46 I Taste
Eventful food
Quirky catering themes are on the rise, injecting an element of fun into business events and keeping delegates inspired, reports Valerian Ho
L
et’s be honest: even at the
most stimulating conferences, we all
breathe a sigh of relief
when it’s time for a coffee break. A tasty nibble and a hit of caffeine can do wonders to stave off jet lag and help us recharge for round two. But aside from providing sustenance, food can make all the difference between a show-stopper and a snooze-fest. Which are you most likely to remember in a year’s time: the keynote address on ROI, or the edible light bulbs during a coffee break...?
Keeping business delegates engaged during and after an event is a constant battle, and increasingly, it’s a fight that’s being won with culinary innovation. Here we round up some quirky F&B themes spotted in hotels around the region.
PLAYFUL PRESENTATION Haute couture is the eye-catching theme of The Mira Hong Kong’s “Fashion Plate” option. The food station is transformed into a designer studio, complete with mannequin, accessories and a 20 per cent off retail sign. Tasty treats such as the spicy Oh La La lollipops dangle from hangers, while other couture nibbles are stacked neatly on the shelves. At Bangkok’s Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers a mad
NOVEMBER 2017
scientist’s laboratory awaits with a zany science-themed coffee break. Expect test tubes loaded with mini fruit salads and measuring cylinders filled with sweet treats. You can even get involved in the experiment by transferring wasabi onto your salmon and avocado sushi rolls via pipette, or using syringes loaded with a spicy Sichuan dressing to transform your pan-fried scallop tartlets. Truly artistic creations can be found at Shangri-La’s Far Eastern Plaza Hotel, Taipei with paint-and- easel-inspired desserts, paintbrush- shaped sweets and miniature edible works of art. A DIY station is also on hand to create your own cupcake masterpiece with multicoloured icing sugar.
BLOCKBUSTER MOMENT Movie-themed events are always a favourite, adding an instant touch of glamour to proceedings. The Sofitel Guangzhou Sunrich takes this to another level with its Blues Brothers party package – it’s not just the wait staff sporting a black-and-white dress code; the food is also strictly monochrome, with a musical riff for good measure. From the “rock star” mini burgers in black buns and ink- stained ravioli to the white chocolate fountain and dark chocolate guitars, this is one stylish spread.
At Pullman Bangkok Hotel G the superhero genre is a firm favourite – particularly with a younger crowd. In the Marvel- themed coffee break, you’ll be reaching past the Hulk’s fist or Captain America’s shield to retrieve a range of power-boosting drinks from Red Bull to Lucozade. Alternatively, you might fall down the rabbit hole into the whimsical world of Alice in Wonderland. This fantastical setup features oversized candy canes and toadstools guarded by the White Rabbit, while guests can indulge in a variety of brightly coloured savoury treats one would expect at the Mad Hatter’s tea party.
TASTE OF CULTURE A sad fact of business travel is that often the closest we get to experience new cultures is whatever is presented in the airport, hotel or meetings we attend. On the upside, a number of business events are now focusing on themed breaks that offer an authentic window into local culture.
Above left: A palette of treats at Shangri-La’s Far Eastern Plaza in Taipei
Main picture: Culinary chemistry at Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers in Bangkok
businesstraveller.com
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