Soiree Beaujoilais 2010

CEBU, Philippines - Annually  around the third week of November, the wine makers get ready for the much anticipated race to ship the newest Beaujolais vintage to Paris and the rest of the globe.

Parties and festivals are held the world over where bottles upon bottles are uncorked and the first sips of Beaujolais Nouveau are savoured.

The Marco Polo Plaza Hotel together with Le Club (French Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines) once again proudly welcomed Cebuanos, members of the growing French community and guests to an evening of camaraderie, fun and laughter, music and   lots of Beaujolais Nouveau amid an array of authentic French cheeses that range from mild to pungent, along with excellent   French cuisine .

The festivities began with the ceremonial uncorking of the first bottle by guests of honor Cebu Provincial Governor Gwen Garcia and  Le Club president Didier Chalameau. They were joined by General Manager Hans Hauri, Domonique Lebastard of the French Embassy and Le Club administrator Henry Ortiz.

With the formalities over and the revelry reaching maximum level, it was time to dance to the lively music of the Renaissance Band. The dance floor was filled to capacity as the music makers played popular pieces from boogie, chacha and swing, to foxtrot and tango.

After a brief interlude for guests to appreciate and enjoy the fine French dishes masterfully created by guest chef from Brittany (France) Philippe Estienne and Luke Gagnon of Marco Polo,  the invitees were entertained by versatile Cebuano singer Vernie Varga. 

Marco Polo Plaza through the dynamic efforts and hard work of its GM Hans Hauri and his efficient team, has certainly set a standard and established a reputation to be the only place to celebrate Soiree Beaujolais in Cebu. (THE FREEMAN)