The halls of The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey came alive with a festive collegiate spirit as Loyola Marymount University students battled in a Gingerbread Joust. The inaugural holiday event, Gingerbread Joust is a competition between students to see which team can create the finest piece of artwork made out of gingerbread and inspired by artist Henri Matisse.
Ten teams, mostly Greek sororities and fraternities, signed up for the challenge. In traditional college rivalry fashion, the teams battled it out holiday-style in The Ritz-Carlton’s newly renovated meeting space, under the watchful eye of Executive Chef Chad Minton and his pastry team. Students were provided with; (5) 18” x 24” sheets of gingerbread, (2) gallons of frosting, pastry bags, razor knives, rubber spatulas, a 10” serrated knife, red, blue and yellow food dye, mixing bowl, whisk, chef hats, rubber gloves, and cutting boards. Students were encouraged to bring small add-ons to accompany their artwork depending on their design.
In Iron Chef style, each team raced to collect materials and had one hour to produce their own gingerbread masterpiece. Each organization recruited their most creative members to help bring home the grand prize – complimentary space for an event at the hotel.
The gingerbread creations will be displayed in the hotel’s Lobby Lounge along side Matisse originals till December 21st. Guests of the hotel, Jer-ne Restaurant + Bar, Lobby Lounge, and The Spa will have the opportunity to participate in the festive rivalry by voting for their favorite gingerbread artwork.
The Matisse Shapes in Nature is part of a rotating art series in the hotel’s Lobby Lounge. “This year we wanted to bring a lively, interactive element to our holiday décor,” said Robert Thomas, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey. “We all remember the fun, competitive spirit that a college atmosphere generates. These creative displays will add a nostalgic holiday feel while encompassing the excitement of a collegiate rivalry.”
