The University of Central Florida's Rosen College of Hospitality Management celebrated the induction of two industry veterans into the Central Florida Hospitality Hall of Fame at the its second annual Grande Hospitality Gala on March 29. Held at the Loews Royal Pacific Resort in Orlando, guests embarked on a trip around the world complete with festive entertainment, decor, and an elaborate dinner.
Guests checked in with reception and receive their passports for the evening upon arrival before heading to the welcome reception. The lobby space outside the Pacifica ballroom was decorated with movie posters, such as Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, palm trees, and fiery lighting evoking a Caribbean ambience. The resort supplied a variety of passed hors d'oeuvres for eventgoers to enjoy including vegetable wontons with a sweet and sour glaze, sesame seared ahi tune on sticky jasmine rise, and coconut chicken tenders with mango horseradish sauce. In addition, wok and grill stations were set up offering even more selections.The main ballroom was transformed into a south Pacific paradise. Tables were draped in chocolate brown satin linens, surrounded by chairs covered in sea foam green satin and accented with delicate green orchid centerpieces from Cheryl's Distinctive Creations. Additionally, the entire room was drenched in blue and green lighting adding to the atmosphere.
Attendees enjoyed an elegant four-course meal-served by Rosen students-featuring kona coffee marinated tenderloin of beef and pan seared sea bass with mango-papaya relish accompanied by wasabi whipped potatoes with baby bok choy, shitake mushroom and Maui onions in a plum wine reduction for the main course.
Throughout the evening, Encore Creations provided a variety for entertainment including Chinese rug twirlers, a medley from Rodger & Hammerstein's South Pacific, and Lanakila's Polynesian Revue.
The highlight of the evening was the ceremonious induction of Richard A. Nunis, former chairman the Walt Disney Parks & Resorts prior to his retirement, and Patricia J. Engfer, general manager of the Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport, into the hall of fame. Each honoree also received the Crystal Pineapple Award in recognition for their many years of dedication to the hospitality industry.
Guests checked in with reception and receive their passports for the evening upon arrival before heading to the welcome reception. The lobby space outside the Pacifica ballroom was decorated with movie posters, such as Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, palm trees, and fiery lighting evoking a Caribbean ambience. The resort supplied a variety of passed hors d'oeuvres for eventgoers to enjoy including vegetable wontons with a sweet and sour glaze, sesame seared ahi tune on sticky jasmine rise, and coconut chicken tenders with mango horseradish sauce. In addition, wok and grill stations were set up offering even more selections.The main ballroom was transformed into a south Pacific paradise. Tables were draped in chocolate brown satin linens, surrounded by chairs covered in sea foam green satin and accented with delicate green orchid centerpieces from Cheryl's Distinctive Creations. Additionally, the entire room was drenched in blue and green lighting adding to the atmosphere.
Attendees enjoyed an elegant four-course meal-served by Rosen students-featuring kona coffee marinated tenderloin of beef and pan seared sea bass with mango-papaya relish accompanied by wasabi whipped potatoes with baby bok choy, shitake mushroom and Maui onions in a plum wine reduction for the main course.
Throughout the evening, Encore Creations provided a variety for entertainment including Chinese rug twirlers, a medley from Rodger & Hammerstein's South Pacific, and Lanakila's Polynesian Revue.
The highlight of the evening was the ceremonious induction of Richard A. Nunis, former chairman the Walt Disney Parks & Resorts prior to his retirement, and Patricia J. Engfer, general manager of the Hyatt Regency Orlando Airport, into the hall of fame. Each honoree also received the Crystal Pineapple Award in recognition for their many years of dedication to the hospitality industry.
Chinese rug twirlers performed acrobatic stunts during dinner.
A Coyote Production Inc.
Students from UCF's Rosen College of Hospitality Management served as the staff for the event.
A Coyote Production Inc.
Chinese rug twirlers performed acrobatic stunts during dinner.
A Coyote Production Inc.
A comedic director caught guests on video as they arrived.
A Coyote Production Inc.
The Royal Pacific Trio dessert featured mango cheesecake, mini chocolate gooey cake, and coconut bread pudding accompanied by aPegasus chocolate garnish.
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A hula dancer from Encore Creations was just one of the many entertainment acts that performed throughout the evening.
A Coyote Production Inc.
The resort set up multiple food stations in the cocktail area with a selection of bites for guests to enjoy.
A Coyote Production Inc.
