urys Washington Hotel in D.C.
was chosen as the spot for a “007
License to Thrill” Around the
World Gala. Euronet International,
a social and professional organization
encompassing more than 100
nationalities, worked with Chef Russel
Cunningham to develop authentic menus
for international-themed buffets, as well as
themed décor and events in each designated
room.
“For instance, in the Caribbean room,”
says Cunningham, “the menu included
whole citrus-stuffed snapper with pineapple
and sun-dried cherry chutney, jerk chicken
skewers, Caribbean rice and beans, and
conch fritters. For décor, we had bright, colorful
serving dishes and plates, a palm tree
made of tropical fruit, and Caribbean flags
hanging everywhere.”
In the India room, the menu included traditional
Indian fare like chicken tikka masala,
tandoor lamb chops, papadums (flatbread)
and raita (yogurt sauce made with cilantro,
mint, cumin, and cayenne pepper), channa
masala (spiced chickpeas), and jasmine rice. The buffet and cocktail tables were embellished with Indian silks,
elephant statues, and other artisanry. Couples were photographed in
front of a Taj Majal backdrop, and belly dancers roamed the room.
Russia’s room included a caviar station and dishes like chicken
Kiev, Russian fried potatoes, and kebabs, and featured performances
by gypsy dancers. Visitors to the Iceland room dined on meatballs
with dill sour cream and fennel sauce, gravlax with honey mustard
and rolls, and shrimp ceviche, while posing with life-sized ice sculptures
of Bond women and smoking guns.
“In Bond’s London headquarters, we had a carved roast beef station
with au jus, horseradish cream sauce, and English mustard,
along with twice-baked loaded potatoes. There was the traditional
James Bond backdrop [from the beginning of every movie] for photos,
and a live orchestra. It was really something.”
But themed buffets, according to Cunningham, don’t always have
to be so elaborate to be effective.
“Use authentic serving pieces or platters such as real paella pans
for Spanish-inspired themes or bamboo mats and traditional sushi
boats for Asian themes. With the right lighting, music, and moderate
décor, a little can go a long way."
