RAFFLES INTERNATIONAL UNVEILS EQUINOX - AN EXCITING NEW WORLD OF DINING AND ENTERTAINMENT

On November 28, Raffles International launched its latest brainchild, Equinox, a refreshingly new concept in dining and entertainment.

Equinox, the complex, boasts five restaurants and bars as well as private dining with a total seating capacity of over 900. Adding to its uniqueness is its location: Equinox is situated on Levels 68 through 72 of Singapore's landmark Raffles City Complex, providing spectacular views of Singapore as well as Malaysia and Indonesia.

Equinox was conceptualised and developed by Raffles International, acknowledged for its expertise as a creator and innovator of lifestyle concepts.

Equinox takes its name from the time when day and night are of perfectly equal length. It is an unusual phenomenon, which occurs only two days in a year. At Equinox, this "perfect harmony" is a daily happening 365 days a year. The complex reflects Singapore's international reputation as the "New Asia". Its contemporary design acknowledges this modern city state's status as an international port, tourism hub and world financial centre, while incorporating the timeless traditions that define the cultures of Asia.

Spanning a total area of 3,700 square metres (40,000 sq. feet), Equinox offers incredible choice, each unique and appealing in its own special way.

EQUINOX: WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT

Equinox, the complex, consists of:

INTROBAR

The Equinox experience begins here. Located on Level 1, this 80-seat bar is sleek, contemporary and elegant. In addition to an extensive selection of beverages, including the latest martinis, beers, wines and spirits. Being a "Bartenders' Bar", cocktails are individually mixed at your table by a service team comprising only bartenders.

A semi-private area is set aside exclusively for patrons who are meeting their guests here before they move on to enjoy the other venues located on the upper levels of the Equinox complex.

EQUINOX, THE RESTAURANT

The grand staircase, against a stunning, panoramic backdrop of floor-to-ceiling views of Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, provides a truly dramatic entrance, befitting its status as a place to be seen.

This impressive three-storey, 165-seat amphitheatre-style restaurant emphasises simple - yet bold - design elements: four three-storey high teak and rice paper lanterns, suspended Ming-inspired wooden trellises and a luminous floor-to-ceiling wall of mother of pearl make simply stunning statements.

To match the extraordinary decor, Equinox, the restaurant, offers an unusual food concept. Guests can enjoy either authentic Western or Asian cuisine from two supporting kitchens. The menu has been designed to offer an abundance of choice so patrons are treated to a varied and multi-dimensional culinary experience. Even an informal meal here becomes truly special.

EQUINOX, PRIVATE DINING

Located on Level 69, this is the perfect complement to Equinox, the restaurant. Here, a suite of four private dining rooms - designed in rich colours with liberal use of natural woods, stone finishes and luxurious accents - provide the setting for prestigious business presentations and events.

Guests - from an intimate dinner for 10 to a gala dinner for 200, and receptions of up to 400 - can enjoy the highest quality of food as presented at Equinox, the restaurant.

JAAN

The name is derived from the ancient Sanskrit for "bowl". Located on Level 70 is this 60-seat 'jewel'. Picture this: a stunning Murano crystal and silver free-form chandelier covers the ceiling, creating dazzling images and colours that sparkle and shine, complemented by a breathtaking view of the ocean and faraway lands!

To match this awe-inspiring scene are chairs draped in hand-woven silk, created by Royal Khmer weavers, which will vary in colours - like the menu - according to the four seasons. Jaan's cuisine is inspired by modern French cooking enhanced with delicate and exotic Khmer flavours and scents - a truly delightful culinary combination.

(Jaan's sister restaurant was opened earlier this year at Raffles L'Ermitage Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, U.S.A.)

CITY SPACE

Also on Level 70 is this intimate 53-seat lounge bar for discerning patrons who prefer a luxurious, club-like atmosphere. The mood is enhanced by a piano, accompanied by vocals.

The selection of prestige wines, spirits and cigars is complemented by fine delicacies, including Raffles International Private Label Iranian caviar. The ceiling comes alive with a sparkling galaxy of suspended crystal spheres that create a continually changing kaleidoscope of colour and light.

NEW ASIA BAR + GRILL

Here's where you get to enjoy a new slant on street food and sounds.

Located on Levels 71 & 72, this place is hot! This 180-seat two-storey bar and dining place pulsates to the latest sounds. Vibrant colours and unconventional furnishings - including floors that slant 20 degrees to spectacular views - create a highly-charged atmosphere.

Guests get to enjoy two bars, crustacean and sushi stations as well as four open Asian kitchens that offer sophisticated local and regional street food.

New Asia's upper floor (Level 72) is an exclusive, reservations-only area which offers fine prestige beverages in addition to a bird's eye view of the action below. This is the highest point of Equinox where you'll truly get that top-of-the-world feeling.

Equinox is located atop the I.M. Pei-designed Raffles City Complex which also houses The Westin Plaza and Westin Stamford, Raffles City Convention Centre, Raffles City Tower, Amrita Spa and over 70 retail shops. Entrance to the Equinox complex is via the Beach Road entrance of Raffles City, through IntroBar located on Level 1.

THE PEOPLE BEHIND EQUINOX

MANAGEMENT

Ronald Loges, General Manager, joins Equinox, the complex, from Sir Terence Conran's renowned stable of restaurants, where he was General Manager of Quaglino's, the renowned restaurant complex in London and more recently, General Manager of Mezzo, Conran's flagship and one of Europe's largest restaurants set in London's West End.

Vladimir Scanu, Executive Chef, heads the Equinox culinary team of about 65 chefs. His extensive gastronomic experience includes a background of One, Two and Three-star Michelin restaurants in Italy and Switzerland and prestigious hotels in Mauritius, the Bahamas, British Virgin Islands and most recently, Bangkok.

Philipp Mosimann, Operations Manager, previously worked in prestigious establishments such as The Lanesborough and Claridges in London, Trianon Palace in Versailles, Hotel de Crillon in Paris and Suvretta House Hotel in St. Moritz.

CONSULTANTS

This exciting new complex has been developed by Raffles International Limited in consultation with the following consultants:

Joseph Baum & Michael Whiteman Co., (Concept and Planning consultants), is an internationally recognised consulting firm that conceives and creates

Restaurant attractions around the world. Based in New York, their high-profile projects include Windows on the World and Rainbow Room, the Beverly-Wilshire Hotel in Los Angeles, The Regent of Sydney and Hotel Arts Barcelona.

Hardy Holzman Pfeiffer Associates (HPPA), (Design Architects), is an internationally recognised planning, architecture and interior design firm whose restaurant projects include Windows on the World and the restored Rainbow Room, the Bryant Park Grill in New York and the Village Eateries at the New York-New York Hotel in Las Vegas.

Architect 61 Private Limited is a Singapore-based firm whose award-winning projects include Raffles City, Raffles Hotel, the Hotel Le Royal and Grand Hotel d'Angkor (Kingdom of Cambodia)