The Science of the 2 PM Slump: Is Your Corporate Catering Killing Productivity?

Walk into any Brisbane office at 2:30 PM, and you will see the same scene.

The morning buzz is gone. Screens are being stared at with glazed eyes. The coffee machine is working overtime, but the energy in the room has flatlined. It’s the dreaded “Afternoon Slump.”

As an Office Manager, you might think your team is just tired or the meeting was boring. But the culprit is often sitting on the boardroom table: Lunch.

If you fed your team a spread of white bread sandwiches, mini muffins, and pasta salad at 12:30 PM, you didn’t just feed them… you sedated them.

At My Alter Ego, we believe corporate catering in Brisbane should be about fuelling performance, not sabotaging it. Here is the science behind why your current menu might be killing productivity, and how to fix it.

The Biology of the “Food Coma”

To understand the slump, we have to talk about the Glycemic Index (GI).

Your brain runs on glucose. However, it requires a steady, consistent stream of fuel to function at high capacity.

• High GI Foods (The Saboteurs): White bread, pastries, white rice, and sugary treats break down rapidly. They flood the bloodstream with glucose.
• The Crash: To manage this flood, the body releases a massive spike of insulin. This insulin sweeps the sugar out of the blood so fast that it causes a “crash” (hypoglycaemia) shortly after.

The result? By 2 PM, your brain is literally starving for fuel. You experience brain fog, irritability, and a desperate need for a nap.

Furthermore, heavy carbohydrate meals trigger the production of tryptophan, which creates serotonin and melatonin—the hormones responsible for sleep. By serving a buffet of carbs, you are chemically signaling to your staff that it is time for bed.

Menu Engineering for Focus: The “Brain Food” Switch

If you want a team that is sharp, creative, and alert until 5 PM, you need to engineer your menu for Dopamine, not Melatonin.

This means prioritising:

1. Protein: (Chicken, Eggs, Tofu, Yoghurt). Protein contains tyrosine, an amino acid that boosts dopamine and norepinephrine, promoting alertness and motivation.
2. Healthy Fats: (Avocado, Nuts, Salmon). The brain is 60% fat; feeding it the right fats supports cognitive speed.
3. Low GI Carbs: (Quinoa, Oats, Wholegrain/Sourdough). These release energy slowly, preventing the crash.

The My Alter Ego Solution

We don’t just deliver food; we deliver productivity. Here is how we swap the “Slump” for the “Spark”:

1. Swap the Pastry for the ‘Ego Pot’

Starting a morning workshop with Danish pastries is a guarantee that attention will wane by 11 AM.

The Fix: Our Ego Pots. Whether it’s a Chia Pudding or a Yoghurt & Granola pot, these provide a protein-rich base that stabilises blood sugar. The result is sustained concentration, not a sugar rush.

2. Swap the Sandwich Platter for Poke Bowls

White bread sandwiches are the classic office staple, but they are high GI.

The Fix: Our Poke Bowls & Salad Boxes. By using ingredients like edamame (protein), brown rice or quinoa (slow-release carbs), and fresh sashimi or chicken, we provide a “light but full” feeling. Staff return to their desks feeling energised, not heavy.

3. The “Strategic Grazing” Approach

You might think a Grazing Table is just for parties, but it is actually one of the best formats for productivity if curating correctly.

A rigid “meat and three veg” meal forces the body to divert massive amounts of energy to digestion all at once (causing the slump).

The Fix: A Grazing Table allows for “grazing”… eating smaller amounts more frequently.

When you book a My Alter Ego grazing station, you aren’t just getting cheese. You are getting:

• Fresh Fruits: Natural sugars for a quick lift without the processed crash.
• Nuts & Seeds: Essential fatty acids for brain power.
• Lean Cured Meats: High protein bites.

This style of eating mimics the way we are biologically designed to consume fuel—little and often—keeping the brain’s glucose supply steady throughout the afternoon.

Stop the Slump Before It Starts

Next time you are planning a strategy day, ask yourself: Am I ordering food for a party, or fuel for a performance?

