Anniversary Series: Golden Wedding

CEBU, Philippines- This is the last instalment of a three-part series on anniversaries to which I was privileged to be invited.

Last August 2, was the 50th wedding anniversary of Consul Michel and Dr. Amparito Lhuillier. The Thanksgiving Mass and Renewal of Vows were held at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, with Fr. Ernesto Javier, SJ as the chief officiating priest. Fr. Javier said that the occasion should be called a Golden Jubilee rather than a mere 50th anniversary, the Lhuiller couple being truly blessed to celebrate it with all their children, Charles, Michael, Yvette and Monique, and their grandchildren.

The Cocktails and Dinner reception was held at the Grand Ballroom of the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel and aperitifs were Lhuillier Champagne, Chateau La Rose Brisson (Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2006, France) and Pouilly-Fumé 2011, with appetizers, the Seafood on Ice. There were Shrimps Cocktails, Fish Terrine, Scallops with Lime & Coriander, and Fresh Oysters. The latter shellfishes, excuse me, had passports because it came all the way from Canada!

Buffet Dinner had ten food stations. And, your favorite food critic having been invited to many anniversaries, fiestas and celebrations already, this is the first time I have seen so many food stations to cater to the food desires of the Jubilee celebrants.

At the Japanese Action, there were Sushi & Sashimi with Salmon, Tuna, Shrimps and Crabsticks, including a Whole Tuna. The Antipasto Action was loaded with the Jamon Serrano, Salami Milano, Mortadella and Coppa. The latter is usually called copocollo, an Italian cold cut made from pork shoulder butt. Meanwhile, the Tapas Action displayed the Tortilla Espanola, Croquetes de Jamon Serrano and Tamarong Boquerones. Boquerones usually use anchovies marinated in oil, vinegar and spices but our local fish, freshly caught Tamarong is excellent for tapas.

Vegetarians made a bee line to the Garden Greens on Ice with the Radicchio, Iceberg, Romaine, Rocket and Witloof (Belgian endive). The Carving Station Action with the Beef Prime Rib was very busy because many guests preferred beef for their main dish. It was tender, succulent and marbled with fat; I usually wait for the middle portion (medium rare) to be sliced, and it was simply perfection!

The Pasta and Noodle Action has homemade artisan-filled Pasta like the Beef Ravioli, Seafood Agnelotti and Spinach & Mascaporne Tortellini. The Vole Au Vent (small hollow case of puff pastry) Action had a selection of Five Spices Duck with Shitake Mushrooms, Seafood Agnolotti and Chicken with Mushroom, Duck Liver & Truffle. Lately this service had become popular and I had difficulty in selecting, so I tried everything and loved it all.

The Chafing Dishes had Baked Fish Fillet en Papillote, Petite Haricot Beans, Steamed Green Asparagus and Pumpkin Mousseline with Truffle oil. There was also an International Cheese Board with cheeses and condiments, fruits and crackers.

The Dessert Section, whew, had the Crepe Action, a Chocolate Fountain or you could chose from the selection of French Macaroons, Croque-en-bouche, Mango and Strawberry Panna Cotta, Charlotte Royale, Chocolate Mousse, and Freshly Sliced Fruits. All the food photos here came from my trusty camera and my thanks to Tisha Cue of Bliss Unlimited for the photo at the church.

It was indeed an honor and privilege for me and my wife to be guests to the beautiful and elegant Golden Jubilee celebration of Michel and Amparito Lhuillier.