On July 29th, A Legendary Event received the following awards from the National Association of Catering Executives at their national conference in Charlotte, North Carolina. 1) Best Catered Event with a budget above $75,000. We constructed a 40′ x 100′ on-site kitchen at Atlantic Station in order to prepare, plate, and serve an amazing 3200 plates in 90 minutes for the Atlanta High Museum Wine Auction Gala Dinner. Apparently, the National Association of Catering Executives also thought this was a pretty amazing feat.
Our sumptuously southern menu was composed by some of the Southeast’s premier restaurant chefs—Chef Todd Richards of Kentucky’s Oakroom, Chef Hugh Acheson of Athens Georgia’s Five and Ten, Chef Mike Lata of Fig, and Atlanta Chefs Gerry Klaskala and Chef Kathryn King, both from restaurant Aria. Each dinner course was paired with fine wines by renowned vintner guests of such acclaim as Burgundy wine-maker Alex Gambal and Central California’s Joseph Davis.
2) Best Guest Table Presentation of the Year. We created a “Sustainable Table” for DIFFA’s (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS) Dining by Design Gala Dinner. Since we were emerging from a long drought, we wanted to send a strong message of conservation by using plants such as succulents, cacti, and kale that are self-sustaining by living off the moisture of their own leaf systems. Some of the plants we incorporated into our design, such as Tillandsia, are able to grow in rocks, trees, pottery, and even in mid air. Our over all message by creating a sustainable table was the importance of being more conscious when using natural resources along with the importance of recognizing the inherent beauty of nature. This table concept has since drawn lots of attention and was even featured in the May issue of Delta Sky Magazine.
3) Best Event Production of the Year with a budget below $25,000. In addition to winning the award for Best Guest Table Presentation we were also thrilled to be recognized with an award for Best Event Production for the same event. Each year, this particular event raises approximately $300,000 for organizations dedicated to AIDS research, education, and outreach. This event, featuring 40 custom table environments created by top national and regional designers is a remarkable display of cutting-edge creativity and concern. We’re honored to be able to play a significant role. Guests are given a sneak peek at the collection of elaborate table designs at the Preview Cocktail Party. The following evening’s Dining by Design Gala dinner features delicious hand passed hors d’oeuvres followed by a three course five star menu. After dinner, guests engage in a silent auction, table-hopping, and after dinner cocktails.
