An Evening of Culinary Theatre Inspired by Schiaparelli

Set against the iconic backdrop of the V&A Museum's John Madejski Garden, Jimmy Garcia Catering delivered a summer soirée for 400 guests, inspired by the V&A's new Schiaparelli exhibition. The evening brought together food, fashion and design, with the event styling taking cues from Schiaparelli's distinctive aesthetic. Designed as a standing reception, the evening combined beautifully presented canapés, roaming bowl food and live chef stations.

Guests were welcomed with a collection of eight meticulously crafted canapés, each with its own theatrical flourish. Golden beetroot macarons, Oxford Blue cheese mousse on brown butter crumpets with gold leaf, prawn "Scotch Eggs", charcoal gougères and aged beef tartare were served on bespoke black and gold platters, velvet cushions and sculptural presentation pieces, echoing the bold, theatrical feel of the Schiaparelli exhibition.

As the evening unfolded, elegant roaming bowls showcased seasonal British produce. Seared steak with thousand-layer potato and béarnaise, confit duck cassoulet, smoked goat's cheese with poached peach, and vibrant tomato and courgette salads were served in contemporary black and gold vessels, allowing guests to continue exploring the museum while enjoying beautifully presented dishes.

The heart of the evening was three interactive food stations, each designed to bring a little theatre to the garden. Guests gathered around a dramatic seafood display filled with scallop crudo, Cornish tuna tataki, fresh crab and steamed crevettes served over carved ice. Alongside, chefs prepared tuna, beef and heritage carrot tartares to order, while an en croûte station featured expertly carved pâté, salmon and seasonal vegetable en croûtes.

To finish, handcrafted pâtisserie was displayed across elegant plinths throughout the garden. Raspberry Framboisier, White Chocolate & Vanilla Tarts and Coconut & Vanilla Mousses brought colour and a final touch of indulgence to the evening.

From the pink, black and gold styling and sculptural presentation to the live culinary demonstrations and striking food displays, every detail was designed to sit alongside the creativity of Schiaparelli and the V&A. Working alongside the venue, drinks partners and production teams, our chefs and front-of-house team brought the food and hospitality to life across the garden.

It was a brilliant summer party with a seriously good backdrop - and we loved bringing a little Jimmy Garcia food theatre to a night inspired by one of fashion’s most iconic houses.