We have just returned from our annual sojourn to the Catersource Conference & Tradeshow in vibrant Las Vegas for 4+ days of learning and networking, exciting events, real-world applications of the latest trends, techniques and ideas in catering. Lots of 'classroom' time -- great speakers and demonstrations! I was even able to join a behind-the-scenes tour of the kitchen facilities at The Venetian Hotel.
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Tuesday evening we attended ANTHOLOGY, a special Catersource food event designed to ignite our imagination. There were over 125 menu items presented in spectacular fashion at the Grand Ballroom of Bally's Hotel. It was truly a feast for all the senses!
In the center of the ballroom was an enormous round buffet that sprouted a living centerpiece in the middle: a combination of larger-than-life design and live performers. This was a New Traditional Buffet— chafers, carving stations and all—divided into three different looks with the same menu to give you multiple presentation ideas.
When It Rains featured umbrella tables holding a multitude of delicacies served up on plates and vessels made of pressed leaves.
The plates are made only of fallen leaves, steam, heat and pressure, so they naturally biodegrade within two months after use. We found them to be very sturdy and would hold-up well in a variety of uses.
The
rainy-day environment was complimented by Cirque du Soleil performers and the Living Champagne Chandelier - suspended showgirls who pour champagne from above...now there's something different! A clear, plastic umbrella held the disposable champagne flutes.We spotted the Nitro Bar across the room
where, through a fog-filled environment, "mad scientists" were conjuring up salad dressing pearls and mixing them with tasty treats. One of Betsy's favorites was an unusual twist on Fruit Cocktail made with Assorted Chilean Fruit and Twix Croutons with White Chocolate Balsamic Dressing, sprinkled with Peanut Butter Powder
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There are so many things to report, but I must sign off for now. Betsy has included this rather campy photo of me with the ladies who passed out menus for the Anthology event. What's a Las Vegas Party without Showgirls??A convention of caterers in Las Vegas makes for an exciting networking, learning experience. With future entries, I will write about some of the other aspects of this fascinating event.
Chef Alan
I LOVE the bamboo, pressed leaves dinner/serving ware. Very cool and what a great thing for the environs.
ReplyDeleteNow, should we expect to see upside down servers at some event? I'm thinking Dance Kaleidoscopers might be our own Cirque de Alan's!
Congratulations on the site, the blog and more. Yeuuummm. Visually yummy, too!