Event Management Hosts Winter Solstice Showcase in the Newly Reimagined Wang Pavilion

On January 31, Event Management kicked off 2024 with its annual Winter Solstice event in the newly renovated Wang Pavilion in Alfred Lerner Hall. Guests enjoyed a reinvented “supper club” atmosphere complete with live music and an artfully crafted 7-course menu curated by Chef Jerome Charpentier. The Event Management team was on site to welcome the attendees and to share how these offerings could be incorporated into future events. 

Every detail of the event was carefully selected to bathe attendees in the feel of the golden age. No paper menus were used, evoking both sustainability and elegance. Instead, each course was narrated over the sound system by Steve Francis, Event Management’s Director of Technical Services. 

From the amuse-bouche to dessert, the 7-course meal was expertly planned and executed by Chef Charpentier and the Event Management team. Mini crab cakes with wasabi mousseline began the experience, followed by a pairing of courses. The first – a marinated cucumber salad with Hamachi, lemon cream, pistachio crumbs, baby cress, caramelized blood orange, and heirloom tomato dressing – was quickly followed by a roasted hen of the wood medley over which the waitstaff poured a mushroom velouté. 

Next was the fish course: a delicious pan seared red snapper with Romanesco puree, saffron lemon beurre Blanc, kumquat confit, and caviar. A parmesan and herb crusted tenderloin with veal jus followed, accompanied by twice cooked potatoes, haricot vert, and black trumpet mushrooms. Finally, a selection of three cheeses and a homemade pistachio panna cotta with pistachio tuile was served. 

In addition to the delicious food, Event Management’s Audio-Visual team transformed the room with lighting and sound. Wang Pavilion includes a state-of-the-art built-in sound and lighting system – complete with unique house and specialty lighting and acoustical finishes – to evoke that supper club feel. Performers from Julliard treated the crowd to dinner entertainment, showing off the space’s acoustic capabilities. 

Contact the Event Management team to see how they can help you create inspiring events like this one.