Ferris wheel, giant dragon, silent disco, ice sculpture… What do all of these things have in common? They were features of MPI’s (Meeting Professionals International) Annual World Education Congress Conference Gala at City Hall. Catering this huge event may be a lot of work, but it’s something we really look forward to every year. The glitz and glamour of the event wows us each time and this year was no different.
The setting sun and colorful sky made the perfect backdrop to start the evening with our savory creations available from the many food stations placed in front of City Hall. For instance, we served the best of San Francisco’s creative, upscale gourmet street cuisine with our Poutinerie and for those who wanted to experience the flavors of the far east, the Indian Piadini station was the place to go.
Once the sun fully set and a slight chill hit the air the Rickshaw Stop station became a bustling hub where guests chatted away while enjoying warm and savory cups of Togarashi-Marinated Pork Ramen and Vegetable and Tofu Ramen.
As guests made their way from the festivities outside into the elegant and expansive rooms of City Hall, they were greeted to the sight of a gorgeous ice sculpture by Clear Memories, of the San Francisco skyline surrounded by the Seafood Crudo Station, reminiscent of the tastes and flavors of Hayes Valley. Throughout the night, guests sampled butler-passed hors d’oeuvres while enjoying the harmonious sounds of the string instruments playing classical music on the dramatic steps of the rotunda.
In the South Light Court, the very best in jazz was experienced in the form of music and edibles. A band played smooth and soulful tunes while our servers eagerly served from the Fillmore Jazz Inspired Favorites station and the Profiterole Bar.
Stepping across the rotunda into the North Light Court, the atmosphere got groovy with neon lights, a funky band and our far-out On Haight Street station serving up Habañero Sunrise Chicken, Ropa Vieja, and Plantanos Maduros. Also available were bowls of Jicama and Strawberry Salad which were perfect to hold while boogying down to the tunes and being transported to the bygone, psychedelic times of Haight Ashbury.
The Affogato Bar opened up later in the evening to give guests a nice jolt with creamy creations of gelato topped with liqueur and espresso.
Guests were treated to a pyrotechnic show with a Crème Brûleé Trio served in egg cups and individually set ablaze before served. This turned out to be quite the photo-op as phones were out in abundance and flashes lit up the room like a Hollywood premier.
As if all of this weren’t enough, guests enjoyed jovial rides on the Ferris wheel, the quiet fun of a silent disco and dancing the night away to the different DJs and bands scattered throughout the event.
Once again, MPI did an amazing job of creating a night to remember. Nothing about this evening was ordinary and we wouldn’t have it any other way!
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