Summer's End: September Business Meeting at Trump International Hotel Waikiki

Though the sun never seems to set on Hawaii’s tourism trade, like many other markets, the Summer months are an especially busy time. To mark the end of this hectic season, The Concierge Association of Hawaii held its September business meeting at member property Trump International Hotel Waikiki.

CAH member enjoy appetizers and views courtesy of Trump International Hotel Waikiki.

Trump Intentional Hotel Waikiki’s Catering did not disappoint members who were welcomed by a buffet of delicious and expertly plated appetizers. Especially delightful were the samplings of sushi from Trump Waikiki’s Wai’olu Ocean Cuisine.

Open daily from 11am-10:30pm, Wai’olu’s open-air resort casual dining room provides gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean overlooking the swaying palms of Ft. Derussy Park. In addition to a full sushi bar, Wai’olu is known for their Liquid Artistry cocktail menu and Pan-Pacific seafood dishes. Be sure to contact your Concierge in advance to book a table on Friday night as Wai’olu has one of the best views of Waikiki’s Friday night fireworks!

Members were treated to salmon and scallops poached in Hollandaise sauce, shrimp cocktails, adorable crudite in the style of an edible garden, and edamame hummus.

Our sincerest thanks to Trump International Hotel Waikiki for your continued support of our Association and for hosting this meeting. Mahalo!

August Wine Tasting at The Tchin Tchin! Bar

The Tchin Tchin Bar’s warm lighting makes you want to nestle up to the long bar for a drink.

Drinking in Honolulu likely stirs up images of sitting poolside at an oceanfront resort, sipping mai tais and listening to the distant sound of crashing waves. While this beautiful fantasy is common in Waikiki, those crashing waves can come with crushing crowds, and there are only so many mai tais one should actually drink in the sun. For those interested in a more cosmopolitan drinking experience away from the tourist crowd and heat, a visit to Honolulu’s Chinatown District is a must. 

In recent years Chinatown has transformed from what was once the City’s largest Red Light District to a foodie haven full of hip bars and innovative restaurants. It was at the popular Chinatown wine bar The Tchin Tchin! Bar that Concierge Association Members of Hawaii found ourselves walking up a tall flight of stairs for our August Pau Hana meeting last week. “Tchin Tchin” is a Chinese toast translating to “Please Please!” As in, Please Please enjoy this drink. As we were greeted by a European inspired loft-like space featuring a large bar, several lounge areas, and an open air patio complete with cafe lighting and living wall, this spirit of welcoming hospitality was greatly felt. 

Our wine selection for the evening.

The sleek yet unpretentious decor paired perfectly with our wine social led by laid back Sommelier Justin Lipsky-Sugita. As Beverage Director for Breaking Bread Hospitality Group, Justin has helped to develop cocktail and wine programs for Tchin Tchin’s two nearby sister restaurants; Ramen Bistro Lucky Belly and New American restaurant Livestock Tavern. While his job dictates he create craft cocktails for the masses, Justin’s real passion lies in fostering talent. Under his direction, he has urged and aided several of his bartenders in becoming Sommeliers with the hopes that Honolulu’s Food and Beverage scene will continue to flourish.

Food provided by Livestock Tavern.

Wine socials are offered the second Wednesday of every month. These focus not on how to identify the best wines available, but how to listen to your own senses in recognizing which wines you most enjoy. Between sips and laughs there will also be some approachable scientific information thrown in about why your taste buds like what they like, grape origin, and the fermentation process. For the more serious foodie, Tchin Tchin also prepares a themed coursed menu on the last Wednesday of every month with food brought in from Livestock Tavern and paired with wine selected by one of Tchin Tchin’s several Sommeliers. If wine isn’t your thing, don’t worry, Tchin Tchin also has a full bar with impressive whiskey selection. 

We came to Tchin Tchin for the wine, but it was their hospitality that ultimately left us feeling buzzed. Mahalo for hosting us, Tchin Tchin!

CAH members saying “Tchin Tchin!”

The Tchin Tchin! Bar is open Tuesday- Saturday from 5pm-12am and located at 39 North Hotel Street Honolulu, Hawaii 96817.

“Accommodating to Change: Islands’ concierges adapt to new technology and expectations.”

