Gorgeous Decadence 2012

It's the time of the year again! That is, the annual Gorgeous Decadence party hosted by Dr. Georgia Lee. This year it's slightly different for me because Leslie Thaddeus was invited too. It's held at Zouk this year.

This is me (with Leslie). I'm decked out in a reversible top by Bysi, DKNY jeans and Michael Kors clutch. In case you're wondering, yes, the matching leopard prints was intentional. My heels (you can't see it here) are also of the prints, and Leslie's pants have leopard prints cuffs and pockets too.

Here's the party crowd:

We got cozy at a corner where we can do some good people-watching.

The most exciting part of the entire programme was probably when Dr. Georgia came out and showed off her moves at the dance floor.

As the music played on, the booze flowed too.

Managed to say hi to the gorgeous doctor (who looked fantastic that night!) but didn't manage to get a picture because she was fluttering around like a butterfly.

Nonetheless, had lots of fun :)

Christmas comes early - party at Equinox and Ink Bar

The parties that Swissotel & Fairmont throw are always super fun. Remember the Mooncake party that I blogged about the last time? This time, Christmas comes early and we had a "Christmas party" where the media gets to preview the plans that Swissotel & Fairmont have for Christmas, in a few months' time.

That day, one of the private dining rooms at Equinox is transformed into a Christmas ballroom. The huge venue is decorated with Christmas trees, lights, and frosty "Christmas motifs" on the windows. Carols were playing in the background and turkey was served. Looking out of the window, we get the enjoy the wonderful view that Equinox boasts of.

Within about an hour after arrival, Leslie (my guest) and I quickly got into Christmas mood.

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas :)

The food was, not surprisingly, fantastic. And when there was so much good food to go around, it's difficult to pick and choose - we simply went for whichever caught our eyes, so we try the more visually-appealing ones first.

Delectable food to go around.

A real salmon. 

Some of the fare that we tasted at the buffet.

Meats were good, according to Leslie (I'm not a meat person).

Suckling pig with lotus rice was a highlight that day.

Much effort has been put into the decor. I heard that the marketing team worked overnight to get these things up. Hey, your efforts paid off because they look fab!

An exquisite ice sculpture.

Breath-taking view from above!

If only it snowed in Singapore...

After some mingling, making new friends and sampling the wonderful food, Leslie and I got more drinks and simply bask in the beautiful view that was all around us.

We attempted a red-meets-white ad poster look.

White wine + great view = perfect evening

See the Christmas decor?

And just as we thought the evening was over, the Swissotel & Fairmont marketing team gave us a surprise - a part two to this already-fabulous party. We headed down to Ink Bar at Fairmont, where there were more drinks and... okay, read on to find out what :)

We got ourselves a seat and cosy up with the couches. Party hats were given to us and cheers of "Happy new year!" were heard, so you really would imagine that Christmas/New Year were here already.

All ready to party!

Ta-da! Here was the biggest surprise I had! Beautiful, beautiful, BEAUTIFUL buffet table of candies, sweets and desserts - all Christmas-themed!

I really felt like a child in a candy store. Super excited!

Winter wonderland!

Yummy log cake

Candies that look like Christmas bells

I bet elves live with these candies.

Excited by the colourful goodies

And I took whatever caught my eyes without really thinking if I could finish them because I just wanted to sample all of them! It wasn't too hard for me to fill up my plate.

We filled our plates

Cheers!

More drinks, of course.

Super adorable (and yummy) cookie

Beautiful performance put up and got everyone dancing and clapping.

A band came to entertain us

And then Leslie and I indulged in more drinks.

Another drink to keep the night going

Humongous bottles!

More drinks!

The party rounded up with lucky draw with wonderful prizes (such as hotel stays in Swissotel overseas!) and I didn't win anything (as with any lucky draws I've ever participated in) :(

Lucky draw prizes

Here's a final picture of us. We had a good time, a big thank you to the team at Swissotel & Fairmont!

Final shot :)

As I've mentioned the hotels have wonderful plans coming up for Christmas and New Year, which I will definitely share closer to the date. Watch this space!

