Does food have to look and taste good, or just be good?

I believe presentation makes a very big difference. Firstly, a well presented meal on a nicely laid table sets the attitude. Soft soothing instrumental or piano music in the background improves it even more (at least for our age group) A plain and simple meal can be made to look like a feast and will become more enjoyable. The placement of colours on the plate make a difference to the general appearance. Of course, the best ingredient of all is a happy disposition and enjoyable company. Happy eating!

People do not eat only with their mouth. They eat first with their nose, by which I mean that if it smells good their mouth is already starting to enjoy it. They eat second with their eyes, which means that if it looks good their mouth is already enjoying it. They eat third with their mouth, which means that if their eyes and their nose have already decided that it is good to eat, their mouth can be fooled. I hope this answered your question.

I think the presentation of a meal can make it just that much more enjoyable. I do believe presentation is important especially when entertaining. Cheers!

Guess I'm from the 'chaotic jumble' school of bachelor cooking... ;-) It doesn't have to look good, but it does have to taste good (or at least NOT taste bad) I try to make nutritious meals in a short amount of time, which doesn't leave a lot of time for style and presentation.

I take pride in how a meal looks as well as how it tastes. Appearance is alot for some people, but if I'm making a goulash type meal or mixed rice and veggies, it isn't going to look beautiful, but you can still make it look appetizing.

If the food looks good before it is placed on the plate, it is good enough to eat. Of course the aroma has to be just as appealing. When it goes on the plate it does not have to look like it was plated by a 4 star chef. But, I don't want it dumped into a pile. I get a little perturbed when my husband serves say the mashed potatoes. He will just spoon it on the plate and let it land anywhere. I am not picky about foods touching each other, but don't pile them atop one another either. My mother used to tell us when we were kids to shut up and eat, it all ends up in the same place.

Look good and taste good. Presentation is a big factor in serving food. It also shows the personality of the person who is preparing.

I think it should look at least 'inviting', but not professionally pretty in order for me to eat it. I have eaten some 'designer' meals that were neither filling or tasty, and some other meals that were just "down home" that were like ambrosia.