This past summer several of The Concierge Association of Hawaii’s members had the opportunity to speak to Hawaii Hospitality about how new technology has impacted the role of Hawaii’s Concierge. Read their insights on how Concierge adapt to this important industry wide challenge below:

Bosworth, Brandon, “Accommodating to Change: Islands’ concierges adapt to new technology and expectations.” Hawaii Hospitality 34, no.3 (May/June 2019): 20-21.

“Yes we Cannes!” 66th International Les Clefs d’Or Congress

Written by Antione Garandeau, Trump Waikiki Hotel

This is a personal account of my first Les Clefs d’Or International Congress in March of this year in Cannes, France.  The event, hosted in the birthplace of the first-ever International Congress of the Organization, also marked the 90thAnniversary of Les Clefs d’Or France making it an amazingly inspiration and poignant occasion.  

Friday March 22nd, 2019: 2:00PM and I just got off the train station from my hometown after a two and half hour ride. It is a beautiful spring day on the French Riviera also known as the “Cote d’Azur”. Checking in at the Gray d’Albion, one of the hotels hosting the Congress, the excitement is palpable as concierge from around the world are welcomed by the French-based committee who organized the event. Although I am meeting many for the very first time, I instantly feel a connection, as though we are all part of the same special family. The city of Cannes is also excited to welcome us and has installed billboards announcing the Congress which brings an unusual, yet prideful, feeling to many concierge who typically prefer to be humbly discreet.

The evening kicks off with an opening ceremony hosted at the Iconic Hotel Majestic, steps away from the Palais des Festivals. The red carpet is rolled out and electricity is in the air.  The Les Clefs d’Or French delegation showcases their social sophistication, or savoir-faire, making everyone feel welcome and at ease. Dimitri Ruiz, President of Les Clefs d’Or France, gives an enthusiastic opening speech coining the motto for the Congress to come, “Yes We Cannes!”. 

Saturday March 23rd, 2019: 

Starting the day off with a morning assembly for First Time Attendees, such as myself, brings an entire host of introductions from concierge around the work including Alan Grimes of the International Trainee Committee and Pierre Pinchemel, the main archivist of the Head office in Paris.  Pierre has brought with him iconic memorabilia such as past books of Members and old photographs.  The legacy of Les Clefs d’Or truly comes to life and brings me a greater understanding of the underlying theme of the Congress, “No future without a past”.  

In the afternoon we go on a ferry ride to Sainte Marguerite island across from Cannes. This is the island where the so-called “Iron Mask” was imprisoned at “Le Fort Royal” during the 17th century. The weather is beautiful and we can see Cannes as we look back from the island. 

Gregory Tack, a Concierge from the Majestic, points out a house up on the hills above Cannes owned by a very wealthy Emir from the Middle East that apparently planned to build his own private elevator from his house directly to the beach until the city of Cannes denied such an egregious project. All I can see is a beautiful city and I am captivated.  

The afternoon ends with a beach cleanup, a new initiative of Les Clefs d’Or Corporate Social Responsibility. Petitions are being handed out by a local organization to make Sainte Marguerite island classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and I am honored to participate in such a movement. 

Wrapping up an amazing day, we are taken to the Palm Beach Club for an event themed as a “Glittering and Glimmering Night.”

Sunday March 24th, 2019: Education Day

After seven years as a concierge, this is perhaps the one day of congress I was looking forward to the most. I was eager to understand how the profession is evolving on a global scale and what challenges and concerns my fellow Les Clefs d’Or Concierges around the world are experiencing. I am interested to learn that although the Concierge from larger, bustling cities, which contrast my relaxed, tropical one so much, remain equally challenged by their travel savvy guests and our experiences overlap quite often.  It is these unique requests that we all say keep us all challenged and inspired on a daily basis.  Although I envy the ever-changing knowledge that their large cities require of them and their fast-paced life, I am beginning to realize that I am lucky to be able to enjoy the slower-paced, island lifestyle where our year-round traveler season does have its pluses.

The day goes by fast as multiple speakers present everything from “Ted Talk” formats to sharing perspectives on the profession through the eyes of prominent Concierge members. The “Bar Camp” session turns out to be really interesting, highlighting topics such as those below for us to reflect on:

The Key to Leadership–re-thinking my role as a leader

The Key to Excellence–reviewing my understanding of luxury

The Key to Network–re-surging my network

The Key to Respect–re-conquering a respectful co-operation

The Key to Development–innovating my business development

The Key to Personal Growth–re-charging my progressive advancement

The Key to Appearance–re-setting my image/reputation

Quite a bit to digest but a good way to reset and think on how to define the future of the Organization while keeping its roots. 

