Media Contact: Michelle Plew

17 June 2009

 

 

THE FRED TIBBITTS & ASSOCIATES SECOND ANNUAL

“A Summer Evening at Bangkok with very Special Friends”

 

The Westin Grande Sukhumvit Bangkok

Tuesday 16 June 2009

 

 

Bangkok-The Second Annual FTA “A Summer Evening at Bangkok with very Special Friends” proved to be another memorable event for the eighty-six guests, who included hotel executives, managing directors, GMs, industry VIPs, press and sponsors.

 

The reception was hosted by Diageo Moet Hennessy and Pernod Ricard with a variety of their most popular spirits prepared to perfection by celebrity mixologists; Vittoria Waters was the water, while Phillips Foods Asia provided the best quality crab meat for the Westin culinary team’s delicious assortment of sumptuous canapés and hors d’ouvres.  All guests were formally announced by Pidichanan Petchngaovilai, a Westin Grande Sukhumvit Bangkok Sales Executive and gonged by Kamon Kaewnum, a Westin Grande Sukhumvit Banquet Manager.

 

The opening of the four-course gala dinner brought Fred Tibbitts to the podium, who reminded the assembled hospitality industry elite that “Service is the highest calling”.  Fred then called for the eight “Loyalty Toasts”, a Tibbitts dinner grand tradition by several of the dinner VIP’s, including The Honorable Ronald S. Robinson, Consul General, Embassy of the United States of America; Michael Cottan, Regional Vice President of Operations, Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts; Paul Stevens, Director of Operations-Thailand, Accor Asia Pacific and Jeffery Race, President, Cambridge Electronics Laboratories; all accomplished with Moet & Chandon Brut Imperial, courtesy of Moet Hennessy.

 

Tibbitts announced that a portion of the proceeds from the FTA Summer Dinner at Bangkok would go to Hug Elephant Club (Chiang Mai, Thailand).  Tibbitts called forward Malai Sakolviphak, Executive Director, Skal National Committee for Thailand to accept the donation on behalf of Anchalee Kalmapijit, President, Hug Elephant Club.

 

Tibbitts announced that the recipient of the 2009 FTA Hospitality Award for Excellence as a Humanitarian is Professor Poon Chung-kwong, President Emeritus, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.  As Professor Poon could not be present, Tibbitts called forward to the podium Professor Jutamas Wisansing, Director, Tourism Management, Graduate School of Business, Assumption University of Thailand who read of the many humanitarian accomplishments, primarily for underprivileged youths and student in China, all of which being a clear tribute to a true humanitarian..

 

Tibbitts then announced that the recipient of the 2009 FTA Hospitality Award for Excellence as an Operator Asia Pacific is Martin B. Jones, Vice President of Food & Beverage, Starwood Asia Pacific Hotels & Resorts Pte. Ltd.  As Jones could not be present, Tibbitts called forward to the podium Charles Jack, General Manager, The Westin Grande Sukhumvit Bangkok to read a personal letter from Sue Brush, President, Westin Hotels & Resorts Worldwide at the White Plains, New York headquarters, congratulating Jones on his being honored for his many contributions to the hospitality industry and in particular, Starwood.  Jack then delivered a summary of Jones’s career positions and accomplishment, all of which made it clear that his recognition is well deserved.

 

At the close of the cheese and wine service, Charles Jack, General Manager, The Westin Grande Sukhumvit Summoned the Brigade to unanimous ovation.  The service was flawless, the food and beverage the best and a feeling of warm, inviting hospitality filled the room from start to finish.

 

The menu, which was superbly crafted by The Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Executive Chef, Joachim Kreisel and his culinary team, included King Crab Remoulade with Foie Gras, Verjus Poached Chicken, Pomegranate and Micro Herbs; Aged Beef Fillet with Sauce Antiboise, Confit of Potato and Baby Vegetables; English Cheddar, Double Brie, Gruyere Beignets and Crumbled Pecorino; and Mango and Sticky Rice Knickerbocker.  The menu was complimented by twelve of the finest wines from Australia, Argentina, California, France and Italy, personally paired for each course by Director of Food & Beverage, John-Andrews Manley.  If this was not enough, the guests were treated to their choice of freshly brewed Ronnefeldt Selected Teas or Vittoria Coffee with their Knickerbocker desserts.

 

Tibbitts wished the guests a Fond Farewell, inviting everyone to return in June of 2010 for the Third Annual FTA Dinner at Bangkok to be held at the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit.

 

Fred Tibbitts & Associates is the leading global wine, spirits and related services consulting agency for National Account chain hotels and restaurants and event management, based at Menands, New York for the United States and Bangkok, Thailand for Asia Pacific.