Food heaven at Serendra

"Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome."— Booker Washington

 

Ilustrado, which has become a favorite venue for private functions and preferred by royalty such as King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia of Spain, Prince Andrea Casiraghi of Monaco, political leaders such as Singaporean President SR Nathan, religious leaders such as Cardinal Rosales, famous personalities such as musician Cliff Richards and former Miss Universe Dayanara Torres and business magnates, recently opened its newest fine dining restaurant at Serendra at the Fort. It continues to invite more and more people to partake in its extraordinary culinary experience. Even the "Hyatt Dream Team" reunion chose Ilustrado for their get together where they paid tribute to inspiring individuals of Hyatt Regency Hotel such as Chito Madrigal Collantes, Gary Flores and Peter Jentes. Ilustrado, the restaurant with a quaint ambiance and superb menu is the brainchild of my old friends Bonnie and Rose Pimentel of L’ Orangerie fame. Their succulent Roast Duck L’ Orangerie and other mouthwatering specialties sends many gourmands trooping to Serendra for a hearty gourmet meal. Definitely worth checking out!

Vaya con Dios!

Ambassador Ignacio Sagaz and his radiant wife Aurora held a jam session recently at their residence with dinner and non-stop dancing to ‘50s and ‘60s music. The live girl band called Peppermints performed together with some romantic ballads sang by Jose Mari Chan. The festive occasion also served as a despedida of the Sagaz couple as they move to Madrid, Spain. Vaya con Dios, mis amigos Ignacio y Aurora! Hasta luego!

Johnny’s Wine of the Week

This week, your columnist recommends Perrier Jouet Grand Brut Champagne, a wine with a mild gold hue with a tiny and persistent bead and a gentle but elegant mousse. A maturing nose shows nutty bread characters followed by notes of apples and sweet biscuits. A broad palate showing a good blend of acidity and fully developed flavor.

(Exclusively imported and distributed by BestWorld Beverage Brands. For inquiries, call 637-8491 to 94 or e-mail bbbi@pacific.net.ph)

Greetings

Happy birthday to our celebrators today, Philippine STAR associate editor Joanne Rae Ramirez, Ella Choy and Nena del Rosario.

Advance birthday greetings to bridge aficionado Salud Guinto, March 5; business mogul Don Jaime Zobel de Ayala, March 6; Nonong Pedero, March 9; world renowned violinist and IP Coalition chairman John Lesaca, March 10.

Belated birthday greeting to Pedro Q. Aquino Jr., March 1.

Happy wedding anniversary to lovely couple Raffy and Pia Abello, March 7. May you have many, many more cherished years together.

So, how was your week?

(For comments or inquiries, please e-mail me at jjlitton@indanet.com)