Chaine Goes Brazilian

CEBU, Philippines - La Confrerie de la Chaine des Rotisseurs is an international gastronomic society which was founded in Paris in 1950. It is based on cultures, traditions and practices of the old French royal guild that is dedicated to fine cuisine and in promoting and developing the culinary values.

Today it  brings together individuals from around the globe who appreciate and enjoy fine dining and good wine. In the Philippines, Honorary Consul of France Michel Lhuillier is the Bailli Delegue while his wife Amparito is Bailli de Cebu.

Fellowships  are held regularly and members await the event with eager anticipation. Plantation Bay Resort  and Spa’s relaxed and private ambiance overlooking a man-made lagoon with a spectacular view of the ocean  was the venue of choice for the fellowship.  

Adhering to the Brazilian themed party, attendees came in colorful outfits of  green, yellow and blue.

Cocktails were served at the Savannah poolside that featured butler-passed hors d’ oeuvres accompanied by  excellent  champagne and wines from the private collection of Michel Lhuillier.

Amiable general manager Efren Belarmino, as the perfect host, warmly greeted  everyone. He was joined by the Lhuilliers .

During the brief program that followed, two dedicated members, Marissa Fernan - vice president of SM Prime Holdings and Elvira Luym of the Cebu Arts Council, were elevated to the rank of officers.

Everyone then proceeded  to the Orion Beach for the “Rio by the Bay” sumptuous dinner  buffet. For starters, guests savoured smoked salmon, chicken liver mousse, Brazilian empanadas and a variety of salads, such as  red beets, kidney beans and chayote with lemony hot sauce.  The hot entrees consisted of  baked red snapper, Brazilian chicken stew and apricot stuffed pork roast. The carving station featured grilled Brazilian chuck eye and the seafood grill had  prawns, rock lobster, salmon and mussels.

The lip-smacking desserts, such as caramel custard, Food for the Gods, coconut and mocha cakes, mango jalousie ,Caipirinha Mousse and chocolicious, had invitees going back for seconds. What an exciting ending to a Chaine masterpiece.

Between courses, members were entertained by the in-house staff of the resort who unbelievably presented several spectacular fast-paced dance  numbers, moving their bodies to the passionate sounds of the samba a la Carnival in Rio. Some members gamely took to the stage and  joined  the dancing.   

The standard of the dinner was simply outstanding.  Congratulations were given to GM Efren Belarmino,  executive chef Vinz  Karlsen,  executive sous chef  Henry Abellana, and assistant Food and Beverage manager Jimmy Martinez .  Artistic director Paige Ginete was likewise recognized for her creative inputs that made the critical difference. Accepting well-deserved ovation  were the respective service and kitchen brigades  for a job well done.

Grudgingly, invitees accepted that the spectacular evening had to come to an end, bringing with them fond memories backed up by the promise to gather again in the near future. (FREEMAN)