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•
Christmas Gala,
December 20, 2002
• Mystery
Dinner, May 4, 2003
• Taste
of Italy, June 29. 2003
• A Salute
to the Navy, September 27, 2003
• Mele
Kalikimaka at the Halekulani Hotel, December 5, 2003
• A Festival
of Mushrooms at Le Bistro, February 20, 2004
• Welcome
Summer Matsuri - New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel, June 5, 2004
• Jewel
of the Orient - Kahala Mandarin Oriental Hotel, September 11,
2004
• Mele
Kalikimaka at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, December 17, 2004
• Taste
of Australia, April 2, 2005
• Chaine
Cruise on the Crystal Harmony, May 2005
• Hiroshi's
Eurasian Tapas, July 10, 2005
• Nutcracker
Christmas Gala 2005, December 3, 2005
• The World,
March 8, 2006
• Dinner at 3660 on the Rise,
June 24, 2006
• Pinot Challenge,
September 16, 2006
• Christmas at the Halekulani Hotel,
December 2, 2006
• Kyoya,
January 27, 2007
• A Taste of Provence at The Pacific Club,
June 2, 2007
December 20, 2002
Location: The Kahala Mandarin Oriental
Hawaii
» view
menu
PHOTO GALLERY
By Beverley S. Grimmer
Vice Chargee de Presse
With the holidays in full swing and Christmas Day upon us, The
Kahala Mandarin Oriental Hawaii's General Manager, Maitre Hotelier
Jan Goessing invited Honolulu Bailliage members and guests to
join him on December 20, 2002, for an evening that would be
the perfect amalgamation of gracious Hawaiian hospitality and
the splendor of a European holiday celebration.
Upon arrival, our gaily attired revelers descended the beautifully
decorated staircase to be welcomed with champagne and were quickly
caught up in the speculation about what Jan and his staff had
in store for us. But, business first. The doors of the Waialae
Room were soon opened, and we settled in for the induction ceremonies.
Bailli Provincial Robert Lee, Jr., Chambellan Provincial Laurence
Vogel, and Bailli Fred Hellekes officiated with the assistance
of Echanson Provincial John Doty and Chargee de Presse Beverley
Grimmer. Echanson David Gochros ard Culinaire Goran Streng also
assisted once their elevation to office ceremonies were completed.
As one would expect with Bailli Provincial Robert Lee, Jr. doing
the honors, the ceremonies were quite spirited. We elevated
two to officer, presented Commandeure pins to Maitre de Table
Wolfgang Schmidt and Walter Lischka, and inducted twelve into
the Mondial. With glasses raised welcoming new members, we moved
into the foyer outside the Mandarin's Maile Ballroom for champagne,
Kir Royal, and a few nibbles of some delightful hors d'oeuvres.
Amid all the chatter and giggling as we attempted the Miyagi
oyster shooters, playful children's carols began to fill the
room. The Maile Ballroom doors then opened presenting us a room
as never seen before. Tables placed at different elevations
throughout were bedecked in such splendor as to draw awe. Fabulously
rich, cascading floral arrangements atop towering standards
centered each table, the table tops were further adorned by
fruits and nuts nestled into wonderfully fresh seasonal greenery.
Incredible ice sculptures featuring our island flora, fauna,
and sea life were pedestals around the room, bringing the feel
of a European holiday chill. The hundreds of candles scattered
throughout provided the perfect ambiance for an evening to be
enjoyed by all. The setting alone was masterful. But, wait,
charming, gaily dressed children are singing carols and dancing
hula for us. I can find no word to describe this moment, as
we attempted to take it all in and the children joyfully scattered
among us with welcome, and holiday wishes. Oh, what an evening
this was!
Each dish presented was so skillfully prepared, beautifully
plated and served, and perfectly paired with the wine. More
than once I heard comment that politely described the pairing
as "unusual." However, once the tasting was made, the pairing
was decreed "surprisingly...absolutely perfect." Bravo, Executive
Chef Wayne Hirabayasbi and Echanson David Gochros! Every morsel
and every sip were enjoyed and savored.
While enjoying those fabulous dishes, from foi gras with Kona
lobster to rack of lamb, we were treated to the most wonderful
array of music. The Honolulu Symphony's elegant young ladies
"Chorus Na Leo Kumo 'Ohai" sang carols and danced the most graceful
hula through "La Soupe de Poissons" and pianist James Kaina
performed a full spectrum of holiday music throughout the evening.
Just the right touch. With tremendous enthusiasm, Bailli Fred
Hellekes led the thundering applause as he thanked Kahala Mandarin
Oriental Hawaii's General Manager Maitre Hotelier Jan Goessing,
Director of Food and Beverage Wayne Woods, Executive Chef Wayne
Hirabayashi, Banquet Manager George Moniz, their outstanding
staff, and the Bailliage officers responsible for making the
evening so wonderful. Bailli Fred then warmly invited everyone
to join him in the foyer where the trio "Tradewinds" played
dance music, marvelous digestifs were served, and, as we saw
when the Maile Ballroom doors opened, the most incredible selection
of desserts where being prepared and presented. The splendor
of the evening will long be remembered.
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