 “A Night in Provence” followed that evening with an entire alley of typical Provencal restaurants in the backstreets of Cannes was booked entirely for us! 

Monday March 25th: General Assembly and Gala Dinner

As we gather to hear reports on the state of the Organization, I cannot help but notice how impressive of a setting it is! Long tables are arranged on stage to host all the board members and the stakes are high as each Board of Director candidate delivers a passionate speech in hopes of being elected to serve in the illustrious group. 

In the evening, each delegation is divided into their region and I learn that the USA is fortunate to be hosted at the iconic Carlton Intercontinental, the birthplace of the modern day International delegations to Les Clefs d’Or. The night was filled with a great introductions and captivating talks about the significance of this hotel. 

Tuesday March 25th: Excursion day and Gala Night

Of the two choices for excursions, I chose to spend the day in Monaco as I somehow, have never made it to this part of the Riviera despite my childhood here. We visit The Casino de Monte Carlo with architecture definitely influenced by the Napoleon era, including the magnificent Opera Garnier where an eclectic repertoire of artists regularly perform. According to our guide, Elton John himself gave a concert here!

Lunch takes place next door inside Hotel De Paris where famous chef Alain Ducasse recently opened a Mediterranean theme casual restaurant called “Omer.” Once again, we are warmly greeted by a Concierge team member who, is truly an Ambassador of the profession and represents the face of their hotel. I get to take a picture with the Alain Ducasse himself! I am told by a long time Concierge in Paris that he is a longtime Concierge supporter and values the profession so much that he even arranged a phone line direct to his restaurant in Paris that is exclusive to Concierge usage. Impressive. 

In the afternoon we visit the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco which is dedicated to the conservations and explorations of the Oceans overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. 

Finally, as the trip wraps up and the 66thannual Congress comes to an end, what more perfect place to host the final gala then on the red carpet at the Palais des Festivals where every May the Gratin of the movie industry gather for the Cannes Film Festival.  

I go home filled with memories and inspired to share every detail of this unique experience with my fellow Concierge. The trip has made me ever-thankful for the support of those I have worked with dating back to the first day I was given the opportunity to become a Concierge. This experience has taught me that we are able to achieve so much more locally and that we are all connected regardless of where we assist our guests in this world. 

The time honored Les Clefs d’Or legacy must continue because nothing replaces the simple fact that humans have always thrived and advanced by making connections with each other. 

Vive Les Clefs d’Or!

Cheers to Ten Years!

This calendar year, our 10th anniversary year, marks a very exciting time for The Concierge Association of Hawaii in terms of growth, public awareness, and continued support and partnership with our local community as well as with the network of concierge across the United States.  To celebrate this milestone of education, friendship and guest service we returned to the site of our first-ever association meeting, Morton’s Steakhouse at Ala Moana, to host our annual Holiday Gala event.   

Left to Right: Susan Koki, Cameron Frithsen, Danny Higa, Wendy Nagaishi, Nozomi Horiguchi, Miles Kinoshita

Cameron Frithsen, Crystal Nichols, Sarah Oesterling, Griff Stecyk, Lisa Sapp

 Current, honorary and past members joined longtime CAH supporters including Buddy Moore & Sherry Ravago of Where Magazine, Miles Kinoshita representing MTK Marketing and Waikiki’s Luxury Row, friends & family as well as Honolulu’s former Mayor and current CEO of The Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association, Mufi Hannemann for an amazing evening.  A custom menu was created by Morton’s for the evening and guests were inspired as Mr. Hannemann shared insight into the current hospitality industry climate as well as spoke to the future vision of HLTA both on Oahu and statewide. 

Left to Right: Mufi Hannemann, CEO of HLTA; Vanessa Greene, President of CAH; Buddy Moore, Group Publisher of Where Magazine

On behalf of all of the Association, we would like to extend our sincerest mahalo to Morton’s Steakhouse, Mufi Hannemann, our members (former and present), and all of our ohana that support the Concierge Association of Hawaii. We would not be where we are today without all of your hard work, guidance, and support. Thank you.