The Florida Aquarium in Tampa was transformed with Asian decor for its second annual fund-raiser, the Sushi Showdown—a competition among the area's sushi restaurants and caterers.
The theme was first implemented at the aquarium's entrance and continued throughout the exhibitions and displays. Cheers! Events Inc., decorated the entrance with rice paper walls lined with potted plants and ornate vases filled with tall bamboo stalks. Geisha girls were on hand to give guests hot towels as they trickled in.
Low-level sitting areas, interspersed throughout the shark tanks, featured tables covered in linens and oversize pillows in rich lavender, gold, and turquoise hues. Each area had a distinct look and feel. Asian music was customized to suit each area and the look was finished with dozens of paper lanterns, and glowing red lighting.
As guests made their way to the "Wetlands", "Bay and Beaches", and "Coral Reef" areas of the aquarium, they were welcomed by the delicious smell of a variety of dishes set up by 13 local restaurants—all waiting to see if they would win the showdown.
A traditional fu-dog show—a dance to assure good fortune performed to the accompaniment of musicians—wove through the crowd signaling to everyone that it was time to announce the winner of the night's competition, which was Go Sushi.
—Vanessa Goyanes
The theme was first implemented at the aquarium's entrance and continued throughout the exhibitions and displays. Cheers! Events Inc., decorated the entrance with rice paper walls lined with potted plants and ornate vases filled with tall bamboo stalks. Geisha girls were on hand to give guests hot towels as they trickled in.
Low-level sitting areas, interspersed throughout the shark tanks, featured tables covered in linens and oversize pillows in rich lavender, gold, and turquoise hues. Each area had a distinct look and feel. Asian music was customized to suit each area and the look was finished with dozens of paper lanterns, and glowing red lighting.
As guests made their way to the "Wetlands", "Bay and Beaches", and "Coral Reef" areas of the aquarium, they were welcomed by the delicious smell of a variety of dishes set up by 13 local restaurants—all waiting to see if they would win the showdown.
A traditional fu-dog show—a dance to assure good fortune performed to the accompaniment of musicians—wove through the crowd signaling to everyone that it was time to announce the winner of the night's competition, which was Go Sushi.
—Vanessa Goyanes
The enormous fish tank provided a scenic backdrop for the chefs and the decor at the Florida Aquarium's Sushi Showdown.
The seating areas were stocked with oversize pillows, candles, and bamboo.
Geisha girls in bright kimonos and paper fans were a nice touch to the night's theme, designed by Cheers! Events Inc.
Guests walked down an Asian-inspired pathway for the Florida Aquarium's Sushi Showdown.
