Although breaks are crucial to relax and refocus, it can sometimes be difficult to excite and engage attendees. At The James Chicago, Curated Meeting Breaks offer groups a chance to step out of their meeting for a hands-on learning, and in a few options, tasting experience.
“The idea for Curated Meeting Breaks started as a way to translate the experiential components of The James stay into a meeting setting. Since many of the guests for meetings are traveling and aren’t able to explore the area, the meeting breaks are a way to experience our restaurant and other aspects of the hotel during their stay,” says Jacob Schwimmer, director of food and beverage.
The most popular break is the “Art of the Beef,” where participants meet with Dino Tsaknis, executive chef of the on-site restaurant, David Burke’s Primehouse, and learn about the dry-aging process and tour the dry-aging room. Attendees also get to sample the restaurant’s specialties, such as mini dry-aged ribeye sandwiches, charcuterie board items and beef sashimi.
Another popular choice is “Uncorked,” where a sommelier gives a tasting of wines from various regions and can include a blind tasting and question-and-answer session. Other food-and-beverage-based breaks include tea or bourbon tastings and a chocolate workshop.
“Break to Give Back” is a program that allows participants to learn about a local community organization and the option to volunteer time to a nonprofit.
“Our local nonprofit partner, Common Threads, teaches kids and their families healthy eating habits,” Schwimmer says. “Meeting attendees can also learn about how to form healthier eating with matching recipes from a Common Threads chef instructor and Chef Dino in the Primehouse kitchen.”