On a warm Miami evening, guests entered the Rubell Museum and were immediately carried into the heart of Brazil. Framed by glowing gallery walls and filtered by garden light, H&C Collective, a Miami luxury caterer, had the honor of, for the fourth year in a row, curating the dining experience for Playing for Change Foundation’s annual Impact Awards Gala. Our task was to transform the gala into a journey, through flavor, culture, and connection, showcasing what luxury event catering in Miami can be when every detail is designed with purpose.
The theme for this year’s celebration was This is Brazil, a nod to the country’s rich rhythms, bold flavors, and vibrant energy. The gala honored the Marley family, Juanes, and Anitta for their contributions to global change through music. It was an evening with purpose: to celebrate music as a force for unity while raising support for the Playing For Change Foundation’s mission of inspiring positive change through education and connection.
Setting The Stage: A Miami Garden Immersed in Flavor
The evening began in the museum’s garden, where cocktails set the tone for this experiential catering event. Guests were welcomed with caipirinhas, Brazil’s signature drink, offered in both classic and strawberry variations. For those preferring something non-alcoholic, the limonada suíça, a refreshing creamy limeade, offered the same spirit of brightness.
At the Capital One Entertainment bar, the details became conversation pieces: fresh limes etched with the brand’s logo, nestled against the glow of candlelight. A simple lime transformed into a memorable touchpoint, a detail that spoke volumes about the care poured into every element of the evening.
Servers wove through the garden with trays of Brazilian-inspired hors d’oeuvres, part of our bespoke catering experience. Guests discovered chicken coxinhas, the crispy, golden teardrop-shaped fritters beloved on Rio’s streets, paired with a fragrant cilantro sauce. Açai tuna tartare with mango and avocado mirrored the colors of a Copacabana sunset, while churrasco tostadas and braised short rib on plantain chips brought warmth and depth. Each bite was a note in a melody of flavor, carrying the theme forward in delicate, playful harmony.