‘Margarita Madness’

Justifiably proud of the superb Mexican cuisine which "imported" chefs Rodolfo Tellez and Roberto Serrano were preparing for the "Fiesta Mexico" opening at Hyatt’s Al Fresco, Assistant Executive Manager Abel Nolasco enjoined everyone (myself included) to bring avid lovers of Mexican cuisine to the special event.

Matt and Evelyn Garcia immediately came to my mind. Through their 23-year stay in the US, they would go out every Sunday scouring the environs for a Mexican restaurant. By the time they had recently flown home to Manila for good, they had tried every Mexican eatery within miles in California. Matt even looks Mexican! (see photo.)

Consequently, the ebullient and dynamic Mexican Ambassador Enrique Hubbard and his charming wife Mariana warmly welcomed two more avid lovers of tacos, tortillas, fajitas as spiced up by chilis and salsas, pescados and mariscos, followed by dulces and pasteles. But not before guests, now "inebriated" by the rich flavors, colors and aromas, had nibbled at the pica-pica and drunk "margarita madness". Indeed, it was a mad, mad luncheon in the liveliest sense. All seats were taken–Instituto Cervantes Director Javier Galvan graciously kept me company with Don Enrique, Señor Nolasco, Jenny Puno of the PR department walking hither and thither to make sure all present were having a "mad" time, that is, truly enjoying both the menu and the company which included the personable Counselor Carlos Torres. Seen likewise were Belen Gana, Helen O. del Rosario, Gemma Cruz Araneta, Consul Evie Costa, Lulu Castañeda and Tessie Luz.

Incidentally, have you ever tried pulpos enamorados (octopuses in love) as aperitif? At the fiesta, they were swimming not in water but in white, deliciously creamy sauce.

By the time you read these lines, Manilans will have thunderously applauded the youthful Mariachi Juvenil and celebrated songstress Mirza Maldonado at the Hyatt lounge. Guests will also have attended the Mexican Launch Party hosted by Rustan’s lady of the house Nedy Tantoco and Ambassadors Bienvenido Tantoco and Enrique Hubbard.

The event presaged Mexico’s National Day celebration from Sept. 24 to Oct. 8 which offered the best of Mexican merchandise, music, dances and, again, cuisine. Of course, the menu was not complete without "margarita madness"!