Viva España en El Casino Español

Spanish Consul General Don Javier Ignacio Martinez del Barrio was Guest of Honor recently at the celebration of the Spanish Month at the Casino Español de Cebu.

On hand to warmly welcome members and their guests was the club's president Jose Sala, accompanied by his supportive wife Susan Montenegro Sala.

Also in attendance were members of the board Vice President and City Councilor Gabriel Leyson with his partner Tina Jordana, Secretary Jimmy Escaño and his wife Ellen, Treasurer Manuel Sainz, Director for Cultural Affairs Tony Veloso Jr. and Director for Sports Events Nonoy Alba.

Chef Ipar Miranda, a fresh graduate of IES San Jose, Castilla, La Mancha in Cuenca, Spain, masterfully planned and innovatively created the exquisite menu that had for starters Octopus with slices of potato prepared "a la Gallega" and leeks wrapped in Jamon Serrano. The wine served was Vino Blanco, Don Barroso. This was followed by a prawn salad seasoned in foie gras-flavored vinaigrette.

The soup consisted of creamy zucchini in olive oil with bits of buffalo cheese. After a refreshing sherbet of green mango topped with cointreau, the main course of oven roasted Prime Rib in Sherry sauce was served. This was complimented with Vino Tinto Arviza Rioja Reserva. A mouth-watering mousse of white and dark chocolate completed the fabulous meal.

Over coffee, tea and delicious pralines, Chef Ipar, son of sugar hacenderos Jose Maria Miranda and Happy Ouano was introduced amidst a long and thunderous applause.

Casino Español de Cebu's accomplished hands-on manager Ed Tongco and ever loyal and dedicated service manager Rudy Rubi likewise accepted warm felicitations for a truly successful dining experience.

Seen enjoying the evening were club past presidents Michel Lhuillier and Amparito, Jose Luis Moro, Danny Deen and Zeny, active members Tessie Javier, Jose Mari Martinez, Joe Utzurrum, Bunny Pages, Tony and Grace Lozada, Mariano and Maricar Perdices, Jun and Cherry Muntuerto, Ed and Therese Gonzalez, Manuel and Margot Larrañaga.

Also present were members of long standing Choy and Rosebud Sala, Ernesto Aboitiz, Enrique and Lulu Aboitiz, Annabelle Luym , Teresin Mendezona, Pilar Cusi and Julina Muertegui. Salud, Euros y Pesos y tiempo para gastarlas!