Earlier this fall, we curated a truly immersive experience here at El Niguel Country Club (Laguna Niguel, Calif.) with a Daou Wine Dinner. A perfectly chilled wine isn’t the only secret to our success. We focus on stirring creativity, encouraging innovation, and crafting unique and memorable experiences for our members and guests.
Our staff is encouraged to think outside the box, daring to push conventional boundaries. Whether adding distinct items to the menu or showcasing extraordinary skills, we continually seek ways to delight both the palate and the eyes.
A few months ago, our exceptional Food and Beverage Manager, Matthew Salinas, shared his ambitious vision: he envisioned our talented staff dancing (as we’ve done before) and singing. Surprised, I responded, “Really? Do you believe we can do that?” He confidently replied, “I know we can!” And that moment sparked the initiation of our musical journey.
Enter Sidney Bowen, the marvelously talented coach who came in weekly to fine-tune our vocal skills. It wasn’t just about hitting the right notes; more importantly, it was about harmonizing as a team, coming together to create something beautiful and engaging.
We chose the quirky yet melodious ‘Cup Song’ as our performance piece. Cups in hand, we began our practice sessions. The energy during these sessions was electrifying. Everyone supported each other, ensuring no team member missed this unique learning experience. If it called for slowing the pace to help someone, we did so without a second thought.
The highly anticipated performance night arrived. We invited the attendees of the Daou Dinner, our esteemed guests, and the dedicated lounge and dining staff. They surrounded our table as we began the performance. It was more than just singing; it displayed unity, laughter, rhythm, and joy. We had ‘cupped’ our way to success!
This exuberant opening set the perfect tone for our Daou Wine Dinner, showcasing our willingness to embrace the unconventional and make an impact. It is these quirks and out-of-the-box ideas that our Innovation Committee wholeheartedly encourages.
As we refine our services, much like a fine wine, we eagerly anticipate our next “out-of-the-box” adventure! When delivering exceptional experiences, we aim to surpass even the best, striving for excellence with each endeavor.
