Blog

The inaugural Gold Soiree at Mercedes Tynan was a beautiful evening. Laissez-faire partnered and supported the event that catered to over 250 guests. 

A special menu was designed by our head chef Clinton Brown and was enjoyed by all. 

The Gold Soiree aimed to raise $50,000 for the Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation to fund an education study for patients who have suffered from cancer.

Due to the fantastic generosity of all guests, this event raised an amazing $80,000, which will make an incredible difference to children like Maria, whose story was heard on the evening, and many more like her.

“On behalf of the 78,000 patients, and their families, who pass through the Hospital's doors each year, thank you for your outstanding support of the Gold Soiree at Mercedes Tynan, and of Sydney Children's Hospital Foundation.” Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation CEO Leanne Warner said.

Planning Your Wedding

Image credit: Creek Street Photography

Just got engaged? Congratulations! But don't know where to start? Relax!  We've got everything you need to plan the perfect day.

Laura has 12 Expert tips that will actually make planning your wedding a pleasant experience

It's almost wedding planning season again: a time for flowers, beautiful dresses, and elaborate cakes. But there's also the potential for massive stress. If you're a bride-to-be, here are 12 top tips from industry experts to help make the process a bit easier. 

1. Start early. 

Late planning will drastically reduce the options. This could result in a second best venue, and far from a dream wedding. We recommend you start thinking at least 12 months ahead.

2. Make the planning fun. 

With so much to think of, planning a wedding can be really stressful. It's easy to forget to enjoy the journey. We encourage our couples to make a celebration out of as many planning events as possible. For instance, if you're having a dress fitting, meet with your entourage for lovely afternoon tea afterwards.

3. Get organised. 

To do this, create a master document with supplier names, contact numbers, and other important details. Not only will you feel in complete control during the planning stages, you can hand it over to one of your trusted bridesmaids on the day!

4. When looking for that special unique venue, ask yourself two questions. 

What kind of wedding do you want? And how many guests do you want to invite? Only once you know the answers to these questions should you start researching possible venues.

5. Take notes. 

It may feel a bit like being back in school, but taking notes when visiting venues or other suppliers is a quick reference if you have questions later. You're bound to forget a lot of the details by the time you get home.

6. Make a menu you would enjoy. 

Many future brides and grooms worry about the wedding menu and guest’s preferences or dietary requirements. We always advise couples to choose a menu they would like to eat and pick out their own favourite dishes. We’ll look after the rest!

7. Avoid cake collapse. 

We have heard some real horror stories about the cake collapsing just before or during a wedding! To avoid this, have your cake supplier oversee the set-up of the wedding cake. Then try not to move the cake after it's been arranged. 

8. Be smart with your budget. 

If budgets are tight, I would always advise clients to spend a bit less on elements such as wedding cars or gifts, but to get the reception looking right. That's where you and your guests will be spending most of your time. 

9. Think about the lighting. 

This is crucial to creating the right mood. Uplights and candles are relatively low-cost ways of introducing colour into your theme. Don't forget to think of outside lighting too – outdoor lanterns are really cheap and look amazing.

10. Relax before the big day. 

It's easy to get swept up in stress surrounding a wedding. 

The solution? Treat yourself to a little luxury. If you're in a hotel with a spa, we recommend going for a leisurely swim or massage the night before. It will leave you feeling refreshed and will help you get a good night's sleep.

11. Consider themed thongs as a favour. 

This is our favourite! Ladies can kick off their shoes and dance the night away without the agony of high heels. Plus they last for years after the wedding, meaning they'll bring back fond memories. 

12. Make it about you and your partner. 

This is a special day, meant to celebrate a future together with the person you love. Experts stress the need to keep the day personal. As an added bonus, guests love attending weddings that are individual and will be pleasantly surprised by any unusual or quirky adaptions.

OUR TOP VENUES FOR YOUR WEDDING

Australian National Maritime Museum
Australian Technology Park
National Art School - Cell Block
Prince Henry Centre

To talk about ways to create your dream wedding day, contact Laura on 9209 4810 or laura@laissez.com.au

Access our Wedding Packages pdf by clicking on the banner:

Bangarra is located in the heart of the beautiful Walsh Bay arts precinct, on the edge of Sydney Harbour. The dynamic views from Bangarra’s event space encompass Sydney Harbour Bridge, Luna Park and North Sydney, and captures the life of the Harbour.

Arrangements to see these amazing venues can be easily done, contact our office today. 

