Yvonne Phillips, 21
What? Food server
Where? The Shockwaves NME Awards 2005
Which company? Richmond Caterers
What's your story?
I'm studying hospitality and tourism management at University of Surrey but I'm on placement with Richmond Caterers for a year
Tell us about the NME Awards
It was held at Hammersmith Palais in February. With its new two-stage format, six live performances and hosts in the form of Shaun of the Dead stars Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, it was aiming high this year. We laid the tables for a three-course dinner for 530 guests, plus a buffet for 255 press and competition winners.
Give us a taste of the menu
The menu for the stars and VIPs tied in with the theme of Gentlemen's Club and offered dishes such as four-cheese mousse with tomato concasse, red onion and chive dressing served with toasted ciabatta and a main course of supreme of chicken filled with leek and apple mousseline, Calvados and shallot sauce, Dauphinoise potatoes and baby vegetables
Did the caterers dabble in anything other than food?
Yes. Besides the catering, a team from Richmond had to meet with the production team and TV director Tony Gregory to ensure the colour, texture and lighting on the tables would look impressive on camera. I enjoyed the whole evening as I could see all the months of planning unfold and take shape.
Were you star-struck?
Well, the most exciting part of the event was having Sir Paul McCartney brush past my shoulder, surrounded by a multitude of bodyguards, sneaking through the back entrance. Then Liam Gallagher from Oasis missed picking up his award as he casually passed me on the way to the toilet.
Richmond Caterers is a privately owned events catering business. Contact 020 8567 9090, e-mail info@richmondcaterers.com or log on to www.richmondcaterers.com.