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Media Contact: Michelle Plew 17 May 2009 Fred Tibbitts & Associates Second Annual “A Spring Evening at Kuala Lumpur with Very Special Friends” Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur Hotel Thursday 14 May 2009 Kuala Lumpur-The Second Annual FTA “A Spring Evening at Kuala Lumpur with Very Special Friends” proved to be another memorable event for the sixty guests, who included Ambassadors, High Commissioners, hotel and restaurant executives, managing directors, regional vice presidents, GMs, industry VIPs, the entertainment press and sponsors. The reception was hosted by Diageo and Brown-Forman with a variety of their most popular spirits drinks prepared to perfection by top celebrity mixologists and presented by their stylish hostesses. Moet Hennessy served Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin, Spritzer Waters offered their pure waters and Phillips Foods Asia provided the finest crab meat for the Chef’s assortment of delicious canapés and hors d’ouvres. All guests were formally announced and gonged. The four-course gala dinner brought Fred Tibbitts to the podium, who welcomed the guests and spoke on “Being the Angel you seek” in these challenging economic times. Fred then called for the seven Loyalty Toasts by the Ambassador of Chile, the High Commissioner of the Republic of South Africa and several of the dinner VIP’s; all accomplished with Moet & Chandon Brut Imperial from Moet Hennessy. Fred Tibbitts announced that a portion of the dinner proceeds from the 2009 FTA Spring Dinner at Kuala Lumpur would be donated to the China Tibetan Children Health & Education Fund. Fred presented the check to Peter Frawley, Regional Vice President, South East Asia, Starwood Asia Pacific Hotels & Resorts, on behalf of Madame Annie S.C. Wu, Honorary Advisor to the Fund at Hong Kong. The 2009 FTA Hospitality Award for Excellence as a Humanitarian was announced as going to Professor Poon Chung-kwong, President Emeritus, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Tibbitts read a letter from Poon, as he was not able to be present. The 2009 FTA Hospitality Award for Excellence as an Operator Asia Pacific was announced as going to Martin B. Jones, Managing Director-Food & Beverage, Starwood Asia Pacific Hotels & Resorts. Frawley from Starwood then delivered personal comments on his deep respect for Jones, after which he read aloud and presented a letter from Sue Brush, Senior Vice President, Westin Hotels & Resorts at their White Plains, New York World Headquarters office to Jones, congratulating him on his being honored for his contributions to the hospitality industry and in particular, Starwood. Tibbitts then continued with a summary of Jones’s career as well some of his own personal observations on Jones, Tibbitts having known and worked with Jones for more than a decade in Asia Pacific. Both 2009 FTA Hospitality Awards will be presented with scholarships in the names of Professor Poon and Jones at the 2009 FTA Fall Dinner at Hong Kong on Thursday 22 October at the new Hyatt Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. At the finish of the cheese and wine course, Frawley was called to the podium by Tibbitts to “Summon the Brigade”. Frawley brought the thirty-four kitchen and service staff who prepared and served the dinner to the stage to a well-deserved standing ovation. The menu, which was superbly crafted by Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur Hotel Executive Chef Greg Hjorth, included Sandwich of Crab and Grilled Scallop with Garlic Aioli, Mustard Cress; Slow Roasted Duck Breast with Celeriac Puree, Baby Spinach Fennel and Avocado Oil; a selection of Cheddar, Dutch Gouda and Parmesan cheeses and finished with Sour Cherry Crumbles with Mix Berry Sherbet. Each course featured carefully-paired, premium wines from around the world, including a Canadian ice wine with dessert. Fred Tibbitts & Associates is the leading global wine, spirits and foodservice products & services consulting agency for National Account chain hotels and restaurants with offices at Menands, New York and Bangkok Thailand. | 
