Portofino Strives For Perfection
Illawarra Mercury
Tuesday February 15, 2000
Twenty years of catering for weddings has given the Portofino International team the ability to master the finer details of wedding receptions, including specific cultural aspects, as well as meet the traditional and contemporary wishes of the bride and groom.
The Portofino is considered one of Wollongong's leading reception venues and the team knows exactly how to plan the perfect reception.
``The Portofino International is more than just a wedding reception centre," co-owner Claude Corolla said.
``We take a personal interest in each reception and plan every detail with the bride and groom, ensuring their wedding is exactly what they want," he said.
``Our family has an extensive history in staging successful wedding receptions and functions within the Illawarra for over 20 years. This gives our customers peace of mind, knowing they are dealing with a team of professionals who won't let them down."
The Portofino team has organised wedding receptions for more than 3000 couples and meets the couple on a regular basis in the months before the event.
They also ensure there is a high ratio of staff to guests.
``I wouldn't sacrifice staff for the sake of cutting costs," Mr Corolla said.
Entertainment was also a high priority for the Portofino, offering the bride and groom a range of bands, disc jockeys, singers and alternative entertainers, depending on taste.
``Our bands and MCs started with me from day one," Mr Corolla said.
``They have been trained by us but have their own personalities. They understand their role and the reception is coordinated to make sure all flows well on the night and the night is not rushed."
The Portofino International has three separate function areas, including the Four Seasons Lounge, which caters for 150 to 500 guests, and the Silver Room, which is ideal for 60 to 250 guests.
``Our third reception centre is on Stewart St, adjacent to The International Centre (Centro Ristorante).
``We are undergoing an extensive refurbishment of this room and plan to launch a new concept there soon," co-owner Ivan Corolla said.
``Whether it be a simple, elegant reception, or a formal extravaganza, our aim is to make your night truly memorable."
Mr Corolla also said the food was also elegant, and the couple has a wide range of dishes to choose from.
``We regularly update and change our menus because we like people to experience new tastes while enjoying their favourites," he said.
Menus were priced to suit a range of budgets.
Experience and ability to arrange all aspects of the function ensured absolute success.
© 2000 Illawarra Mercury
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