Media Contact: Lori LaDu
11 May 2008 

FRED TIBBITTS & ASSOCIATES FIRST ANNUAL
“A Spring Evening at Kuala Lumpur with very Special Friends”

The Westin Kuala Lumpur 9 May 2008

Kuala Lumpur-The First Annual FTA “A Spring Evening at Kuala Lumpur with very Special Friends” proved to be another memorable event for the sixty plus guests, who included hotel and restaurant executives, managing directors, regional vice presidents, GMs, industry VIPs and sponsors.

The reception was hosted by Diageo and Brown-Forman with a variety of their most popular spirits prepared to perfection by their top celebrity mixologists; Nestle Waters with a choice of S. Pellegrino or Acqua Panna waters and Phillips Foods Asia with an assortment of delicious canapés and hors d’ouvres, prepared with their finest crab meat.  All guests were formally announced and chimed.

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 five Loyalty Toasts by the Kuala Lumpur embassy community and dinner VIP’s; all accomplished with none other than Moet & Chandon Brut Imperial, courtesy of Moet Hennessy.

Fred Tibbitts announced that a portion of the proceeds from the FTA Spring Dinner at Kuala Lumpur would be donated to the China Tibetan Children’s Health and Education Fund.  Fred presented the check on HSBC to Andrew Jones, Guardian, Sanctuary Resorts, on behalf of Madame Annie S.C. Wu, the Fund’s Honorary Advisor.

The 2008 FTA Hospitality Award for Literary Excellence was announced as going to LifeStyle (China) magazine by Pradeep Nair, Chief Operating Officer, Taylor’s College, School of Hospitality & Tourism.  COO Nair indicated that Ricky Xu, Editor in Chief of LifeStyle will accept the Award at the FTA Summer Dinner at the Kempinski Beijing on 5 June.  Mr. Nair added that a $5,000.00 USD scholarship in the name of LifeStyle would accompany the Award and be granted to the Florida International University School of Tourism Management at the Tianjin University of Commerce.  Mr. Nair then took the opportunity to introduce two of his brightest Post Graduate students at Taylor’s College in the Hospitality & Tourism program, Haresh Gill Singh and Kim Thoa Mai.

At the close of the cheese and wine service, Kim Powley, General Manager, The Westin Kuala Lumpur Summoned the Brigade to a standing ovation.  The service was flawless, the food and beverage the finest and a feeling of warm, inviting hospitality filled the room.

The menu, which was superbly crafted by The Westin Kuala Lumpur Director of Kitchens, David King and his culinary team, included Deconstructed Crab Frittata, Baby Onion Samphire (donated Phillips Foods Asia); Slow Roasted Lamb, White Bean Puree, Pepper Confit, Shiso; a Selection of Cheddar’s (New Zealand, Australia and Scotland); and a magnificent treat for the sweet tooth, the Chef’s signature “Peanut Butter and Jam” with Ice Creams by Lecka.  Thanks to Achenbach, their sensational new “Crispy Cones” were served on innovative cone trees as an added dessert delight.  The menu was complimented by twelve of the finest wines from Australia, Chile, California and France

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 with Asia Pacific offices at Bangkok, Thailand.