With it’s sweeping views of the Torrens and surrounding parklands, the Adelaide Convention Centre’s Panorama Ballroom seemed the perfect location to celebrate the Centre’s ‘Soils and Seasons’ philosophy, their ‘Get Together’ campaign, and all things food. Quintessential Adelaide views and stunning South Australian produce? Let’s just say, they didn’t have to ask us twice!
With a passion for provenance, the evening was a chance for the ACC to showcase the outstanding local produce that we are so lucky to have in our own backyard. Head Executive Chef Gavin Robertson has been on board with the ACC for 15 months now and, in conjunction with his team, pulled together a delicious array of South Australian seasonal produce for us to get together and sample.
Live cooking stations were set up around the room, encouraging people to talk about not only the food, but the complete food experience being presented to them. What we eat is something that everyone has an opinion about and it always incites passion. The ACC know that at events, connections are forged with the people you share these food experiences with; the people you meet in the coffee queue or the buffet line. It’s the food that gets people together, and this is the focus of their latest campaign.
As Director Conference and Exhibition Sales Simon Burgess explained, their ‘Soils and Seasons’ philosophy encapsulates everything they are trying to achieve with the most important aspect of their offering at the ACC; their food. Drawing inspiration from the 2013 ‘Barossa. Be Consumed.’ campaign and the knowledge of how important terroir is for our wines, the ‘Soils & Seasons’ philosophy acknowledges that the flavours in our food come from the soils in which they grow. Solid and supportive relationships with our local producers and farmers are therefore paramount when it comes to the quality of the meals the ACC serve up and, with 98% of their produce sourced locally, you can be assured that the quality is high.
Wherever possible, The ACC always incorporate our South Australian food icons into the menu; large Spencer Gulf prawns, plump Coffin Bay oysters and handmade chocolate truffles crafted with Haigh’s chocolate are just some of options available to explore. Leading the way with innovative catering is another specialty of the ACC. They were one of the first venues in South Australia to offer street food options at their functions and the live cooking stations are the latest development in this quest to always provide their customers with new and exciting ways to nourish their guests.
Importantly, they also maintain a focus on recycling and sustainability. The ACC work with OzHarvest and Food Bank SA to minimize food wastage and they incorporate corporate social responsibility philosophies into their procurement policies, helping to ensure the sustainability of local farmers and producers.
Taking restaurant quality and restaurant innovation and scaling it up for anything from 300 to 3,000 people is certainly a challenge, but it’s one that Gavin and the culinary team at the ACC take on with enthusiasm and aplomb. We think they’re doing an absolutely stellar job of it and highly recommend that you get down there to sample the amazing South Australian produce they offer up.
For more information on the Adelaide Convention Centre’s ‘Get Together’ initiative and to spy more of the incredible opportunities for weddings, conferences and events over looking the beautiful Adelaide Riverbank, visit their website or follow the ACC on Facebook.
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