Don’t let a sugar crash derail your team’s hard work. Choose a menu that keeps the ideas flowing as freely as the coffee.

Want to keep your team alert and impressed?

Ditch the heavy carbs and explore our sophisticated, protein-rich Grazing Tables and Platters here. Perfect for sustained energy and serious style.

Picture the scene: The boardroom table is loaded with gourmet sliders, artisan pastries, and golden arancini. The team is buzzing, plates are being piled high, and the mood is lifted.

But at the end of the table, one person is quietly unwrapping a plastic-sealed container holding a dry garden salad and a single apple.

That isn’t just a dietary accommodation; it’s alienation.

In 2026, managing dietary requirements is no longer just a checkbox on an RSVP form, it is a litmus test for your company culture. When you get corporate catering in Brisbane, the goal isn’t just to feed the team; it’s to make everyone feel valued. Handing a VIP client or a loyal employee a “sad salad” while everyone else feasts sends a clear message: you were an afterthought.

At My Alter Ego, we believe safety and inclusion should never come at the cost of flavour. You don’t need to wrap your guest in bubble wrap, you just need the right protocols and a menu that celebrates food, not restrictions.

Here is how to navigate gluten-free catering without the stress (or the sad salad).

The Invisible Threat: Why “Low Gluten” Isn’t Enough

For a Coeliac, a crumb is as dangerous as a pebble.

This is why the term “Low Gluten” or “Wheat Free” often causes anxiety. The danger usually isn’t the ingredient itself, but cross-contamination. If a gluten-free wrap is cut on a board that just had a sourdough baguette on it, that wrap is no longer safe.

To build real trust with your team, you need to know your caterer treats this as a medical necessity, not a lifestyle choice. Here is the standard of safety we practice in our Brisbane kitchen:

• Segregated Prep Zones: Gluten-free items are prepared in a dedicated zone, away from the flour clouds of our bakery section.
• The “Clean Tool” Rule: We use separate colour-coded chopping boards, knives, and tongs for GF items.
• Sealed for Safety: When food leaves our kitchen, it is clearly separated. We often use individual boxes or distinct platter covers to ensure a delivery driver or a well-meaning colleague doesn’t accidentally mix the items during transit.

The Strategy:”Naturally Gluten-Free” vs. “The Substitute”

The biggest mistake hosts make is trying to find “fake” versions of wheat products. Let’s be honest: bad gluten-free bread tastes like cardboard.

The secret to amazing gluten-free catering is to choose items that are naturally gluten-free. This ensures they taste delicious to everyone. Your Coeliac guest won’t feel singled out, and your non-Coeliac guests won’t even notice they are eating a “dietary” meal.

1. Puddings and Yoghurt Cups 

Avoid the pastry minefield entirely. Our  Gluten-Free Ego Pots feature Chia Pudding with Coconut Yoghurt or high-protein Yoghurt with GF Granola. They are sealed, safe, and look premium.

• Why it works: It’s a trendy, wellness-focused option that just happens to be safe. No one feels like they are eating “special food.”

2. Vietnamese Rice Paper Rolls (The Lunch Hero)

Sandwiches are tricky; rice paper rolls are the perfect alternative. Fresh, vibrant, and packed with vermicelli noodles, crisp herbs, and protein, they offer the convenience of finger food without the wheat.

3. Loaded Salad Bowl Bowls

Forget the side salad. Opt for substantial “Main Meal” salads.

• Chicken & Macadamia Salad: Grilled chicken, roasted macadamias, and fresh avocado. It’s rich, fats-focused, and naturally GF.
• Poke Bowls: Using rice as a base makes these an easy, safe win for corporate lunches that feels modern and substantial.

4. Sweets That Don’t Taste “Free From”

If you are ordering a morning tea platter, ensure your GF options are indulgent. Our vegan sweets box is raw, certified organic and gluten free! Flavours generally include snickers, peanut, brownie, caramel, lemon, fig and macadamia. These are dense, moist, and often taste better than their wheat-based counterparts because they rely on rich almond meal rather than dry flour.

