EMC3 was taken on a Marc Restaurant FAM Trip

UMU
Our first stop was to Umu, one of Mayfair’s hidden gems (literally, took us a while to work out the entrance and see their very cool “touch here to enter”) which its doors opened into this beautiful restaurant. Umu which, in Japanese, means ‘born of nature’ is London’s first Kyoto influenced restaurant opened at 14-16 Bruton Place, Mayfair on the 1st September 2004. Umu serves timeless Japanese cuisine (keeping in mind the traditional Japanese restaurant goer and the contemporary Japanese food lover) by their Executive Chef, Yoshinori Ishii who brings nearly twenty years of cooking experience to the elegant dishes Umu is famed for and saw them win their Michelin star just 5 month after opening. True Kyoto food is based around the core elements of water, vegetables and fish and Yoshinori uses both traditional Japanese produce, as well as locally sourced ingredients to create inventive Kyoto influenced cuisine, that you will not experience anywhere else. There is also an a la carte menu allowing guests to select the dishes of their choice. Umu can seat up to 64 people, 38 in the main restaurant, 10 at their Sushi table (where they also do Sushi master classes), 12 at the sake table and 4 at the cellar table. The sake table and cellar table can be cornered off if you are looking for a semi private area. They also have extensive wine selection and a sommelier that will be there to recommend a complimenting wine for your food.

UMU

The Greenhouse

Morton's Cocktails



Morton's Bar

 The Greenhouse

Based in the ever popular area of Mayfair and not too far from the bustling Berkley Square, The Greenhouse continues to win the praise of food critics, gourmets and one of the hottest destination for wine lovers alike – It’s held the prestigious Wine Spectator’s Grand Award every year since 2005, which is an award for one of the greatest wine lists in the world and has held its Michelin star status since 2004.

Morton's Starter - Scallops

Morton's Main - Pigeon

Morton's Dessert

The Greenhouse serves contemporary European food in a chic and sophisticated setting. The restaurant is approached through a serene landscaped garden decorated with stone artworks by British sculptor Emily Young. Elements of the garden are carried into the restaurant with specially commissioned miniature sculptures on each table, as well as the use of natural materials such as slate, marble and wood. These are offset by the choice of fresh green colours for the walls and furniture. With such a focus on excellence, it is little wonder that The Greenhouse rivals its competitors as one of London’s finest dining experiences and has a great private dining room for a more intimate meal or meeting if required.

Another bonus with this restaurant the walls are actual doors which can be opened making it a light and breezy venue with one side overlooking the sculpted garden.

Morton’s Club

We then went our final Venue, Morton’s Private Members Club on Berkley Square. This is an impressive Grade 11 listed building which combines its Georgian heritage and contemporary art work to create 4 different styled floors for its members. This means you can choose from dancing the night away in their Night Lounge to fantastic cocktails or tea in their Bar to having a private meal in the Club Room which can seat up to 48 guests or 70 people for a standing canapé and drinks reception or sit and enjoy the most delectable and memorable dining experience in their Restaurant which can seat up to 60 guests or 90 people for canapés and drinks reception with the use of a fantastic terrace for those summer days. My team and I were very fortunate to experience Morton’s fantastic hospitality first hand, started off by a couple of tantalising cocktails and bar snack where we were then taken up to the restaurant where we were seated in the corner near the window overlooking Berkley Square and treated to a choice of very different canapés which included an interesting beetroot marshmallow (a must try if you are the adventurous type), starters of duck fois gras, veal and scallops followed by mouth-watering main courses of rack of lamb, duck and pigeon which was incredibly tasty. Finally us sweet tooth’s were served the most amazing deserts that just melted in your mouth and for the more savoury tooth’s a cheese board to die for. Each meal was had with a complimenting wine chosen by their Head Sommelier. A truly memorable A Class experience of elegance, sophistication and exceptional service. You definitely won’t be disappointed.


