Chaîne des Rôtisseurs is an international society devoted to choice dining and camaraderie of the table. The Chaîne creates bonds of friendship across cultures and boundaries, promoting the art of fine cuisine among both amateur and professional gastronomes, and supporting the development of young culinary professionals. Each year, the country chapters hold a Grand Chapitre, which consists of an AGM, an induction ceremony for new members and new committee members as well as a gala dinner. Various other gastronomical activities can be held around these events. The venue for the Grand Chapitre needed to be able to cater for the AGM, induction and gala dinner, have on-site accommodation as well be centrally located to major attractions. Since the Chaîne is about fine dining, the catering at the venue had to be of an extremely high standard.
The culmination of the South African Grand Chapitre was an elegant gala dinner held at the Hilton Sandton. Under the guidance of the hotel’s event manager, Elena Loannou, and Stuart Cason, executive chef, the banqueting and events team ensured that all the events held at the Hilton went smoothly and that the food was of the exceptional standard the Chaîne welcomes.
Why the Hilton Sandton?
Set among landscaped gardens and suburban surroundings, Hilton Sandton is located just north of Joburg in the city’s business district. Guests have easy access to the Gautrain, the JSE, global banking institutions and Nelson Mandela Square. Modern guest rooms and a host of amenities make the hotel the ideal base from which toexploreSandton.
The hotel boasts nine customised meeting rooms and a grand ballroom accommodating up to 1 000 guests. The ballroom and banquet facilities are connected to an outdoor terrace.The ballroom can be divided into three smaller spaces for breakout sessions or intimate events. This was what was done for the gala dinner and induction ceremony. The AGM was held in the stylish boardroom. The hotel also has a beautiful garden area, which is the ideal spot for recreation, outdoor luncheons and breakaways. On-site parking is available for up to 300 vehicles.
Members of the Chaîne expect the finest in food, service and atmosphere. The food must not disappoint in either selection or quality. Considered a culinary visionary and Chaîne member, Chef Stuart Cason knew what was expected of him. “For the gala dinner, I wanted to showcase my fresh, modern comfort-food philosophy. We have amazing local ingredients that are really great to work with. For the main course, we served organic beef from Badgerleur, a certified organic farm just outside Heidelberg. I use ingredients that complement and highlight the main element of the dish,” says Stuart. The Hilton Sandton catering teams work with you to plan a completely customisable menu. Enjoy incredible dining options whether your event calls for traditional sit-down service or a more relaxed atmosphere.
Out-of-town guests were able to stay the night in one of the hotel’s 329 en-suite rooms, which offer either city or garden views. Designed to provide complete relaxation and convenience, hotel guests will find thoughtful amenities throughout their room. The hotel staff are always ready to provide personalised service should you or your guests need anything at all.
The theme for the event was ‘A Touch of Gold’. Having been in the event decor industry for the past 17 years, the staff at Unlimited Events Decor execute every event to perfection. The decor at the gala dinner was outstanding and provided the perfect backdrop for fine dining and great conversation.
Every step of the way
The event and banqueting team at Hilton Sandton are here to help you plan, book and host your meeting or event in style. They offer a high standard of experience and ensure service delivery every time. All departments collaborate seamlessly as a team to ensure that every event is executed with perfection. The Hilton Sandton staff and the service sets the establishment apart from any other hotel. Part of the success of the Grand Chapitre can be attributed to this.
Did you know?
Event Bonus offers HHonors Points and Miles as an incentive for event planners booking events, meetings or group business. This ranges from a Hilton meeting to a wedding or large convention. Event Bonus is discretionary to the hotel for each piece of business and is not a requirement. Be sure to ask for Event Bonus when planning your next event at Hilton Sandton. Event planners have access to the same rewards as all other HHonors members. You can redeem your points for free hotel stays at any one of the 3 750 hotels from the Hilton Wordwide portfolio. If a dream vacation doesn’t tickle your fancy, then you can redeem your points for a once-in-a-lifetime experience – fly a fighter jet, rent a motorcycle or learn to surf.
For a full list of HHonors rewards available and how to join: hiltonhhonors.com.
