INDUSTRY RECEPTION 2008      

PASIC’s Industry Appreciation Reception a Big Success!

The “in” place to be the night of July 30, 2008, was PASIC’s Industry
Appreciation Reception at the elegant and historic Neiman Marcus Rotunda in San Francisco.  Nearly 160 PASIC members and well over 50 editors and agents gathered together for cocktails, a good time, and delicious desserts.

The strawberries were enormous, gorgeous and tres succulent.  They were quartered half way down, filled with chocolate mousse, then topped with a chocolate straw! and balanced on a crisp dark chocolate wafer!  Created just for PASIC and absolutely to die for.  (One of our waiters even dived into the kitchen and retrieved a couple of the strawberries for one member, who was concerned the chocolate might be too sweet for her doctor's delicate sensibilities.  She was very happy with the results.)

The mini-Meyer lemon tartlettes were bite-sized lemon meringue tarts.  Meyer lemons are a special lemon which has a little extra punch.  I freely admit I cleared the plate of these at the taste testing.  LOL

There's an urban legend that a great society lady offered $250 for Neiman Marcus's chocolate chip cookie recipe.  Well, I saw one plate go past from which I hastily snatched one.  One, count 'em, one!  After that, nada.  The great ladies of PASIC and their friends voted that these cookies were fabulous!

And, oh, the opera cake...Little bite-size layers of different kinds of chocolate, with genuine gold leaf on the top?  I love opera cake!  The manager had to chase a piece down for me because the PASIC ladies and our special guests had already discovered them.

The Rotunda was decorated in white and gold, with different levels each separated by a few shallow steps.  Columns upheld the magnificent golden skylight. Enormous windows showcased San Francisco's legendary Union Square, where twinkling lights danced in the trees below the high-rises.  Two bartenders presided over the elegant bar, where a magnificent mirror reflected the ongoing party and the views from outside.  Small tables on each level offered plenty of opportunities for private chitchat, while white-gloved waiters passed desserts on silver trays.  PASIC volunteers welcomed attendees at the private elevator and Kate Douglas recorded the event for posterity with her camera.

PASIC knows how to do a party right—and a wonderful time was had by all!