Johnson
& Wales University—with campuses in Providence, Rhode Island; Denver,
Colorado; Charlotte, North Carolina; and North Miami, Florida—is known for its
exceptional culinary and hospitality programs. Together, students in both
programs showcased their talents on the evening of May 9 at the North Miami
Campus. University senior Olivia Ritchie coordinated the evening under the
direction of program manager professor Craig Skilling. Professor Skilling’s event
management class, along with students from the advanced food service operations
and hospitality operations classes, planned the event. The nearly 40 students
from the event management class were broken into four groups: research, decor,
planning and coordination, and evaluation. Delegated responsibilities included
surveyed research, budgeting, and design. The North Miami Campus’ Robert Nograd
Center—named for the chef who was the event’s lifetime achievement award
honoree—set the perfect backdrop for the plated dinner and award ceremony.
Guests, including faculty members and community leaders, entered the Tinsel
Town-inspired cocktail hour via red carpet, complete with a paparazzo snapping
photos. S.E.G. Entertainment saxophonist Rob Batie performed, as cocktails like
“Flirtinis” (made with vodka, Champagne, and orange juice) were served, along with
light bites of gourmet deviled eggs and stuffed mushrooms.
Inside, the decor team transformed the space into an old Hollywood haven. Vista Convention Services draped the entire room was in black, creating a blank canvas for the students to work with. Oversize black-and-white portraits of stars such as Shirley Temple and Marilyn Monroe adorned the walls, while models—also students—dressed as Marilyn Monroe and Dorothy Dandridge, greeted guests. The award ceremony was the main focus for the event. M.C. Zan the Man, a junior at the university, took control as teacher nominations were announced and the winners were presented with Star Awards. In keeping with the theme, winners were dubbed, say, “Best Female Actress,” rather than “Best Female Teacher.” Seven awards were given in total, including a celebrity look-alike award that went to ÂÂÂJeff Greenip, who resembles both John Goodman and Mr. Incredible (from the animated film The Incredibles).
Inside, the decor team transformed the space into an old Hollywood haven. Vista Convention Services draped the entire room was in black, creating a blank canvas for the students to work with. Oversize black-and-white portraits of stars such as Shirley Temple and Marilyn Monroe adorned the walls, while models—also students—dressed as Marilyn Monroe and Dorothy Dandridge, greeted guests. The award ceremony was the main focus for the event. M.C. Zan the Man, a junior at the university, took control as teacher nominations were announced and the winners were presented with Star Awards. In keeping with the theme, winners were dubbed, say, “Best Female Actress,” rather than “Best Female Teacher.” Seven awards were given in total, including a celebrity look-alike award that went to ÂÂÂJeff Greenip, who resembles both John Goodman and Mr. Incredible (from the animated film The Incredibles).
Under the direction of chef Sturgeon, the menu was created, prepared, and served by the students to the nearly 65 guests. An abundant salad of greens, mandarin oranges, water chestnuts, and peanuts was followed by a grilled salmon filet, paired with filet mignon, served over Parmesan risotto and bundles of asparagus, and garnished with edible flowers.
For the after-party, the teams worked together to transform the university’s loading dock area into an outdoor venue reminiscent of any New Hollywood nightclub. Guests exited the dining area and followed the yellow brick road outside. Handmade platform mattresses served as chic lounges, and bright-colored drapery complemented the high-energy atmosphere. Chef Jim Flader was responsible for the array of desserts served at the after-party, while culinary students both entertained and satisfied the sweet tooth of guests at a flambé station. Crissy Simone of Libido and Cloud 9 took the stage to perform original songs, and DJ VIP spun a diverse mix of crowd-pleasing tunes. Headlining the “New Hollywood” after-party, Black Violin, a contemporary hip-hop violin duo, wowed students and professors alike. The duo have toured with Linkin Park and performed with Alicia Keys and Diddy.
Tables
were named after famous Hollywood actors and actresses. The Marilyn Monroe Table came complete with a film reel centerpiece.
were named after famous Hollywood actors and actresses. The Marilyn Monroe Table came complete with a film reel centerpiece.
Astudent model dressed as Marilyn Monroe greeted the arriving guests.
Arrivingguests pulled down their star-shaped place cards, which were hung from theentrance.
ChefDrue Brandenburg customized an ice sculpture of the Hollywood sign surroundedby desserts complements of chef Jim Flader.
Studentsworked together to present a menu of both grilled salmon and filet mignon.
ProfessorCraig Skilling (far right) poses with members of his event management class.
Johnson& Wales University’s Robert Nograd Center set the perfect backdrop for theHollywood affair.
Tableswere named after famous Hollywood actors and actresses. The Marilyn MonroeTable came complete with a film reel centerpiece.
Thestudent decor team transformed the loading dock into a space reminiscent of acontemporary Hollywood nightclub.
Oversizeblack-and-white portraits of famous actors and actresses hung on the walls.
