Ole! Mandarin holds Spanish food festival

MANILA, Philippines – The Tivoli, Mandarin Oriental, Manila’s signature fine dining restaurant, presents Sumptuous Spain, a glorious week-long Spanish Festival featuring award-winning Spanish guest chef Andrew Zarzosa. The food fete is sponsored by Qatar Airways, and held with the support of the Embassy of Spain in Manila. The festival will run from July 6 to 11.

The Tivoli’s festival à la carte menu, offered during lunch and dinner, will showcase Chef Andrew’s innovative interpretations of classic Spanish cuisine. A tapas night will also be held on July 8 at the Mandarin Deli, in which scrumptious Spanish appetizers, hors d’oeuvres and cocktail food will be served along with expertly paired wines. A cooking demonstration featuring three of Chef Andrew’s specialties will also be held at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 11.

Andrew Zarzosa, a 26-year-old chef based in Dubai, is in charge of Hunter’s Room and Grill — a popular fine dining steakhouse that has garnered rave reviews and awards, including Time Out magazine’s Restaurant Awards 2009. He has also worked and trained extensively in various hotels across the United States and the Bahamas. Chef Andrew also led a team to win top honors in the 2006 Bahamas Food & Wine Festival.

Among the dishes to be served in the à la carte menu are Solomillo al Cabrales (beef with Cabrales cheese, onions and honey); Foie gras al Pedro Ximenez (foie gras with grapes and bitter chocolate); and Tarta de Queso Manchego (Manchego cheesecake). The Tivoli’s Business Lunch will also feature Spanish dishes, including a carving station with jamón serrano.

On the tapas night, Tortilla de Patatas (Spanish omelette), Almejas con Arroz Cremoso (clams with creamy rice), Croquettas de Jamon y Queso (ham and cheese croquettes); and Piquillos Rellenos con Cola de Buey (Piquillo peppers, oxtail and puffed rice) are among those being offered at P1,400+++ inclusive of wines. Due to limited seats, advance reservations are recommended.

The cooking demonstration on July 11 will feature Pan con Tomate, Jamón Serrano y Aceite de Oliva (bread with tomatoes, ham and olive oil), Paella Valenciana and flan. The cooking demonstration by Chef Andrew Zarzosa will cost P3,500 nett, inclusive of light breakfast and a three-course lunch.

For information and reservations, call The Tivoli at 750 8888.