F & B : Meetings and banquets
The Fairmont Chateau Whistler ’ s Chocolate Smash Station invites guests to take a swing at sheets of house-infused chocolate .
GatherinGs to remember
Hotels are constantly challenging themselves to come up with creative themes for interactive breaks , and increasingly , themed events focus on a perennial favorite snack or sugar rush .
The Fairmont Chateau Whistler in British Columbia , Canada , enables guests to channel their energy or work out their meeting frustrations at the Chocolate Smash Station by taking a swing with wooden hammers at hanging sheets of house-infused chocolate .
The Tides Inn in Irvington , Virginia , suggests groups unwind at a reception showcasing s ’ mores and spiked coffee . Set fireside , the event allows attendees to craft one-of-a-kind s ’ more creations such as “ the Elvis Presley ” made with graham crackers , bananas , peanut butter and toasted marshmallow or “ the Candy Apple ” with graham crackers , green apple slices , chocolate-covered caramel and toasted marshmallow .
The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn , California , meanwhile , offers guests the
chance to try a new sport , the Authentic Grape Stomp . This activity involves no dress code other than bare feet and casual attire . Each participant is encouraged to experience the sensuality of grapes squishing between their toes while fellow team members push the grapes through a filter and into jugs . The team with the most juice wins fabulous wine awards , while individuals showing unique talent receive prizes as well . All participants receive a custom-designed grape stomp pin as a reminder of their day in the barrel .
For those who want to get involved
Beverage creativity for meetings menus encompasses everything from ice cubes to post-meeting mixology sessions .
with wine in a more traditional way , The Stafford London ’ s 17th-century working wine cellars can accommodate up to 44 guests for a seated lunch or dinner with wine tasting as the main event or an aperitif . Master Sommelier Gino Nardella hosts the wine tasting among more than 8,000 bottles stored in the cellars and can make the event formal or informal , themed or tasted blind to add a competitive aspect to the evening .
Drinks with a difference Meetings menu creativity extends to beverages , too . Ice cubes are a must for most cold beverages , but the latest is to make them into a vessel that adds flavor as well . Herb- or fruit-infused cubes enhance both alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks and add a whole new layer of taste . At Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale in Arizona , ice cubes are infused with house-made syrups , bitters , herb and citrus rinds as well as fruits , so the traditional Manhattan cherry garnish moves from the rim to the ice cube to chill the drink , enhancing the flavor and delighting the eye .
And at the end of the day , for companies looking to reward employees or groups seeking an interactive respite , the Carlton Hotel in New York City offers Post-Meeting Mixology in partnership with Millesime , the hotel ’ s French brasserie . The session , which includes a private cocktail demonstration and an open bar for one hour , can be arranged for 10 to 100 people .
38 HOTELS October2014 www . hotelsmag . com