The Chaine des Rotisseurs year-end gala dinner is one of the most-awaited events of the year because the host chooses a wonderful venue, usually a hotel or resort, and plans and executes events, which are not easily forgotten. The program is always elegant and the highlight of the night is the exquisite cuisine and wine.
The anticipation was even more enhanced as the members were more than eager to experience what Radisson Blu, Cebu’s newest luxury hotel, had to offer.
Bailli Delegue Michel Lhuillier and Bailli of Cebu Amparito Lhuillier offered perfectly chilled champagne and never-before-seen hors d’oeuvres as they welcomed the members and guests who were all dressed in their finest. The ladies were dressed in beautiful, classic and trendy evening gowns while the gentlemen came in tuxedos or black suits. Guest of honor was Elizabeth Sy, president of SM Hotels.
Nothing prepared the members, who number over a hundred, their spouses, international and domestic guests for the spectacular setting and ambience. Decorated in winter white and shimmering silver, the grand ballroom was true to the evening’s theme — “Ice Dreams.”
The five-course, well-prepared meal was masterfully created by a culinary team led by executive chef Ofir Yudilevich. The dinner started with lobster salad with XO sauce ice balloons accompanied by calamansi vodka. It was followed by salmon brulee with seared scallops marinated in red onion and ricotta galette served with Torre Oria semi-secco from Spain. The spiced pumpkin soup with maple foam and pancetta was pleasing to the palate. Bourgogne Blanc Chardonnay from France was the perfect choice of wine.
The well-balanced Laurus Rasteau, Grenache-Syrah wine from South Rhone Valley complemented the main course of grilled rack of lamb with creamed polenta and balsamic semi-dried tomato and citrus asparagus. A dessert of warm fig tart with Muscat mascarpone and pictachio tuile was served with a glass of Hanepoot from South Africa.
Soprano Rachelle Gerodias dazzled everyone with her unique interpretation of classical and Broadway songs. Marc Angel Gabriel and Katherine Trofeo of Ballet Philippines were flawless and had so much presence and grace when they danced the Nutcracker pas de deux.
The evening’s entertainment included performances by the University of San Carlos Choristers, the Peace Double String Quartet and students of Ballet Center Cebu.
Radisson Blu general manager Grant Gaskin left no stone unturned to make this one of the most impressive dinner receptions ever.