Kitchen Cocktails

How has this idea enhanced your club's operation, etc.?

Clubs are always on the hunt for creative ways to provide unique events and venues for their memberships. While kitchens are typically considered 'off limits' to the membership, we decided to utilize our kitchen as a dining room for special events with a casual feel. These events give the culinary team an opportunity to show our members and their guests that we are good stewards of their investments as well as give them an opportunity to interact with the staff in way they have not been able to in the past. Members have really enjoyed getting to witness the creative cooking styles of the team while benefiting from the great tasting food.

How was this idea implemented, and what have been the club members' reactions?

Break up the monotony of passed hors d’oeuvres and stations with a kitchen cocktail party--a cocktail party located inside the main kitchen. With kitchen cocktail parties, the culinary team invites members into their club “home,” spotlighting the department in a unique way. In addition to providing the membership a new, fun, and engaging experience, these parties are a way to show members that the culinary team are good stewards of their investments. Members have really enjoyed getting to see the 'magic' that happens in the kitchen and creating a more personal relationship with the culinary staff.