Gustavian Gathering

CEBU, Philippines - The consistently popular Gustavian Restaurant was the venue for the recent gathering of members and a few selected guests of the prestigious gourmet club, the Chaine des Rotisseurs.

The evening began at the Tap Room where invitees enjoyed opulent cocktails   which perfectly complemented the flavorful bite-sized appetizers such as salmon carpacio, sardines pate, French cheeses and country terrine. They then proceeded to the main dining area where a splendid international buffet unfolded.

As in all affairs, this time of special note were the Fish ala Bacalao Viscaina and baked chicken with mango chutney and basmati rice mixed with olive oil and spice-pepper both of which impressed the guests. The carving station had roast prime tenderloin with three kinds of sauces. A delightful choices of desserts included   fruit salad, mango mousse and chocolate cakes.

As the evening progressed with a jovial atmosphere provided by the generous flow of wines from the private collection of Michel Lhuillier, everyone raised their glasses for a toast to gracious hosts Michel Lhuillier, Bailli Delegue Philippines, and his lovely wife Amparito, Bailli de Cebu, who seem not to run out of wonderful party themes.

Certainly it was an evening well spent with a gastronomic feast and sincere camaraderie. Warm thanks with appreciative applause were extended to the culinary and service teams led by restaurant chefs Jonathan Maspara, Ryan Paul Raniso and Ryan Monleon, who prepared the special combination of dishes created for this special event and accompanied by carefully selected wines.

The gathering concluded with a wonderful surprise for all the ladies in attendance – beautifully wrapped   French madelienes, petits fours and beurre. The gentlemen did not go home empty handed as four superb bottles of wines from the hosts’   well stocked cellar were raffled off. (FREEMAN)