NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CATERING EXECUTIVES

San Francisco Bay Area Chapter

SABOR!

"An Enchanting Evening of Fire & Passion"

 By Duncan Reyes

The San Francisco Chapter of the National Association of Catering Executives hosted their Annual Gala last April 21, 2010 at the beautifully renovated Stanford Court, A Renaissance Hotel on Nob Hill.  The theme, "SABOR!", paid homage to the Latin American culture implemented on the design concept, food and beverage, live entertainment and dancing.  It was an unforgettable and magical evening that sizzled with flair and sophistication, all due in part to the generosity of our vendor sponsor partners and an incredibly talented Gala Committee TEAM which included the creative design genius of Michelle Barrionuevo-Mazzini.

At the Silent Auction & Networking Reception at Fournou's, arriving Guests were greeted with a Flamenco Serenade strummed by guitarist, Jojo Styles, and fortunes told by Tarot Card Reader, "Madame Roja".  Delectable hors d'oeuvres and classic Spanish Tapas were served as Guests perused through a myriad of Silent Auction items assembled by Mariell Rahmani of In The Moment Events.  The venue was replete with an eclectic array of lounge and cocktail furnishings of elegance and intimacy graciously provided by Classic Party Rentals, Blue Water Party Rentals, Napa Valley Linens, CORT Event Furnishings and Hartmann Studios, while the well-appointed bar offered enjoyable libations and mouthwatering concoctions.

A festive Mariachi Band, Mariachi Mi Terra Linda, entertained the Guests as they escorted them through a drapery-lit tunnel to the Ballroom's Foyer.  There, another impressive lounge reception with detailing that replicates a seductive club, embraced with hot and fiery lighting enhancements.  A sumptuous Dinner awaited as the Ballroom doors opened to an opulently designed dining room of unparalleled style and panache, enriched with the charms of the Spanish Riviera.  Hartmann Studios provided stylish Cabanas that perimetered the space for elegant dining, while three different tablescapes were graced with an abundance of luscious florals.

Each individual setting was crowned by chocolate favors provided by Mona Keady of Raffine Chocolates, and stunning luxury stationeries beautifully prepared by Mimi Renfro-Rodriguez of Creative Designs by Mimi.  The ambience adorning this quaintly illuminated gem of a dining room was designed by Impact Lighting.

Carmen Milagros and her band soothed the soul with classic Spanish love songs, while the Guests were anxious to partake in beguiling delicacies that would warm their hearts and add zest to their dining pleasure.  The gastronomic feast began with a Peruvian Ceviche of Scallops, White Fish, Shrimp and Calamari followed by a seductive performance of Argentinean Tango by David Caditz and his wife Lulu Hung.  A masterfully prepared Intermezzo served from a glowing ice-carved logo of "Sabor!" carved by Robert Chislett and Todd Shipman of Chisel-It Ice Sculpture, added pizzazz to a sensational menu.  Right after, an enticing main entrée of Argentinean Tenderloin of Beef served on a bed of Onion Potato Gratin and Carrot Puree excited the palettes of the most discerning diner.  For the "Piece de Resistance", the Camote Tarte Tatin with Vanilla Ice Cream and Pumpkin Peanut Brittle sealed the deal with sweet endings.  Thanks to Cynthia Glinka of On The Dancefloor With Cynthia Glinka, everyone was mesmerized by a sizzling dance performance by Latin Ballroom Dance Champions, Suzie Hardt & Todd Marsden of A Tall Order who lit up the dance floor with their Samba, Rumba and Pasa Doble moves.

The Hosts with the Mosts, Emcee "Extraordinaires" Patrick McMichael of Denon & Doyle, and Beverly Yip of Especially Yours Chair Covers, guided the Gala's program.  The Stanford Court Hotel's very own General Manager, Scott McCoy, gave everyone a warm welcome and then they introduced the Gala Chairs, Duncan Reyes and Marlen Abolafia, who thanked the Vendor Sponsors and introduced the Gala Committee.  Later in the evening, the chapter's new President, Stacie Hallinan, presented the Awards for a remarkable group of individuals who contributed to NACE's success. 

Congratulations once again to the following Award Recipients -

Program of the Year

KENYON ESTATE

Jason Diavatis

Affiliate of the Year

HARTMANN STUDIOS

Matt Guelfi, Moises Navarro & Maiko Gardiner-Elko

Rising Star

LESLIE WONG

The Westin St. Francis Hotel

Member of the Year

DUNCAN REYES

F. Duncan Reyes Events By Design

Achievement in Excellence

MARLEN ABOLAFIA

Ideas Event Planning

Keeping the momentum alive, the celebration continued with a foot-stomping, heart-pumping, hip-shaking performance by the Fito Reinoso Band as the Guests tripped the light fantastic. 

This fabulous evening was all captured on film by esteemed photographer, Gustavo Fernandez of Gustavo Fernandez Photography and caught on tape by master videographer, Dave Ethridge of AVR Films.  Entertainment provided by Carmen Milagros;  Sonny Galardo of Exquisite Event and Entertainment;  Rhonda Michelle Steward of Cedar & Rose;  and, Patricio Angulo of Oye Productions.  Florals masterpieces were all created by A Loves In Bloom, Floramor Studios, Inspiration Floral Design, Mandy Scott Flowers, Mints, Passiflora Designs, Soulflower Floral Design and Violetta.

Suffice it to say, "Sabor!" was hot, hot, hot !!!  BRAVO !!!

Images posted on www.sanfrancisconace.net

2010 Gala Sponsors & Silent Auction Donors