A Christmas treat at Caruso

“This Christmas, light up your celebration with the timeless gifts of love and compassion, and experience the true meaning and magic of the season.

Merry Christmas!”

It was truly a splendid celebration just in time for the merriest season of the year as Caruso Ristorante Italiano, the outstanding restaurant in Makati led by brilliant owners Emilio Mina and Dario Gardini, treated Manila’s denizens of high society to an elegant Christmas dinner. A dazzling Christmas tree and instrumental music from the guitar and flute duo greeted guests as they entered the candlelit venue. Everyone was in a jovial mood as they chatted with newfound friends and discovered genuine Italian cuisine through the restaurant’s superb menu, which consists of delectable specialties like the Tagliolini portofino al salmone e caviale (homemade tagliolini with salmon and cavial) and the Scaloppine di vitello al limone (veal slices in lemon sauce). Guests partied till late savoring flavorful Pinot Grigio and Montepulciano wines while delighting in Caruso’s great food, impeccable service and cozy ambiance. The intimate gathering ended with the raffling off of beautiful poinsettias and the all-Italian Spaziale Splendy bathrobe invented by Milanese entrepreneur Emilio Mina. On the way home, guests were handed especially-wrapped Christmas goodies from Belly Sweets. Cheers to Caruso for such a fantastic night!

(Spaziale Splendy bathrobes are available at all branches of Rustan’s. Caruso Ristorante Italiano is located at LRI Building, Bel Air, Makati. For inquiries, call 895-2451)

A Christmas hampers preview

The Christmas spirit was palpable at Mandarin Oriental, Manila’s The Tivoli when dapper GM Mark Bradford and lovely communications director Charisse Chuidian welcomed guests to the stunning Christmas setting that was to be a preview of this year’s holiday gastronomic offerings. The silver Christmas balls and trimmings that accented the ceiling and the miniature crystal Christmas trees that adorned the tabletops provided a flattering backdrop to the silver-painted baskets that brimmed with delicious homemade specialties of executive chef Rene Ottlik and executive pastry chef Roberto Molleman. In addition to the duck liver paté, English pudding, Dresdener stolen, the new offerings include honey-cured ham off the bone, foie gras terrine, macaroons, assorted marzipan fruits and flavored meringue. Only a hamper from Mandarin Oriental will give you these scrumptious items. Proceeds from the orders were donated to the Youth of Santuario de San Antonio parish’s projects for the victims of typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng. Have yourself the merriest Christmas at the Mandarin Oriental, Manila!