Even after many years of hosting our event at this iconic venue, it has not lost the feel and essence of a special occasion. Tables were flatteringly lit by candelabras and adorned with the timeless beauty and scent of French roses. The opulent yet tasteful setting was perfectly conducive to enjoying what proved to be an evening of total indulgence.
Guests were greeted in sparkling style with Drappier Carte d’Or NV Champagne and mingled over foie gras brioches and freshly shucked oysters. A display of selected artworks by French artist Michel Canetti and designer jewellery from the Mingk collection added to the theme of our Parisian feast. Ladies were spoilt with an array of gorgeous table gifts, including silver-plated trays from Christofle, gardenia scented candles and soaps from Matthias Paris, CDs of French music and “Elle Intense” fragrances from YSL.
In addition to the crowd pleasing tunes of the Maurie Sheldon Orchestra, guests were treated to performances by mezzo soprano Victoria Lambourn and tango dancers from the group Solo Tango. Victoria charmed guests with her impressive repertoire of French classics including Habenard from Carmen, Les Bicyclettes de Belsize and La Vie en Rose, as well as a performance of Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again from Phantom of the Opera. In allusion to the film “The Last Tango in Paris”, dancers Alberto and Natalia Cortez and David Backler and Dianne Heywood Smith, had the audience bewitched with their sharp yet sensual interpretation of the Tango.
Guests feasted on a classic French menu inspired by famous Paris restaurants. Two signature dishes from Maxim’s and La Tour d’Argent, skilfully recreated, were accompanied by a stunning line-up of wines from Burgundy. From the splendid entrée of fresh water marron and crab with a lemon and chervil vinaigrette, served with a selection of Domaine des Malandes Chablis Premier Cru and Louis Latour Meursault, to the main course of pot-roasted duck breast on a mushroom duxelle served alongside a potato gratin, spring vegetables and Calvados jus, and paired with a Chambolle Musigny and Nuits Saint Georges from Domaine R. Dubois & Fils, the Plaza’s chefs proved once again they were up to the challenge. Our French feast continued with a plateau de fromages selected by Maitre Fromager Will Studd - a perfect Brillat-Savarin, deliciously creamy Carles Roquefort and Napoleon, an artisan cheese from the Pyrenees. Accompanying the cheese platter was a Côte Rotie “Les Bécasses” from Michel Chapoutier and Sauternes Château Pinsan.
But that was by no means the end of it. Indeed our French feast went all the way with three heavenly chocolate desserts, created especially for the occasion by three passionate and talented French pastry chefs. Guests were treated to a sweet and velvety ending with Le Petit Gateau’s Délice Parisien, Cacao’s Pyramide du Louvre and Noisette’s Breton.
Congratulations to Anne and Roger Johnson, the lucky winners of the trip for two to Paris, flying with award-winning airline Emirates, driving to Burgundy in a Renault car and enjoying a week at ‘La Folie’, a beautiful holiday house located near Macon. No doubt all the Burgundy winemakers visiting Melbourne in December will be lining up to give Ann and Roger their tips on what to do and see in Bourgogne.
It was not until very late in the night, after enjoying a last dance, a sip of Cognac and a coffee at the Nespresso corner, that all our guests left the Plaza Ballroom with the feeling that they had experienced a memorable Soirée.
Indeed from the considerable positive feedback we have received, we feel proud in the knowledge that this year’s Soiree de Gala once again lived up to its reputation as a grand French affair with elegance, taste and style.
The French Chamber would like to thank Alstom, Clasquin, United Group Rail, Emirates, Renault Eurodrive, JC Decaux, Invest Victoria, Veolia Transport and Yarra Trams for their support and generosity. A very special thank you goes to all our event partners – Cacao Fine Chocolates, Noisette and Le Petit Gateau, Calendar Cheese Company, Nespresso, Mingk, Christofle and L’Oreal.
We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to Colorpak for designing the beautiful gift boxes for our Tour Eiffel cups. |
