Paris Night a Magical Evening of Jazz, Wine, Food

Media Release from Sofitel Queenstown
20 October 2006

Paris Night a Magical Evening of Jazz, Wine and Food

Queenstown turned on the five-star glamour last night with the inaugural Sofitel Paris night, a highlight of the ASB JazzFest, held in the retail area of the award-winning Sofitel Queenstown.

More than 300 jazz, wine and food lovers partied the night away at the event which transformed the hotel into a Parisian style Jazz Quarter.

Venues within the hotel including Bezu, Fatz Cat, Chop Chop, Spicy Bites, Code Bar, Esquires and Nue Lounge provided a wide range of supper dishes showcasing the Asian, Indian, Italian New Zealand and Euro style cuisine on offer within the retail quarter.

Music rang through the various hotel venues with guests dancing to the afro-kiwi fusion of Gahu and the music of Australia’s most popular jazz band Galapagos Duck. Other bands played in more chilled jazz style while standout performances came from the brilliant keyboard talent of Doug Caldwell and the gypsy style of Fiona Pears on violin.

Sofitel Queenstown General Manager Mark Wilkinson said the evening had proved an outstanding success.

“The whole place buzzed with a vibrant atmosphere. It was fantastic to see so many local faces and guests getting into the spirit of the celebratory event, meandering between the restaurants and band venues.”

“The music and people brought the whole building alive, showcasing its potential as a stunning venue for future functions and events.”

The Accor Première Vacation Club (APVC) Best Dressed award went to Rebecca Cook of Queenstown who was resplendent in a Parisian style blue gown with matching headdress and plume.

For her efforts, Rebecca was presented with a voucher for a night at Number 10, the Penthouse suite of Sofitel Queenstown and dinner for two at the hotel’s Vie restaurant.

The evening culminated in a spectacular fireworks display provided by the Accor Première Vacation Club.

APVC Chief Operating Officer Jim Sabot was delighted with the fireworks.

“The fireworks were a spectacular way to mark the evening. The colours lit up the skies across Queenstown and entertained many more than just Paris Night guests. For us it was a fantastic way to launch our business in Queenstown.”

The evening closed with wind down cocktails and lounge music in the luxurious Code Bar.

ENDS

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