:: 2011 VRC Spring Racing CarnivalBy: Carmine Pascuzzi; photos by Matt DellerTo coincide with the launch of daily flights from Dubai to St Petersburg on November 1 2011 (Emirates Melbourne Cup Day), Emirates, the Principal Partner of the Melbourne Cup Carnival and title sponsor of the Emirates Melbourne Cup is pleased to announce the Russian city as the theme for its marquee at the 151st Melbourne Cup Carnival. Drawing inspiration from St Petersburg landmark, the majestic Catherine Palace – the Emirates marquee will too be famed for its lavish and decorated design. Featuring a new layout with a regal feel and grand suite of formal rooms including the Tsar Bar, a separate lounge and restaurant serving the finest caviar and the Grand Cascade Terrace offering premium trackside views. Once touted as the Rococo summer residence of the Russian Tsars, Emirates‟ take on the Catherine Palace and its artistic 18th-century surrounds will play host to celebrations as key industry leaders come together to celebrate the running of the “Race That Stops A Nation”. Barry Brown, Emirates Vice President, Australasia said: “St Petersburg is an epicentre for art and culture in Europe and we are proud to share some of the highlights this destination has to offer with our guests at the Melbourne Cup Carnival. What a perfect way to celebrate the launch of our newest destination, St Petersburg than with a grand celebration of our own on the very same day.” A host of international identities of Russian descent are on the invitation list for the 2011 Emirates marquee including supermodel Natalia Vodianova, Miss Russia 2010 Irina Antonenko, Miss Universe (Russia) Oxana Fedorova, tennis player Anna Kournikova, actress Mila Kunis and actor Leonardo DiCaprio who will be filming in Australia later this year. *************************************************************** **Lavazza announces a hot line-up of entertainment at this year’s Melbourne Cup Carnival** Entertainment will take centre stage at this year’s Lavazza Melbourne Cup Carnival marquee, with special appearances from Australia's No.1 female DJ Havana Brown and the fabulous Ruby Rose. Regular Lavazza crooner Paris Zachariou will be on hand to entertain guests throughout the week. The highly anticipated celebrity guest list is still tightly under wraps, but is predicted to exceed race-goers’ wildest expectations. Previous guests to the hottest ticket in town have included Rachel Hunter, the Madden brothers (from the band Good Charlotte), Snoop Dog, Carmen Electra and Ashley Roberts (Pussycat Dolls) and 2011 promises not to disappoint. High profile Australian celebrities will be in abundance, ensuring the exclusive marquee will once again be the only place to be seen. Food will be taken to another level in this year’s marquee, with whispers of renowned Italian chefs collaborating to create stand-out menus over the four race days, complemented by innovative coffee creations that will tantalise taste buds. Stakes Day will also be taken up a notch, with the next generation of the Valmorbida family hosting the event in conjunction with Mojo Wines, which will offer a unique and cool experience on the traditional family race day. Valcorp Group Marketing Manager, Anna Marena, said that this year’s marquee will take inspiration from the history of the Lavazza and Valmorbida families. “Lavazza has been blended and roasted in Italy by the Lavazza family for four generations since 1895. We are proud of our long history – both in producing quality Italian coffee and our long association with the Melbourne Cup Carnival – and we’re excited to offer our guests a real Italian Expresso experience.” But it’s not all about the glitz of the marquee; apparently there are horses too! Lavazza is celebrating its 10 year anniversary with the carnival and will once again sponsor the Lavazza Long Black race on Melbourne Cup Day. ******************************************************************* **Lavazza update as at October 19, 2011** International burlesque star and fashion icon, Dita Von Teese, is set to captivate racegoers on Derby Day as a special guest of the Lavazza and Valmorbida families. Renowned worldwide for her distinctive style and eternally immaculate presentation, Dita – who has been a muse for international designers around the globe – will bring a touch of vintage elegance to coveted Lavazza marquee in The Birdcage. Valcorp Group Marketing Manager, Anna Marena, stated this year’s marquee design and celebrity lineup was set to be as dynamic and exciting as previous years. “The Lavazza and Valmorbida families are delighted to welcome Dita Von Teese to the Lavazza marquee on AAMI Derby Day. She will add to the air of sophistication and style and will be joined by many Australian celebrities including confirmed DJs Havana Brown and Ruby Rose,” said Anna. Styling elements for the 2011 Lavazza marquee have also been unveiled. A chic and sleek Italian theme will greet race-goers, with a palette of white tones complementing dark wood