Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), hosted a glittering gala reception at the iconic Beverly House in Beverly Hills last night, celebrating the June 1 launch of its daily service between Los Angeles and Abu Dhabi.

Guests representing a wide variety of industries including entertainment, travel, fashion, and politics were treated to a spectacular night that brought together the style and sophistication associated with the city of Beverly Hills and Etihad Airways. 

The legendary Beverly House, venue of many famous Hollywood films and three blocks from Sunset Boulevard, was transformed as guests were entertained by an Etihad Airways and Abu Dhabi themed 3D mapping sound and light show, followed later in the evening by live performance by Harry Connick, Jr.

Guests of honour at the gala reception included the UAE Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Yousef Al Otaiba, and U.S. Ambassador to the UAE, The Honorable Michael H. Corbin who both welcomed the launch of the new service between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH).

The gala reception was hosted by Etihad Airways’ brand Ambassador and X Factor judge, Dannii Minogue; music producer, Quincy Jones; former astronaut Buzz Aldrin; chef, Wolfgang Puck; and actor, Shaun Toub.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ President and Chief Executive Officer, said “Etihad Airways is delighted to bring a taste of Modern Arabia to Beverly Hills for the night and showcase the world-class hospitality and service that guests now receive every time they fly with us from Los Angeles to Abu Dhabi and beyond.”

Upon arrival at the Beverly House red carpet, guests were welcomed by classical Arabian Ayala dancers. Etihad Airways cabin crew then offered Arabic coffee and dates before being escorted through the mansion out onto the terrace.

During the champagne reception guests sampled canapés and mingled among displays of Etihad Airways’ recently announced Residence, which will be introduced on the airline’s A380 aircraft and is the only three-room hotel in the sky, as well the airline’s First Class Apartment, Suites and Business Class products.

Later guests were escorted to the lawn of the Beverly House where 35 tables, each named after islands off the coast of Abu Dhabi, were positioned to allow guests to view the main stage, as well as the surroundings for the 3D mapping performance. 

Guests were addressed by James Hogan and His Excellency Yousef Al Otaiba before enjoying the live 45-minute set by Harry Connick, Jr. and his band.

Showcasing the Etihad Airways on-board dining expertise, 10  classically-trained First Class Chefs worked alongside Operator Michael Duddie and Executive Chef Guus Wickenhagen from Event Horizon Catering, one of Los Angeles’ leading catering firms to produce an exquisite culinary offering.

Event Horizon Catering is the exclusive catering company for the iconic TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood. Duddie and Wickenhagen also opened the unique dining concept, supperclub Los Angeles.

The three course dinner consisted of a starter of organic tomato and burrata salad with basil pesto and garlic crouton.

Main course included a choice of pan seared Chilean sea bass with Zucchini and cherry tomato; - or braised boneless short rib with puree of cauliflower, English peas, tomato and veal jus; – or herb risotto with English peas, organic roasted tomato, sweet yellow corn, green onion and black chanterelle mushroom.

Dessert was guanaja chocolate layer with tea brulee on soft chocolate sponge.

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