Champagne, apple-tinis and 'The Clockwork Princess'
The much-anticipated 18th anniversary of the Bailliage de Cebu of La Chaine des Rotisseurs was celebrated with a strictly formal dinner at the Grand Ballroom of the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel.
On hand to welcome members and guests were Bailli Delegue Philippines Michel Lhuillier and his ever-supportive wife Amparito, who is the Bailli de Cebu. Joining them were Marco Polo general manager Hans Hauri and his sociable wife, Bo.
At the foyer, chilled champagne from the private collection of Michel Lhuillier was passed around.
After guests took to their assigned seats, the first of a well-thought-out seven-course meal was served. For starters there was smoked duck carpaccio, foie gras ice cream with yogurt biscuit, followed by chicken rillette, sweetbread, lobster and a sea bass dry shot. Apple martinis, shaken not stirred, cleansed the palate before we were served the crusted veal tenderloin with crispy scampi and spinach brulée, which was paired with Cellier Des Princes, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, France 2008.
At the end of a truly pleasurable feast, an assortment of sweets consisting of caramel space cake, chocolate lipstick, liquid nitro marshmallows and whipped strawberry whisk was enjoyed by everyone. The gastronomic extravaganza earned for executive chef Luke Gagnon, F&B director Stephan Weinprich and their team a well-deserved certificate of excellence.
A lively musical show, “The Clockwork Princess,” unfolded and invitees marveled at the awesome presentation. The story was written by Jessica Mcyorker, Therese Estalilla and Vincent Gaton. Rhina Senining Echivarre played the title role, while Yemma Senining Judilla and Greame Elmido were the king and queen. Gabriel Gomez was the tinker.
An extremely large six-tiered cake was wheeled in as Michel and Amparito gamely went through the exercise of cutting the cake, as the well-trained serving brigade efficiently distributed them to the invitees.
The well-liked Angie Mathieu was also celebrating her birthday. Siblings Michel and Marguerite Lhuillier led the singing of the birthday song.