PFA Alex Tobin OAM Medal Menu

• Sydney rock oysters with verjuice vinaigrette
• Moroccan marinated chicken, dried apricot & mango chutney on naan
• Saffron, manchego & fontina arancini with herb aioli

• Grilled yamba king prawns on pea risotto with crisp pancetta
• House made egg fettucine with beef ragu

• Chicken breast with wood ear mushroom, cognac cream, wilted spinach & potato galette
• Lamb, pea, lemon & coriander cous cous, honey roasted baby carrots & aromatic jus

• A duo of premium cheeses, wicked brie & milawa blue with black currant paste, fruit loaf, grapes & crackers

Culinary experts Laissez-faire Catering have been selected to join the prestigious Entertainment Quarter (EQ) Catering Panel after a rigorous application process, beating some stiff competition to take out one of three coveted spots.

A position on the EQ Catering Panel has long been a highly-desired position for catering companies. As one of Sydney’s key entertainment destinations, the Entertainment Quarter selects only the finest Gold Licence accredited catering companies to be a part of its preferred catering panel for its bespoke venues. And with the number of spots on the panel reduced this year from five to three, the competition has never been so tough.

Going up against six other catering firms, Sydney-based Laissez-faire Catering expressed interest to the EQ Catering Panel by putting forward a formal submission, before undergoing an extensive product tasting phase and delivering a winning presentation, demonstrating their ability to meet the high expectations of customers with flexibility and imagination.

Sara Flaksbard, Laissez-faire Catering General Manager, says the win is testament to the company’s burgeoning profile in the industry, providing superior catering for some of Sydney’s best venues.

“The Entertainment Quarter’s beautifully renovated buildings, such as the Byron Kennedy Hall, are a perfect fit for Laissez-faire Catering for we can combine our tailored cuisine, no matter what the event, with these amazing venues.   
“Our vision is to grow awareness of the Entertainment Quarter by delivering exceptionally catered events while respecting the core objectives of all stakeholders,” said Mrs Flaksbard.
Samantha Swan, Events Manager at The Entertainment Quarter, explains why Laissez-faire, with more than 20 years in-house and off-site catering experience, won a place on the lucrative panel for the next 12 months.

“Laissez-faire Catering were hand-picked for their ability to offer a premium service and quality dishes for the wide range of functions and events we host at our iconic indoor and outdoor venues.

“We were very impressed by Laissez-faire’s delicious products, their reputation and experience with a range of high-profile venues across Sydney and feel confident in their abilities given their Foodified philosophy, which sees them always provide the highest-quality food using local, seasonal produce,” said Ms Swan.

Laissez-faire began operations in 1989 with a mission to provide excellent service, high quality food and beverages. It now caters for and delivers high end, large and boutique scale events through some of Sydney’s busiest venues, including The State Library of NSW and The Australian National Maritime Museum.
 

GALLERY ONE

On 02 April 2014, the Australian National Maritime Museum will gain an exciting new event space available until the end of October 2014 as a specialty event venue.
The venue has a capacity to seat up to 300 guests, has a harbour side location, water views, a separate entrance (to that of the main museum) and has high curved ceilings; unique to the Australian National Maritime Museum. It will be the perfect Darling Harbour event venue suitable to conferences, product launches, award dinners, trade shows and weddings. Invite your guests to enjoy pre-dinner drinks on the water promenade of the museum and take in the stunning views of the city.

FEATURES
Waterside entrance
In-house audio system
Lectern and microphone
Ceiling-mounted data projector

CAPACITY
Dinner     250
Cocktails                                400
Theatre                                   400

Interested to hire this unique city venue? Enquire now admin@laissez.com.au

Laissez-faire Catering has hosted the biggest week yet in its history! 

Having won the tender to cater for the Navy, we set up the entire food and beverages operation of the catering services at Garden Island during the International Fleet Review that saw thousands of sailors and VIP's turn up to the Navy facilities and millions of people that flocked to Sydney to see spectacle. The Navy alone had more than 3,000 guests  over 3 days coming through.  We also happen to be the exclusive caterer and retail operator at the Australian Maritime Museum, which saw it highest attendance over a weekend with over 15,000 visitors, most refreshing and eating at our restaurant, cafe, kiosk and pop-up stores. 

Members of the Royal Australian Band perform to crowds at the tall ships International Fleet Review open day held at Darling Harbour, Sydney. Tall ships from around the globe welcomed aboard visitors during the Tall Ship open day held at the Australian National Maritime Museum during the Royal Australian Navy International Fleet Review.