How to Order with Confidence

When you are responsible for the food, your reputation is on the plate.

Don’t guess. If you have a serious allergy in the room, tell us. We can guide you toward our “Safe Zones”, menus designed specifically to eliminate risk while keeping the “wow” factor high.

Need a menu that is 100% safe and 100% delicious? Browse our dedicated Gluten-Free Catering Collection here and give your team the peace of mind they deserve.

It is the modern Office Manager’s nightmare. You have a critical strategy meeting booked for 12 PM. The calendar invite says 15 attendees.

• Five are dialing in from home.
• Three might “pop in” if their other meeting finishes early.
• Seven are definitely in the room.

In the old days, you’d order a mixed sandwich platter for 15 and call it a day. But in 2026, ordering a large shared platter for a hybrid meeting is a recipe for disaster. If the “maybe” guests don’t show, you’re left with a mountain of wasted food. If everyone shows up, the “remote” participants watch awkwardly as the in-room team struggles with messy tongs and shared plates.

The dynamic has changed, and your catering strategy needs to change with it.

The solution isn’t to stop feeding the team; it’s to switch your format. Enter Individual Catering.

Why the “Shared Platter” is No Longer Good for Hybrid Meetings

Don’t get us wrong, we love a grazing table for a party. But for a boardroom meeting where half the team is on a screen, shared platters create friction.

1. The “Ghost” Headcount: If you order a platter for 10 and only 6 people are in the room, the leftovers sit there, sweating and unappealing.
2. The “Clatter” Factor: There is nothing worse for remote participants than hearing the clatter of plates, tongs, and unwrapping foil while they are trying to present.
3. Hygiene Anxiety: Post-2020, many people are still (rightfully) wary of communal food in small, enclosed meeting rooms.

The Solution: The “One-Box” Strategy

The most effective way to cater for a hybrid meeting in Brisbane is to switch to individual, self-contained portions. This solves the logistical headache instantly.

If a staff member calls in sick or decides to work from home last minute, their “Box” doesn’t go to waste. It remains sealed, hygienic, and can be easily given to another colleague or taken home by someone else for dinner.

Here are the three best formats for this strategy:

1. The “Ego Bowl” (For the Health-Conscious Team)

If your team is trying to avoid the post-lunch slump, heavy bread-based platters are the enemy.

The Fix: Individual Poke Bowls or Salad Bowls. These are compact, mess-free, and quiet to eat. Options like a Mexican Chicken & Rice or a Vegan Falafel Bowl look professional on a boardroom table and don’t require awkward plating up.

• Why it works: It signals to the team that you care about their wellness, not just “filling a gap.”

2. The Individual Lunch Box (The All-Rounder)

Sometimes, you just need a classic lunch that covers all bases.

The Fix: A curated box containing a gourmet sandwich (e.g., Turkey & Cranberry on Sourdough), a fruit cup, and a small sweet treat.

• Why it works: It feels like a “gift.” Opening a personal box is a better psychological experience for staff than picking the last egg sandwich off a tray. It also creates a clear start and end to the meal, keeping the meeting running on time.

3. The “Dietary Safe” Zone

Managing Gluten-Free (GF), Dairy-Free (DF), and Vegan requirements on a shared platter is a minefield of cross-contamination risks.

The Fix: With individual boxes, Jane’s Coeliac-safe salad is sealed and labelled specifically for her. There is zero risk of a stray crumb from a bread roll landing in her meal. This creates a level of psychological safety that allows your team to focus on the meeting, not their allergies.

Making Remote Staff Feel Included

One of the biggest complaints from remote employees is feeling like “second-class citizens” during hybrid sessions. While you can’t teleport food to their home office instantly, you can acknowledge the disparity.

Pro Tip: If you have a regular monthly All-Hands meeting, consider sending your remote workers a “Coffee Voucher” or a small snack hamper quarterly. It’s a small gesture that says, “We know you aren’t here for the lunch, but we value you.”