Mooncakes to get: From Fairmont's Sze Chuan Court

I know it's not quite mooncake festival yet. But actually I'm kind of used to "celebrating" Mooncake Festival at this time. You see, magazines writers typically work on the publication two months before the month it's for. In other words, while it's July now, mag writers are working on the September issue (which hits the news-stand in around mid to end-August).

Anyway, now that I'm doing digital publication, it's kinda different. I aim to get the news across to you in the fastest way possible. And I think it kinda makes sense, because if you do purchase mooncakes for your own consumption or as gifts, you SHOULD do a good consideration before purchasing the mooncakes that you want.

I was invited by Fairmont Singapore to the "To The Moon And Back" media party. Held at Ink Bar, the party is really kinda fun. I brought Lingx along with me.

My guest, Lingx, and me!

The star of the night is definitely the creative mooncakes that the chefs at Sze Chuan Court has prepared for us. Created by Chef Mandy Yeo, these mooncakes will be available from 3 August to 12 September.

The mooncake "buffet" spread.

The traditional baked mooncake flavours include:
Olive Kernel in White Lotus Paste ($50 per box, four per box) - A "healthier" choice that feels less oily and has an interesting texture.
Double Yolk in White Lotus Paste ($55 per box, four per box) - Everyone's favourite traditional mooncake. It's not too sweet so you can have more of it.
Single Yolk and Macademia Nuts in White Lotus Paste ($53 per box, four per box) - Besides trying it for the interesting addition of macademia nuts in the mooncake, also check out the unique peach shape that it's made in.
Roasted Pine Nuts in White Lotus Paste ($50 per box, four per box) - This has a nice fragrance to it.
Mini Baked with Yolk in White Lotus Paste ($50 per box, eight per box) - Traditional mooncake in fun size!

You can also pick four flavours from the above list you like, pack them in one box and enjoy it at $55 per box.

Double Yolk in White Lotus Paste.

The Snow Skin Moon Cake flavours are also amazing. They all come in mini size by the way, so you can easily try a few flavours at the same time. The flavours include:

Durian ($53 per box, eight per box) - This is a new creation to the ensemble this year.
Dark Rocher Chocolate ($50 per box, eight per box) This is also a new creation. Those who enjoy Ferrero Rocher shouldn't miss this.
Rum & Raisin Chocolate Truffle ($52 per box, eight per box) - Like the ice-cream that you love, but a little more subtle and fills you up a bit more.
Champagne Truffle & Chocolate Ganache ($53 per box, eight per box) - My favourite mooncake flavour in the ensemble. Bite into the ultra-soft skin and experience the champagne "bursting" in your palate.
Baileys Chocolate ($52 per box, eight per box) - Probably my second favourite one. Well, I think you could tell that I'm a bit of an alcoholic :p

Or choose any four flavours that you like (except durian) and get eight pieces of them in one box for $53.

Snow skin mooncakes spread.

There were also fringe activities at the party, including the very artistic and talented Mr. Yip who helps you write (or should I say, draw?) your name and tell you what elements can be found in your name.

The amazing Mr. Yip.

Artistic writing.

Chef Mandy also did a demonstration. Someone at the party was impressed, and turned around to tell me, "She completed one mooncake in just 30 seconds!"

Demonstrating the making of a snow skin mooncake.

The chef giving an impressive demonstration.

"It's so easy, everyone can do it!" says the chef.

There was also hand massage available, administered by the therapists from Willow Stream.

Us waiting for our hand massage.

Can you read what the calligraphy says? Our names!

The party, as you can see, was a lot of fun :) Oh, the photographers at the party also took a lot of pictures of us, and get them printed immediately for us to bring home as souvenirs.

I'd also like to highlight the creativity and beauty of the boxes that the mooncakes come with.

Beautiful boxes.

A very thoughtful touch.

Look at the details!

Love the intricate details!

For enquiries, you could call the Mooncake Hotline (Yes, you didn't misread this. They have a special hotline because they're that popular) at 6338-8785 or email fairmontsingapore.mooncakes@fairmont.com or fax your orders to 6338-8529. You can also get more information at http://www.fsfestiveorders.com from 3 August.

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I will be sharing about other mooncakes over the next few days. Watch this space!