Your Plate Is Your Palette

I’m going to admit this straight off: I can’t cook. I love watching the Food Network, but after I turn off the TV, I’m no closer to being able to compete on Iron Chef America. The thing is, I’ve never really wanted to learn to cook. My culinary expertise stops at eggs, which I commonly overcook. I’ve happily resigned myself to being the master of the five-minute meal and the queen of take-out.

What I do know, however, is that food always tastes better when it looks better. Ladies and gentlemen, that’s called presentation. You know what I’m talking about. The melon placed to the side of your poached-egg-and-toast breakfast. The bed of pesto polenta with sautéed crimini mushrooms in a roasted red pepper sauce, cradling your seared scallops. When your food comes out on its plate looking like a team of skilled architects built it, it just tastes better.

I’ve learned this lesson, downsized it, and applied it to everything I eat—so every meal feels like it’s worthy of four stars. No matter what I’m serving—be it turkey sandwiches, cereal, or minute rice, I dress my food up so that eating is always an event, not just a meal.

Just because you’ve popped some leftovers in the microwave doesn’t mean they can’t become your most fabulous dinner yet. It’s all in the presentation. Don’t you think leftover spaghetti will taste better when wound in a neat little nest atop a plate lightly sprinkled with oregano and Parmesan? I’ll answer that for you—YES. I know, because I had it just last night and it was scrumptious.

Here are a few tips for each meal that can help bring a little Fodor’s to your kitchen.

Breakfast: Start the day off right with a pretty little bowl of cereal. Add sliced strawberries or blueberries to any cereal and it’s bound to be a better day. When making a plate of eggs, garnish them with a sprig of parsley if they’re plain, chopped green onion for a Mexican taste, and cut-up strips of basil for a hint of Italian. Grilled tomato slices add a burst of color and taste to an egg breakfast and require little time or expertise. Even a frozen waffle or a Pop-Tart have the potential for greatness. Try a little jam on the top instead of just butter or syrup. You can still take it to go, but a little color on that toasted brown delight will lighten up the dull commute.

Lunch: Usually you eat in the lunchroom at work with friends.