The Bottom Line

Hybrid meetings are unpredictable; your catering shouldn’t be. By switching to individual boxes and pots, you eliminate waste, improve hygiene, and make the Executive Assistant’s life infinitely easier.

Planning your next boardroom session? Ditch the guesswork. Browse our range of Corporate Lunch Options and ensure every team member—present or planned—gets a perfect meal.

The grazing platter is no longer just a trend; it’s a staple of modern entertaining and a cornerstone of premium catering in Brisbane. It’s an interactive, stunning centrepiece that invites guests to mingle and explore a feast of flavours and textures.

Whether you’re planning a sophisticated corporate launch, a casual office get-together, or a milestone birthday party, a well-executed grazing platter sets the entire tone.

But what separates an average “cheese board” from a truly show-stopping grazing platter? The secret is a deliberate, thoughtful balance of variety, ratio, and presentation. As Brisbane catering specialists, here is our expert guide to building the optimal platter for your next event.

1. The Foundation: Building Your Variety

A great platter offers a journey of complementary and contrasting flavours. You want something for every palate, ensuring each bite is a new discovery.

Cheeses (3-5 types): The Stars of the Show

This is the heart of your platter. Aim for a mix of textures and milks (cow, goat, sheep).

• The Soft & Creamy: A crowd-pleasing double or triple-cream brie, or a rich camembert.
• The Firm & Nutty: An aged cheddar, a nutty Comté or Gruyère, or a firm Manchego.
• The Bold & Blue: A wedge of tangy Gorgonzola or a creamy Roquefort. (Pro Tip: Place this slightly separate with its own knife to prevent its strong flavour from transferring).
• The Fresh & Tangy: A soft goat’s chèvre (often rolled in herbs) or a fresh ricotta drizzled with honey.

Cured Meats (2-4 types): The Savoury Anchor

• The Salty Classic: Prosciutto di Parma, sliced paper-thin.
• The Peppery Staple: A firm, high-quality salami or sopressa, thinly sliced.
• The Spicy Kick: A mild, cured chorizo.
• The Rich Extra: A smooth, decadent pâté or a coarse terrine.

Dips & Spreads (2-3 types): The Flavour Boosters

• Creamy: Hommus (hummus), beetroot dip, or a whipped feta and herb dip.
• Sweet: Quince paste (a classic for hard cheese), fig jam, or a local Brisbane honey.
• Savoury/Zesty: Olive tapenade or a tangy tomato relish.

Crackers & Bread (3-4 types): The Vessels

• The Neutral: Wafer-thin water crackers or simple lavosh.
• The Textured: Seeded or whole-grain crackers.
• The Robust: Grissini (breadsticks) or small slices of fresh, crusty baguette.

2. The Balance: Getting the Ratios Right

This is where most DIY platters go wrong. An optimal platter is balanced, not just a pile of ingredients. Use this simple rule for a perfectly balanced board.

The 60/30/10 Rule for Optimal Grazing:

• 60% Savoury & Rich: This is the core of your platter. It includes all your cheeses, cured meats, and savoury dips (like hommus). This is what provides substance.
• 30% Vessels & ‘Fillers’: This includes all your crackers, bread, and breadsticks. These items are the delivery system for the main event.
• 10% Sweet & Acidic ‘Highlights’: This is the crucial balancing act! This 10% includes all your fresh fruits (grapes, berries), dried fruits, sweet jams, honey, and your acidic “palate cleansers” like olives and cornichons (mini gherkins).

This ratio ensures you have enough “highlight” flavours to cut through the richness of the cheese and meat, keeping your guests coming back for more.

3. The Art of Presentation: Making it Look Abundant

How your platter looks is just as important as how it tastes. This is what creates the “wow-factor” for your catering in Brisbane. The key is to make it look full, abundant, and effortlessly stylish.

