Food Demonstration Techniques

Planning a Demo:
Set an agenda and let everyone know about the upcoming food demo. Make sure you have all the tools and ingredients needed for the demo. Two hours before the demo set up and organize the station.

Conducting a Demo:
A food demo is a meeting but includes demonstration and hands on learning. The meeting happens on the station. Here are key things to discuss during the demo:

• Station Readiness
• Food Safety and Sanitation
• Equipment Maintenance, Cleanliness
• Product Quality – Talk about and point out sensitivities
• 5 BOH Controls
• Distribute copies of recipe

Step 1
During the demo …
• Prepare item to recipe, including final plating
• Talk through the steps
• Make sure to point out the correct tools, procedures and sensitivities
• Ask for participation … a Team Member can read the recipe as you prepare the item

Step 2
• Ask one of the cooks to make the item with the help of the team
• Don’t correct any mistakes – take notes

Step 3
• Compare the items
• Discuss any differences

Step 4
• Eat! This step gives the cooks the final piece of delivering an excellent Guest experience. Your team members can better describe and know if an item isn’t to recipe when they get to taste it too.

Activity: Conducting a Meeting/Demo
This activity will give you a chance to practice planning, conducting and evaluating a meeting.
• Blank Agenda
You will need the following:
• Details of Meeting
1. Discuss with your superior opportunities to lead meetings/demos
To complete the activity you will need to do the following:
2. Plan the meeting
3. Communicate the details of the meeting
4. Conduct the meeting
5. Evaluate the meeting
6. Discuss the team’s evaluation of the meeting
7. Repeat these every 2 weeks to build your skills and leadership