October 3, 2024

OAKA Hosts Its Inaugural Wedding Reception

On September 8, 2024, the Olympic Athletic Center of Athens (OAKA) played host to an unprecedented event – its first-ever wedding reception beneath the striking Santiago Calatrava arch.

An Unforgettable First: OAKA Hosts Its Inaugural Wedding Reception

host to an unprecedented event – its first-ever wedding reception beneath the striking Santiago Calatrava arch. With over 500 guests from around the world, the celebration transformed one of Athens’ most iconic venues into a dazzling display of elegance and grandeur.

Months of meticulous planning resulted in a flawless event, the first of its kind in this unique space. Over 800 professionals from various specialties came together to deliver an extraordinary experience, setting a new standard in event production.

Aria Fine Catering, known for its precision and creativity, collaborated with Lebanese culinary powerhouse Cat & Mouth Catering to create a one-of-a-kind menu. Top-tier chefs from Lebanon, France, and the UK flew to Greece, ensuring every dish was crafted with the utmost care. The menu highlighted rare and luxurious ingredients such as Brittany blue lobster, Kobe beef, Preveza shrimp, Mesolongi bottarga, and artisanal cheeses from small Greek producers, offering guests a global gastronomic journey.

A culinary team of more than 40 chefs worked together to deliver dishes that were as exquisite in taste as they were in presentation. Standout plates included Kobe beef tataki, yuzu-scented scallops with sweet potato purée, tuna tartare, and shrimp ceviche with leche de tigre. A wood-fired lamb kleftiko stole the spotlight, while the bespoke porcelain plates, crafted exclusively for the occasion, added a personal touch to each guest’s dining experience.

The atmosphere was nothing short of magical. An 800-square-meter buffet beneath Calatrava’s arch housed dozens of custom-designed food stations, where skilled chefs served guests amid a backdrop of dramatic lighting, ice sculptures, and fresh floral arrangements.

Το γαστρονομικό ταξίδι ολοκληρώθηκε με ένα θεαματικό μπουφέ γλυκών που περιλάμβανε έξι live stations. Ιδιαίτερη εντύπωση έκανε το Booza Station όπου η προετοιμασία του παγωτού γινόταν μπροστά στους καλεσμένους, με ξηρό πάγο μέσα σε ξύλινα βαρέλια, αλλά και τα γλυπτά από royal icing (ζαχαρόπαστα), για το σχεδιασμό των οποίων ήρθε εξειδικευμένος pastry chef από τη Σιγκαπούρη. Η τούρτα της δεξίωσης, με ύψος 1,80 και 7 ορόφους, αποτέλεσε το highlight της βραδιάς, κλείνοντας με τον πιο εντυπωσιακό τρόπο τη λαμπερή αυτή εκδήλωση.As the night drew on, a spectacular dessert buffet became the center of attention, featuring six live stations. The star of the show was the Booza Station, where ice cream was made live in front of the guests, using dry ice, a mesmerizing spectacle for all in attendance. Royal icing sculptures by a pastry chef flown in from Singapore added an artistic flourish, while the seven-tier, 1.8-meter-tall wedding cake provided the evening’s stunning finale.

Aria Fine Catering’s commitment to excellence extended far beyond the plate. The team also managed the event’s logistics, installing two fully operational kitchens, staff dining areas, and HR offices to ensure every aspect of this monumental event ran smoothly.

This groundbreaking event was a testament to Aria Fine Catering’s innovation and mastery, elevating OAKA to new heights as an unparalleled destination for unforgettable celebrations.