Wine, women and so on

Hosting the annual Chaine des Rotisseurs induction gala dinner can oftentimes be daunting considering that the members expect nothing less than perfection.

Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa’s efficient general manager Raymund Bragg flawlessly met the challenge with flying colors in all aspects.

Promptly at 7:30 chilled champagne and wines were served to the members, their special guests, and the 15 distinguished new inductees.

Bailli Delegue Magistral Donald Hall inducted Michel Lhuillier to the rank of Conseil Magistral, while David Sharpe as vice Enchanson of L’Ordre Mondial des Gourmets Degustateurs Cebu. Mingming Gullas was likewise inducted as officer.

The new members of the prestigious international gourmet club are. Rosebud Sala, Alice Gauny, Carmen Campbell, June Alegrado, Ruby Guinto, Cenelyn Manguilimotan, Honeylet Thevenin, Kevin Boland, Stanley Combs, Richard Nowell, Shigehiro Onda, Harald Fuerstein, Paul Sharpe, Benjamin Dimaano, and Grant Gaskin.

The property’s executive chef Emmanuel Guemon, an awardee of the Guide Michelin, meticulously and masterfully prepared a fabulous authentic French cuisine that was simply beyond everyone’s expectation.

Starters consisted of homemade foie gras terrine and balsamic glazed duck breast with sweet and sour blueberry and raisin compote and bell pepper reduction.. This was followed by pan-fried scallop with five spice liquer, plum tomato and crab tian. The wine served was Riesling Leon Beyer Alsace 2002.

The Merlot Benzigner, Sonoma 2002 was perfect for the next course that consisted of mushroom veloute flavored with cognac and saffron cream chenille. This was followed by the exceptional oven-baked Chilean seabass crusted with black truffle, and  topped with asparagus sauce.

The excellent  main course of basil and tapenade scented veal fillet  cooked to perfection was served with Shiraz, Mitolo Jester, Mclaren Valley 2007.

Undoubtedly the highlight of the evening was the surprise announcement of Hall that Michel and Amparito Lhuillier were recipients of the Star of Excellence award, one of the highest honors that the Chaine bestows on deserving individuals who have shown unequalled dedication to the club.    

 Once again it was another perfect evening to remember for years to come.