A Spanish fiesta at Casino Español de Cebu

Consul General Don Javier Ignacio Martinez del Barrio of the Embajada de España was the guest of honor at the recent celebration of Spanish Month at the Casino Español de Cebu.

Club president Jose Sala, together with his supportive wife Susan Montenegro Sala, and the entire board of directors, headed by its vice president City Councilor Gabriel Leyson and his partner Tina Jordana, secretary Jimmy Escaño and his wife Ellen, treasurer Manuel Sainz, cultural affairs director Tony Veloso Jr., and sports events director Nonoy Alba, were on hand to warmly welcome members and their guests.

Chef Ipar Miranda, a fresh graduate of IES San Jose, Castilla, La Mancha in Cuenca, Spain, masterfully planned and innovatively created the exquisite menu that had for starters octopus with slices of potato prepared a la gallega and leeks wrapped in jamon serrano served with vino blanco, Don Barroso, followed by prawn salad seasoned in foie gras-flavored vinaigrette.

The soup consisted of creamy zucchini in olive oil with bits of buffalo cheese. After a refreshing sherbet of green mango topped with Cointreau, the main course was oven-roasted prime rib in sherry sauce. This was complemented with vino tinto, Arviza Rioja Reserva. A mouthwatering mousse of white and dark chocolate completed the fabulous meal.

Seen enjoying the evening were club past presidents Michel Lhuillier and his Amparito, Jose Luis Moro, Danny Deen and his wife Zeny, active members Tessie Javier, Jose Mari Martinez, Joe Utzurrum, Bunny Pages, Tony and Grace Lozada, Mariano and Maricar Perdices, Jun and Cherry Muntuerto, Ed and Therese Gonzalez, and Manuel and Margot Larrañaga.

Also present were members of long standing Choy and Rosebud Sala, Ernesto Aboitiz, Enrique and Lulu Aboitiz, Annabelle Luym, Teresin Mendezona, Pilar Cusi, and Julina Muertegui.

Over coffee, tea, and delicious pralines, chef Ipar, son of sugar hacenderos Jose Maria Miranda and the former Happy Ouano, was introduced amid applause and more applause.

Casino Español de Cebu’s accomplished hands-on manager Ed Tongco and the ever loyal and dedicated service manager Rudy Rubi likewise accepted warm felicitations for a truly successful dining experience.

Salud, Euros y tiempo para gastarlas!