1. Start with the Anchors: Place your cheeses and any bowls (for dips/olives) on the board first. Spread them out to create different focal points.
2. Add the Meats: Don’t just lay slices flat. Create visual interest. Fold salami slices into quarters or “rosettes,” and drape prosciutto loosely in “rivers” or bunches.
3. Position Your Vessels: Fan out crackers in a few different spots, and stand breadsticks up in a small glass or jar for height.
4. Fill Every Gap (This is the Secret!): This is what creates that look of abundance. Use your “highlight” ingredients to fill every single empty space.
   • Tuck clusters of grapes and berries between cheeses.
   • Fill small gaps with nuts (almonds, walnuts) and dried fruits (apricots, figs).
   • Weave in your acidic items like cornichons and olives.
5. Garnish Last: Add the final professional touch. Tuck in a few sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme. They add a beautiful, aromatic green and make the whole platter look complete.

Grazing Tables vs. Grazing Boxes: Which is Right for Your Event?

Deciding on the perfect format for your catering in Brisbane often comes down to scale, style, and convenience.

• Grazing Tables: For large-scale events, weddings, or grand corporate receptions, a grazing table is the ultimate statement. It becomes an interactive, immersive centrepiece for your entire event, designed to cater for a large crowd over several hours.
• Grazing Boxes: For smaller gatherings, office lunches, picnics, or as a convenient, high-impact gift, a grazing box is the perfect solution. It delivers all the wow-factor, balance, and variety of a large platter in a perfectly curated, ready-to-serve package.

Take the Hassle Out of Your Brisbane Catering

As you can see, crafting the optimal grazing platter is a true art form. It requires careful planning, sourcing of premium ingredients, and a keen eye for presentation.

If your event calls for a stunning spread, but your schedule doesn’t allow for hours of shopping, slicing, and styling, that’s where we come in. At My Alter Ego, we live and breathe this. We specialise in creating beautiful, delicious, and perfectly balanced catering for Brisbane events, big and small.

We take the hassle out of hosting so you can focus on your guests.

Ready to impress at your next event?

Order Your Perfect Grazing Box or Inquire About a Grazing Table Today!

As the person in charge of organising the food for your office, you know it’s often the most stressful part of planning an event. Whether it’s a high-stakes client lunch or an all-day staff training, a lot is riding on you to get it right.

That’s where a great partner for corporate catering makes all the difference.

This isn’t just another ‘how-to’ guide. This is a practical checklist with the key questions you need to ask. Use this to vet your options and find a reliable partner for your next corporate event or function in Brisbane.

 1. How fast is their response time?

Why this matters: We’ve all been there. You send an enquiry and then… silence. If a caterer is slow to respond when you’re trying to give them money, imagine the panic on the day of the event when you have an urgent question. A slow response time is a major red flag for unreliability.

What to look for: You’re a professional, and you deserve a partner who respects your time. A 24-hour reply is the bare minimum. A truly professional office catering service will get back to you in just a couple of hours, with a clear, detailed quote that answers all your questions.

2. Is the food made fresh on the day?

Why this matters: You can spot a sandwich that was made yesterday a mile away. The bread is a bit stiff, the fillings look tired, and it just feels… uninspiring. It’s not the impression you want to give to important clients or your hardworking team.

What to look for: Ask this question directly: “When is your food prepared?” The only answer you should accept is “fresh on the day of the event.” This is the secret to a vibrant, delicious, and impressive corporate lunch. It shows a commitment to quality over cutting corners.

3. Is there variety beyond the standard sandwich platter?

Why this matters: “Not another sandwich platter.” We’ve all heard it, or at least seen the look. Relying on the same old menu for every corporate event catering opportunity makes your events feel flat and uninspired.

