Sound of Jazz With a Taste of Asia

A special V.I.P. tent was set up at Peacock Park in Coconut Grove on May 10 for sponsors of the annual Miami Jazz on the Bay concert series to enjoy the music. City planner Julie Mansfield enlisted John Rosetti and his team at 2Taste Catering to design and execute the Japanese-themed event space.

Rosetti began designing the space with the goal of creating an atmosphere where guests could enjoy live jazz while also being entertained by elements of Japanese culture, which has strong ties to the Miami community.Two geishas greeted guests as they entered the tent, directing them over an arched wooden bridge lined with tropical plants and miniature koi ponds. On the other side of the small oasis, Rosetti set up a special food station featuring a pair of three-foot Buddha ice sculptures. Vegetable rolls, sashimi, chicken and beef teppanyaki, and seaweed salad were among the dishes served.

Tables topped with wheatgrass and white dendrobium orchid centerpieces lined the sides of the red spandex tent and were accented by the soft glow lighting to create a welcoming relaxation space. In addition, two bars decorated with bamboo poles and Asian painted fans were set at the ends of the tent and manned by bartenders dressed in Japanese-style robes who served drinks such as a lychee martini, flavored like the Asian fruit. Fresh flower arrangements encased in glass pillars were also strategically placed throughout the tent.

Throughout the night, guests enjoyed the music of the Manhattans, Taylor Dane, and Johnny Gill.