The Arizona chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA Arizona) held its 2010 AIA Arizona Design Awards Ceremony and annual gala in September at the Phoenix Art Museum. Before the ceremony began, guests gathered in the Great Hall to relax, enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeurves while discussing the local architecture industry.

The event matched the sleek, modern interior of the museum with spectacular black, sliver and moss colored linens with glowing wax vessel candle centerpieces. Black bookcases were transformed into custom food “bars” where uniformed chefs served small-plate offerings. Station dishes were displayed on a chalkboard as “specials of the day.” The items that guests could choose from were as follows:

Chicken & Waffles

A unique combination – thin Strips of Homemade Waffles & Fried Chicken Strips
Drizzled with Maple Syrup

Creamy Roasted Beet Gnocchi

With Shaved Pecorino and Topped with “Baby Bulls Blood” Microgreens

Mini Barbecued Pork Sliders

Slathered in a Spicy Sauce
Topped off with Creamy Coleslaw that creates the perfect crunch

Charred Cherry Tomato Salad

Topped with a Goat Cheese Crostini

Trio of Chilled Soup Shots

These brilliantly-colored soups are served up in Shot Glasses
~ Gazpacho topped with Fresh Crab Meat
~Cantaloupe Soup
~Honeydew Soup

When guests moved into the theater for the awards portion of the evening, the food bars were transformed into dessert bars. After the ceremony ended, attendees indulged in the following bite-sized desserts:

White Chocolate-Pumpkin Spice Truffle “Lollipops”

Caramel & Sea Salt Truffles

Trio of Homemade Marshmallows

Skewered Cubes of Housemade
Vanilla, Chocolate, and Strawberry Marshmallows

Candy “Shots”

White and Milk Chocolate Mousse
Served in Jiggers, Layered and Topped
with Candy Bar Shards… Snickers, Reese’s, & Oreos

This intricate menu was created to complement the prestigious awards given for the high standard architectural designs, plans and construction projects submitted. Congratulations to all the winners at the 2010 AIA Arizona Design Awards.