The Florida West Coast and Orlando chapters of the National Association of Catering Executives held the area's first Taste of NACE event on September 18 in Lakeland. The warehouse of Panache: A Classic Party Rentals Company played host to vendors, planners, and other industry heavyweights. Attendees enjoyed an eclectic mixture of food and entertainment ranging from the traditional to the truly unique. A portion of the evening's proceeds went to the area's NACE chapter's leadership education fund.Outside the warehouse, Prime Event Group/Roder USA constructed a tent that more than 15 companies converted into a wonderland of design and cuisine. Upon entering, guests were met by a multitude of brightly colored Chiavari chairs dangling from the ceiling. Further inside, Wizard Connection Themed Events set up an illuminated dance floor with a wild array of colors, complementing those of the chairs suspended above. Surrounding tables were draped with silk and organza linens provided by Panache, and finished off with whimsical centerpieces created by Botanica International Florist.
Food stations offered goodies for guests to sample while they perused the vignettes lining the tent walls. Events by Amore mesmerized guests with hors d'oeuvres; in particular, their ahi-tuna-and-pineapple "shooters"—sushi-like rolls skewered with a pipette filled with plum sake—were popular among attendees.
Those in need of a sweet ending lingered by the chocolate fountain, courtesy of Chocolates by Michelle. Everything from candied orange slices to cookies was skewered and made ready for guests to submerge under the flow.
Chuck Drake Entertainment provided musicians and entertainers. Elvis tribute artist Jeremy Ewbank made the illuminated dance floor his stage as he brought the King back to life.
Food stations offered goodies for guests to sample while they perused the vignettes lining the tent walls. Events by Amore mesmerized guests with hors d'oeuvres; in particular, their ahi-tuna-and-pineapple "shooters"—sushi-like rolls skewered with a pipette filled with plum sake—were popular among attendees.
Those in need of a sweet ending lingered by the chocolate fountain, courtesy of Chocolates by Michelle. Everything from candied orange slices to cookies was skewered and made ready for guests to submerge under the flow.
Chuck Drake Entertainment provided musicians and entertainers. Elvis tribute artist Jeremy Ewbank made the illuminated dance floor his stage as he brought the King back to life.
Fruits, cookies, and more were drenched in chocolate at the chocolate fountain provided by Chocolates by Michelle.
Christie's Photographic Studios Orlando
Events by Amore's sweet-potato tempura served on cinnamon sticks was a favorite among guests.
Christie's Photographic Studios Orlando
Inside the tent constructed by Prime Event Group, colorful chairs were suspended above the dance floor and stage.
Christie's Photographic Studios Orlando
Pieces of ahi tuna and pineapple were wrapped in seaweed and skewered with a shot of plum sake for a twist on a traditional sushi roll.
Christie's Photographic Studios Orlando
Jeremy Ewbank brought the King back to life when he performed for guests as Elvis Presley.
Christie's Photographic Studios Orlando
Catering By Design served sesame seared tuna ceviche with a crispy wasabi wonton and light lemongrass drizzle.
Christie's Photographic Studios Orlando
Fruits, cookies, and more were drenched in chocolate at the chocolate fountain provided by Chocolates by Michelle.
Christie's Photographic Studios Orlando