Thousands of VIP’s gathered over 3 days to celebrate The International Fleet Review. After winning the tender to cater at these events today our chefs created enough food to sink a battle ship. Our day started with 2000 muffins, 3000 croissants, 2000 lamingtons and 4000 fruit skewers! Gallons of coffee juice and water were also available. We offered lunch for 650 Naval VIP’s and thousands of fish and chip packs for the spectators!

We like to share a few images of the day and hope to see be ready for the upcoming one.....in another 100 years, right? ;) 

Thank you to all the staff and the team to make this event so wonderful and seamless to our clients!  we broke a record of catering for over 15,000 people over one weekend. 

Last night we had the Grand opening of the Vikings - Beyond the legend exhibition at the Australian National Maritime Museum. With over 500 VIP guests the museum put on a show with dozens of people dressed in authentic Viking costumes recreating a traditional medieval battle to launch the new exhibition.

Dont miss it! and when you come stop by the Yots Cafe to try our special Viking Menu. 

More info below on this link about the exhibition: Vikings - Beyond the Legend

Hundreds of treasures reveal how they really lived.

Warriors, invaders and plunderers or explorers, traders and farmers? Beyond the myths and legends, what do we really know about the people we call Vikings?

The fascinating world of Vikings is revealed in the international blockbuster Vikings - Beyond the legend - open for a limited season.

This must-see exhibition draws on recent archaeological discoveries and nearly 500 rare artefacts to shed new light on the Viking way of life while challenging stereotypes of Vikings as ferocious, plundering pagans in horned helmets.

Many of the artefacts have never been seen in Australia such as the oldest known Scandinavian crucifix, finely crafted bronze and silver jewellery, exquisite gold and silver pendants, small statuettes of Norse gods, and Viking swords dating from 700-1100AD.

Visitors can also see an eight metre replica of the Viking boat Krampmacken, and step on board the Jorgen Jorgenson - a newly restored reconstruction of the late 9th century Gokstad ship

Every year we come to Bondi Beach to cater at multiple corporate marquees and this year was no different, looking after over 1,300 runners and families.

Feeling really good about our donation to support over 500 of the Children's Hospital of Westmead runners in their fundraising initiative. The weather was amazing the council really did an exceptional job and all supplier lift their game and were up to the task since 5am in the morning until 4pm! 

To all 85.000 runners and over 2000 workers on the day congratulations on a massive day!.

For immediate release: 8 August 2013

SYDNEY: This week, The State Library of NSW have re-appointed leading Sydney company Laissez-faire Catering as a preferred supplier for events, in addition to naming them the sole operator of its in-house cafe, after the company proactively submitted an ambitious plan to bring all their catering under one company.

Laissez-faire Catering identified a major opportunity for this unique venue to become one of the leading business and corporate event venues in Sydney.

Sara Flaksbard, General Manager of Laissez-Faire Catering, believes the sheer scope and potential for events at The State Library is one of Sydney’s best kept secrets.

“With unique heritage-listed buildings in the heart of the CBD, the State Library is truly one-of-a-kind. There is a full and dynamic range of spaces and stylistic options available with state of the art AV for a whole range of events; the Library’s many venues can host 10 guests, 120 banquet-style or 500 standing.

“From the stained-glass windows of the intimate Shakespeare Room, to the clean-lined simplicity of the Galleries or the stunning Mitchell Library, there is nowhere else in Sydney that boasts such versatility,” said Mrs Flaksbard.

Laissez-faire have been a catering partner at The State Library of NSW since 2007, over which time the Library has seen an increase year-on-year on revenue and its reputation for business events.

“Laissez-faire’s vision is to continue this growth. We are delighted that The State Library of NSW have entrusted us to deliver exceptional events, whilst protecting its heritage and respecting its core objectives,” added Mrs Flaksbard.

The strategy for continued growth lies in the quality and passion Laissez-faire Catering has for exceptional cuisine. The team, led by Executive Chef Clinton Brown, are dedicated to creating innovative menus using fresh, locally sourced, seasonal produce in order to deliver great events and food for every occasion.

Laissez-faire Catering is also exclusive caterer at the Australian National Maritime Museum, Prince Henry Centre, on-site at the Australian Technology Park and preferred at Harbour 220, Royal Botanical Garden.

The Trim cafe @ the State Library of NSW has some great news this week to share with everyone!!!  

We welcome our new Barista Bruno Gonçalves - check out his skills on the pics below. 

