Polynesian Luau - Embassy of New Zealand
- The Majesty of Auckland;
- The Splendor of the Catlins
- The Experience of the Aotearoa
Kia ora, ALOHA, or WELCOME!
- These will be the first words you hear as we invite you to a special cultural Evening at the Embassy of New Zealand. Tonight, we invite you to step onto foreign soil and embrace a special friendship with our New Zealand friends as we celebrate and experience two distinct Polynesian cultures in a single evening. Experience the culture of the Maori throughout their Polynesian costumes, song, and dance - followed by a Hawaiian experience as we contrast them with an American tradition.
Through the cuisine, music, dance, film, art, and native New Zealanders in attendance, we'll learn a great deal about this fabulous country, history, culture, and especially their people.
FEATURING:
1) NEW ZEALAND MENU:
Enjoy a taste of New Zealand with some Polynesian (NZ and Hawaiian) inspired dishes including:
New Zealand, Roasted Leg of Lamb
Purple Sage, Lavender & Garlic
Served Pink with a Fresh Mango Chutney
Teriyaki Chicken
Marinated & Grilled Chicken Breast with Soy & Fresh Ginger
Sliced & Served atop Jasmine Rice with Crushed Peanuts
Spiral Hawaiian Ham
Pineapple Glazed with Fresh Mango Chutney
Oysters on Ice
Freshly Opened Oysters, On a bed of Ice
Mignonette Sauce, Cocktail Sauce, Lemon Wedges & Hot Sauce
Sweet Potato Spears
Roasted Sweet Potatoes Tossed with Sea Salt & Hot Peppers
Auckland Greens
Baby Greens, Tossed with a Tangerine Dressing & Chevre Croutons
Quesadilla Hawaiian Style
Colored Tortillas, Filled with Mango & Brie & presented with a Cool Peach-Ginger Salsa
Fresh Fruit Salad
Assorted Seasonal Fruits & Berries
Coconut Scented Whipped Cream
King’s Bread
Sweet Hawaiian Bread, Butter
Coconut-Congo Bars
Pecan Squares
2) COCKTAILS:
Sample some of New Zealand's greatest wines, beers as well as an assortment of Polynesian cocktails.
3) LIVE NEW ZEALAND MUSIC AND NATIVE DANCE PERFORMANCE:
Tonight, our trip to New Zealand will be accentuated as the music and dance of a live band and live New Zealand costumed performers whisks us halfway around the world for a special rare presentation.
Our performers are graduates from the TAKITIMU Performing Arts School in Hastings, NZ, the first accredited institution in New Zealand to specialize in the instruction and preservation of the Maori Performing Arts.
Tonight, they introduce the Polynesian experiences and cultural life of the MAORIs ("true people") of New Zealand. Dressed in full naive costume, we will take a historical journey to Aotearoa, the home of the Maoris. Again, Kahurangi will offer us a special NZ Polynesian musical and dance presentation with over 3500 years of historical original. Following their performance, we'll take part in special Maori dance lessons.
4) LIVE HAWAIIAN LUAU DANCE PERFORMANCE:
Following our New Zealand Dance Presentation, we'll move to the other side of our own country - in fact to the middle of the Pacific Ocean as we enjoy a traditional Hawaiian Luau dance presentation. Our performers will offer us a Hawaiian costumed dance and musical taste of Hawaii. Not simply grass skirts and a Hula dance, but a pure historical Hawaiian tradition of interpretive dance. Following this presentation, Hawaiian dance lessons will be offered as well.
5) LIVE POLYNESIAN BAND:
Before and after the presentation, we'll enjoy the New Zealand Experience with Live NZ Polynesian cultural music permeating the Embassy. More information on the band is forthcoming.
6) LATE NIGHT DJ:
In the latter part of the evening, step into the spirit of the best nightclubs in Auckland as a late night DJ takes over for some dancing to your favorite Retro, Modern and Top 40 dance hits.
7) FILM:
Indulge your cultural side as you partake in an optional viewing of the scenery, culture and people of New Zealand on a large viewing screen in the Embassy's library.
8) ART:
Enjoy paintings, pictures and sculptures throughout the embassy highlighting both scenery and culture of New Zealand.
9) WIN A TRIP:
Win a free Club Getaway Weekend for Labor Day. A special drawing will be held throughout the evening. For more information about the trip, see our event description.
Note: This is primarily a stand up and walk around reception. Seating will be limited. If you need special accommodations, please email us in advance before attending the event.
Suggested Attire: Polynesian Style Preferred. Suits and Cocktail dresses not required, but no shorts or Jeans. In other words, Smart Preppy or Smart Polynesian.
Embassy of New Zealand
37 Observatory Circle,
Washington DC
Cost: $80.00, visit http://www.ThingsToDoBaltimore.com for reservations. |
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