What to look for: A great menu should be flexible and exciting. Look for a caterer who can go beyond the basics. Do they offer a wide range of options, like:

• Hot food (gourmet mini pies, arancini, sausage rolls)
• Fresh, seasonal fruit platters
• Vibrant, healthy salads
• Impressive cheese and grazing platters
• A selection of sweets, cakes, and slices for afternoon tea

Why not check out our range of options that are sure to supercharge your event and impress your guests

• Explore our Hot Food Catering Menu
• See our impressive Grazing Platters
• Satisfy a client’s sweet tooth with our Dessert Options

4. How seriously do they take dietary requirements?

Why this matters: This isn’t just a preference; it’s a critical health and safety issue. In modern office catering, flawlessly managing vegan, gluten-free, and specific allergy needs is non-negotiable. Providing a “sad salad” for your vegan guest just isn’t good enough.

What to look for: You need a specialist, not a generalist. Look for a caterer with a dedicated, specialist menu for dietary needs. Are all items clearly and individually labelled? Do they package meals separately to prevent cross-contamination? This is the sign of a true professional.

This is so important to us, we built a whole menu for it. Discover our dedicated Gluten-Free, Vegan & Vegetarian Offerings here.

5. What’s included in the delivery and setup?

Why this matters: This is the hidden stressor. The food arrives, but it’s in cardboard boxes at your building’s reception. Suddenly, you’re scrambling for plates, cutlery, napkins, and serving tongs, all while your meeting is about to start. That’s not a service; that’s a stressful project.

What to look for: Ask for a “zero-hassle” delivery. This means they deliver to your floor, on ready-to-serve platters. All necessary serving utensils, high-quality plates, and napkins should be included. This is what complete corporate event catering looks like.

Your Plan for a Stress-Free Event

Organising corporate catering in Brisbane doesn’t have to be a stressful part of your job. By asking these five simple questions, you can confidently find a partner who will make you look like a hero.

Ready to find a caterer that ticks every box?

Contact My Alter Ego today – we’re ready to show you how easy it can be.

There’s an undeniable charm in hosting a party right in the comfort of your own home. The familiar surroundings, the personal touch, and the warm ambiance all contribute to an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner, a lively game night, or a full-blown celebration, this blog will guide you through the best ways to host a party at home, ensuring a fantastic time for you and your guests.

Plan with Purpose!

Every successful party begins with a well-thought-out plan. Start by defining the purpose of your gathering. Is it a birthday celebration, a casual get-together, or a themed event? Determine your guest list, the party’s atmosphere, and any special requirements. Creating a clear vision from the outset will help you make informed decisions as you move forward.

Choose a Theme 

Selecting a theme adds an extra layer of excitement to your party. Themes can range from simple color schemes to elaborate concepts. Whether it’s a retro ’80s bash, a tropical luau, or a classy black and white affair, a theme ties all elements of your party together, from decor and invitations to food and attire.

Send Invitations:

Digital or paper, invitations set the tone for your event. Personalize your invites to reflect the theme and mood of the party. Use creative wording and include essential details like date, time, location, dress code, and RSVP instructions. Platforms like Evite or Canva make it easy to design and send eye-catching digital invitations.

Delightful Decor:

Transform your home into a festive wonderland with carefully chosen decorations. Decor should resonate with your theme and create a welcoming atmosphere. Think about table centerpieces, banners, balloons, and lighting. Don’t forget the small details, like themed napkins, coasters, and even scented candles to enhance the ambiance.

Culinary Creations:

Food and drinks are central to any memorable party. Consider the size of your guest list when planning the menu. Opt for a mix of appetizers, finger foods, and main courses that cater to various dietary preferences. If you’re short on time, consider catering or ordering from local restaurants. Don’t forget to offer a variety of beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, to suit everyone’s tastes.

Entertainment Extravaganza:

Keep your guests engaged and entertained with activities that align with your theme. Depending on the nature of your party, you might include games, karaoke, a DIY craft station, or a photo booth. Music is a must-have – create playlists that match the vibe, or consider hiring a local DJ to keep the dance floor hopping.

Comfort is Key:

Ensure your guests are comfortable throughout the party. Set up cozy seating areas, provide ample pillows and throws, and create designated spaces for socializing, eating, and dancing. If you have outdoor space, consider setting up a lounge area or stringing fairy lights for a magical touch.