We also like to welcome Shalom from Burwood Girls high working alongside our cafe manager Alan and our continued support to the community by employing and training youth at our retail operations as well as our kitchens.  

Protecting and enhancing the environments where our business operates, innovating with waste management techniques, working in collaboration with suppliers, venues and clients to positively impact our local community and reducing our footprint by raising awareness are the fundamental principles of our Foodified™ philosophy.

Jacob’s Creek hosted Australia’s Longest Reserved Table at the Australian Maritime museum with more than 550 people enjoying a long lunch 

Being such the multicultural country, Australia and its people are rich with stories of provenance; whether you’ve come from a different country, state, town or even suburb to Sydney.

In celebration of Sydney’s rich cultural provenance story, Jacob’s Creek and celebrity chef Pete Evans hosted Australia’s Longest Reserve Table on Saturday, 27 July 2013 featuring a long table of hundreds of guests 

The lunch took at the Australian National Maritime Museum guests were invited to prepare and bring a dish that represents their culture and to share their provenance story with hundreds of other food and wine lovers.

Antipasto platters , salads and dessert platters were provided by Laissez Faire catering 

and this is what the client had to say......

"Just a quick not to say a ginormous THANKYOU to you and your amazing team for our Jacob’s Creek lunch on Saturday.
You were both a pleasure to deal with, and very accommodating..you were both amazing to work with and got all our million requests done quickly and professionally..you ensured each guest received the right meal to their very specific requirements, which I know was a challenge in itself!
Thanks again for helping us to create such an amazing event, we would never been able to do it without your team.
Thanks so much and look forward to working together in the future"

Event Producer 

Case Study: Planet Ocean Sydney Premiere supported by Omega
“Planet Ocean is an amazing & unique film that has the power to change the way humanity views the ocean” – Cinematographer Mr David Hannan

Client: Swatch Group  
Venue: The Australian National Maritime Museum – Tasman Light Gallery   
Date: 5th June 2013
Audience: 100

BRIEF:
To equally match a high profile, industry event opening with high quality sustainable beverage, local produce canapés & premium service.  The venue needed to showcase the range of Omega watches – a company who invented the first deep sea diving watches.  Omega has supported exploration of the ocean for centuries.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
All food. beverage & service including Bollinger & sustainable beer (Blue Tongue Lager) to 100 guests pre & post premiere screening.  

RESULTS:
The event was a huge success – guests enjoyed the catering in a beautiful setting

Client: State Library of NSW  
Venue: Mitchell Library Reading Room, State Library of NSW
Date: 19TH of May 2013
Audience: 230

BRIEF:
The NSW Premier’s Literary Awards and the Premier’s History Awards are an important and integral part of the State’s cultural activity. On 5 April the NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell announced that the awards will be reinvigorated and strengthened, following a recent review. These Awards are presented by the NSW Government and managed by the State Library of NSW in association with Arts NSW. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Create a glittering celebration. Laissez faire was responsible for the following; menu and beverage design, styling. The colour red inspired from the waratah was the theme of the evening.

CHALLENGES:
The room usually set to cater to over 200 students with computers and photocopiers was transformed into a unique dining room. 

RESULTS:
The event was a complete success. Guests were taken away by the beauty and uniqueness of the room. 

While the clouds overhead threatened rain, 200 lucky Vodafone prize winners made their way into a picturesque mansion in Sydney's East. 

As they made their way down the stairs they were greeted with the sight of a stage constructed over a pool. Inside there was a games room complete with an old school pinball machine and hair and makeup professionals on hand to touch up your look at any moment. 

Oh and hanging upstairs ready to mingle? Just Joel and Benji Madden! Clearly this was no regular housewarming party. With the drinks flowing and the weather holding out, the night also featured surprise performances from a contortionist and break dancers. There were plenty of canapés all night and the menu was picked by Joel. But the clear highlight was when both Joel and Benji took to the stage to play an acoustic set featuring both classic Good Charlotte tracks as well as some previously never before heard tunes from their upcoming Madden Brothers solo project. All in all – it was the kind of house party that will be talked about for years to come!

For more images and video - click here

After a long day of presentations and world wide announcements, delegates get to wrap up the day with remote controlled cars, games and the most important food and drinks......check out the food stations we prepared last night:

Check out our Cocktail menu here:

Partner Exchange 2013 at the Australian Technology Park produced by no other than George P. Johnson and caterer by Laissez-faire Catering. 

We are expecting some 700 delegates to attend this event and stay tuned for our post event wrap up.