On Saturday, the 7th of December 2019, our Austen Morris Associates office celebrated in style at their annual Christmas Party. This year the Shanghai team and their partners attended a formal black-tie event at the Hotel Indigo Shanghai.
Managing Senior Partner, James Colclough, hosted the event and joined everybody for a sparkling reception at the Private Lounge on the 31st floor, where all could enjoy the glorious view of the Shanghai skyline and exchange gifts courtesy of secret Santa.
Following the drinks and gift exchange, our team and their guests were guided to the Char Bar & Grill private dining room on the 29th floor to indulge in a specially crafted four-course meal by Head Chef Wilmer Colmenares.
Dinner started with a choice of either the Smoked Waygu Beef or the Tuna Tartare the soup course was a heartwarming Butternut Squash Veloute, followed by either the Grass Fed Tenderloin or the Roasted Halibut Steak all served with sides of Char sea salted chips, rocket, artichokes, aged balsamic toasted pinenuts roasted baby onions with mushrooms bacon & parsley crumble. The final highlight of the meal was Lemon Pie Textures Bread and a surprise flambé Bread Pudding personally served by the chef and director of F&B John Zhang.
The Michelin Guide Shanghai recommends Char Bar & Grill for the 4th year in a row. A contemporary steakhouse and bar pay dutiful attention to little details like a selection of cutlery and sea salts. The upstairs bar is also an attraction with its panoramic, unobstructed riverside views.
In China, it is a traditional celebration for all guests to partake in a custom called “Ganbei”, which means to empty your glass in one. As each team member was celebrated for their outstanding achievements in 2019, the tradition of Ganbei held firm. With many of the Shanghai team working together for over a decade, the event was filled with genuine warmth and camaraderie.
Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the evening, and celebrations continued well on into the night. We look forward to many more great team events in 2020.