stain floors. Opulent white awnings will provide a dramatic contrast against an elegant charcoal rendered exterior that will feature a grand main entrance door and outdoor bench seating surrounded by stylish buxus plants. The grand wall within the marquee will this year feature an image from the famous 2011 Lavazza calendar, which will come to life in 3D in the window, while a central custom-built glow bar and wall display featuring a variety of wines will form a unique colour palette. A chandelier featuring more than 200 Plumm champagne flutes will suspend from the ceiling, and Italian café tables with crisp white cloths surrounded by contemporary white chairs and bench ottomans will fill the space. Invited guests will be served Lavazza coffee throughout the day both inside and outside the marquee this year, and a unique DJ console showcasing backlit Lavazza A Modo Mio machines will ensure the tone is set across the four days of the Melbourne Cup Carnival. “The Lavazza marquee has become a much anticipated annual element of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, with celebrities such as Snoop Dogg, Kelly Osborne and Carmen Electra all previous guests,” said Anna. “The addition of Dita Von Teese this year will also serve to enhance the reputation of the Lavazza marquee as the place to be during the four-day Carnival, and there’s still more to come, so watch this space!” concluded Anna. ****************************************************************** **Lavazza update as at October 20, 2011** Three leading chefs will take guests on a culinary journey throughout Italy at the Lavazza Bar during the Melbourne Cup Carnival. Partnering with the esteemed chefs from Pilu at Freshwater, Grossi Florentino and Becco, Lavazza will whet race goers’ appetites with traditional Italian cuisine created to complement Lavazza’s highly anticipated coffee creations and discerning guest list. For the first time in the Lavazza Bar, each race day will feature a different chef to take over the kitchen to create authentic Italian menus. The highly sought after culinary masterminds will serve guests a handpicked selection of signature dishes inspired by their Italian heritage. Valcorp Group Marketing Manager, Anna Marena, said that Lavazza was thrilled to bring such an impressive line up of renowned Italian chefs to the Lavazza Bar. “The chefs we have chosen to collaborate with this year understand Lavazza’s commitment to quality, and indeed replicate this in their own establishments. They have each designed menus especially for the Lavazza Bar that pay homage to different regions of Italy.” Owner and head chef of two hat Sydney restaurant Pilu at Freshwater, Giovanni Pilu will treat guests to an authentic Italian menu on Derby Day. The passionate and creative chef is sure to deliver an unforgettable experience with his signature dish of free range suckling pig; slow roasted and with crispy skin, the dish will be served in canapé style and is inspired by the unique flavours of Sardinia. On Melbourne Cup Day, Guy Grossi, owner and head chef of Grossi Florentino, Mirka Continental Bistro, Merchant and Grossi Trattoria in Bangkok, will bring his love and expertise of fine Italian hospitality to the Lavazza Bar. A Good Food Guide favourite since 1986, the two hat chef will serve his flawless signature dish of Fiori Di Zucchini – ricotta filled zucchini flowers – from his Italian menu. Guy has designed a menu set to deliver many of his favourite dishes perfect for taking in the action and enjoying the carnival spirit. Executive chef at Melbourne institution and one hat restaurant Becco, Liz Egan will take the lead on Oaks Day and treat guests to the Becco favourite of chilli calamari cones with fries. Liz’s simple yet sophisticated dishes are sure to tantalise the tastebuds of Lavazza guests on Ladies Day. In addition to the three chefs from traditional Italian eateries, contemporary chef Raph Rashid will bring cool street cred to the glitz of the Lavazza Bar on Stakes Day. Creator of the popular Beatbox Kitchen and Taco Truck, Raph will delight guests with an American inspired menu with an Italian flavour. The highlight of Raph’s menu is a chicken fried ‘Stake’ sandwich with a twist - it is a schnitzel beef fillet with caper slaw in bread. Those who want to snack all day long won’t go hungry, as a sumptuous antipasto table will take centre stage in the Lavazza marquee all throughout the week, while the highly anticipated coffee creations will soothe sweet tooths and keep caffeine levels buzzing. Guests will be served a veritable feast of coffee infused refreshments, including the Verde, Bianca and Rossa cocktails, which are inspired by the colours of the Italian flag and steeped with a heady mix of espresso, spirits, mint, almonds and strawberries. The Aria Gelata takes the already delightful Sorbetto Cremespresso to new heights – the sorbetto is aerated then frozen into an icy, smooth and truly delicious treat, while the Geloespresso is a modern interpretation