Gratitude and Favors:

Show your appreciation to your guests for sharing the special occasion with you. Consider party favors that tie into your theme – it could be personalized mementos, succulents, or even homemade treats. A heartfelt thank-you note or a group photo shared after the event adds a personal touch that guests will treasure.

Hosting a party at home is an art that requires careful planning, creativity, and a sprinkle of personal flair. By following these top tips, you’re well on your way to throwing a memorable gathering that your friends and family will be talking about for years to come. So, roll out the welcome mat and let the festivities begin!

Cheese and cured meats are a match made in culinary heaven. Whether you’re an adventurous foodie or a casual connoisseur, the combination of these two gastronomic delights is sure to tantalize your taste buds and in this blog, we will embark on a journey to discover the rich and diverse flavours of cheese and explore the art of pairing it with perfectly cured meats. So, grab a cheese board and get ready to indulge in a symphony of flavours!

The World of Cheese

Cheese is one of the most beloved and versatile foods on the planet. With a myriad of flavours, textures, and aromas, cheese offers endless possibilities for culinary exploration like soft and creamy Brie or a tangy and crumbly feta, each type of cheese has its own distinct character.

Some popular varieties include Cheddar, Gouda, Camembert, Roquefort, Parmesan, and many more. Each type of cheese undergoes a unique process of fermentation and aging, resulting in a delightful range of flavours. Whether you prefer mild and delicate or bold and pungent, there’s a cheese out there for every palate.

The Art of Curing Meats

Cured meats, on the other hand, add a savoury and salty dimension to any culinary experience. Curing is an age-old method of preserving meats by removing moisture and adding flavours through the use of salt, spices, and time. This process results in meats that are rich, intense, and bursting with umami.

Some popular cured meats include prosciutto, salami, chorizo, pancetta, and bresaola. Each type boasts its own unique taste profile, ranging from smoky and robust to delicate and nuanced. The craft of curing meats requires skill and patience, as it takes time to achieve the perfect balance of flavours.

The Perfect Pairing

When it comes to pairing cheese and cured meats, the possibilities are endless. The key is to create harmonious combinations

that complement and enhance each other’s flavours. Here are some classic pairings to inspire your next cheese and cured meat platter:

1. Brie and Prosciutto: The creamy and buttery notes of Brie beautifully contrast with the delicate saltiness of thinly sliced prosciutto. This combination is a match made in heaven.
2. Blue Cheese and Salami: The sharp and tangy flavours of blue cheese pair wonderfully with the rich and savoury taste of salami. The contrasting textures create a delightful mouthfeel.
3. Goat Cheese and Chorizo: The earthy and slightly acidic flavours of goat cheese balance perfectly with the smoky and spicy notes of chorizo. This pairing offers a delightful explosion of flavours.
4. Gouda and Pancetta: The nutty and caramelized taste of Gouda complements the crispy and salty qualities of pancetta. This pairing is a crowd-pleaser.

Experimenting with different combinations is part of the fun. Consider the intensity of flavours, textures, and even the regional origins of both the cheese and cured meats to create a well-rounded and balanced platter.

Cheese and cured meats are a dynamic duo that can elevate any dining experience. The interplay between various flavours, textures, and aromas creates a sensory adventure for your palate. From the creamy goodness of Brie to the smoky allure of prosciutto, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

So, the next time you’re planning a gathering or simply want to treat yourself, be sure to indulge in the delightful combination of cheese and cured meats. Your taste buds will thank you for the unforgettable experience of exploring the mouth watering world of flavours that awaits.

We regard ourselves as one of the premier caterers is Brisbane specialising in cheese and charcuterie boards. Check out our products here:

https://www.myalterego.com.au/grazing-boxes/

When all else fails. Cheese.

Fromage, queso, juust, keju, branza…no matter what language you say it in, cheese is love. Period. Full stop. End of discussion because I’m just about to eat some more love. Give me a moment to savour that sweet savoury cheesey love <3

Right….now that we are back to reality (because let’s face it, delighting in cheese allows you to step away from reality for brief moments of pure joy), you’re probably wondering why we at MAE are all about the cheese.