They also have another really great restaurant that is different from the Mayfair restaurants but still in a buzzing location of South Kensington:

Cassis Bistro

With its accent on the Provençale cuisines of Southern France, Cassis Bistro opened its doors in the Brompton road on 25th November 2010. Cassis Bistro brings something completely new to London’s restaurant scene serving the finest Provençal food in a relaxed and modern setting. The restaurant can accommodate up to 90 people, including a bar area for 10 and additional al fresco seating. Designed by Tara Bernerd of Target Living the restaurant’s stylish decor, with its modern art displays on the walls, reflects the sophisticated, contemporary lifestyle of the customers it has been created to attract and the Head Chef David Escobar has used the finest seasonal ingredients to create an innovative menu that brings the heart of Provence to the streets of London.

If you would like to experience any of these amazing restaurants and be taken on a culinary journey please contact us or email mo@emc3.eu for bookings and event enquiries.

Written by Mo McKinlay, Events & Concierge

Westfield Village Fashion Event, Shepherd's Bush

On Wedneaday eve, Baba, Mo & myself had the pleasure of attending one of our cherished client’s functions at the GQ and Vogue Fashion Playground event in The Village, Westfield Shepherd’s Bush. For those unfamiliar with Westfield (you must be hiding under a rock if so!) the Village was transformed into a fairground complete with contortionists, magicians, mind-readers, balloons, candy floss, popcorn, food and drink including tunes spun by DJ Mademoiselle Robot.

Visited by a staggering 4,300 people on the night, guests were invited to shop at high fashion labels at discounted prices including Louis Vuitton, Tiffany’s, Whistles, Gucci, Jimmy Choo and Versace to name a few. Overall a great success to our friends at Westfield!

Thanks for the invite & hope to see you soon ;-)

Written by Anita Engebretsen

Le Café Anglais, Whiteleys Bayswater

Le Café Anglais, Whiteleys Bayswater - Nestled upstairs away only an olympic hammer throw away from Kensinton Park Gardens in Whiteleys, Bayswater is the beautiful Anglo French restaurant, Le Café Anglais. After a short lift upstairs, you step into what is a romantic yet relaxed, art-deco, family-friendly restaurant that serves some of the best seasonal foods this side of London.
Run by Head Chef Rowley Leigh, the restaurant has had some recent refurbishments including the installation of an Oyster bar. Here guests can comfortably sip on champagne and indulge in some fresh, just- shucked oysters before dinner or for your dinner, if you’re the kind of person after my own heart.

The restaurant has its own rotisserie and is known for dishes including parmesan soufflé with anchovy toast, whole grilled scallops, roast meat and game. Needless to say there is something for everyone here. During the Olympic weeks, the restaurant is launching a games-inspired set menu which includes Duck and Foie Gras Terrine with Pickled Cherries, their signature Roast ‘Label Anglais’ Chicken with Chanterelles, and Petite Bouillabaisse of Monkfish and Red Mullet with Croutons and Rouille to name a few. Again, all seasonal produce prepared in a uniquely French-Anglo way.

But sacre bleu, what you won’t find on the menu (for now) is deep fried snails paired with a buttered garlic sauce!

The main restaurant can accommodate up to 200 people for a function. The private dining room comfortably seats up to 26 people or up to 50 people standing for drinks and canapés. It fabulous for family get togethers, corporate functions or birthday parties to name a few.

We thoroughly enjoyed the smiles, service & gastronomique experience- merci buckets Guys!

What is undeniable is the quality of food at Les Café Anglais, to enquire for best seats and availability please contact us now at 0203 468 3901 or email concierge@emc3.eu .

Wrtten by Anita Engebretsen

Bentley’s & Corrigan’s Fam Trip – 04/04/12

As regular readers of the EMC3 experiences blog will have gathered by now, one of the top perks of working for EMC3 is being invited around the capital to sample the very best in restaurants, bars and venues that London has to offer.

This week was a particular highlight when our whole team was invited for a visit to two restaurants. First stop was Bentley’s Oyster Bar and Grill near Piccadilly Circus – here we were met by the excellent hostesses Amy & Victoria and given a tour of the restaurant. The highlight of which was the incredibly spacious self contained private dining room in the basement that can sit up to 60 people for dinner and includes it’s own bar area with piano – a great and unique space.

After the tour we were led to a laid table in the upstairs restaurant and before we barely had time to settle into our seats, platter after platter of the most succulent looking seafood and meat starters began to arrive to the table. As the girls exchanged glances of ”so much food” us boys tucked our napkins in and examined the offerings with beady-eyed delight!

