Over the past 27 years, we’ve hosted more than 500,000 events. And at many of those events, food has been an essential element in ensuring the events we host are truly remarkable. We’ve been in the business of catering and event management for over two decades and have seen some changes in food trends and tastes over the years. From classic sandwich platters to pastas, quiche, the latest health-conscious delicacies, micro herbs and flower petals we’ve been there and served them all.
We’re excited to share our thoughts, experiences, and the delicious culinary creations that have defined our legacy. So, whether you’re a seasoned event professional, a food enthusiast, or someone who simply appreciates good eats, join us as we explore the delectable world of event catering and celebrate the art of bringing people together through the joy of food.
From sausage rolls and sandwich platters to sliders and superfoods
As we reflect on our journey, we can’t help but acknowledge the significant shift in event menus over the years. Our story started in the mid-1990s, way back when Titanic became the #1 movie in cinemas, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was published, Comet Hale-Bopp passed by Earth, and dial-up internet was a thing! Our menus were dominated by traditional fare like sandwich platters, giant muffins and sausage rolls. While variations of these classic options still hold a special place in our hearts (and on our menus), we’ve witnessed a remarkable evolution in the culinary landscape.
In the noughties, we survived Y2K and saw Harry Potter take to the big screen. A focus on health and dietaries started to take shape as people started to embrace healthier lifestyle choices. Cliftons launched ‘brain food’ to nourish your mind as well as your body while you attended an event, conference or training course. Sushi became popular as did the emergence of sliders / gourmet burgers with Angus beef, protein rich, low-fat selections and salads. For dessert, we couldn’t go past cupcakes with many flavours.
More recently, superfruits such as acai, pomegranate, and blueberry became popular, as did the use of oils, such as olive and truffle oils, and whole grains, such as risotto and polenta.
Putting health and wellness top of the priority list
It’s not just about what’s on the plate; it’s also about the evolving palates and increased awareness regarding health and wellness that have shaped our culinary choices. In recent years one of the most noticeable changes in event menus has been the growing emphasis on health and wellness. As more and more people become conscious of what they eat, we’ve seen a surge in demand for healthier, nutritious options.
At Cliftons, we’ve responded to this shift by introducing a wide array of fresh, organic, and sustainable choices that cater to the discerning palates of today’s consumers. From vibrant salads to nourishing grain bowls and plant-based delights, our menu has expanded to accommodate the evolving preferences of our clients. We also serve smaller portions in response to consumer demands across both health and food waste, regularly rotating choices throughout events to ensure people are well-fed while reducing excess meal service.
But it’s not just about health; diversity and inclusivity have also significantly shaped our event menus.
Combining the global and the local
We’ve embraced a more global approach to cuisine, incorporating flavours worldwide. Our menus now feature an eclectic mix of international delights, from Thai curries to mouth-watering Mediterranean mezze, reflecting our clientele’s diverse tastes and cultural influences. As a throwback, Friday pie day with gourmet pie options was recently launched – served with traditional mashed potato and mushy peas – a real hit with a glass of wine to end the week!
On a local note, Cliftons also recognises we are all part of the journey towards a nation strengthened by celebrating and recognising the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We’re consciously incorporating native ingredients into our menu offerings to deepen our understanding and appreciation for the rich traditions of Australia’s First Nations peoples for NAIDOC Week. This included dishes like mini quiches with tomato and purslane relish, Davidson plum panna cotta with fresh berries, spinach and ricotta rolls with beetroot and anise myrtle relish and more! Our chefs have also used a variety of native ingredients, such as wattleseed, pepperberrry nuts, quandong, macadamia, and Davidson plum, to create our delicious treats. Based on the incredible success of this in 2024, we’ll be continuing to extend our recognition of Indigenous culture via our menu throughout the year.
Drinks have evolved too
Over the years, beverage choices have become a more important part of our catering services too. All Cliftons venues are now fully licensed, with a range of wine, beers, juices and soft drinks, hand-selected by our team to ensure great quality at exceptional value. (Fun fact: Cliftons CEO Vanessa Green is also an international wine judge, so we take our selections seriously!) We also provide a range of fabulous festive cocktails, with the capacity to host everything from simple networking drinks through to truly celebratory parties.
And of course, no business meeting or event would be complete these days without coffee. We’ve progressed from urns of brewed coffee to fresh ground machine made coffees, as well as in-house baristas at selected venues. We offer a range of imported and locally roasted beans to suit the needs and preferences of our guests. All of our venues feature the latest in high quality coffee machines to freshly grind beans for each cup to make espresso to cappuccinos, macchiato and everything in between with a range of plant based milks on offer.
Thank you for letting us continue to feed and nourish you
Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of feeding millions of delegates and serving thousands of meals, and during this journey, we’ve gained valuable insights into the evolving culinary landscape. One thing remains constant: the power of food to bring people together, spark conversations, and create lasting impressions.
As we continue to evolve and innovate, we are committed to staying ahead of culinary trends while honouring the timeless traditions that have made our events remarkable experiences.
