Trust me when I say that come January we Concierges are so ready for the Holidays to be over. Like Santa’s elves, we have spent the past few months behind the scenes making holiday dreams come true not only for our own families, but for every one of our guests. We often work holidays away from our loved ones so we can be there to support yours, and like Santa’s elves, we do so with smiles on our faces because we are working a job that we love. CAH marks this release from the grips of the Holiday madness with our annual soiree. This event is a time for us to come together, take a collective breath, and just chill for a minute. Held at one of Waikiki’s premier shopping destinations, International Market Place, our 2020 soiree brought us food, friends, and the excitement of our first ever Concierge Awards!
Set amidst the branches of the Market Place’s historic Banyan tree, the soiree was centered around the iconic Don the Beachcomber Tree House. The quiet Tree House is known to visitors as a place to reflect on Waikiki history when in need of a break from shopping at the Market Place’s 80+ retailers. Proving that the Tree House is more than an oasis for shoppers the center transformed the area into an utterly charming and unique event space for our use.
Perfect for a cocktail reception after a wedding on Waikiki Beach, a birthday party, or (of course) a professional event, the venue encourages guests to stroll amongst the Banyan’s branches as they make their way over floating paths leading to the tree house. With tiki torches lighting the way and glimpses of red lanterns hung throughout the tree in honor of Lunar New Year, members felt instantly at ease in the romantic tropical setting.
Catering for the event was a breeze as it was provided by the Mina Group’s StripSteak Waikiki and Mi Almita Cantina; just two of several delicious restaurant options conveniently located only steps away from the venue. The soiree’s menu featured favorites from StripSteak’s Happy Hour specials; their poke tacos, pork belly sliders, and sushi hand rolls along with a simple red and white wine selection.
International Market Place representative and former CAH Member educating the Association.
In what we hope will become an annual tradition, throughout the evening members cast their votes for the first ever Concierge Awards. These awards are born from CAH’s desire to honor those on Oahu who make our jobs as Concierges exciting and pleasant. This year’s nominees included Newcomer of the Year: Skull and Crown Trading Co., Rigo Spanish Italian Restaurant, Ohana Hale Marketplace, Hawaii Forest and Trail, and Rangoon Burmese Kitchen. Concierge Pick of the Year: Kō Hana Hawaiian Agricole Rum, Zigu, 12th Avenue Grill, E Noa Tours, and Highway Inn. Ally of the Year: Teri MacDonald from Hy’s Steak House, Nani from Restaurant Suntory, Eugene Kam from Kam Photography, Mona Wood from IKAIKA Communications, and Chef Chai.
The categories were crammed full of amazing nominees from all walks of the hospitality and service industries and we are thrilled to announce that this year’s winners are:
Newcomer of the Year: Hawaii Forest and Trail
Concierge Pick of the Year: Kō Hana Hawaiian Agricole Rum
Concierge Ally of the Year (tie): Teri MacDonald from Hy’s Steak House and Chef Chai
CAH will be meeting with the winners in the coming weeks so keep an eye out for a future post with more details about the amazing things they do.
Lucky winners of a Tesla for a day and StripSteak gift cards generously donated by International Market Place.
Our sincerest mahalo again to the International Market Place and the Mina Group for allowing CAH to join you in such a special space!
The International Market Place is open daily from 10am-10pm and is located at 2330 Kalakaua Ave. Honolulu, HI 96815