Too many cooks make a great dinner

MANILA, Philippines –  The ultimate gastronomic experience will take place at InterContinental Manila’s Prince Albert Rotisserie on Thursday, Oct. 7, when eight former and current InterCon Manila chefs team up for just one night to prepare an 8-course dinner like no other for a select 90 paying guests.

Net proceeds from the event will be donated to Children’s Hour, a non-profit fundraising and grant-giving organization supportive of educational, food, and shelter projects for children, and WWF-Philippines, a national organization devoted to the conservation of endangered species and the preservation of the environment.

Comprising the culinary dream team are Billy King (Irish/food & beverage director, executive chef, 1986-88), Cyrille Soenen (French/Prince Albert chef, executive chef, 2000-05), Roland Sager (German/executive chef, 1981-83), Marc Aubry (French/Prince Albert chef, Executive sous chef, 1989-91), Roland Lutz (Swiss/pastry chef, 1983-89), Jessie Sincioco (Filipino/assistant pastry chef, 1983-90), Patrick Fournes (French/executive chef, 2006-present), and Christian Pirodon (French/resident manager, 1991-94, general manager, 2005-08 and February 2010-present). 

The idea for this extraordinary collaboration came about after the grand reunion of InterContinental Manila personnel held early this year. All featured chefs are graciously waiving their professional fees in favor of the two chosen beneficiaries. With their culinary reputation at stake, the team is bent on serving a dinner like no other, spending months discussing and kitchen testing the dishes that will make up the evening’s menu. Only the highest quality ingredients sourced from different parts of the world will be used. The same attention and care have been applied to the choice of wines to go with the meal.

Only 90 paying guests will be accommodated in the elegant long gown and black tie affair. The P15,000 net price per person is inclusive of the 8-course dinner and accompanying wines at the Prince Albert plus pre-dinner cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at the Legaspi Room.

Bound to become a collector’s item is the evening’s limited edition menu card which features artwork created especially for the occasion by noted Filipino artist Manuel Baldemor. Only 120 menu cards will be printed and personally signed by Mr. Baldemor. The original oil on canvas painting will be auctioned off silently on the night itself and the proceeds will likewise be donated to the Children’s Hour and WWF-Philippines.

Eight Filipino fashion designers are being tapped to create the chefs’ jackets. Floral architect Rachy Cuna will create the table centerpieces. All these elements combine to assure guests of an extraordinary and rare treat in gastronomy, art, and fashion.

Reservations will be on a first-come-first served basis and prepaid. Interested parties may call 793-7000 ext. 223, 263 or 273 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and ext. 385 and 386 from 6 p.m. onwards.