CASE STUDY: The World’s 50 Best Restaurants

Dates: 22 – 26 June 2019

Marina Bay Sands made history in June as the first integrated resort in Asia to host The World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards ceremony. Over a period of five days, the integrated resort welcomed renowned chefs and culinary experts from over 25 countries, serving as the venue for masterclasses and insightful discussions.

The official ceremony began with a pre-awards cocktail reception at Sands Grand Ballroom. Guests adjourned to the Sands Theatre for the Awards.
Photo Credit: The World’s 50 Best Restaurants

Given the event’s international reach, it was necessary to host The World’s 50 Best Restaurants at a venue that had the capacity to accommodate foreign chefs, academy chairs, event representatives and media.

With The World’s 50 Best Restaurants making its Asian debut, it was important for Marina Bay Sands to execute a truly unforgettable night for the event’s main highlight – the awards ceremony. Marina Bay Sands chose five unique locations on property to curate an unforgettable night in celebration of true culinary excellence. 

Attendees started the evening with a pre-awards cocktail reception held at the Sands Grand Ballroom, Southeast Asia’s largest ballroom. Over 8,000 square metres of space was transformed into a neon-themed tropical wonderland, complete with an elaborately designed centrepiece, an event feature wall and amazing performances by aerial acrobats. A specially curated garden-inspired menu featured Marina Bay Sands’ celebrity chef restaurants, with creations like the Red Snapper Laksa with Dry Fried Rice Noodles and Coconut Curry Broth from Spago by Wolfgang Puck.

Guests then headed to the Sands Theatre for the evening’s highlight – The World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards ceremony. The theatre’s magnificent interior design with high ceilings, extravagant layout and plush furnishing set the scene for a very grand evening.

The World’s 50 Best Restaurants press conference was held inside KOMA prior to its official opening.
Photo Credit: The World’s 50 Best Restaurants

For a change of atmosphere, the post-award press conference was held at KOMA Singapore – Marina Bay Sands’ and TAO Group’s newest Japanese restaurant. Approximately 80 media gathered at KOMA for an intimate sharing with Chef Mauro Colagreco from Mirazur, winner of The World’s Best Restaurant 2019. The elaborate Japanese bridge and 2.5 metre customised bell served as the magnificent backdrop for this event. The dining area was reconfigured into a theatre-style seating arrangement. A separate section behind the sushi counter was allocated for broadcast media to film the event.

Guests partied the night away at MARQUEE, complete with LED water drum performances in the 2,300 square metre night club.
Photo Credit: The World’s 50 Best Restaurants

Guests then celebrated their wins in style and partied the night away at nightclub MARQUEE. They enjoyed music from the venue’s state-of-the-art sound system and performances by stilt walkers. The integrated resort’s food and beverage team even went the extra mile to coordinate food service from five of Marina Bay Sands’ signature and celebrity chef restaurants. Bread Street Kitchen and CUT by Wolfgang Puck featured live food stations at MARQUEE. Other signature restaurants LAVO Italian Restaurant & Rooftop Bar, Yardbird Southern Table & Bar and Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer delighted guests with their delicious creations.

To provide revellers with a hearty meal after a long night of partying, Marina Bay Sands hosted media and guests of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants event at LAVO Italian Restaurant & Rooftop Bar the next day. Around 150 guests were hosted for the recovery brunch at this signature restaurant. Guests ate to their heart’s content and enjoyed a decadent spread of Italian cuisine complete with a carving station and gelato cart.

“With Marina Bay Sands, it’s been fantastic. The awards ceremony itself was bigger, more exciting and more dramatic than we’ve ever been able to do before. So it’s a fantastic venue to host our flagship event,” said William Drew, Director of Content, The World’s 50 Best Restaurants.