Gourmet club inducts new members from Cebu

Karl Hudson, the very likeable not to mention good looking general manager of the Cebu Marriott Hotel, not only met the challenge of hosting the much anticipated 14th Induction Gala Diner Amical of the much-desired-to-be-a-member of the gourmet club, La Chaine des Rotisseurs. As they say, he truly delivered and more.

Promptly at 7:30 p.m., with chilled champagne and excellent wines, the members, their special guests, plus the new inductees proceeded to the Rosal Room where Bailli Delegue du Philippines Michel Lhuillier, assisted by Cebu Bailli Amparito Lhuillier and Teresin Mendezona, performed the induction ceremony. Among the new members are philanthropist Mariquita Yeung, architects Tessie Javier and Jim Dossetter, antique collector Karla del Prado, hoteliers Richard Simmons and Peter Pedersen, entrepreneur Michael Lhuillier, restaurateurs Raul Alcoseba and Corinne Joseph, and the youngest member Eddie Kong, manager of Cathay Pacific Cebu.

They were then ushered to the grand ballroom where true to the theme of the affair everything was red, from the customized uniforms of the attendants, the flowing drapes, the tablecloths and napkins, and the unique personalized menu with photos of the guests. It was no wonder that invitees were requested not to wear gowns in red, burberry or maroon.

The entrée consisted of citrus marinated ocean trout with a salad of crayfish and Beluga caviar cream complemented by St. Clair Pioneer Block I sauvignon blanc 2005, New Zealand, followed by roasted apple with sautéed duck foie gras and cranberry coulis. The exceptional main course of roasted Wagyu sirloin accompanied by potato and fontina tart, cep marmalade and oxtail jus was served with Te Mata Woodthorpe Syrah-Viognier 2004, New Zealand.

On center stage was the Peace Philharmonic Quartet, which played classical music to the delight of everyone.

It will be another evening to remember for years to come, what with the food and wine fit for the gods, impeccable service, and great camaraderie.