Hennessy Appreciation Night

Radisson Blu Cebu's Ballroom I was the setting of an elegant dinner hosted by Moët Hennessy X.O, Phils. a fortnight ago. Two long tables were aptly decorated with crystal chandeliers and marvelous flower arrangements which lorded over. Guests, mostly the male species, were in their elegant dark suits having the chance to explore the luxurious world of Hennessy and, of course, experience the finest cognac.

Led by Hennessy Ambassador for the Maison, Mr. Jean-Michel Cochet, he presented to everyone the menu designed by the Chateau De Bagnolet of Hennessy prepared by none other than Radisson Blu's Executive Chef Roberto Kunitz creating something that was true to Hennessy's trademark of elegance and luxury: Soup of ceps with pan fried foie gras and bacon; Oven-cooked king prawn in its own bisque with a ginger vanilla confit; Fillet of sea bass with Parmienter 'scales' on a bed of leeks; Peppered red wine sauce and desserts… melting chocolate pudding and custard and fruits.

While everyone was enjoying the superb dinner and sipping cognac, Mr. Cochet, a native of Cognac, France, went upstage and with joy in his eyes, told his audience the history, heritage and story of Hennessy:

In 1870, in Cognac, Maurice Hennessy, the great grandson of the founder of the House of Hennessy invented Hennessy X.O with its original character - a cognac both elegant and complex, which combines a strong identity with a beautiful style. Maurice Hennessy devised this cognac for his own enjoyment and that of his friends, whom he wished to honor through creating a unique taste. As time went by, Hennessy X.O became an icon of the House of Hennessy, an emblem which combined knowledge transmitted by peers, an absolutely modern character and a visionary spirit. After creating a new world in 1870, it is still today shaping the world of the future. Right from the earliest beginnings of his creation, Maurice Hennessy endowed this prestigious cognac with two mysterious letters, 'X.O,' to signify the eXtra Old character of the one hundred eaux-de-vie that compose it. These eaux-de-vie are the result of the exceptional know-how of the House of Hennessy's master blender and his tasting committee.

At any rate, Marketing Manager Gio Robles joined Michael Cochet for the toast. Hosting the brief program during the appreciation dinner was model and TV host Blinky de Leon.