Photo: Neshan Naltchayan
On Thursday, Mandarin Oriental Hotel general manager Amanda Hyndman hosted a Chinese New Year celebration for some 300 guests in the hotel's Sou'Wester restaurant. Andre Wells worked with Mandarin associate director of catering Dominic Sanchez to produce the event, which included a live Buddha from Cast of Thousands. Painted in gold, the statuelike performer remained silent throughout the course of the evening, holding her pose while offering winks or a cheek for a kiss. Other event highlights included an Asian market-style buffet—complete with ducks hanging from poles—dozens of Chinese-inspired lanterns, and a traditional lion dance by the Tai Yim Kung Fu dance troupe supplied by Capitol City Events.
