Chaine's Haute Cuisine Gala Dinner

Nothing prepared the members of the prestigious gourmet club The Confrerie de la Chaine des Rotisseurs Cebu Chapter for the gala dinner that awaited them in celebration of the club’s 15th anniversary.

Bailli Delegue Philippines Michel Lhuillier, debonair in perfectly tailored black suit and his gorgeous wife Amparito Llamas Lhuillier, Bailli of Cebu, warmly greeted the members and their guests at the hotel’s foyer. Amparito, as always, was simply stunning in a silver silk masterpiece by Philip Rodriguez. She was even more dazzling with her eye-catching green tourmaline necklace.

Full of innovative and never seen before ideas, Marco Protacio, General Manager of Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino, conceptualized and delivered the first ever true Haute Cuisine inspired by Haute Couture.

It was a magical evening which reflected the romance and elegance of a silvery night. The Pacific Ballroom was enclosed and draped in yards upon yards of white satin with exquisite table decorations complementing the ambience.

While the idea behind Haute Couture is an attitude of unlimited creativity where the quality of the art and craftsmanship is unparalleled, it is in many ways similar to haute cuisine where new ideas and techniques are developed with no restraints on creativity.

The fabulous Diner Amical menu was a collaboration of Cebu’s leading fashion designers, the Waterfront Hotel’s team of culinary experts that interpreted the designs of six of the most prestigious members of the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture in Paris, France and Marco Protacio, who without a doubt was on top of the whole preparation.  This meeting of minds produced a night where superlatives were easy to come by.

Designer Oj Hofer interpreted Spanish designer Cristobal Balenciaga’s fondness for using predominantly black and brown colors in his collection on the first course of black caviar and foie gras parfait with black currant.

Jun Escario represented Yves Saint Laurent, hailed as a visionary in the fashion industry and known for  flattering, dreamy creations with cappuccino of scallop and lobster chaudiere with a touch of Cognac.

Arcy Gayatin designed an ensemble of quilted puff pastry stuffed with duck confit and chanterelle mushrooms and cream pearls reminiscent of Coco Chanel’s 2.55 handbag, named as such because she had first used it in February, 1955.

Philip Rodriguez designed a fabulous fondant red rose which contained an original sorbet in champagne and rose. The unmistakable trademark of Italian designer Valentino, renowned for his romantic, feminine designs was very evident.

Albert Arriba recreated Christian Dior’s distinctive medallion and bow permeating his collections in the main course which consisted of Angus beef medallion wrapped with parma ham, baked lobster with lemon emulsion embroidered with parisienne vegetable ornaments.

Cary Santiago whipped up four delectable desserts of green tea and blackberry parfait, strawberry pecan tiramisu, Chocolate pistachio streusel and velvet passion fruit reminiscent of Christian Lacroix’s signature elements that include opulent, fantasy creations.

Thoroughly enjoying the evening were such notables as Philippine Ambassador to Italy Philippe Lhuillier with his lovely wife Edna Diago Lhuillier. They were joined by their Cebu-based children Martin and Angie Miranda.

Making a statement was Marguerite Lhuillier in a stunning red Cary Santiago creation. She was joined by  lovely ladies  Kate Anzani in a blue duchess satin gown, Rose Hennessey, Tessie Javier and Marlinda Angbetic Tan in shades of lavender, Rosebud Sala in a flowing pale yellow gown, club officer Teresin Mendezona in classic embroidered lounge suit, and ever charming Bo Hauri  in Valentino red.

The top hoteliers were in attendance too. They included Shangri-La Mactan’s Raymond Bragg and his charming wife Susan, Marco Polo’s Hans Hauri, dashing in white dinner jacket and his statuesque wife Bo, Marriott’s Roy Abraham, Waterfront Mactan’s Hembler Mendoza, and Plantation Bay’s owner Manny Gonzales who received warm felicitations for the resort’s citation of excellence by the foremost international travel magazine Conde Nast. Efren Belarmino, the dedicated General Manager was also elated and proud of Plantation Bay’s recognition.

Guests were later treated to a perfect evening ender with a graceful ballet inspired acrobatic performance by dancers who descended discreetly from the ceiling . It was unanimously agreed that this was one of the best nights ever.