Tasting Australia at The Pen

The Peninsula Manila joins the Embassy of Australia in promoting “Celebrate Australia 2013,” a fête to honor the best in Australian food, wine and culture. In a festival called “Tasting Australia 2013,” perfect opportunities are presented to food lovers as they enjoy the talents of visiting guest chefs until Feb. 3.

The Peninsula Manila’s general manager Sonja Vodusek, an Australian, said, “We are proud to be a partner of ‘Celebrate Australia 2013.’ Our food festival is the perfect opportunity to learn more about the culinary experiences available in Australia. We will be introducing Australia’s sun-kissed produce, its melting pot of cuisines and award-winning wines. Through our ‘Tasting Australia 2013’ festival, you can try a little bit of everything from a seafood platter, a sweet Riesling, a modern Asian-fused appetizer to a crocodile ceviche. We guarantee you many memorable meals with us.”

Chef Greg Doyle of Sydney’s The Sailors Club is one of Australia’s most talented chefs. He is all set to demonstrate to Manila’s most discriminating gourmets why he’s been awarded the plum prize of “Restaurateur of the Year” and won the prestigious three-hat award by The Sydney Morning Herald-Good Food Guide.

Joining Greg in Manila are his executive chef Steven Skelly and executive pastry chef Nic Waring.

I actually have tried Greg’s restaurant Pier in Sydney and I also had the pleasure to try his cooking in Singapore. I did not miss the opportunity to try his food again here in Manila where he and his team prepared fish, scallops, a mushroom macchiato and various desserts (The Sailor’s Club tiramisu is to die for!) for our group of foodies. I also made him (finally) sign his book, which I have kept for a couple of years now.

I saw Bubot Quicho, the Philippines’ first general manager of a major hotel chain, having dinner at Old Manila. Bubot was raving about the lamb and he said it was a must-try! (You may want to read my favorite eating buddy Cheryl Tiu’s column in The STAR yesterday for her in-depth description of the food.)

Try Greg’s superb cuisine at Old Manila, which is open from Monday to Friday, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.; and Saturdays from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.

The Peninsula Tokyo’s Australian-born executive chef Adam Mathis returned to Manila where he was based before to present his exciting and new buffet festival selections that highlight native exotic prime cuts and bush ingredients.  This can be tried at Escolta, which is open from Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner. A Sunday champagne brunch is available from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. An Australian weekend barbecue by the pool is also available on Feb. 1 and 2 from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

On March 30, one can spend some time in the kitchen with Australian celebrity chef Greg Doyle. Enjoy the very best of Australian produce and wine and take an intimate over-the-shoulder look as the master chef shows you the tricks of the trade. Sign up for the event happening on the last Saturday of March from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

“Tasting Australia 2013” will also give guests the opportunity to win a round-trip ticket for two to Sydney courtesy of Qantas Airways.

Remember, you only have until Feb. 3 to “Taste Australia!”

(For inquiries or reservations, call (632) 887-2888 local 6694. E-mail diningpmn@peninsula.com or visit www.peninsula.com.)

Photos by Pepper Teehankee on a Canon Digital Powershot S100