Bailli Delegue National Michel Lhuillier, and his ever-supportive wife Amparito, Bailli de Cebu, together with Marco Polo Plaza Hotel’s gracious general manager Hans Hauri, led the Confrefie de la Chaine des Rotisseurs Cebu, as they hosted the “21st Induction Diner Amical†at the grand ballroom of the Marco Polo Plaza.
The much-anticipated event took on an elegant Paris in the Springtime theme with the ladies dressed in beautiful evening gowns while the gentlemen came in tuxedos and barong tagalogs.
The evening began with the induction of 21 new members led by Isabelita Abello, Zenaida Chua, Melanie Castre, Marilita Magos, Beth Metcalf and Frances Siao. The chevaliers included Tonino Ciarrochi, Daniele Costantin, Jerome Escalona, Michel Guinefolleau, David Leonard, Jose Limalima, Daniel Mercado, Patrick Pangilinan, Kaiser Tan and Michel Villar. The maître hoteliers were Patrick Carroll, Nenette Castillon, Maria Lopez, and the maître rotisseurs were Adrien Guerey and Andrea Lamera. Elevated to the rank of commandeur were Amparito Lhuillier and Richard Uysiuseng while Victoria Hermosisima was raised as officer.
The six-course sit-down dinner was simply fabulous. Among the favorites was the clear soup of quail, duck and pigeon with saffron glaze paired with Domaine des Grandes Esperances, France 2011. The third dish was also a treat, Chilean seabass with rhubarb, grapes and fish pearls which was served with La Petite Perriere Sauvignon Blanc, France, 2011. The main dish was beef tournedos, foie gras and truffle crème paired with Les Vignes Chateauneuf de pape, France, 2008.
Musical director, producer and entertainer Franz Langer, accompanied Austrian opera singer Christa Kruit Hemetsberger on the piano. This was followed by the Follies the Mwah, Asia’s most-outstanding Broadway-style musical performing group. The finale featured a fantastic mini fashion show by internationally renowned couturier Cary Santiago, who is known for his unique designs, intricate patterns and laser cutting technique in couture design.
To the clinking of crystal glasses and the animated conversation, members and their guests expressed their special thanks to GM Hans Hauri, hotel manager Julie Najar, executive chef, Australian-Swiss national Stefano Verillo, executive sous chef Juanito Abangan and Joward Tongco assistant F & B manager and the entire team for such a splendid, memorable gastronomic experience and genuine camaraderie and fellowship.