The platters were generous and the food cooked to perfection – 3 types of oysters, lobster, crab, langoustines, seafood cocktails, beef tartare, ham, smoked salmon and calamari - all accompanied by a variety of freshly baked bread from the bakers downstairs (including some incredible soda bread and sourdough) and washed down with champagne... And this was just our starters!!

Our hosts and waiters did an excellent job of explaining every dish and soon after we piled into two taxis and headed round to stop number two... Corrigan’s of Mayfair
After a quick drink at the exceptionally well stocked bar, we were brought through the kitchen to the highly desirable chef’s table and introduced to our next host: Sheldon who talked us expertly through the menu.

Now earlier in the evening at Bentley’s, Amy had told us that they were offering squirrel dishes at Corrigan’s, not fazed by it not being on the menu tonight, Sheldon went and spoke to the head chef who sent his team scurrying around to bring us a taster tray of squirrel canapés – amusingly in a nut sauce!

We were lucky enough to have the very special treat of a personal visit from the top man Richard Corrigan himself who welcomed us to his restaurant and told us about some of his next upcoming projects – you’ll have to keep an eye on the EMC3 Deal of the Week emails for more details of these in due course!

The main courses arrived in extremely good time and we all sat back with mouths open and eyes open wider as we took in the spectacular presentation of the food. The slow roast duck was the most popular, then the braised short rib of beef. I opted for the scallops which were wonderful and accompanied by some tiny smoked chicken wings and celeriac. Not a single bad word was said about any of the food and Sheldon returned a short while later to 10 gleamingly empty plates.

As well fed as we were, the hospitality didn’t end there – miniature desserts followed, then teas, coffees and cheese plates then port and limoncello !
We all left Corrigan’s beaming from ear to ear at the exceptional levels of service and even higher quality of food. We had the perfect hosts and will certainly recommend both restaurants to everyone we know looking for fine dining in the West End!
Written by Phil Harris, Performers & Production, EMC3 Ltd

Adelphi Suite – Waldorf Hilton Grand Reopening

Adelphi Suite Post-Refurbishment

Meeting Room
Friday 23rd March

2 Fridays: Mo and I headed over to the Waldorf Hilton to see the newly refurbished Adelphi Suite. I wasn’t expecting that much of a difference. Normally, hotel refurbishments mean taking the same canvas and painting over it. A little spackle here, some paint there and it’s done, but we were amazed!

Talk about a transformation! With a hotel as elegant and sophisticated as the five-star Waldorf Hilton, it’s good to see they finally have an event space to match! The staff was super accommodating, as per usual, and the events team was more than willing to show us every exciting feature the entire hotel has to offer (including their macaroons, I thought I had died and gone to a macaroon heaven better than Laduree!)

They took us throughout the main lobby area of the Hilton, into the executive board room, and the restaurants. The ballroom area, including the Adelphi Suite, with all of the spaces utilized can hold up to 800 guests, which seems like a lot of people, but with a space this immaculate you can definitely tell why someone would be inclined to have a booking that large in this space.

The walls are absolutely stunning; the large columns add character to the space that breathes class and elegance. They’ve changed the drapery from a dark green and burgundy that was hard to blend in during events, to a lovely cream colour that is sophisticated and chic. Not only does it look like this in the grand ballroom, but it carries over into the Adelphi Suite as well. It’s amazing just how well all of the spaces can be utilized and how versatile they truly are. They’ve replaced the gold and green carpet with a lovely chocolate and cream that blends in nicely. The Hilton staff really made great use of the space, sectioning off half of the suite for a theatre style set up for 50 people and the remainder of the space set as a round table dinner, with elegant dinnerware and immaculate chandeliers. This space, including the grand ballroom, is truly one of a kind equipped with LED colour changing lights to suit any theme or clients preference, with a Hilton staff that is just as unique.

If you have any questions about booking the newly renovated Adelphi Suite or any of their spaces please contact us!

