Green on the menu

AsiaWorld-Expo – one of two major convention and exhibition facilities in Hong Kong – is now offering environmentally-friendly menus as part of its catering services. These include the CarbonCare Menu, which is endorsed by Carbon Care Asia as having a reduced carbon footprint; and uses local ingredients that require little transportation.

The food is also grown or reared in a low-emission manner, and cooked in a way that

minimises carbon production. The other option is the Ocean-Friendly Menu, which is endorsed by the World Wildlife Fund; and only features seafood from sustainable sources that the conservation organisation has approved. “We’ve found that increasing numbers of event organisers and event planners want to make environmental protection an integral part of their event,” says H.W. Lau, chief operating officer of Asia-World Expo. “With these new environmental initiatives at Asia-World Expo, it’s easier than ever before for [them] to host events without compromising their corporate commitment to environmental protection.” www.environmental-expert.com

Airline food stays grounded

A pop-up eatery that appeared in Holland recently offered people an odd, albeit familiar, dining experience. The one-day Airplane Food Restaurant, located inside a disused factory in Amsterdam, was set up just like the inside of a plane – right down to the seats and pull-out eating trays. The food came in the form of pre-packaged meals, ordered from an official airline caterer, and was served by waiters dressed as cabin crew. Guests also had a range of menu options – five courses on one plate in ‘economy’, or different courses served every half hour in ‘business class’. Finally, to top off the experience, diners were shown an airplane movie on a projector screen at the front of the ‘plane’.

Justus Bruns and Mingus Vogel, the event’s organisers, said the restaurant was “an opportunity for airlines to show that they do serve good meals. Airplane food has a bad reputation. Weird, because the meals are designed by top chefs and they are meant to be liked by everyone.” www.terminalu.com

Catering dream team

Two of Britain’s culinary heavyweights have joined forces. According to Cateresearch.com, Michelin-starred chef, Heston Blumenthal and well-known catering company, Rhubarb Food Design, are offering their combined services for special events.

And Blumenthal, who is best-known for his fantastical television series, Heston’s Feasts (where his dishes have included an ‘ejaculating’ cake, lick-able wallpaper and Dormouse lollipops) says he couldn’t be more excited. “Restaurants, by nature, have limitations and I have wanted to work with a company like Rhubarb for some time. The more we talked and discussed ideas and opportunities, the more obvious the synergy became between us. There are some fantastic avenues to explore and an enormous amount of fun ahead of us.” Meanwhile, Rhubarb Food Design has its own, equally impressive credentials; having won a lucrative contract to operate the hospitality services at Royal Albert Hall from long-term incumbent Compass Group, and recently opening a restaurant at Heathrow Airport. www.caterersearch.com