Smart Group is to launch a City-wide initiative to strengthen businesses through an innovative new “Cook Off” event, launching spring 2014.
Team-building for businesses
Driven by its catering arm, Smart Hospitality, the Cook Off has been developed for use as a team-building and networking exercise for businesses in the City. Implemented by leading experts in the UK’s hospitality scene, 32 leading firms will compete in a high octane knock-out kitchen format.
Using a limited number of ingredients, teams will be challenged to use both creativity and cooperation to serve completed dishes to industry judges, including Michelin-starred chef Angela Hartnett. The competition will culminate in a live grand final in front of an audience of several hundred.
Alongside the main competition, guests will be entertained by an Omelette Challenge, challenging them to create the perfect example in the quickest time possible, as well as being offered wine-tasting and a number of gourmet canapés.
From trial to corporate exercise
The idea was conceived by CEO of Smart Group, Greg Lawson, and will be rolled out by Smart Hospitality’s Operations Director Richard Gee following a recent trial with nationally renowned business services company Grass Roots.
30 employees across 8 teams were given 20 minutes to transform an unknown bag of ingredients into a delicious dish, leading to a grand final between the strongest two teams.
The finalists were given identical ingredients and challenged to create a two course meal. The winners cooked Chicken Jambalaya, followed by a Pimms and fresh mango sorbet palette cleanser and an impressive banana cheesecake with chocolate popping candy. As a prize, they were awarded a coveted Smart Hospitality Olive Wood Chopping Board and Champagne.
Recognising the growing trend of culinary challenges and increasing numbers of foodies working in the City, Lawson saw the opportunity to develop this product into a corporate team-building exercise: “Using food and cooking is a wonderful way to encourage employees to pull together and create something with creativity, organisation and drive. These skills are crucial in both the kitchen and the boardroom, and this is a fantastically fun way to work on key business abilities”.
About Smart Hospitality
Smart Hospitality caters for over 150,000 guests annually at some of the most exciting and unique venues across London and the UK, major sporting and cultural events, as well as corporate and private functions. Working alongside Creative Director, Angela Hartnett, Smart have delivered exceptional food to royalty, global leaders, major corporate clients, athletes and celebrities. Smart have a very straightforward approach to food; select the best seasonal ingredients to create fresh, vibrant dishes. Sourced from sustainable and artisan suppliers, their food is local, honest and most of all, delicious.
For further details about Smart Hospitality and the forthcoming Cook-Offs click here
About The Smart Group
The Smart Group is a dynamic collection of hospitality, catering and event management businesses with over 20 years’ experience; founded and led by CEO, Greg Lawson. Consisting of Smart Hospitality; Smart by Angela Hartnett; Smart Christmas Parties, Smart Live, Smart at Battersea Evolution, as well as being sole caterer at EventCity, Manchester;,quality, passion and integrity drive all the brands within Smart Group, providing the ultimate experiences across events and hospitality.