The keep-fit general manager Timothy Wright surprised the guests – or should I say, impressed one and all – when he made his dramatic entrance rappelling from the third level of the building. Immediately after, agile and skillful acrobats from Beijing performed awesome gymnastics and incredible stunts that truly captivated the invitees.
Guests of honor included Chinese Consul General Cui Luosheng, Shangri-La Hotels and Resort chairman Tom Zita, Cebu Filipino-Chinese Chamber president Filomeno Lim, Cebu Chamber of Commerce president Robert Go, and Cebu provincial board member Agnes Magpale.
The restaurant’s name clearly carries two words, "tea" and "spring," both significant to Chinese culture. Taking tea, a popular beverage, is a favorite pastime, while some consider it an art. In feng shui, spring is a time of new beginnings, symbolizing life and freshness. Tradition has it that the Chinese prefer making vital decisions and starting businesses in the spring.
Unlike the traditional interior of the Shang Palace, which unfortunately closed to give way to this new resto, Tea of Spring exudes a very contemporary style. Today, the approach is refreshingly modern while reflecting its traditional Chinese origin.
Of notable importance is the change in menu, which has been divided into six sections: Cantonese, contemporary, herbal, traditional, vegetarian, and fragrant spicy. Each well-thought-out component features over 15 culinary delights, all carefully prepared with premium exotic ingredients such as capsicum, ginseng, wolfberries, and angelica root. It also offers hearty and delicious options of seasonal vegetables and bean curd specialties.
The much-anticipated event certainly was a labor of love – from the gourmet dishes to the very best wines, and an impressive guest list.
The careful attention to detail by the hosts and the wholesome rapport with those in attendance made the evening truly a memorable gathering as only the island’s sole five-star resort-hotel can achieve.