Kayode & Makashe Awogboro get hitched in Paris, France with a little help from EMC3!

Last month we co-ordinated & event managed one of Nigeria's most beautiful, endearing and charismatic couple's Wedding in Paris, France. Over 4 days from the 16th -20th August we helped make a success (Services included Logistics Co-Ordination, Transportation, Accommodation & Event Management - along with Paris Wedding Planner to the Stars  Caroline Spritzer of  www.physalisevents.com )  of the Wedding arrangements for Kayode & Makashe (Nee Ibru) Awogboro's most splendiferous celebrations for over 600 guests from around the world.

Guests mostly stayed at:

* Hotel Shangri La

* Hotel George V (Four Seasons)
* Hotel Mandarin Oriental

* Le Meridien Etoile

Events celebrations took place at:

* L'Arc Nightclub

* Hotel Shangri La

* Eglise Sainte Clotilde

* Pavillion d'Armenonville

Here is some press on the Event:

http://www.bellanaija.com/2012/08/22/festive-in-lagos-paradise-in-paris-makashe-ibru-kayode-awogboro-wed/

Thanks to both the Families for letting us play a part on your happy week-end.

God bless the happy couple.

Pop pop pop a bath full of Dom Perignon at L'Arc Nightclub

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God bless the Ibrus & the Awogboros.

May God continue to bless us all!

2012 London Olympics

On 8th August, Team Preston awoke early for a day at The Games! 10am and we shut the front door behind us, made a quick stop for sandwiches and jumped aboard the jubilee line. The English did their best at crowd control, channelling spectators from Stratford station to the park in lanes, manned by mega-phone clad volunteers starting off the crowd participation! Once in the park, we passed the lazy Chinese on the stretch golf buggies and bought a £5 programme, because you know, you have too.. Inside the Official park store, we hit the credit card hard buying GB clothing, because we had all lost our senses with the 'once in a life time' event! We then watched the big screen in Park Live for a few hours.

We took our seats in the stadium at 4.45pm , a little eager for a 6pm start, but we had Pimm’s! The action all began, and we saw: the men’s decathlon high jump and 400 metres; women’s 200m final; men’s 100m hurdles final; javelin; women’s long jump; women’s 800m heats and men’s 200m semi-finals!! We then grabbed a bite to eat at Busaba Ethai, and happened to sit next to Allyson Felix’s physio! Felix had just won the women’s 200m! A top day was had by all. Thank you GB for the once in a lifetime experience............

Written by Events Intern Rachel Preston

Sketch Restaurant (Martin Creed Gallery Room) - Saskya Liney's Leaving Dinner

This weekend the EMC3 Team ( Baba, Alistair, Dan, Mo, Anita, Phil, Sas, Rachel & I) said goodbye to one of our valued team members as Saskya unfortunately or not heads back to University. To commemorate her time with EMC3, the team had a goodbye dinner for her at her favourite restaurant- Sketch near Oxford Circus on fashionable Conduit street. A great night of laughter, vibing company, and delicious food!

"Martin Creed is one of the foremost contemporary artists in the UK today. Based in London, Creed is internationally acclaimed for working across a multitude of disciplines including installation, sculpture, music, dance and film. Popularly known in the UK for his Turner prize winning presentation of Work No. 227, The lights going on and off, he has had numerous solo museum and institutional exhibitions as well as work commissioned for the public realm including Work No. 1197, All the bells in a country rung as quickly and as loudly as possible for three minutes, which will mark the start of the 2012 Olympic season. "

Quoted from http://www.sketch.uk.com/Martin_Creed.php?menu=1

Mo and Phil started with foie gras terrine, girolles in vinegar, cranberry chutney, quince paste and pistachio. YUM!!

Finally we all finished dinner with Marmalade margaritas and Espresso martinis all round!

Dan’s main course of Pan-fried fillet of sea bass, artichokes and seaweed purée, sweet miso butter was a treat !

For dessert, Mo and Natasha shared the Napoleon's dream.......lush :-)

We girls do enjoy:

Thank you Baba, Alistair & Daniel for a most hearty & sumptuous dinner.

Also a BIG THANK YOU to Emma, Fred & Stefan for the hospitality & love.

Written by Natasha Mayat, Lifestyle Enhancer via e-USA!

L’Atelier des Chefs opens in St Paul's, The City

Last night some of the EMC3 team (Anita, Saskya, Rachel & Tom) ventured out to the new L’Atelier des Chefs cookery school in St Pauls for a night of cooking, wining and dining. L’Atelier des Chefs have now added to their Oxford Street venture by opening a brand new cookery school in the heart of St Pauls, the venue has a professional kitchen feel to it, with plenty of cooking accessories on sale as well, they are offering activities and dining experiences sure to impress both for corporate and private events.

A culinarily delightful team experience; guests have the chance to cook, interact with professional chefs and network with each others in the kitchens before relaxing and enjoying the fruits of their labour in a private dining room.

 We took part in a tasting session which meant that we had to cook & produce a variety of dishes including sushi, lamb kofta, mackerel with some crêpes, puff pastry treats and caramelised figs for pudding (All with varying success!).

 We had such a fun night and would like to extend our best wishes and thanks to Jono and the team at L’Atelier – we will be sure to put our aprons to good use!

