FOR I WAS A JUDGE ...

OK I GIVE IN. Yes, I finally had to get a back brace from the chemist to support my still-aching back, at the advice of a friend who also suffers from a similar problem, and it has helped a bit. Especially as it's been another busy weekend, starting with an sms from old mate Audee Cheah, Chairman of the Chefs Association of Malaysia Pg Chapter, asking me to stand in as a judge at the bridal fair at the Che Hoon Khor Moral Uplifting Society. The fair, themed "A Shanghai Love Story", was organised by Focal Concepts, headed by Susan Chyntanna Lim. That's her in the sexy cheong sam there with State Exco for Health and Welfare, Caring Society, and Environment YB Phee Boon Poh who launched the 2-day event.

It sounded quite fun and I'm always willing to give anything a go, especially when it involves alcohol - I'd like to make it very clear that it's all in the name of duty, k? - as it was a Bartender's Competition.

UNFORTUNATELY ... or fortunately, depending on which way you look at it, there were only 6 entrants. As the 3 judges had to taste each resulting cocktail, you can imagine if there's been 20 competitors we may have been rolling about by the end. As it was, one of the fellow judges 'fessed up to "not being much of a drinker" (? judging at a bartender's competition?) and went on to prove it by turning red almost immediately after sipping (SIPPING) the first couple of drinks. As the very short competition wore on, you could have used him as a lighthouse at Muka Head, his face was glowing so much.

There was much dancing and throwing about of bottles, although much ended up on the floor (hate to think of the state of that place - it's funny to think of a Moral Uplifting Society reeking of booze!), and dancing to some very loud music. One thing I noticed was although most started by swishing the bottles about, most forg0t to continue moving when they were pouring the drinks or decorating the glasses. That, as far as I was concerned, lost them points. I don't have the facts in front of me but the winner came out with a quite palatable mix made of primarily Bailey's, that creamy liqueur, combined with sweet Amaretto. It stood out because most of the others made theirs with vodka and fruit. He took away a RM700 prize.

The next day was just as interesting - apart from the packed annual Charity Food Fair which was held outside under huge canopies, it was the "Wedding Cake Decoration" Competition, and there were just five entries for this, but the winner was the only one who bore the theme in mind: Shanghai, and his phoenix and dragon were quite impressive. He too walked away with a RM700 prize.

My hats off to the competitors who were all game to give it a try. It's good to give things like this a go as it gives experience and exposure, and well done to Focal Concepts for giving them a chance.