MANILA, Philippines - Parties hosted by Ayala Land Premier always have an extra dimension that makes them a more pleasurable experience, especially when held amid a magnificent natural setting such as that of Ayala Greenfield Estates. Often, a chef or culinary expert oversees the festivities, and US-based “Master Griller” Raymund Reyes of SkiRay BBQ & Grill played host at a recent barbecue party at Ayala Greenfield Estates.
Known for his expertise in grilled and smoked fare, Reyes has presided over events like the barbecue-themed party held in honor of US Ambassador to the Philippines Henry K. Thomas Jr. He also clinched second place in a barbecue competition held at the Legazpi Sunday Market using his recipe for beer-can chicken, besting a number of professional chefs. “Barbecue parties are events where you can really enjoy good food, fresh air, and beautiful views,” says Reyes.
Reyes’s innovative take on the rich flavors and smoky aroma of American barbecue dovetailed with different outdoor activities that emphasized the relaxed kind of suburban family living that Ayala Greenfield Estates offers. He showcased his expertise in preparing scrumptious fare such as his first-rate Barbecue Beer Can Chicken, which emphasized a novel way of smoking chicken. A beer can, with the beer inside, is inserted into a chicken and roasted over electric and charcoal-fired grills. This unique style allows the beer to evaporate, infusing the chicken and giving it its distinctive flavor and aroma. The beer tenderizes the chicken to the extent that the meat sometimes falls off the bone.
Want to try your hand at it? Reyes shared some tips for making the best Beer Can Chicken in town:
1) Buy only the best ingredients and raw materials, whether it’s chicken or spices for the marinade. 2) You can use the oven to cook any Beer Can Chicken, but smoking it with charcoal in a smoker is preferred; the procedure gives you that smoke flavor. You can add hickory wood chips or other wood chips that are appropriate for roasting chicken. 3) You can use any branded beer, but I prefer San Miguel Beer. 4) You have to use the correct tools. 5) You have to smoke the chicken at the right temperature.
“With this exclusive barbecue party, we opted to bring families an upscale culinary experience enjoyed amid the breathtaking views offered by the great outdoors of the Ayala Greenfield Estates. Letting them partake of Raymund Reyes’ culinary talents is meant to showcase the joy of setting up your own backyard barbecue,” says Juan Miguel Javellana, project manager for the development.
Ayala Greenfield Estates is an exclusive 350-hectare residential development located in Calamba, Laguna. Less than 30 minutes away from Alabang, this unique exclusive subdivision with its own private golf course and country club is now less than an hour from Makati since the refurbishment of the South Luzon Expressway has been completed. Properties at Ayala Greenfield Estates range from approximately 450 to 750 square meters. Property investments begin at approximately P5 million and go for as much as P9.7 million. Monthly amortizations are between P60,000 and 90,000. For inquiries, call 908-3908, log on to www.ayalalandpremier.com, or e-mail ask@ayalalandpremier.com.