Event Versace-themed cocktail party and dinner
Organiser Tomson Riviera
Venue Tomson Riviera Club, Shanghai
Catering InterContinental Pudong
Group size 100
Date November 18, 2009



The brief
Tomson Riviera, a real estate company in Shanghai, wanted to organise a cocktail and set-menu dinner party to announce its first Versace Suite. Tomson Riviera briefed InterContinental Pudong’s catering team to create the evening’s menu.

Challenges
As part of the same group, the Tomson Riviera Club was the natural choice to host the event and launch the suite to 100 guests including embassy officers, public figures and celebrities.

The client requested a Western influenced five-course dinner, but the kitchen at the Tomson Riviera Club has limited equipment with basic facilities for Chinese cooking. This was a challenge for the hotel’s catering team who were tasked with creating the menu.

The kitchen space was too small for food preparation and, as the kitchen and dinner hall are located at different levels, it was difficult to deliver the dishes hot while also ensuring the quality of service.

Expectations from Tomson Riviera were high and therefore excellent organisational skills, professional service and a high standard of catering were paramount.

Multiple site inspections were carried out to ascertain the best way to cater for the event. All related Western catering equipment was transported from the InterContinental hotel to the club, and the kitchen was reconfigured.

A VIP room closest to the kitchen was turned into a food preparation room and intensive training was given to all service staff , including the planned dish delivery route and a full rehearsal beforehand.

Execution
The theme of the evening was Versace and during the event guests visited the 915 sqm Versace Suite, which overlooks the Shanghai skyline. Drinks were served beforehand and a welcome speech was given during the dinner.

The hotel created the five-course menu, which included lobster bisque, roasted beef shank and chocolate tiramisu. Themed decorations with rose and crystal glassware were used to create an elegant and private dining atmosphere for the high-end event.

Comment
Spencer Fang, resident manager of Tomson Riviera says: “Our customers were most satisfied with the event. The food was nice, the service great and the catering team of InterContinental Pudong Shanghai have proved yet again to be professional and friendly.”