Dinner in the Sky Launches in U.S.

High-Flying Dining Debuts at Seminole Casino Coconut Creek, Fla.

Dec 5, 2008

Dinner in the Sky Events debuted in the U.S. on Friday, December 5, 2008, at the Seminole Casino Coconut Creek, Florida, with 22 diners at 157 feet above the earth.

The 10 a.m. lift was the first public Dinner in the Sky event in the U.S. and was followed by four more that day and five on Saturday, December 6. Participants included casino high-rollers, media, members of the Florida tourism industry, and those willing to pay $500 a seat for the hour-long experience.

Dinner in the Sky Events: What is It?

The high –flying dining experience carries 22 guests securely strapped in seats attached to a dining table. The table has a walkway in the center where up to five service personnel prepare and distribute food. The table and seats are connected to a crane which carries the guests up to 180 feet above the ground. During the Dinner in the Sky experience at Seminole Casino, three chefs accompanied guests including the casino’s executive chef, Francois Ternes.

Dinner in the Sky originated in Belgium in 2006 and today it's found in more than 16 countries across the globe. It debuted in Toronto, Canada, earlier this year. A year ago, entrepreneur Michael Gallant was in Orlando on his honeymoon and convinced his new bride to let him attend a trade show being held there. It was at the trade show that Gallant was introduced to Dinner in the Sky and he immediately knew it was something he should invest in. Eight months later in July 2008, he and co-owner Taj Jordan launched the experience in the United States.

Is Dinner in the Sky safe? According to Gallant, every piece of equipment and part on the Dinner in the Sky apparatus has passed the German TÜV Rheinland, the most comprehensive safety rating system in the world.

Dinner in the Sky Events: The Experience

Guests are secured with harnesses into a leather chair which swivels 180 degrees and can slightly recline. It’s almost like being strapped into a luxurious roller coaster seat. Feet can rest on a small platform but brave diners will be comfortable with letting their feet dangle. The ascent to the top is slow but noticeable. It's mostly a smooth ride although there is a slight jerkiness every so often from the crane.

Once at the top, looking down at the ground beneath can stir stomach butterflies but looking around, enjoying the light breeze and taking in the expansive view quickly eases any fears. Guests watch the chefs, who wear harnesses and are tethered to the table, prepare the event’s meal.

Dinner in the Sky Events: The "Wow" Factor

Where will Dinner in the Sky Events hold their next lift following the debut at the Seminole Casino Coconut Creek? Michael Gallant says the apparatus will be staying in Florida for at least a few months. Tampa will host Super Bowl XLIII in February 2009 and Dinner in the Sky would make the ultimate entertainment for V.I.P. clients. Anyone in the United States can hire Dinner in the Sky, cost begins at $30,000 for a four-hour event, excluding catering.

This dining experience is ideal for special events such as anniversaries, incentive trips, annual board meetings, wine tastings, and any other occasions when someone is looking to achieve the “wow” factor. In Europe, it’s been used for poker tournaments. Lights and sound operate by battery and during the night, the apparatus can be lit up to create dramatic impact.

And what about the bathroom on Dinner in the Sky? There isn’t one so guests should take care of business before buckling up for dinner.

The copyright of the article Dinner in the Sky Launches in U.S. in Florida Travel is owned by Jennifer Huber. Permission to republish Dinner in the Sky Launches in U.S. in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.