In Conversation with  Chef Sudhakar Eagala, Executive Chef, THE Park Visakhapatnam

The significance of tableware and glassware in enhancing the dining experience?

We THE Park Visakhapatnam recently relaunched Vista restaurant. It is an innovative restaurant concept that combines a captivating dining experience with stunning beach views and a menu inspired by diverse culinary traditions. So inevitably, the need was to introduce tableware and glassware that elevate the dining experience. Because they play a much bigger role than just serving food and drinks.

• Visual Appeal: We eat with our eyes first. Attractive plates, bowls, and glasses enhance the presentation of the food and drink. The colours and textures of the tableware complements the meal, making it more visually appetizing. Glassware, in particular, allows the vibrant colours of beverages and food to shine. We at Vista, THE Park Visakhapatnam have chosen Bonna crockery from Turkey and Arcoroc French based design oriented glassware company.
• Setting the Mood: The right tableware can set the tone for the entire dining experience and colour of tableware can influence how we perceive taste, Hepp cutlery from Germany is been chosen for its functionality and elegance.
• Functionality: Beyond aesthetics, tableware serves practical purposes. Different plates, bowls, and glasses are designed for specific foods and drinks to optimize the dining experience.

Before choosing the ideal table setting for glassware, what key elements should be taken into account?

At Vista we have chosen few elements that reflect the local artisan culture supporting the tradition of handcrafted Andhra – Etikopakka items such as cruet set, Decorative items and Dolls. The design of table mats and menus are in a singular flow that compliment each other.

• Theme: For Vista, we have chosen glasses that complement the theme with varieties of cut and plain shatterproof glasses.
• Drinks: introduced zero alcohol cocktails in a unique & elegant cut glassware
• Food: Consider the overall presentation. If you’re serving a visually stunning dessert, a simple water goblet might suffice. A rustic meal might be best paired with textured or coloured glasses that complement the food.
• Storage and Care: Do we have space to store a large set of delicate glasses? If not, consider opting for more durable or multi-purpose / toughened glasses. Be sure the glasses are dishwasher-safe or easy to clean by hand.

Could you please shed some light on the latest innovations within the glassware and tableware industry?

• Sustainable Materials: Eco-conscious consumers are driving the shift towards sustainable materials. At THE Park Visakhapatnam, we have eliminated single-use plastic items and replaced them with sustainable options like bamboo, sugarcane fiber, and biodegradable materials.
• Smart Tableware: Technology is making its way to the dining table! Imagine plates that can keep your food warm or cool, or glasses that change colour based on the temperature of your drink. While these concepts might still be under development, they represent the future of interactive tableware.
• Material Science Advancements: New materials are being developed with improved properties. For example, there are new types of glass that are more durable, shatterproof, and dishwasher safe, making them ideal for everyday use. Additionally, self-cleaning or stain-resistant tableware is becoming a reality, reducing cleaning time and effort

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