Haute cuisine meets haute couture

For members of the Confrerie de la Chaine des Rotisseurs-Cebu Chapter, the annual gala dinner is one of the must-attend social events of the year. While it is common knowledge that the prestigious club’s parties are grand and fabulous, nothing prepared the guests for this much anticipated  dining experience which was  held at the Pacific Grand Ballroom of the Cebu Waterfront Hotel recently.

 Bailli Delegue Philippines Michel Lhuillier, debonair in perfectly tailored black suit and his gorgeous wife Amparito Llamas Lhuillier, Bailli of Cebu, warmly greeted the guests at the hotel’s foyer. Amparito, with usual radiant smile, was simply spectacular in a silver silk masterpiece by Philip Rodriguez.

 General manager Marco Protacio conceptualized and delivered the first-ever true haute cuisine inspired by haute couture.

 While the idea behind haute couture is one of unlimited creativity, where the quality of the art and craftsmanship is unparalled, it is similar to haute cuisine where new ideas and techniques are developed with no restraints on creativity.

 The never-seen-before dinner amical menu was a collaboration between Cebu’s leading fashion designers, the Waterfront Hotel’s team of culinary experts that interpreted the designs of six of the most prestigious members of the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture in Paris, France and Marco Protacio, who without a doubt, was in charge of the whole preparation.  This meeting of minds produced a night where superlatives were easy to come by.

 Designer Oj Hofer interpreted Spanish designer Cristobal Balenciaga’s fondness for using predominantly black and brown colors in his collection on the first course of black caviar and foie gras parfait with black currant.

 Jun Escario represented Yves Saint Laurent, hailed as a visionary in the fashion industry and known for flattering, dreamy creations, with cappuccino of scallop and lobster chaudiere with a touch of Cognac.

 Arcy Gayatin designed an ensemble of quilted puff pastry stuffed with duck confit and chanterelle mushrooms and cream pearls reminiscent of Coco Chanel’s 2.55 handbag, named because she had first used it  in February, 1955.

 Philip Rodriguez designed a fabulous fondant red rose which contained an original sorbet in champagne and rose. The  unmistakable trademark of Italian designer Valentino, renowned for his romantic, feminine designs was very evident.

 Albert Arriba recreated Christian Dior’s distinctive medallion and bow permeating his collections in the main course which consisted of Angus beef medallion wrapped with parma ham, baked lobster with lemon emulsion embroidered with parisienne vegetable ornaments.

 Cary Santiago whipped up four delectable desserts of green tea and blackberry parfait, strawberry pecan tiramisu, chocolate pistachio streusel and velvet passion fruit reminiscent of Christian Lacroix’s signature elements that include opulent, fantasy creations.

Thoroughly enjoying  the  evening were Philippine Ambassador to Italy Philippe Lhuillier with his lovely wife Edna Diago Lhuillier. They were joined by their Cebu-based children Martin and Angie Miranda.

 Marguerite Lhuillier in a stunning red Cary creation was simply a standout, so were Kate Anzani in a blue duchess satin gown, Rose Hennessey, Tessie Javier and Marlinda Tan in shades of lavender, much sought after interior decorator Rosebud Sala, ever so elegant in a flowing pale yellow gown and event planner par excellance Teresin Mendezona who opted to wear a classic lime green lounge suit.

 The top hoteliers were accounted for as well. They included Shangri-La Mactan’s Raymund Bragg and his charming wife Susan, Marco Polo’s Hans Hauri, dashing in white dinner jacket and his statuesque wife Bo, Marriott’s Roy Abraham, Mactan Waterfront’s Hembler Mendoza,and Plantation Bay owner Manny Gonzales, who received warm felicitations for the resort’s citation of excellence by the foremost international travel magazine Conde Nast. Efren Belarmino, the dedicated general manager was also elated and proud of Plantation Bay’s recognition.

 It was simply an unforgettable evening to say the least. Enhorabuena Michel y Amparito y a ti Marco Protacio.