of Southern Italy’s wonderfully refreshing ‘caffe freddo’. Anna Marena said that Lavazza was excited to spoil guests with traditional Italian hospitality. “The Melbourne Cup Carnival is the perfect opportunity to showcase Italy’s heritage and culture, and we’re honoured to be working with these four chefs to help impress our guests and provide them with the real Lavazza Italian espresso experience,” said Anna. ************************************************************ **Lavazza update as at October 21, 2011** The next generation of the Valmorbida family will host AMORE MOJO at the Lavazza Bar on Stakes Day, Saturday, November 5, where the young influentials will shift the atmosphere to create a cool and unique experience in the Birdcage. Mojo Wines and Lavazza have combined their youthful essences to bring the talents of international innovators to the forefront, promising a day of memorable stories and Italian love. Bringing a fresh face to the hottest party marquee at Flemington, the young Valmorbida family and Mojo Wines will combine the talents of Australian and international leading creatives in design, photography, fashion, music, art, hospitality and food to give the venue a youthful and fresh atmosphere and raise the party bar on the last day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival. Alexandra Richards (New York), daughter of Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards, will DJ alongside boyfriend and Valmorbida relative, DJ Nick Cohen, while former Sneaky Sound System front man, Daimon Downey, will entertain guests as MC. Mojo Wines, with winemaker Tim Burvill, will take centre stage in the Lavazza Bar and at the after party serving beautiful South Australian wines including Mojo Sparkling, Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz, RockBare Shiraz and Chardonnay and Barossa Babe Shiraz. Raph Rashid, creator of Beatbox Kitchen and Taco Truck, will collaborate with young chef Lisa Valmorbida to treat guests to a contemporary culinary journey from an American inspired menu with a modern Italian twist, while renowned nightlife lord Michael Delany-Korabelnikova will concoct signature cocktail creations for the day. Melbourne illustrators, designers and men-about-town Tin&Ed will transform the Lavazza Bar with a bespoke art installation; a surprise feature only to be unveiled by the duo on the day. Roy Christou of Honor Among Thieves will channel his unique design flair into styling the wait staff and will release an exclusive limited edition gift, available only to guests of AMORE MOJO at the Lavazza Bar. Renowned for taking elite party snaps at exclusive events around the world, Mark Hunter aka The Cobrasnake, will be at the Lavazza Bar to capture the party’s social set. This most sought after event photographer is known as the world’s best good times chronicler and will continue snapping into the night at the exclusive after party held at Melbourne’s latest hotspot, Go Go Bar downstairs at Chin Chin. Jamie Valmorbida, son of John and Michelle Valmorbida, said that the aim this year was to provide a unique experience for the traditional family race day. “Mojo Wines and Lavazza have collaborated with some of the most progressive and talented creatives to develop a concept that will set us apart from the other marquees in the Birdcage, and give Stakes Day a point of difference,” said Jamie. “By combining the talents of globally recognised innovators in art, design, hospitality, music, photography, fashion, food and wine, the focus was not only on achieving a great creative outcome, but promoting the fun and youthful side of both the Mojo and Lavazza brands.” ********************************************************************* **Emirates update as at October 23, 2011** Principal Partner Emirates, together with the Victoria Racing Club (VRC) is delighted to announce Nicoletta Romanoff as a special guest at the 2011 Emirates Melbourne Cup on Tuesday November 1. Romanoff is the granddaughter of Nicholas Romanov, Prince of Russia, and a descendent of Emperor Nicholas I of Russia. Romanoff is a celebrated actress and made her cinematic debut in the 2003 Italian film Remember Me, My Love‟, directed by Gabriele Muccino. Romanoff has also played lead roles in the 2007 comedy film Cardiofitness and the 2010 film Dalla Vita In Poi. Romanoff will enjoy Emirates Melbourne Cup Day at the exclusive Emirates marquee - inspired by the majestic Catherine Palace in St Petersburg, the award-winning airline's 28th European destination. She will then join the VRC Chairman Mr Michael Burn to watch the race that stops a nation‟TM in the Chairman‟s Suite. “I am so excited to be a guest of Emirates and the Victoria Racing Club at the Emirates Melbourne Cup. I can‟t wait to see St Petersburg inspired Emirates marquee and of course the race that stops a nation” said Romanoff. “The VRC is honoured Ms Nicoletta Romanoff will attend the Melbourne Cup Carnival to celebrate the world‟s richest handicap race, the Emirates Melbourne