Spooky Halloween at Hilton Cebu

Manny Osmeña, owner of the Hilton Resort and Spa in Mactan Island  and his enthusiastic committee, organized and hosted  a wonderful black attire party for members of the  La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs – Bailliage de Cebu to celebrate Spooky Halloween at the property’s Monte Carlo Ballroom.

The whole-hearted  welcome by Osmeña and his ever supportive wife Gina,  enhanced the evening’s very warm ambiance.

For aperitif, invitees were treated to French champagne and terrine of duck liver and marinade grapes with orange zest.

After an enjoyable reception, a celebratory buffet dinner followed, at which fresh shuck oyster and poached oysters with gruyere mornay and fume de poisson were served with the 2005 Nepenthe Sauvignon Blanc, Adelaide Hills. The medium-bodied, crisp, tasty wine exhibited wonderful notes of melons, dried herbs, figs and passion fruit.

Then came the hotel’s signature dishes: Wagyu Shio Yaki Sushi, seared Wagyu on sushi that was grilled on  charcoal and dressed on sushi rice.

Another popular station had fresh salmon sashimi and half lobsters and giant tiger king prawns skewers from the grill. Both were paired with 2005 Skillogalee Riesling,Clare Valley. This dry white was made from hand-picked Riesling fruit from low yielding vines which grow on the highest slopes on the vineyard. The vines are hand-pruned and the fruit is hand-picked. On the nose there were lively fresh lime citrus aromas with hints of perfume and bath-powder. The palate had intense fruit flavors with mineral touches balanced by refreshing acidity giving a crisp, dry, lingering finish.

Taking center stage was the carving station of Wagyu beef striploin with condiments and ciabatta, a siding of cheese board with walnut bread. This was accompanied with excellent 2004 Langmeil Three Gardens, Barossa, a blend of Shiraz, Grenache and Mourvedre. This dark-ruby-purple-colored, Rhone-like Australian red exhibits earthy, spicy, peppery characteristics intermingled with candied raspberry, sweet cherry, and licorice notes.

The evening concluded with a string quartet that delighted the guests with its interpretation  of carefully chosen works from a classical and contemporary repertoire.

And, surprise of surprises, a well choreographed selection of Broadway musical classics that included The Phantom of the Opera and Cats were performed by the hotel’s very own talented staff.

Bailli Delegue-Philippines Michel Lhuillier and Bailli de Cebu Amparito Lhuillier were more than pleased with the exercise on excellence and camaraderie, all in the name of the Chaine.

Congratulations to Manny Osmeña and the banquet service team who made sure even the smallest details were taken cared for, thus  creating a very fitting ambience of this outstanding event.