F & B : MEETINGS & EVENTS
OFF
THE BEATEN
PATH
From food trucks to handmade chocolate , rooftop spaces to local breweries , hotels are taking meetings and events in completely new directions .
By Ann Bagel Storck , managing editor
Los Angeles is one of the birthplaces of the food truck movement — one of today ’ s hottest culinary trends — so when JW Marriott Los Angeles L . A . LIVE was looking to offer groups a truly “ Angeleno ” experience , food trucks were the perfect fit .
“ We are seeing more meeting planners looking to incorporate local or destination-driven culinary experiences into their itineraries ,” says Allison Williams , the hotel ’ s assistant director , food & beverage . “ Event F & B is no longer just about serving delicious food , but also how to showcase regional flavors and trends for a unique meal .”
For its Gourmet Food Truck Lunch offering , JW Marriott Los Angeles L . A . LIVE ’ s events team works with meeting planners to determine which trucks to feature — participating
The Gourmet Food Truck Lunch option at JW Marriott Los Angeles L . A . LIVE is especially popular for multi-day conferences , according to the hotel , since it provides a change of pace and a chance for interaction among meeting attendees .
trucks have included the Kogi BBQ Truck , Baby ’ s Badass Burgers and Get Shaved Shave Ice — and how many items to include per truck menu . Trucks park alongside the hotel ’ s convention center drive or adjacent event deck , and guests order from the trucks just as they would on the street . Williams says three groups have selected the food truck option since it debuted about a year ago , and one of the hotel ’ s sister properties in Austin , Texas , is consider a similar offering with trucks in its area .
www . hotelsmag . com December 2012 HOTELS 47