Cup,” said VRC Chairman Michael Burn. “Ms Romanoff‟s presence underlines the international recognition of our great race. We have no doubt her time at Flemington will be one she remembers fondly for a long time.” Barry Brown, Emirates‟ Vice President, Australasia, said, “We are delighted to host Russian royal Nicoletta Romanoff as we celebrate our newest European destination St Petersburg on Emirates Melbourne Cup Day.” Following her trip to Melbourne Romanoff and Princess Natasha will relax at Emirates‟ luxurious Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa, located in the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. The resort is well known hideaway for international A-listers and royalty due to its privacy, seclusion and high-end luxury. Romanoff also stars in a hit TV series and historical theatre in Rome with acclaimed French comedian Arrete de Pleurer Penelope and will appear in an upcoming movie by famous Italian comedian Carlo Verdone. Romanoff has also been UNICEF ambassador for the Pigotta project worldwide. ************************************************************ **Myer ‘ Butterfly House ’ Marquee 2011** Myer has enlisted the cream of international and local creative minds to present the Myer ‘Butterfly House’ Marquee at the 2011 Melbourne Cup Carnival. The marquee design led by the visual brand team at Myer in collaboration with Melbourne‘s own Amanda Henderson from Gloss Creative and Paris based Waterford Crystal Ambassador Jeff Leatham will once again be the most stylish at the Flemington track and will be the 'must have’ ticket across the week of the Melbourne Cup Carnival. The Myer Spring Summer campaign culminates in a ‘'Spring Flutter’. The ‘Butterfly House ’ marquee is a light filled pavilion designed to show off Myer‘s 'social butterflies’ and features floral installations by Jeff Leatham and a sophisticated menu designed by Jason Jones from Melbourne hottest restaurant Mamasita. A new façade featuring state of the art glass louvers maximise on track viewing and perfect airflow and rain protection no matter what Flemington's fickle weather hands out. Symbolic laser cut butterflies flutter down the facade and out of the windows of the butterfly house. The split level marquee will have 2 bars, a sunken lounge area and feature Leathams floral work cascading out the marquees glass back window walls. Mamasita's Jason Jones in collaboration with Epicure Catering has designed a stylish, fresh and sophisticated menu for the Myer Marquee with many of his most loved dishes this time in miniature for our social butterflies. Hungry fashionistas will enjoy a great range of Mamasita's renowned culinary delights throughout the Melbourne Cup Carnival including breakfast themed treats on arrival, grazing dishes and sweet items mid afternoon followed by more hearty items after the main race each day. A selection of the delicious menu to be served throughout the Melbourne Cup Carnival day includes: On arrival Cold canapes Hot canapes Grazing dishes Sweet items Last race pollo con aguacate y tocino quesco crumbed free range chicken breast, crisp smoky bacon, spicy avacado salsa, lime mayonnaise in a rustic roll Myer guests will sip the freshest Spring Summer cocktails including a new age ‘Bloody Maria’, a fresh Caipirinha, Red and White sangria and the cocktail of the carnival a Mojito granita. Guests will also enjoy Mumm Champagne throughout the day. Guests will be served by waiters dressed in Tommy Hilfiger specifically pale green chinos, white shirts, belts and tan loafers. ************************************************************************** **News and Pictures from the VRC Carnival** DERBY DAY The pictures below are just some of the scenes from Flemington at Derby Day, where we captured the colour and atmosphere of the big race meeting that drew over 92,000 to Flemington. The Birdcage provided many highlights where interstate and international guests were hosted in marquees by popular brands such as Emirates, Lavazza, MYER, H.G.Mumm, Lexus, and Fruche. Dita Von Teese has worn red many times to big occasions and her one-shoulder vintage red outfit didn't surprise as she loved her time in the Lavazza marquee. She enjoyed the hospitality all afternoon as Lavazza hosts and guests ramped up the music and festivities as the afternoon went on. Flamboyant American style icon J Alexander was another popular visitor and he hosted the Fruche marquee. Lexus had a three-storey marquee full of Australian television and sporting stars and everyone was made welcome. Likewise in MYER and Emirates. MYER redecorated its marquee from last time I was here in 2009 and allowed more comfort to enjoy the delicious food and drinks. With its Russian theme - to celebrate the new air route to St.Petersburg - Emirates duly turned it on with its well groomed hosts caring for everyone's needs. Rachael Taylor and lovely American star Shannon Elizabeth were amongst the guests there. G.H.Mumm had a spectacular aerial artist to entertain guests as well as accomplished DJ Anna Lunoe who told me she is looking forward to touring the USA soon before returning for the big summer festivals in Australia. It was also good to meet Underbelly star Anna McGahan in the G.H.Mumm marquee. She has been a revelation on Australian TV this year and she's set for bigger things. It was a terrific Derby Day to kick start Melbourne Cup week. More pictures from Derby Day can be seen at the Flash and Dash Photo Agency
