Taking its Sensational Meetings program to the logical next step, Omni Hotels launched new banquet menus to complement its brand-wide initiative to customize the meetings environment to a gathering’s purpose.
“It’s an evolution of the meeting component, and taking it to that so-called next level with menus,” says Stephen Rosenstock, vice president of food & beverage for the Irving, Texas-based hotel chain. “We all knew from the beginning that the food we eat influences how we feel.”
Coordinating with the Sensational Meetings program, which incorporates decor, fragrances, music, and other sensory elements that set the mood for a specific purpose of a meeting—energetic, challenging or recognition—Omni consulted with nutritionists from the Culinary Institute of America to develop a set of nine menus available brand-wide.
Energetic Meetings
An energetic environment is most commonly used for brainstorming, planning and training, and calls for foods that motivate and evoke a fun spirit. Guests attending an energetic meeting may find themselves sampling items such as strawberry-kiwi skewers, mandarin-orange ginger chews, wasabi salmon cakes, or tropical fruit brochettes.
Challenging Meetings
Because challenging meetings can involve transition and negotiation, and tend to have periods of tension, the meeting space may feature lower lighting and tactile elements to help soothe the spirit. Food options should induce serenity and relaxation, specifically fresh sushi displays, herb-roasted chicken on sauteed leeks, chocolate banana spice cake, and sun-dried mango-papaya biscotti.
Recognition Meetings
Recognition meetings can honor past accomplishments and build on a vision for the future. The celebratory feeling can be complemented by foods such as baked brie en croute with apricot marmalade, basil and pine nut tortellini salad, ancho sugar-cured beef tenderloin, and tri-color roman orzo.
Of course, if the CEO really needs to venture off the menu, Omni will be pleased to oblige.
“If you want the sundae, that’s fine, you can get it,” Rosenstock says.
