Chaine des Rotisseurs in Cebu celebrates 20th anniversary

The Chaine des Rotisseurs in Cebu, an international gastronomic society recently celebrated its  20th anniversary.

 Michel Lhuillier, member of the Conseil Magistral and Bailli Delegue for the Philippines and his ever-supportive wife, Amparito, Bailli of Cebu organized two events to mark the occasion.

 The festivities began with an informal dinner at the stately home the  of the Lhuilliers in Maria Luisa Park. Guests enjoyed a typical Filipino buffet that showcased different cooking styles from several regions prepared by the much sought-after Café Laguna.

 The second evening had members and guests in formal attire for the induction ceremony and gala dinner held at the grand ballroom of Shangri-La Mactan Resort.

 Michel Lhuillier performed the traditional induction ritual, presenting each new member with a medallion and tapping their shoulders with a gold and silver official Chaines saber.   The new members included dames and chevaliers  Maria Karina Escaño, Aida Mananquil, Cora Schweimler, Belinda Wong, Christopher Calligaro, Gerardus Montanus, Ramoncito Santos, Arten Zarei, Stephan Wieprich of the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel, June Alegrado of Maribago Bluewaters and Marybeth  Chan of Marc and Mattheu Catering.

 Elevated to higher ranks  were Winglip Chang as Chancellier Culinaire, Richard Uysiuseng as Pair la Chaine, and Michael Lhuillier, Miranda Konstantinidou and Louis Thevenin as officers.

 Special loyalty awards were also given to three staff members for their invaluable dedication to the club the past 20 years. They are Elmera Abellanosa, Vic-Vic Alquiza and Anita Rellon.

 Recognized for their distinction in writing  were media practitioners Jaime Picornell, Nestor Alonso and this writer,  who each received vintage wines from Michels cellar.

 Shangri-La Mactan general manager Jurgen Doerr accompanied by his wife Jasmine and food and beverage director Jurgen van Weerkum ensured that the members and guests experienced a top class menu accompanied by superb Lhuillier wines and champagne. As expected executive chef Joris Rychen delighted everyone with a menu of remarkable flavors and tates distinguished with a highly innovative presentation.  

 Entertainment was provided by gifted soprano Feena Sabsy Troyo who was accompanied on the piano by equally talented pianist aptly called Beethoven.