November 2011 ACCESS Advantage
Contact the team at ACCESS Destination Services for all of your destination management requirements throughout North America.
FOOD AND BEVERAGE TRENDS IN SPECIAL EVENTS
A number of clients have asked us to share our ideas and experiences relating to innovative food and beverage trends nationwide. According to our ACCESS teams, some of the more notable trends include:
"Bite-sizing" has become a popular practice during today's meetings and events. This trend supports healthy eating habits, allows for more menu variety, and reduces waste - all important considerations to today's socially responsible planners and attendees. For eco-themed events, ACCESS Palm Springs uses biodegradable plates made from local fallen palm fronds.
Creative presentation and artistic food displays make a dramatic visual statement. At a recent dinner, the ACCESS Florida team wowed event guests with spoon-filled mini desserts served by a stilt walker. The stilt-walking server carried an acrylic wall specially fitted with slotted spoon holders that doubled as a unique photo op. and decor element. And for a recent dinner, the ACCESS Palm Springs team contracted a local turf company to create a completely grass-covered buffet.
Molecular or modernist gastronomy is a growing trend in food preparation, with contemporary chefs incorporating techniques and equipment that appear more commonly in a laboratory than the kitchen. During a recent ACCESS Orange 
County event, the hotel caterer featured "instant ice cream" and "test tube shooters." ACCESS Florida offers mint meringue bites infused with nitrogen, which upon biting emit "smoke" for up to 15 seconds.
Pairing foods with specialty beverages continues to be popular, especially throughout Southern California. ACCESS Orange County has recognized an increase in wine and champagne tasting events, while ACCESS Palm Springs has produced several upscale food and spirit pairings that include single-malt scotches, premium vodkas, and tequila flights. At this year's Great American Beer Festival, San Diego breweries brought home twenty medals. It's not surprising then, that pairings featuring unique food and craft beers continue to be popular with the ACCESS San Diego team.
Couture cupcakes are all the rage! In Palm Springs, "designer cupcakes" are such a hit that ACCESS Palm Springs showcases these culinary confections atop giant cupcake ice sculpture buffets. Leave it to ACCESS Los Angeles to add a Hollywood twist to the cupcake trend with a fun-filled Amazing Race-style teambuilding event, complete with a zany scavenger hunt and outrageous decorating competition.
Locally grown foods and ingredients continue to be enjoyed and appreciated by meeting attendees who are mindful that their events support small farmers and local growers. ACCESS Chicago finds the same to be true when they label the varieties of cottage-farmed Midwest cheeses. ACCESS San Francisco recently designed and produced a "Farm-to-Table" closing night gala, capturing the essence of the rural agricultural and floricultural heritage of the destination.
From bite-sized portions and organic farm-to-table menus, to local craft beers and the gourmet cupcake craze, the team at ACCESS Destination Services always stays one step ahead of the trends. Let the team at ACCESS Destination Services add some "WOW" to your next meeting or event!
Minute to Fitness!
Earlier this fall, 2000 enthusiastic sales people descended upon the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida for an evening of team-building and fun. Taking inspiration from the popular hit television show, Minute to Win It, the ACCESS Orlando team designed an event complete with bursts of health and fitness activities demonstrating unique ways to incorporate exercise into daily routines, and games featuring fun fitness facts. Each of the activities was created to showcase a distinctive healthful idea for mind, body or spirit. "Wheel of Fitness," "I-Spy," "Fact or Fiction," and "The Remedy" were just a few of the game stations arranged strategically throughout the party area. At the conclusion of the evening, leader board winners from each challenge were pronounced champions, earning bragging rights for their own teams. Contact an ACCESS Florida expert today to learn more about adding an element of fitness into your next meeting or event!
Organically Orange County!
"Think globally, source locally" - that's the premise behind a growing number of farm-to-table eateries springing up across the country. Sourcing locally not only minimizes human impact on the environment, the fresher product is more nutritious and tastes better. Recently, the destination experts at ACCESS Orange County 
hosted an event entitled "Elegantly Organic." The verdant grounds of the popular oceanfront resort provided an incomparable setting, with lush foliage and elegant crystal complementing the organic-themed menu from celebrated Chef Michael Mina.
Opening last month, Laguna Beach's Three Seventy Common Kitchen+Drink offers a fresh "urban look," with an "inspired take on farm-to-table fare." Chef/Owner Ryan Adams works closely with local growers and vendors to source products that support his "ever-evolving menu" and dedication to responsible and sustainable fishing and farming. Three Seventy Common's commitment to sustainability is evidenced in its organic motif, utilizing repurposed Saltillo tile flooring and rustic reclaimed materials throughout. Contact ACCESS Orange County today to learn about integrating a globally-influenced, locally-sourced theme into your next program.
Cookin' with ACCESS
Bacon Maple Popcorn
This inspired twist on a classic snack was provided courtesy of Three Seventy Common Kitchen+Drink, the new urban farm-to-table eatery which opened last month in Laguna Beach, CA. Chef/Owner Ryan Adams serves his Bacon Maple Popcorn as a "tantalizing prelude to every meal." We think it would be a quick and popular treat for your holiday entertaining.
Makes 8-10 servings
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup popcorn kernels
- 2 Tbl maple syrup
- 1/3 cup bacon fat
- 1/4 cup bacon bits
- 1 tsp smoked sea salt
Directions:
Heat bacon in a large pot fitted with a tight lid over medium heat. Once the bacon is shimmering, add popcorn kernels. Cover and shake until kernels are evenly distributed and return to heat. Once the kernels begin to pop, shake pot gently until popping decreases - about 2 minutes. Remove pot from heat and drizzle popcorn with maple syrup. Pour popcorn mixture into bowl and toss with bacon bits and sea salt. Serve hot.
Enjoy!