On Friday the 18th of December 2020, our Austen Morris Associates Shanghai team celebrated their annual Christmas Party. This year the team attended a Funday Friday lazy lunch hosted at Heritage By Madison, our new favourite place in Shanghai.
Managing Senior Partner, James Colclough, hosted the event and joined everybody for a mulled wine and sparkling reception before moving into the private dining room to indulge in a specially crafted grazing menu.
The long lunch started with off with decadent Turkey Fritters, an exceptional Foie Gras Mousse, the most amazing Golden Rye mantou with Edamame Hummus, deliciously executed Charred Octopus, a very indulgent Wagyu chuck torched carpaccio & Yunnan, and the most delicate White Truffled Egg Tart and a great Caviar puff. That certainly was a lot of food…breaking in between, James took a moment to summarise the year and achievements of individuals and the business as a whole (a reference to Season of Light by Founding Partner Greg Morris).
Secret Santa made his annual appearance along with other fun activities set aside for the team to participate in. The AMA Christmas Challenge had the team split into two groups. Running around the local area trying to capture pictures of not so secret/ hidden locations (think treasure hunt with photos) The winning team awaited their colleagues at the final challenge point to warm them with Tequila Shots… not all loses are a loss!
The main dishes (first round) were equally as outstanding as the starters. We enjoyed the Slow-Roasted Salmon, Tea Smoked San Huang Chicken Supreme, Crispy Pork Belly, Chongqing Hot Chicken – accompanied with charred Brussel sprouts, butter lettuce salad and General Hu’s cauliflower.
Breaking for more merriment and a quick round of Pass the Parcel commenced with tickets replacing some of the gifts to Smash a Golden Egg to claim their prizes resulting in everyone wining a trinket or two. Followed by Aged Beef Burgers, with smoked cheddar, house mustard, saffron, arugula and Beef Fat Fries and a rendition of the 12 Day of Christmas.
In China, it is traditional celebrations for all guests to partake in a custom called “Ganbei” which simply means to empty your glass in one, which we did several times during the day. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the day and celebrations continued well on into the night. A special thank you, Sebastien and the Heritage team, for delivering exceptional service, food and hospitality.
We look forward to many more great team events in 2021, Merry Christmas to one and all.
#Christmas2020 #AMATeam #GlobalFamily #Shanghai #Holidays
