VIP Hospitality - Rugby World Cup 2011
Eden Park, Auckland
During Rugby World Cup Ruth Pretty Catering had the privilege of looking after VIP guests invited to matches at Eden Park in Auckland. For the 11 matches at Eden Park we served dignitaries from a league of nations to include New Zealand, France, Botswana, Georgia,
Monaco, Scotland and Tonga. Our guests included prime ministers, presidents, ambassadors, princes and princesses and we loved every
minute of the adventure. We felt proud of every dish we served and relished the compliments our company received. As the tournament gained momentum so did the VIP events.
The
feedback from guests and RNZ exceeded our expectations and even staff have written to tell us how much they enjoyed being part of our
team for RWC. They did us proud and while photography was naturally off limits Ian Crowe, Manager, Hospitality and Logistics, Rugby New Zealand captured part of our team just before half time on the night of the finals,
click here to view photos.
Six weeks flew by and two hours post match on final night when guests had left the building Paul and I along with eighty staff cheered with excitement, not because our job was done, but because the All Blacks had won and while guests were in the lounge our instructions were to remain Swiss at all times.
I felt totally caught up in the excitement of rugby like I never had before. I did not see a game, as stadium kitchens are not designed with windows, but every night I could hear and feel the crowd. Walking through the concourse to staff dinner late afternoon on the day of the final I stopped to watch Hayley Westenra rehearsing our national anthem and tears came to my eyes. I decided patriotism was a pleasant feeling.
Each event we presented a different menu but as the tournament progressed some items were retained due to popular demand.