b'Kiss the Cook CateringToronto, Canadakissthecookcatering.comPlant-based alternatives are requested onstaff lunches with the expectation of highly almost 90 percent of the orders we cater,diverse menus, so that it feels like dining says Fia Pagnello, founder and CEO of Kissat a different restaurant each day. Rather the Cook Catering, a full-service event catererthan offering a small handful of predictable handling both corporate and social functions.plant-based menus on rotation, we make The rise in demand is most noticeablesure to plan the vegetable-forward meals on the corporate level, says Pagnello.just as diversely. Offices are increasingly focused onOn its sample office lunch menu, the sustainability, and this is now starting tocaterers plant-based swap for Asian crispy impact their purchasing when it comes tobeef is sweet-and-sour glazed tofu; in food. The perceived health benefits alsoplace of chicken Parmesan, its eggplant factor in with corporate clients, she adds. Parmesan. Pagnello says top sellers this Pagnellos strategy is to devote equalyear have been falafel shawarmas, Indian energy to plant-based menus: I think itschana masalachickpea curryand important to have a comparative plant- ancho-roasted sweet potato and black bean based alternative for every catering menuenchiladas. We also have more plant-based Plant-based menu items at Kissyou offer. For example, if someone ordersBuddha bowls available, as healthy eating is the Cook Catering include veggielasagna Bolognese and asks for a vegetarianin high demand. enchiladas (top) and chana masalaalternative, we will offer our delicious veggie- With ingredients such as miso, kimchi, (above), a customer favorite.layered lasagna Genovese. nutritional yeast and soya sauce, We focus Client expectations are high, Pagnelloon dialing up the umami in our plant-based adds, meaning offerings must also reflectcooking, says Pagnello. Since vegetables seasonality, global cuisines and choice.dont contain fat and have high water We have corporate clients that order dailycontent, its important to intensify flavor.46 CATERING, FOODSERVICE & EVENTS cfe-news.com PHOTOS BY CUONG LY PHOTOGRAPHY'