Things are steadily on the up and up in Christchurch and here at White Tie Catering - we are just days away from moving into our new kitchen, we have completed a knock out Dome Bistro week, operated a ball in the airport's international departure lounge, shuttled staff to and from work in 4WDs with chains and finally got on to replacing the green blinds and pink doors in our new office. It has certainly been a Winter of much to do. A brief look at recent events.....
DOME BISTRO
The Dome Bistro was a sell out success with 500 guests coming to Hagley Park for our pop-up restaurant for a week. Diners enjoyed the usual bistro fare with some added fun from Jonny Schwass and The Bicycle Thief teams, great local wines and Escarto's C4 coffee (many people will remember Paulus and his coffee stand from Cathedral Square). To add to it all, The Little Big Tree Co. gave us trees for the Dome and we asked guests to write notes of thanksgiving to adorn them. By the end of the week we had several hundred notes of positivity and gratitude...for Christchurch, its resilience, its people, its portaloos and its potential.
CHILD CANCER BALL We were privileged once again to be able to assist the Child Cancer Foundation in putting on their annual ball to raise money for children with cancer and their families. The annual 'Beads of Courage' ball was held at the Christchurch International Airport's international terminal with a logistical operation literally bigger than Ben Hur. Between Aviation Security and New Zealand Customs, loading in off the tarmac and the last flight departing at 4.30pm with the ball starting at 6pm, the challenges were immense. The airport company's operations teams, AvSec, Customs and the airport fire crew were exceptional in helping us overcome every obstacle and 420 guests enjoyed a faultless night. On arrival they were greeted with mock-security search antics from Lyttelton's Loon Theatre Company before travelling through Duty Free to the Flight Deck Bar.....
The evening has resulted in almost $70,000 worth of fundraising including contributed hours from White Tie front of house staff. Another reason why we think they're simply the best around.
WHITE TIE STADIUM The rugby games may have gone but the spirit remains. White Tie Catering is setting up a special rugby package for its clients wanting to host clients and friends for games through the World Cup. With a 4m x 3m big screen, tiered seating for up to 120 of your clients, your company branding and a selection of great White Tie dinner menus, we are the perfect choice for some corporate social hosting. Whether it's dinner in a box on their lap or international food stations from the playing teams, there are many ways to enjoy the occasion. Contact georgina@whitetiecatering.co.nz for more information.
CHRISTMAS DINE & DANCE All this snow has us thinking about Christmas and while it may seem months away yet, the dates in our diary always book up fast. This year after some prodding from clients we have decided to put on a Dine & Dance evening for those of you looking for just one or two tables for Christmas dinner rather than a separate staff party. Our Christmas event includes full dinner & supper menu, wine, beer & all non-alcoholic beverages, live music & dancing and magical Christchurch decor that includes edible decorations for a bit of fun. Once you book, you'll also receive beautiful Christmas invitations to give out to your guests. Venue: Pemberton, Prebbleton Date: Friday 9 December 2011 Timing: 6.30pm - 12am Cost: $100.00 per person ex GST
TART UP CHRISTMAS Our very own tart, Tina, has booked in her much-loved Christmas class. This is your Christmas dinner sorted - with a delicious contemporary Christmas menu, theming ideas and our own Christmas shop for some of your gift solutions. As always, after a full class of recipes and demonstration, you will relax over lunch before heading home replete in Christmas splendour.
Class starts at 10am, 29 October 2011 at Pemberton. $150.00 per person including lunch and recipes. To book, contact tricia@whitetiecatering.co.nz
THE THEATRE OF FOOD We are, as most of you know, mad keen supporters of Christchurch's beloved Court Theatre. The Court is working towards raising $4.6million to build a new home in a shed in Addington. As part of that campaign, they have launched 'Host! a feast for The Court.' The idea is to host your own dinner party at home, invite friends and charge them what you think your dinner is worth (or what they think, which ever opinion has the highest value!), and then give those proceeds to The Court Theatre. The Host! campaign runs from 1 - 4 September. To register your event, email host@courttheatre.org.nz
SEND US YOUR FIRST BORNS.... Part of the secret to our success with staff is that so many of them have a connection with us - whether it's family friends, siblings or children of current staff, neighbours or the children of clients. We are about to start our Summer recruitment drive to bolster our casual staff numbers to accommodate what promises to be a bumper season in Christchurch. We will be looking for front of house staff and dishwashers (no experience necessary as we provide training) and experienced supervisors and kitchen hands. If you know of anyone who may be interested, get them to email indications of interest and CVs to glenda.m@whitetiecatering.co.nz
From all of us at White Tie Catering, keep warm and dry through to the end of Winter and we'll see you when Christchurch blooms in Spring.
