Here's to the ladies who launch

Friends and food lovers Sharmila Hiranand, Lizzie Zobel, Ina Ayala, Lizette Cojuangco, Marianne Po, Anne Marie Saguil, Mandy Taboada, Marit Yuchengco and Kit Zobel recently launched Martinis & Aprons: A Lifestyle Cookbook for Those Who Like to Entertain, the latest cookbook to hit the country’s bookstores. The launch took place at the Focus Global showroom on Pioneer Street in Mandaluyong City.

Focus Global’s Loli and Stephen Sy and the Martinis & Aprons team welcomed guests to the showroom for a night of food and fun. Edsa Shangri-La Hotel sponsored the cocktails and filled the room with food and chefs prepping for guests. Modern Epicurean Kitchen’s Stephanie Zubiri gave a cooking demonstration of duck confit and ratatouille. Moet Hennessy prepared fabulous cocktail drinks made with Belevedere Vodka, including a special “Martinis and Aprons Martini.”

Focus Global raffled off Oster Handmixers, Oster Carving Knives, Oster Stick Mixers and Tempur pillows to the excitement of guests. The grand prizes were the Miele Vitasteamer and the Miele Rotary Iron. The sales counter was packed with people rushing to get their first copies of the cookbook. Sales were much appreciated as all proceeds from Martinis & Aprons will go to support the Holy Family Home in Pembo, Makati. The Holy Family Home provides care for abandoned and neglected young girls. Led by Sister Luz Maria, the Holy Family Home helps young girls at risk fulfill their potential as productive members of society.

More than a recipe book, Martinis & Aprons gives tips on planning a party, setting the table, folding napkins and putting finishing touches such as flowers, music and candles. Cocktail recipes, conversion guide and suggested food and wine pairing charts are also in this book, which is so ideal to give out as Christmas presents!

More than 200 cooking enthusiasts and friends weathered rain and traffic to celebrate the launch. Others spotted were Sofia Zobel Elizalde, Marissa Concepcion, Kerri Uytengsu, Chuchu Madrigal, Libet Virata, sisters Camille and Karen Santos, Sevrine Miaihle, Menchu Katigbak, Betsy Westendorp de Brias, Mai Mai Lichtenstein, STAR columnist Tim Yap and Crickette Tantoco.

(Martinis & Aprons is available at Fully Booked branches in HighStreet, Rockwell, Edsa Shangri-La, Eastwood, Greenhills and Greenbelt 5. It is also for sale at the B+B Studio at the Fort. For orders, please call Sharon at 0916-6591183.)

An intimate birthday gathering

Aquaknox proprietor Natasha Morse held a very private and intimate birthday dinner at the residence of David Lim. The dining room was elegantly prepped up by talented Junjun Ablaza in hues of pink which made the ambience very comfortable and relaxing.

The very few guests invited were welcomed by the host and the birthday girl with a glass of champagne as live piano music was played.

Aquaknox chef Danny Vu prepared a seven-course menu complemented by various red and white wines. We started with perfectly seared foie gras with sautéed apples and scallop Provencal followed by a wonderful shrimp bisque. Caesar’s salad with grilled chicken was served after, followed by dalandan sherbet with cilantro juice. The entrée was angel hair pasta and Portobello mushrooms in truffle oil and filet mignon on charred onions and zucchini. Danny joined the table after working so hard in the kitchen.

It was a refreshing surprise that Danny excellently prepared the menu which differs from the normal Vietnamese fare he prepares at Aquaknox. Aquaknox is still the place where I get my crab and garlic noodle fix very often and where I discovered my new favorite — the fried chicken wings!

The evening was indeed intimate where new people met, ate, drank and toasted to the birthday girl.

Happy birthday, Natasha!

(Aquaknox is located in 800 Arnaiz Road corner Amorosolo, San Lorenzo, Makati. Calll 894-3380 for reservations.)