It’s quite simple really….cheese is the ultimate uniter. In the thousands of events we have run for our people, the cheese section of our tables and spreads are where everyone gravitates to first. Grab some lavosh, knife off a few chunks of cheese, turn to the person next to you, and start the talk about favourite types of cheese, favourite wine and chocolate to pair with cheese, why life would be utterly dismal without cheese…and suddenly…you have made a new friend!

From Brie’s to Stilton’s, to Blue over Swiss and back around to the old favourite; Camembert. Cheese just makes you feel good. In fact, our old buddies at Michigan University have scientifically proven that the brain’s receptors are triggered by the high levels of casein in cheese. Which translates to the same kind of high you find in a white powder commonly available in Mexico…so go with cheese every time people because a) cheese is not illegal or b) harmful to your nervous system!

To close out our cheese fest blog, let us present you with some chedderiffic facts about this divine dairy deliciousness:

• Somewhere between 7500 and 6000 BC is when the first cheese was made….that’s old!
• High in protein, cheese can actually help you maintain a healthy weight, as snacking on cheese in moderation will help you avoid snacking on junk food. Woohoo!
• Hard cheese is (almost) completely lactose free! Yes, its true…hard cheese contain pretty much none of the natural sugar found in milk. Indeed, many cheeses are happily low in lactose (but always check with your Doctor if you are not sure).
• Mice don’t really like cheese! Mind….blown! Tom and Jerry much prefer sugary sweet snacks, according to a 2006 study…which is fine because that’s more for us to eat!
• Like fruit, cheese ripens. If you are selecting soft wheel cheeses like camembert and brie, squeeze them gently like an avocado. Just like an avo, if they are hard, they are not ready to be eaten. You can thank us at our next event for that tip.

Our final word before we go back to munching on cheese and some cheeky grapes….MAE selects cheese from local suppliers and farms wherever possible. Why? Because even though we know French made cheese has a great reputation, so do the incredible cheeses from our local QLD farms and we support local in every way that we can. From farm to plate is great mate and something we at MAE celebrate!

Remember the old double tier tea trolley that your grandma had sitting in her lounge room that was filled with doilies, antique crockery and those little collectable spoons hanging on the wall? We do! That old tea trolley was actually what corporate catering used to look like waaaaaaaaaay back when…we are talking WWII way back when. Tea Ladies were a thing and they used to trundle along with their trolleys from cubicle to cubicle with tea, coffee, cakes and biccies. Too retro cute for words really….but oh my, how corporate catering has changed!

Today the corporate breakfast or lunch is no longer a time to make small chit chat and talk about the weather. In a world riddled with tribes, kanbans and agile, and inundated with techs, disrupters and start-ups, the boring breakfast and lunch meetings have now become thriving idea hubs. And what gets creative juices flowing best at work??….Great food!

The My Alter Ego Team has been privileged to cater for an incredible range of corporate companies who realise that getting the best ideas out of their people needs the best food presented in a way that says, ‘we care about you and we are going to show you we care with this amazing spread!” We think food and catering done right is a brilliant way to show your people you care….and we’ve seen first-hand that one of the best way to an employee’s heart is through their stomach!

As corporate branding becomes even more important to organisations looking to impress, deliver Instagram worthy product launches and seal killer deals, we’ve seen a rise in event planners and executive assistants expecting the crème de la crème of corporate catering, which we deliver time and time again. Our grazing platters have raised the bench in corporate catering because they offer not just an uber cool look to your event, they are loaded with a huge array of locally sourced delectables (yep….we just made that word up) for your people to nibble, munch and devour their way through as they socialise, schmooze and incubate ideas and strategies.

The My Alter Ego team are expert level in delivering incredible catering experiences for the corporate world. You will be wowed, your team will feel loved, and your clients won’t know whether to shake your hand for arranging such a great event or use that free hand to fill another plate!

xoxoXo

The My Alter Ego Team