Raffles triumphs magnificently
" it was the dessert that took everyone's breath away - taste and its innovative serving from the front with a flourish and a pouring of creamy chocolate "
Dedicated to challenging the hospitality industry to achieve the highest possible standards our annual Gala Dinner in the beautiful Raffles Jakarta ballroom was an objective achieved.
Tables decorated magnificently set in a perfect square around the dance floor seated 80 of us. The open square arrangement allowed service from either in front or behind each guest, with wines being served from the front in a magnificently choreographed system of ten waiters each serving two people; the food being served conventionally from the rear right.
Chef Daniel Paterson and his talented team selected Raffles Hotels’ best dishes from around the world preparing each to perfection. Giant screens showed Chef Daniel and his team’s creative process from start to finish. It was great fun not only to see, but understand, how the menu was brought into being on our plates.
Duck was a special main course experience, but it was the dessert that took everyone’s breath away - taste and its innovative serving from the front with a flourish and a pouring of creamy chocolate. Outstanding!
Vice-Chancelier Fabrice Mini’s description of the wines was shown on the giant screens - an innovation appreciated by all.
The entertainment was varied, excellent - Edwin and Finna’s contemporary pop tunes on classical Chinese instruments; South Jakarta Community Choir led by Fero Stephanus; soprano Valentina’s dramatically magnificent solo; spectacular Batavia Dancers.
Credit must be given to the Raffles team led by General Manager Richard Schestak. Martijn Dekker, Director of Sales and Marketing, assisted by Marisa Sjahandi, Director of Catering & Conference Services, ensured the delivery of the highest quality table service notable for its elegance and discipline. In the kitchen, the culinary team created the courses with panache and style.
The evening organized by Alistair Speirs, Gilles Marx, Fabrice Mini and Bob Yanuar, was attended by a glittering array of guests including Ibu Rina Ciputra from the Raffles Group and celebrities Daniel Mananta, Farah Quinn and Ririn Marinka.