7 Raffles Boulevard, Level 1, Pacific Ballroom, Pan Pacific Hotel, Singapore 039595
Tel: 6336 8111
Date: 21 September 2018 (Friday)
Time: 7.00pm - 10.00pm
Assisi Hospice is a gorgeous home away from home for the terminally ill, providing spacious and airy environment for the patients to rest and recuperate, under professional care of their team. I was honoured to be invited for their "TGIF" Charity Gala Dinner 2018, held at Pan Pacific Hotel Singapore, this year.
The ambiance was vibrant with well-dressed men in suits and ties; whereas the ladies looked ravishing in gowns and cocktail dresses. Beautiful art pieces on display were part of the auction items during the dinner, and our eyes feasted ravenously upon these beauties before we entered the Pacific Ballroom for our dinner event.
The charity dinner commenced with vital key management of Assisi Hospice giving a speech, followed by Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat, and an award ceremony by Mdm. Ho Ching herself. A humorous emcee and some musicians entertained us throughout the dinner as well, before the Live Auction took place (after the main course).
Dinner was a beautiful 7-course Western affair, starting with freshly-baked Artisanal Breads, served with Butter and Olive Oil. I resisted them mostly (carbs avoidance) but caved in for a couple of bites when the soup course was served thereafter. Delicious - crusty and went perfectly well eaten on its own or with condiments / soup.
Then appetizer graced the table; a gorgeous platter of Smoked Duck (with beetroot jelly), Australian Scallop Confit (with green Gazpacho dressing) and Cured Norwegian Salmon Loin (with citrus salsa). Dainty, colorful items that pleased the palate greatly.
Following that, Truffle-infused Wild Mushroom Soup with Chives sprinkling. A soul-warmer on this perfect rain-cooled evening, bringing us back down to earth with its aromatic notes. A little sweet for my liking, but I dug its smooth texture definitely.
Mains were served. One could choose the Baked Barramundi, served with crushed purple potatoes, provencal vegetables and citrus Beurre Blanc. I knifed down on the crispy skin to the flakey snowy flesh of the fish, enjoying every bite tremendously.
The other choice of mains was the Braised U.S. Black Angus Short Ribs, served with pea mash, provencal vegetables and natural jus. The thick slab of belie-d its ultra tenderness; my friend likened it to bourguignon, because of its melty texture; every bite burst with flavours.
Yes, I was one of the lucky ones who got to share mains so I had the best of both worlds, literally.
Dessert was a decadent godsend of Caramelized Pisang Emas Chocolate Tart, served with Mango Coulis and Coconut Sorbet. Rich and bold in flavour, this crusty dessert with the impeccable ganache is a chocolate lover's dream come true. It beckoned to me and seduced completely - I had to finish every bite even though it was already 10.15pm.
Finally, platter of Petit Fours to go with coffee or tea - colorful Macarons, artisanal Chocolates, and mini Cream Puffs - the ladies at my table decided to cut them up so we could have a bit of everything. Lovely pastries for certain, and these went really well with our tea and Rum shots.
All in all, this was a very exciting and beautiful event - doing good while dining with beautiful people. Thank you for the invite!
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