BBC at the Courtyard
Last month’s British Business Club meeting was held at Moscow’s best new hotel – the Marriott Courtyard Moscow City Center. The meeting was held in the lofty new courtyard itself which, with a tastefully done combination of old and new, is pretty impressive. 120 people attended the event; predominantly, but by no means exclusively British, and a congenial atmosphere ensured a relaxed and creative evening.
Don Scott, president of the Club spoke at the evening and laid out the clubs plans over the next year. This year’s two main events, Don said, are a repeat of the ultra successful Trafalgar Ball, which in 2005 raised $50,000 for the Taganka Children’s Fund charity, and a special sponsorship drive for Gregory Shields, who will be running the Ottawa marathon under the auspices of the British Business Club. Don also mentioned that the British Club by charter does not charge membership fees. However to ensure that costs are met, ordinary members will be asked to donate $100 per year, and corporate members will be asked for their generous support; something that they have shown in the past.
Marco Fien, the General Manager, Courtyard Marriott hotel, (photo bottom left) welcomed BBC members with a short introduction of the hotel. He outlined that the new Courtyard is a 218-room property in the heart of the city, and features Courtyard’s 100,000th guest room! He mentioned that this is the kind of hotel travelers have been waiting for, with rooms providing comfort and connectivity, as well as a choice of restaurants; the ‘Terraneo’ where Mediterranean food, with a touch of Tuscany can be enjoyed, and the ‘FlatIron Bar & Roadhouse’ a casual place just right to unwind and meet friends. Some pretty delicious food was laid on by the hotel’s Executive Chef Nick van Riemsdijk. He is originally from Northampton and joined the hotel from the Marriott Praia del Rey Resort in Portugal. The menu was scrumptious, and included: stuffed mussels with gazpacho, warm focaccia with pesto, goat’s cheese & rosemary, Latkas with cured salmon and caviar, mini profiteroles with shrimp and guacamole, as well as Jack Daniel glazed baby back ribs. A live cooking station featured seared scallops with fleur de sel and foie gras.
The evening was sponsored by Pepsi Bottling Group who offered people through their excellent girls, Tropicano and other beverages. Beer was provided by Sun Interbrew.
All in all, the British Club once again showed that it is capable of pulling off a first class event, enjoyed by all.
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