Corporate Holiday Parties Heat Up…

This year, many Atlanta companies will be “mixing” it up in the kitchen for their holiday parties. Instead of donning holiday attire, colleagues will put on an apron and prepare a gourmet meal together in a fun, festive environment. The concept, popular in other top cities, is now an option in Atlanta. Focus on Food, a Norcross, Ga.-based culinary innovation center that nationally known chefs regularly tap for feedback on their newest creations, recently announced that it is opening up its professional restaurant-grade kitchen facilities for holiday parties and team building events as well as for corporate and social gatherings.

“Culinary team building is gaining momentum in cities such as New York and San Francisco, and we are excited to offer companies and individuals in the Southeast an array of ‘hands-on’ culinary party and team-building opportunities,” said Ron Marks, founder and president of Focus on Food. “In every culture, food has long been the central focus of celebrations, traditions and family gatherings.  Not only is there joy in dining itself, but there is a lot of laughter, camaraderie and creativity that is unleashed while a group is preparing a meal together.” 

Focus on Food has two options available for special events – its Three-Course Gourmet Meal Challenge and its Tapas & Wine Event. Groups that select the Three-Course Gourmet Meal option prepare a fine dining feast, which they then enjoy together in an intimate dining room setting. To begin, the group is organized into teams, each of which is assigned a professional chef who acts as a guide and mentor.  The groups prepare different courses, and the evening culminates in the dining room, where all celebrate and enjoy the fruits of their labor. 

The Tapas & Wine Event is a unique, high-energy party environment with a Latin twist. Guests can prepare different small plates from around the world or observe as professional chefs create tapas to order. The background beat of lively Salsa music in a professional kitchen environment complemented by a variety of exotic drink options, makes for a very fun and unique party atmosphere.

When asked what makes these events different from cooking parties at other venues, Marks replied, “We are not a fancy kitchenware or gourmet foods store offering cooking classes. We are offering Atlanta the opportunity to experience ‘reality-style’ restaurant cooking in a real-world restaurant kitchen, under the guidance of experienced professional chefs.”

Focus on Food was established in 2002 by Ron Marks, who has served as executive chef at nationally recognized restaurants on both coasts. The company began as a consumer-driven food research center for restaurants and the food manufacturing industry.  Restaurants, ranging from upscale to quick service, utilize Focus on Food to help create and test new menu items.  The food manufacturing segment regularly utilizes the company for food product development. In 2007, Focus on Food established a culinary events division, using its experienced culinary team and commercial kitchen facilities for special events and corporate team building outings.

For more information:
Debbie Dryden
770.426.5507
debbie_dryden@yahoo.com