Cebuano wins gold in Culinary Challenge in Singapore

Cebuano Chocolatier at Waterfront Cebu City Hotel Reno de la Victoria went to Singapore as part of the Les Toques Blanches Philippine Culinary Team that competed in the various categories during the Food and Hotel Asia (FHA) 2008 Culinary Challenge, touted as this year’s “most prestigious culinary event in Asia.” There were 14 events which comprised of display competitions in various categories that covered appetizers to desserts.

De la Victoria reaped gold in the Petit Fours/Pralines event that took place on the first day of the competitions. Proud mentor, WCCH Group Pastry Chef Gabriel Garcia, presented de la Victoria to a select group of food enthusiasts in the print media, after we savored the new menu (available by May 15!)of Mizu.

Despite my usual reluctance to have dessert (curiously, I never developed a sweet tooth — I’d rather have something salty anytime!), I was enticed by the lovely presentation of the sweet concoctions. The trays were highlighted by intricately sculpted rosebuds with a spray of greens under a loop — all made of white and dark chocolates. WCCH’s Renee Villacin-Pimentel got excited over the triangular Bailey’s pralines so I got one. Yum! It was really good! Not at all overly sweet...made us think of putting them in a box for chic gifts to equally chic recipients. (According to Chef Gabby, they can accept orders if given enough time.) Then I found the tangy mango sans rival cannolli really to my taste. Ooops, that sparkling gold leaf on the handle of the caramel praline twinkled an invitation, so I took a bite that had me finish another piece. Jigs commented that the chocolate mousse was worth a try, so I did. Its smoothness is to die for!

Before I knew it, I was enjoying my dessert of petit fours and pralines —an experience I have not undergone in a long, long time. Well done, Chef

Reno and congratulations. You certainly do us proud and we really had a heavenly experience going through your sweet creations.

Three cheers for Chocolatier Reno de la Victoria! Three cheers for the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel! Three cheers for Cebu and the Cebuanos!