Jackie and Peter
CAA's Pina Malfara & Tauck's Charmaine Macdonald
Ensemble's Chris Lackstrom, Mieke Hartkamp & Cristie Newell-Palmer
V.com's Anju Bliss & Christine James
CAA's Brenda Kyllo & Suzanne Christie
New Wave's Gloria Pelchovitz
Peter Tauck was in town recently to preach to the choir of agents who support their brand of extra inclusive tour and cruise products. So, it was the perfect opportunity for the locals, Charmaine Macdonald and Jackie Coulson, to gather their VIP partners for a night out of slaving over a hot stove at Dish Cooking Studio.
Tauck divided their 40 hungry guests into 4 teams who were each charged with competing to create one of 4 courses for the dinner we would all eventually share.
Chefs hats were donned by all, knives were deftly wielded (there were only a few minor injuries), pastry was rolled, poppy seeds were expertly sprinkled, pears were braised, potatoes were smashed, tenderloin was seasoned to perfection and even ice cream was churned.
Team members shared their tasks and enthusiastically performed their duties until they were distracted by a fascinating business conversation with a team member(or maybe another glass of lovely Australian wine with a competitor). The teamwork sputtered here and there – but somehow a few dedicated souls finished all the preparations for the feast and we tucked in to an absolutely delicious meal.
When the main course was served, the room became strangely quiet for the 1st time all evening... I believe we had awarded Team France of the Main Course our winner without even needing an official declaration.
Until that point, the studio had been abuzz with laughter and camaraderie among the group of very talented travel types. They all proved they could cook, drink, eat and share great stories – as well as sell lots of tours! As if we didn’t know that already... what a talented group!
But, the one new thing we definitely did learn is that nobody (perhaps with the exception of Gloria Pelchovitz) looks good in a chef’s hat.
l-r: Theresa Hannon, The Travel Network; Chris Robinson; Charmaine Macdonald; Helen Cole, Tourism Ireland; Susan Lawson, New Wave Travel; Stephanie Anevich & Lynda Sinclair, Vision 2000 & Gloria Pelchovitz, New Wave Travel