 Like warm butter on freshly baked bread - the word is being spread over cyber space to our people with love & enthusiasm!

Written by Saskya Liney, Lifestyle Enhancer, EMC3 LTD

EMC3 plan a client's desert island 40th Birthday Celebration with Friends!

Paradise Found!

Last Monday (11th June 2012) Daniel, Phil and Myself (Saskya) jetted off from Stanstead after months of careful planning on a client mission. The destination - Hassan’s Turtle Beach situated in the nature reserve of Karpaz in Northern Cyprus. The mission - a 40th Birthday party for two of our twin clients, the theme was “Survivor” with a touch of luxury. But there was to be no 5* hotels, no pool side cocktails, no spa and at times no electricity or water!! Instead the theme was a rustic campsite on the beach, the Mediterranean sea and a few beach huts.

We landed late at night, hopped in the hire car and drove the 150km to the campsite that would be home for the next week. The owner of the campsite, Hassan, greeted us with a dinner of Fresh fish which was much needed after the long flight!

We set to work on Wednesday sourcing all the decorations and accessories for the campsite in the cities of Kyrenia and Lefkosia. Lanterns, candles, Frisbees, lights, balls, water pistols were just a few of the things we bought! After a long day of shopping we stopped at The Rocks Hotel for a lovely meal by the pool, after which we regrettably left the luxury behind and headed back to the campsite.

Thursday was spent working on the campsite, transforming it from a desolate site into a beautiful haven for the guests to arrive. Large marquees were set up over-looking the beach with big comfy mattresses and crisp white linens, sprinkled with rose petals. Molton Brown toiletries were placed on the bed to add a luxury touch (As well as some factor 50 sun cream!).

After the set up was complete, I left for the airport to greet the guests; I was met by 30 very excited guests all eager to find out where they were going, but not even a bribe of 200 euros could let them in on the secret . The whole thing, including the destination and the itinerary was a surprise and so they were all in the dark about what would be going on. They piled onto the luxury coach, the champagne started flowing and the dancing began! The coach pulled into the campsite at midnight and the guests were greeted by waiters from The Arkin Palm Beach Hotel serving canapés, cocktails and wine around the campfire. After a late night swim everyone fell into bed, wondering what the next day would bring.

A 7am wake-up call signalled the start to the day, all guests assembled on the beach for an aerobic warm up before the day ahead. One of the challenges of working on a beach is the weather; yes it was sunny, but also very windy. As guests were enjoying a breakfast when a large gust of wind lifted 4 of the tents off the ground and blew them into the distance! Daniel chased after the tents and we managed to gather all the guests’ belongings together and move them into the beach huts. After relocating their beds and having breakfast guests set off on a “20 mile hike” into the mountains, 1 mile in and everyone was starting to feel the heat. As they reached the end of the road they were met by a convoy of safari jeeps.
Relieved that the hike was all a ploy, and excited they all hopped into the back of the jeeps and set off for another unknown destination. This time it was to be the new marina in Karpaz. Guests boarded the large traditional boat and set sail around the island. We stopped off for swimming, snorkelling and diving off the boat into the crystal clear water, lunch was barbequed fresh fish and chicken with meze and plenty of rosé wine. After a long day on the water the boat docked in the marina and the jeeps transported guests back to the campsite where they settled into their new accommodation and then hit the beach for volleyball and games. A feast was served on the terrace, delicacies included Octopus Carpaccio with rocket leaves, Artichoke hearts with olive oil, Beetroot with goat cheese, Shrimps with avocado, Chargrilled king prawns and Seasoned Grilled Grouper... Delicious. The night ended with a film of the birthday twins’ life and releasing flying lanterns on the beach, a beautiful way to finish the evening.

Another early start for the guests on Saturday morning, they set of for another hike speculating that this was another phony hike and there would be more jeeps meeting them. But no, guests hiked through the mountains and along the beach for over 2 hours, taking in the stunning scenery. On return they were served a well-deserved breakfast and headed to the beach for a swim. On reaching the beach they found a speedboat waiting for them, with water-skis, wake boards, ringoes, banana boats and kayaks. Guests spent the day relaxing and out on the water taking part in varoius sports and trying not to fall off the banana boat! Late afternoon saw the arrival of 2 masseuses who set up massage beds in the shade on the beach, guests were able to relax and recover from their hike with full body massages and reflexology.

As the sun went down guests retired to their huts and got ready for the evening ahead, everyone was dressed in white for the evening. Daniel set up a full cocktail bar overlooking the sea and started off the night with champagne and cocktails, dinner was a feast of Smoked salmon with caviar, Octopus salad,Whole Lamb spits, meatballs, chicken şiş kebap, and Palm Steak. A giant birthday cake was presented covered in sparklers and candles. A Methuselah of champagne followed and guests enjoyed a night of champagne, cocktials, shots, late night swimming and dancing as well as a fire juggling show from Phil.

Another early start for the guests, this was a struggle for those who had not got to bed until 7am. Yoga mats were set up overlooking the beach and guests took part in a relaxed yoga session. A large brunch was served for guests before they all departed for the airport to head home.

A very successful week in Northern Cyprus, everyone left tired out but very happy. It was a perfect way to celebrate the birthdays of Olivier and David, with their best friends, good food, sunshine and plenty of wine.

Written by Saskya Liney, Lifestyle Enhancer, EMC3

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