A dream dinner in Red

Karl Hudson, the delightful and not to mention good looking, General Manager of the Cebu City Marriott Hotel was more than enthusiastic and ready to meet the challenge of hosting the much anticipated 14th Induction Gala Diner Amical of the highly respected gourmet club, La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs.

At the foyer, impeccably dressed waiters served chilled champagne and excellent wines as Bailli Delegue - Philippines Michel Lhuillier and Cebu Bailli Amparito Lhullier warmly welcomed members and their special guests.

Promptly at 7:30, the inductees proceeded to the Rosal Room where Bailli Delegue Michel Lhuillier assisted by Cebu Bailli Amparito and Teresin Mendezona performed the traditional ceremony. Among the new members are philanthropist Mariquita Yeung, architects Tessie Javier and Jim Dossetter, antique collector Karla del Prado, hoteliers Richard Simmons and Peter Pedersen, entrepreneur Michael Lhuillier, restaurateurs Raul Alcoseba and Corinne Joseph, and the youngest member, Eddie Kong, Manager of Cathay Pacific Cebu.

The invitees were then ushered to the grand ballroom. And true to its theme everything was done in red, from the tablecloths and napkins, the unique personalized menu with photo of the guest, the flowing drapes, to the customized uniforms of the attendants. It was no wonder that invitees were requested not to wear gowns in red, burberry or maroon.

At center stage was the Peace Philharmonic Quartet which played classical music to the delight of everyone.

The entrée consisted of Citrus Marinated Ocean Trout with a salad of Crayfish and Beluga Caviar cream complemented by St. Clair Pioneer Block I Sauvignon Blanc 2005, New Zealand followed by roasted apple with sautéed duck foie gras and cranberry coulis.The exceptional main course of roasted Wagyu sirloin accompanied by potato and fontina tart, cep marmalade and oxtail jus was served with Te Mata Woodthorpe Syrah-Viognier 2004, New Zealand.

It was absolutely another evening for the books, what with the excellent food, outstanding wine, impeccable service and great camaraderie.

Kudos, Karl Hudson, and the rest of the team.