GOOD GRACIOUS! EVENTS AT CONCOURS D' ELEGANCE 2011...

By: Patrick Sullivan, Director of Service and Management - Good Gracious! Events

Towards the end of summer, for the past 60 years car enthusiasts from all over country have gathered together on the Monterrey Peninsula for the Concors D’ Elegance at Pebble Beach. It is a week filled with car auctions, racing, test driving, and VIP events sponsored by some of the top auto makers in the world. So when the opportunity to work with Interluxe Productions for Aston Martin USA arose, Good Gracious! Events were honored to be a part of the three day event.

Our location, a hilltop mansion aptly named the “Aston Martin Villa” was situated in the rolling hills above Laguna Seca Raceway with a view of the Pacific Ocean. A perfect spot for guests to relax, test drive cars, and of course enjoy wonderfully prepared food and beverages. Our team from Good Gracious! consisted of myself, our President Pauline Parry, Chef De Cusine Joanne Purnell, Sous Chef David Cho, and Mixologist Randy Mellon. The team was rounded out with assistants from our good friend Annie Hobbs, Chef/Owner of A Taste of Elegance Catering and Events in Pacific Beach.

During the daytime at the Villa, guests enjoyed “Driver Mocktails” which were non- alcoholic beverages handcrafted by Snake Oil Cocktail Company from San Diego and were treated to Artisan Towers; the towers served “butler style” consisted of custom made tea sandwiches, artisan cheeses, and truffles from Emanuel Andren Hand Crafted Chocolates. As the sun was setting on day one, the “mocktails turned into cocktails and wine and champagne were tray passed. Shallot Tart Tatan, and Kobe Meatball Lolipops complimented the beverages.

Day two at the Villa, guests were again treated to Artisan Towers along with beverages before and after test driving cars. The day was highlighted by a VIP Cocktail party. At sunset guests were sipping Louis Roederer-2004 Cristal Brut Champagne, listening to the live Jazz trio, and enjoying tray passed Ahi Tuna Cones, Bocconcini with Smoked Salmon and Short Rib Popovers. Small plates were also served, on the menu were Australian Lamb Chops with Cauliflower Mash, Grilled Vegetable Towers, and Lobster Bisque with Sage Gnocchi.

Day three, VIP guests were invited to a brunch to start the morning off. A beautiful buffet of brunch items was offered on the veranda. Eggs Benedict, Smoked Salmon, Tomato/Olive Tarts, fresh fruit, freshly baked Scones and muffins along with fresh juices and custom coffee drinks. Through out the rest of the afternoon, test driving and demonstrations took place. The day concluded with wine tasting and a tray passed Caprese Panini, Grilled Vegetable Towers, and Bocconcini with Smoked Salmon.

Collaborating with our creative partners on this event was truly satisfying. A big Thank You to all of you... Expert and attentive, cordial service along with the freshest of foods and beverages made this event a huge success. We can’t wait until next year!!