While the rest of the country shivers under a blanket of heavy snow, thedude and Kelly attended the season’s first holiday party in 68 degree weather. The venue for this year’s food and wine extravaganza was the beautiful Asian Art Museum. The company provided what seemed like hundreds of tantalizing food options – everything from prime rib to sushi. There were several bars set up throughout the museum so that we never needed to be without a drink while strolling the galleries. We were treated to a spirited performance by the San Francisco Taiko Drummers and even a couple of lion dancers. I will tell you one thing – Affymetrix holiday parties are not to be missed!

If all that wasn’t enough, Affymetrix got a reduced rate on rooms at the Fairmont Hotel. So, we decided to stay at the world-class hotel, where we enjoyed this awesome view of the city and $10 bottled water. (Oops! Kelly, get out of the mini-bar!)

I was the “official” photographer for the event, so I worked hard to get pictures of as many people as I could, but with 600 guests and three hours to work, I missed many more photos than I would have liked to. Oh well, at least I managed to get a few shots of some Very Important People.