings true to the camping experience.
- Spotlight on Marshmallows: These little white puffballs are the quintessential camping delight. Try your hand at a homemade version or one infused with liquor or other flavors. Sure, you could use them in desserts, by why not try them in a savory dish? That unmistakeable flavor pairs well with squash and other root vegetables and comes with the added bonus of melting into a hot dish for flavor that evolves as you eat.
From backyard campouts to chuckwagon meals, there is plenty of inspiration to be drawn from classic campfire foods. Whether you incorporate familiar flavors and ingredients or cookware and actual flames, camping-inspired cuisine is a sure way to diners hearts. Don your classic waist apron and capitalize on diners fond memories of camping by incorporating some of these ideas on your summer menu.