Thursday night for the Asia Center Tiger Ball, a grand black-tie soirée that served as official opening of the center's highly-praised new home in the Museum District. The international coterie of 1,050 came from all corners of the world — the various nationalities revealed in lilting accents and the beautiful national costuming favored by many of the women. The compelling visual tapestry included the creme-de-la-creme of the city's business and social circles.
Guests gathered first for cocktails and an elaborate sushi bar in the sleek new building. Led by a parade of drummers and dancing dragons, the crowd then moved to a massive party tent, erected in the Asia Society parking lot where oak trees up-lighted in green were dramatically incorporated into the decor by Bergner & Johnson. While collections of pale green Japanese lanterns danced in the air-conditioning breezes overhead, guests sat down to a spectacular dinner by City Kitchen.
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Shrimp, Mango and Cucumber Salad with Baby Spinach,
Cellophane Noodles, Golden Trout Roe and Coconut Anise Vinaigrette
Black Pepper Crusted Saddle of Lamb
with Ginger ZInfandel Jus Braised Red Cabbage
Texas Quail with Red Chile and Chinkiang Black Rice Vinegar Glaze
Maitake Mushroom and Short Grain Rice Timbale Sesame Asparagus
Peach and Raspberry Crisp with Pistachio Ice Cream
Friday night's Spotlight Asia: Cocktails and Cultural Fusions parties in the finest places. Tasty treats and urban beats set the tone for this glitzy revel. Hors d'oeuvres, wine, and beer plus the chance to explore the new sleek Center.
Saturday included a host of other dignitaries for the official ribbon-cutting of the new Center. This weekend opened its doors to the public with a lively weekend overflowing with performances, art-making workshops, storytelling, demonstrations, and art exhibitions. Admission was free.
Also on this day, I met and spent several hours with the grandson of the founder, Rockefeller. I found him nice, pleasant, hardworking and committed to carrying on with his grandfather's legacy. We both share common interests in bondage art.
It just proves to show you that even in high society circles that We all have common interests in this realm.
