Cheers to cognac

Hennessy, the world’s leader in cognac, hosted an intimate press dinner at the Shangri-La Makati’s Red where Hennessy brand ambassador, the dashing Jean-Michel Cochet, shared his knowledge of the intricacies of cognac-making and appreciation. Jean was flown in by Hennessy from France just to attend the exclusive event.

"Hennessy is the name that made cognac famous worldwide. Aside from being number one in the globe, it also dominates the individual markets it serves, including the Philippines. That is why we hold special events such as press dinners and product trainings to reaffirm our commitment to Hennessy Cognac lovers around the country," Diageo product manager Randy Uson said.

The elegant venue was awash in white and red. Guests engaged in a lively discussion about politics, the weather and of course, the fascinating and exciting world of cognacs. The smooth yet powerful Hennessy VS, the delicate and subtle VSOP and the well-balanced XO were enjoyed all the more with interesting vignettes about their history, blend, aroma, taste and ideal mixes. This, coupled with an excellent menu of Salmon Sashimi and Red Prawn Tempura, Australian Sirloin with Skillet Roasted Mushrooms, Red Shellfish Bowl and Black and Red Cheesecake made the night worth remembering.

Among the guests were the hardworking executives of Diageo and Leo Burnett.

Thanks to Hennessy, more and more people are becoming cognac converts!

A toast to Hennessy!
Simply Fabulous
Party icon Louie Cruz threw a fabulous dinner for ABS-CBN executives at Boracay’s McSandro Bistro. Louie’s guests feasted on succulent red crabs, mouth-watering fresh oysters, steamed lapu-lapu, appetizing grilled chicken and fresh golden mangoes – just a few of McSandro Bistro’s many specialties!

Don’t forget to drop by McSandro on your next Boracay trip! See you there!
A GM’s Treat At The Century The Century Park Hotel’s Cold Kitchen was the recent venue of an exquisite dinner hosted by none other than the hotel’s talented and hardworking general manager Paul Gill, assisted by the hotel’s Sous Chef Rudy Velasco. Media friends Cherie Mijares and Lori Baltazar of FOOD Magazine; Butch Bonsol and Sarah Techico of What’s On & Expat; Heidi Ng of the Philippine Star; Becky Garcia of the Manila Times; Bob Zozobrado of the Manila Standard; and your columnist relished the food meticulously prepared by Paul in front of his guests. Excellent wines complemented the sumptuous dishes.

Dinner started with Paul’s delicious Salad Gourmandise, an assortment of cold cuts, meat and fish served on a platter of fresh greens followed by the Warm Mouselline of Foie Gras. The Pan-fried Red Mullet, Cherry Tomato Fondue in Thyme and Garlic Butter Sauce was excellent! The cool and refreshing Campari Granite complemented the excellent meal until the piece d’resistance Roast Lamb Loin, Spinach and Wild Mushroom in Red Wine and Garlic Cream Sauce was served. Mouthwatering dessert capped the meal. Each dish not only satisfied the palate, but was an exquisite work of art.

Thank you for a wonderful dinner, Paul, and I hope you invite me again next time!
Going Italian
Ciao! Fresh from filming the Italian episode of Oh Yes, Johnny’s Back!, your columnist is still mouthing praises for the world’s most beautiful peninsula.

As always, Kitchie Benedicto’s efficient team pulled all the stops to make each episode much, much better and much, much grander than the next.

This particular show filmed at the facade of Italian restaurateur Pier Giorgio Pirona’s Caffé Puccini in The Fort Strip saw a lively group of Italians in the audience. Featured in the episode was the talented Italian painter and curator Silvana Ancelloti-Diaz who shared with us her love for art and for the Filipino people. Model Phoemela Baranda told us about her experience in Milan where she did a modeling stint, while the Prince of Operatic Pop, Jonathan Badon, serenaded audiences with an Italian pop tune. Even the Italians in attendance were hugely impressed with this talented artist! A lover of Italian furniture, Florence Ko, told us of her travels to Italy and what drew her to market upscale Italian furniture brands to the country. The stylish set was embellished with the premier Italian furniture from the luxurious brand Poltrona Frau, considered the top furniture maker of Italy, for maximum effect. Again, every Oh Yes, Johnny’s Back! episode gets better and more interesting!

Buon giorno!
Watch it every Saturday night at 11 p.m. at RPN 9!
A Family Paradise In Boracay
Let your family experience the best that Boracay has to offer at the Fairways & Bluewater Golf and Country Club.

Fun and frolic await kids who can enjoy varied activities here. Besides the usual swimming and water-wading, the resort offers exciting water sports like jet skiing and windsurfing. In the recreation center, billiards and table tennis are the main attractions. The resort also offers horseback riding for more adventurous guests. Guests may also opt to take a dip in the resort’s swimming pool, one of Boracay’s largest. Of course, dads and even moms should try playing at the spectacular 18-hole Graham Marsh golf course, one of the most beautiful in the world. Here, you can walk around one of the best designed golf courses where there is a blend of the local flora, rare island birds amidst scattered waterfalls, a recreated tunnel and lush greenery.

See you there!

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