Written by Taylor Hathorn, Intern from University of Tennessee, USA

Gordon Ramsay Restaurant Safari Tour

Not so long ago our friends at Gordon Ramsay invited us to come and have a tour around some of their amazing restaurants. We started our tour where it all began, at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay on Royal Hospital Road, which is the longest running three Michelin starred restaurant in London. The restaurant is very brightly lit with a chic interior, designed by David Collins. It’s capable of seating between 40 and 45 people and is available for exclusive takeovers. They take bookings for lunch and dinner Monday to Friday, but once a month they open at the weekend for their exclusive Master classes! The classes are hosted by the head chef and offer 12 people a real hands on morning in the kitchen where they will receive detailed tuition for each dish and how they can be re-created at home for a dinner party. Each course demonstrates a number of techniques and the class is suitable for guests of all abilities. Following this intensive session within the kitchen, the guests are then invited to enjoy lunch in the dining room at 12.30pm where additional friends family or colleagues are invited to join the party.

After we’d finished nosing around Royal Hospital Road we headed down to Gordon Ramsay at Claridges. Where in amongst the grand art deco setting I spotted British Boxing Legend Chris Eubank enjoying a spot of tea, apparently he’s quite a regular there. After I had finished explaining to the girls who Chris Eubank is we turned our attention to the private dining rooms. The private spaces are all at the back of the restaurant, and are all adjoining art deco salons. It’s a very versatile space, you could have a small group of up to 10 in the salon room or you could open up all the rooms for groups up to 60. Claridge’s is also home of the first chefs table in London, which offers a truly memorable experience where you won’t just see the action in the kitchen but you’ll get stuck in as well. On our way out we had a quick look at the wine list, which they keep on an iPad that you can use to search by type, price and age etc. They aren’t trying to be flashy it’s just so big that its either an iPad or a book the size of an encyclopedia.

After Claridge’s we popped around the corner to Maze and Maze Grill. We headed into the Grill first, it’s a beautiful space with a warm wood interior and a great view of Grosvenor Square. My favorite part of Maze Grill was the Butcher’s Block, it’s an elevated area separated from the main restaurant by a glass screen, great for those who like to be seen and not heard. The Butcher’s Block offers an interactive experience similar to the chefs table at Claridge’s, guests will get some time in the kitchen where you can really feel the temperature of their high heat boiler, Maze Grill is one of the only kitchens in the UK that uses one, it reaches temperatures of up to 650 °C!

Finally we headed into Maze for a glass of champagne at their beautiful bar. The main restaurant had quite dim lighting, which set a lovely mood and complimented the modern interior designed by David Rockwell. Maze have quite a few private dining spaces; there’s the Ballroom, which is massive, great for events like awards or social galas they can cater for 70 to 550 guests. Then there’s the Somerton Room and the Hampton Room. These are pretty much identical rooms, both very secluded from the main restaurant with a contemporary yet elegant interior and both seat up to forty on one long table. They also have the Dalby Room, which has the same décor as the Somerton and Hampton Room’s but is better suited to smaller groups seating up to ten on one round table. My personal favorite was the Maze View Room, it can seat up to 10 comfortably on a rectangular table and has a great view of the kitchen, I could of sat there all night watching them make those intricate looking deserts. The room is cocooned between the lively restaurant and the theatrical kitchen. The doors to the restaurant and kitchen can be closed, providing an intimate dining space and a more discreet service, with views of the bustling restaurant and kitchen as a back drop.

Overall it was a great evening, we saw some lovely spaces suitable for a multitude of occasions, if any of them whet your appetite we can see to it that you have both a special and memorable time.

Written by Ross Cassey, Lifestyle Enhancer

Sadler's Wells London Flamenco Festival 2012

Last night as a Valentine's gift I took my Family to Sadler's Wells to see one of my favourite plays put into a Ballet/Flamenco Dance by the Antonio Gades Company. The play was Lope de Vega's Fuenteovejuna, which is a truish story that actually took place in the 15th century in a village with the same name within the province of Cordoba, Spain. Oh what a pleasure & joy to see my old school King's Canterbury, spanish literature course come to life. My former teachers Mr Newbury & Mr Wade would have been proud of me. The Artist that played Frondoso (Angel Gil) was elegant, robust, rhythmic & stylish as he strutted across the stage in true Flemenco peacock-esque manner. In fact the whole cast's dancing & the Alcade's Flamenco singing were mesmerising.

Thanks again Sadler's Wells for bringing not only the Fela Story late last year but also this eye catching Flamenco Festival in Islington's never regions.

