On the evening of June 29, 2023, the two-day “Piraeus 2023” event concluded with a dazzling gala dinner for 1,500 distinguished guests from the global shipping community at the Peace & Friendship Stadium. This event was a significant challenge for Aria Fine Catering, requiring impeccable coordination and organization.
Preparations for the event began several days earlier, on Monday, June 25, with the arrival of the first set of equipment at the Peace & Friendship Stadium. The numbers associated with this project are impressive. To ensure the kitchen operated smoothly, we needed: 25 thermal cabinets, 10 hot tables, 5 electric ovens, 2 refrigerated containers, 150 banquet tables, 120 food towers, 600 gastronorm containers, and 6 tons of ice. Notably, one of the kitchen support tables measured 30 meters in length!
FLOOR PLAN
![Global Shipbrokers Forum - Gala Dinner Global Shipbrokers Forum - Gala Dinner](https://aria.gr/wp/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/sef-ground-floor.jpg)
For the guest table setup, we used 150 round tables, 1,500 chairs, 150 tablecloths, 10,000 plates, 10,000 sets of cutlery, and 6,000 glasses. The total staff involved in the event reached 140 people, including chefs, cooks, waiters, and assistants.
![Global Shipbrokers Forum - Gala Dinner Global Shipbrokers Forum - Gala Dinner](https://aria.gr/wp/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/SEF1-scaled.jpg)
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The table arrangement in the venue was meticulously planned – the stunning aerial photos confirm the flawless organization. All staff operated in perfect synchronization, following the instructions of the Executive Chef, the Operations Manager, and the Maitre. The waiters skillfully navigated between the 150 tables, replenishing drinks and serving food precisely as required. Within 1 hour and 30 minutes, all 1,500 guests had been served all three courses of the menu.
A variety of flavorful dishes showcasing high-quality Greek cuisine formed the core of the menu. Dishes like lobster chips with horseradish sauce and salmon ceviche impressed with their creativity. The sea bass fillet accompanied by wild greens, confit tomatoes, and lemon sauce was remarkable for its clarity, boldness, and flavor precision, while the pavlova with seasonal fruits and berry sauce made for an excellent finale.
![Global Shipbrokers Forum - Gala Dinner Global Shipbrokers Forum - Gala Dinner](https://aria.gr/wp/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/SEF8.jpg)
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The gala dinner welcomed shipowners, ship managers, charterers, shipping agents, insurers, bankers, lawyers, brokers, shipbuilders, port managers, fuel suppliers, telecommunications providers, service and equipment providers, charterers, and sales brokers, who enjoyed the dinner, excellent service, and unique evening, leaving with the best impressions.
The success of the event was the result of the dedication and professionalism of the Aria Fine Catering team, who managed to meet the demands of such a large and significant project.
Venue: Peace & Friendship Stadium
Date: June 29, 2023
Guests: 1.500
We extend our sincere thanks to Kefi Tours for their support and impeccable cooperation, as well as the Hellenic Shipbrokers Association, and we look forward to next year.
Photography: Ismini Kimioni