Fashionable coming out party

Saturday evening marked a coming out of sorts for Siem Reap fashion designer Eric Raisina, with a cocktail party launching his new high-profile designer-wear retail outlet at FCC Angkor.

Raisina has been the quiet achiever in the Siem Reap fashion stakes. His studio in an out of the way Siem Reap location was strictly a word-of-mouth operation, and he has been eclipsed in the publicity stakes by the ebullient newcomer, Elizabeth Kiester of Wanderlust fame.

But while Kiester’s fashion is funky and frivolous utilitarian fare, Raisina’s somewhat eccentric garb, while not exactly haute couture, has a more international fashion runway éclat.

His new outlet at FCC will certainly give him the attention he deserves.

New golf manager

The new golf operations manager at Phokeethra Country Club, managed by Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort, is Jack Hedges, and his appointment is effective immediately.

Hedges holds a National Diploma in Golf Management Studies, and worked at two golf complexes in his well-heeled home area of Berkshire, England.

In January 2009 he was sponsored by Diethelm Group travel to train for one month at the Palm Hills Golf Club, Hua Hin, Thailand.

His arrival marks increased competition between the ever-growing numbers of golf courses in Siem Reap.

What's cooking

Cooking school and NGO Sala Baï will continue its recent tradition of holding special fundraising culinary evenings.

Sala Baï is hosting two French volunteers, Christophe and Carole Darney, who for two weeks will help train the tutors at the school. Christophe is cooking trainer at the Ferrandi School of Culinary Arts in Paris, and Carole is the restaurant and oenology trainer at Lycée Belliard in Paris. The duo will design a fundraising dinner on February 25 at Sala Baï. This will feature creative courses from the modern French bistrot trend.

A second dinner on March 4 will proffer a more traditional menu.

Bookings are essential, via [email protected] , or phone 089 590 864.