A MUST SEE - ENDS on the 19th February 20012 though so hurry !

Go to http://www.flamencofestival.org/ for details ......Ole!

The Tempus Bar at Hotel Russell By Saskya Liney

On the evening of the 9th February some of the EMC3 team headed down to the Hotel Russell to sample the cuisine at The Tempus Bar and to have a good look at the hotel and event space.

The hotel is situated centrally in Russell Square, just a moment’s walk from the tube station in the centre of Bloomsbury. We met up with Tiffany and Tiernan who work for Principal Hayley, the owners of the hotel. We enjoyed a fantastic tasting menu in the tempus bar, the menu samples many different cuisines from around the world, ensuring that there is something tasty for even the most fussiest of eaters. We started off with some Broccoli soup which was perfect as we had just come in from the cold and snow! This was followed by some Indian snacks, pork belly, steak and gnocchi. The food just kept coming and coming! We finished up with a lovely dark chocolate and orange pudding. The wine list is extensive and there is a good choice to match well with the menu.

The hotel is gradually undergoing a refurbishment, the bedrooms, meeting spaces, and bars are being refurbished to make them more modern and to brighten them up. There is extensive meeting space in the hotel and it boasts one of the only Victorian Ballrooms in London. Much of the hotel was destroyed during the Blitz in WWII, but the structure and much of the décor has been recovered and restored, including all the marble staircases and arches. The bedrooms are all well-equipped and have modern facilities as well as WIFI throughout the hotel.

We recommend this hotel for people looking for meeting space in London, or people who need hotel room; the rates are very competitive with rooms under £100 during off peak periods!

Call us for special EMC3 rates 1st......

L U V Madonna Video for Superbowl 2012

Checkout L U V Madonna's latest song with Nicki MINAJ & M.I.A for Superbowl on Sunday......Smoking! L.U. Madonna xxxx http://necolebitchie.com/2012/02/03/new-video-madonna-f-nicki-minaj-m-i-a-give-me-all-your-luvin/

EMC3 Brand Marketing Annual Event in Lagos Nigeria Jan 2012

WOW! What a year already. We decided to swim upstream like a salmon and go to Nigeria whilst others were leaving due to the National Strike & Protest http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-16464922 . Why? Because we had a Message to deliver to the people. What was that? It all about the 3 Ps for your Company: Perception, Positioning & Profile!

So we decided to have a Brand Marketing/Awareness Event on Thursday 19th January at the World Famous Lagos Motor Boat Club ( Which probably has the best bar in the world....). The strategy was to hand pick & invite a cluster of discerning but affable high net worth potential clients, friends & family to understand what services we at emc3 could offer Europe bound or focused customers in the way of Events, Marketing(Brand Marketing), Concierge, Conferences & Creative Experiences.

Success! Great Afro Beat Music from Yellow &b the Jajas, small chops of chicken, suya, samosas & fine wines from Chile. Hosted by myself, Baba-Jallah Epega and aided by my sister Yewande along with guests including Olorugun Oskar Ibru, his lovely Wife Wanda & their gorgeous soon to be married daughter Makashe, my good uncle Otunba Barin Epega, Aunty Buki, Seun Vigo,Shola Ojora, Obi Asike, Akintayo, Abi Kuku, Bo Kehinde, Nike Etiebet,Muda & Ojoma Sanusi, Gboye & Titi Fowora,Rasha Bahgat, Afolabi & his sister-in law Habiba Balogun ( who won the Grand Prize of a dinner for 2 at the Ivy Restaurant), Abiola Idowu,Toks Ojian, Ola Shonekan, Tunde Aiyegbusi, Jason Mycroft, Daniel Sas, Hugo D'Aspice & a few others whom I thank for coming.

Here is our presentation that was well receive:

As per my presentation here are some details about our company EMC3: www.emc3.eu/emails/Presentation/presentation.swf

Click here http://www.youtube.com/user/emc3channel?feature=mhee to view our “You Tube” Conferences & Events Channel.

Thank you God & Mother Nigeria for keeping me safe during my 2 weeks there.

Others may laugh but may our leaders have the vision & fortitude to take drag our country organically out of corruption & into transparency!

Nigeria we hail thee......