Expert suggests food that’s a feast for the eyes

Published 3:00 pm Saturday, April 14, 2007

LANGLEY — Langley’s innkeepers got a taste of marketing their businesses through food when Chris Brandmeir showed off his craft at the Ashingdon Manor on Thursday.

“Everything you do is marketing,” he said. “Food is no exception.”

Brandmeir, a successful innkeeper himself as well as a hospitality consultant, told innkeepers that food and wine tourism is one of the fastest growing segments in the industry and that lodging owners can set themselves apart through food.

“Most of you call yourself ‘bed and breakfasts,’” Brandmeir said. “All you need is a bed, and breakfast. You have to distinguish yourself from other places with a bed and breakfast,” he said.

Bed-and-breakfast places have the highest customer return rate in the industry, second only to cruise ships. And in a market where the competition is tough, the creativity and effort that’s put into breakfast may bring even more customers back, he said.

The key is making the food more interesting, Brandmeir said. He demonstrated how to carve delicate decorations out of fruits and vegetables, and created fans out of strawberries and flowers from limes.

“If it looks blah, it tastes blah,” he said.

Brandmeir added that color, shape and texture are three key elements. He also suggested crushing herbs before they go on the plate, or to have guests put their own muffins in the oven, to engage people’s sense of smell in the tasting experience. Innkeepers can also personalize certain items with the company’s logo. And local artists and businesses can help create custom pillow chocolates or butter shapers, he said.

Brandmeir also told his audience to experiment with herbs and edible flowers, but attached a warning to that suggestion.

“Don’t ever put anything on a plate that isn’t edible,” he said.

About 15 local business people attended the Chamber of Commerce event and took in Brandmeir’s tips. The broad range of inns in Langley became apparent as they spoke about their breakfast offerings. While some offered simple muffins, yogurt and orange juice, others serve full-blown country breakfasts.

Yet, all seemed to walk away with a full menu of ideas.

“He is a fabulous speaker,” said Nancy Rowan, executive director of the Langley Chamber of Commerce. “Humorous, informative, really dynamic.”

Michaela Marx Wheatley can be reached at 221-5300 or mmarxwheatley@southwhidbeyrecord.com.