Now that we can meet in groups of 5, it might be time for a long-awaited catch-up!
But, the eternal, everyday quandary remains: Where and what to eat?
No need to rack your brains for what food to prepare or brave the queues to dine in.
Why not just order a sharing platter from The Plattering Co. or Georges? It’s convenient, hassle-free and away from the crowds, so you spend more time bonding over and savouring the yummy food. Plus, you can choose from loads of meal-sharing options.
So, to borrow a quote from the popular Canadian sitcom Letterkenny, “Pitter patter, let’s get at ‘er platter!”
For Fans of Fromage and Fruit
If you’re having friends over for a weekend mid-afternoon apéritif or digestif session, it’s also best to have some hors d’oeuvres or amuse-bouches to go with the tipples (just a fancy way to say drinks and light bites like crackers, cheeses and olives).
Instead of spending a bomb or getting stressed figuring out which vintage of Amontillado sherry pairs with what Bleu d’Auvergne cheese, take the fuss-free route and order a Gourmet Cheese & Fruit Platter with 2 Mini Wines (from $120) that comes in two sizes. Perfect for groups of 2 to 3, or 4 to 5.
No two platters are the same, but we did spot colourful collections of strawberries, blueberries, grapes, kiwifruits, deli cuts and of course, gourmet cheeses. The boxed assortment comes with 1 mini bottle of Jacob’s Creek Classic Chardonnay (187ml) and 1 mini bottle of Jacob’s Creek Classic Shiraz Cabernet (187ml).
Available from The Plattering Co.
For the Meat Lovers
For the more carnivorous epicureans amongst us, a platter should be piled with an abundance of cuts and slabs of all manners of meats. The appropriately named Meat Lover’s Mixed Grill Sharing Platter with Rustic Grilled Chicken Thigh and Slow-Roasted Beef Ribeye ($128) should more than satisfy.
What the canine-toothed ones will prey on: juicy grilled chicken thigh, slow-roasted beef ribeye done to a medium-rare, and hearty chicken chipolata and Italian pork sausages.
Oh, there are also additional munchies in the form of non-spicy fusilli aglio e olio, portobello mushrooms and an array of roasted seasonal veggies to add some colour and accompany the main stars of the meal.
Or, if you really just want to tear into a big, porky piece of meat, then zoom in on the German Crackling Pork Knuckle platter ($29.90). It’s an absolute crispy unit served with fries and aromatic hoisin sauce that you and your pack of fellow meat eaters can devour together with relish (in both meanings of the word).
The Meat Lover’s Mixed Grill Sharing Platter with Rustic Grilled Chicken Thigh and Slow-Roasted Beef Ribeye is available from The Plattering Co.; the German Crackling Pork Kunckle platter is only available from certain Georges’ outlets (please check on Georges’ official site for which ones).
For the Seafood Foodies
These platters are for the pescatarians and lovers of all things fresh, fishy and briny. If you want a whole bucket of delights, then the Seafood Adventure platter ($31.90) will lure you in for a bite (or many). What’s netted here: prawns, soft shell crab, fish fingers, squid heads and chilli mussels, with onion rings and fries served with tempura and tartar sauce.
Salmon is the catch-of-the-day in the Oven-baked Salmon with Aromatic Herb Blend Platter ($118). Expect a plump, juicy slab of oven-baked salmon (900g to 1kg) surrounded by grilled portobello mushrooms, crunchy grilled asparagus, roasted peppers, roasted pumpkin and sliced hard-boiled eggs. Squeeze the lemon slices that top the salmon to add some tang to the fish.
The Seafood Adventure platter is only available from certain Georges’ outlets (please check the site for which ones); the Oven-baked Salmon with Aromatic Herb Blend Platter is available from The Plattering Co.
For the Big Eaters
Hosting pals or growing children with big appetites? Try this sandwich platter on for size.
Though the Rustic Ciabatta Sandwich Sharing Box ($118) is meant to serve 8 to 10, the easy-to-eat, meal-sized portions make this a completely doable option for a lunch gathering of very hungry folk.
The 4 delectable sandwich flavours in the 20-piece “picnic-perfect” fare: Cold-Cut Ciabatta, the vegetarian Mediterranean Ciabatta (roasted peppers, pesto, fresh greens and cheese), Smoked Duck Ciabatta and Beef Pastrami Ciabatta.
The box is also maxi-taste for maxi-value; if you can’t finish all of the sandwiches, you can always pack the leftovers in the fridge to have for the next day’s brekkie!
Available from The Plattering Co.
The featured platters are available at the following respective restaurants:
The Plattering Co., 20 Cavan Road, 209851, www.theplatteringco.com, (www.facebook.com/theplatteringco; www.instagram.com/theplatteringco); and Georges, multiple locations, www.georges.com.sg (www.facebook.com/georgessg; www.instagram.com/georges_sg)
BONUS: SAFRA members get to enjoy $8 off with a minimum spend of $60 on orders placed on Oddle for The Plattering Co.; and 10% off regular-priced items at Georges. Click the links for more information.