******************************************************************** CUP DAY Melbourne Cup Day was here and it is really a special day on the calendar. Some wonderful colour with the fashions paved the way for a glorious day. Girls and guys are really making the effort in dressing up for the occasion and we saw it on the Fashions on the Field and around the corporate marquees. One of the special guests for the Day was Nicoletta Romanoff, courtesy of Emirates. She has been a big star in Italian cinema and looked all class for her visit to Melbourne. Nicoletta is the granddaughter of Nicholas Romanov, Prince of Russia and a descendent of Emperor Nicholas I of Russia. She is a real celebrity, unlike some of those who are classed as such. Emirates also hosted many television, business and sporting stars including Nathan Buckley, Matt Preston, Ian “Molly” Meldrum and Rachael Finch. MYER hosted fashions on the field entrants, as well as football stars Kevin Muscat, Archie Thompson and Roddy Vargas. Favourites Jennifer Hawkins and fiance Jake Wall were there, as well as Chris & Rebecca Judd, Kate Twigley, Laura Dundovic, James Kerley and Dom Bagnato. G.H.Mumm and Lexus provided their usual treats of excellent food and champagne. DJ Anna Lunoe was back for another stint on the turntables for Mumm. Lavazza attracted many people to its marquee as they hosted one of the stars of the TV hit show Entourage, Adrian Grenier, plus a bevy of women brought in to make him feel welcome. Then we were brought back thirty years when Spandau Ballet lead singer Tony Hadley came to sing a few numbers. Other guests spotted around the various marquees included Stephen Bucknall, Wayne Mailing, Sophie Van Den Akker, Scherri-Lee Biggs, Srecko Lorbek, Garry Lyon, J Alexander and Alex Dimitriades. More pictures from Cup Day can be seen at the Flash and Dash Photo Agency
******************************************************************* OAKS DAY It was another fabulous day with Fashions on the Field womenswear winners to be decided. My friend from Cairns, Louise Struber, was desperately unlucky not to have won the Lexus car and other major prizes, but she came second and won some great prizes nonetheless. Angela Menz from NSW was the winner. G.H.Mumm celebrated its own race on the day with big celebrations in their marquee. Amongst the guests were Ricki Lee Coulter, Dr Chantel Thornton and host model Sarah Hawthorne continued to do a great job in welcoming guests. Lexus had a strong presence of sport and television people, including stars of the TV show Winners & Losers, plus Lauren Phillips and Jessica Raffa. Lavazza continued to roll along with numerous guests willing to join the party atmosphere, including James Tomkins, Wayne Cooper, Dom Bagnato, Melissa Jackson, Chelsea Butler, and Ralph & Emma Carr. Among their special guests were Vanessa Amorosi, sporting a delightful new blonde look, and Ruby Rose. Vanessa belted out some songs and Ruby spun the turntables to get the party mood happening. MYER was one of the places to be for celebrity spotting as the regulars were there: Rebecca Judd, Aurelio Costarella, Arthur & Mimi Galan, Richard Nylon and Kerrie Stanley. Other guests included Glen Moriarty, Liz Cambridge, Grant Smillie, and fashions of the field entrants. Emirates was as elegant and stylish as it was all week. It was great to catch up with Collingwood captain Nick Maxwell and his wife Erin. Despite the disappointment of losing the Grand Final he is already looking forward to next season with great enthusiasm. Others in attendance included Beauty & the Geek stars, plus Jules Lund, Rachael Finch, Joanna Griggs, Matt White, Shura Taft and the Lord Mayor Robert Doyle. Meanwhile, the hungry, single-minded Swisse marquee folk were left to lament the failure of Kim Kardashian to attend Emirates Stakes Day, after a week-long build up declaring they were the marquee to be at. It's probably a fitting finale after the way the brand manager carried on about it. That wrapped up my participation in the VRC Carnival and it was a terrific time to catch up with many I hadn't seen in a while, especially since my father passed away. It was comforting to receive many messages of condolences, which I truly appreciate. Thanks again to all those who helped us in bringing all the news and pictures - marquee PR hosts Taegan, Simone, Jess, Melissa, Kate, Julia, Jacqui, Jodie, Brooke, Sarah, Renee, Lorna, Emma, etc. More pictures from Oaks Day can be seen at the Flash and Dash Photo Agency
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