A evening of good food & fine wine
The most recent get-together of the Chaine des Rotisseurs Cebu Chapter at the consistently popular Gustavian Restaurant was as awesome as ever.
Invitees dressed in casual attire, not-the usual norm of the association, continued to come one after the other in pairs or in groups and eventually gathered at the Top Room.
For starters, a sparkling cocktail was served, 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, the food was glorious. 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 sauce. The delightful dessert selection included fruit salad, mango mousse, and chocolate cakes.
As the evening progressed amid 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, Bailli Delegue Philippines, and his lovely wife Amparito Lhuillier, 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 for their excellent performance.
The gathering concluded with a wonderful surprise for all the ladies in attendance — beautifully wrapped French madeleines, 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.
