How Grey Goose satisfies the senses

One of my favorite vodkas in the world, Grey Goose, threw a spectacular party that the Manila nightlife scene will surely not forget. The evening kicked off with a lavish private dinner at Sala Restaurant hosted by designer Rajo Laurel and Grey Goose’s main man in the Philippines Rajiv Ghumman in honor of visiting Grey Goose global ambassador Dimitri Lezinska.

An extravagant four-course dinner was served and Dimitri, a Frenchman famous the world over for mixing drinks and partying with Hollywood stars and famous VIPs, created special vodka cocktails that perfectly complemented each dish. These special creations such as the Betty Lands in Paris was a direct inspiration from Rajo Laurel’s mother’s love for that city; The Flerida, inspired by the old Filipino tale of Florante at Laura; and Lemoncito was a cocktail inspired by our native calamansi.

The evening was focused on a singular theme, “satisfying the senses,” as each dish was combined with every cocktail for a truly unique and luxurious experience. Among those enjoying the dinner were Taguig’s first lady Kaye Tinga, historian Carlos Celdran, restaurateur Malu Gamboa, club owner Erik Cua and artist Kiko Escora. Every dinner guest was sent a mysterious blue box as an invitation; inside, it was a specially created Grey Goose bracelet in sterling silver, to be worn to the dinner. Also inside the box were five other blue bracelets that each guest could distribute to his or her friends for exclusive VIP access to the Big Grey Goose bash that followed after the meal.

Dinner guests then proceeded to the Grey Goose tent, which stood like a massive igloo in the middle of the Fort. Members of Manila’s hip party set converged and felt like they were walking into a bubble as they were transported into the world of the French made vodka. Dimitri himself mixed cocktails for guests as soul music filled the entire venue. Encore/Suite chef Fernando Aracama prepared a feast of brilliant pica-pica like grilled US Prime Angus Beef Steak cutlets accompanied by a spicy Bloody Mary dip (using Grey Goose Vodka), side seared tuna sashimi in Grey Goose vodka and sweet miso dressing with pink young ginger shreds, citrus and Grey Goose L’Orange vodka infused smoked salmon on whole wheat toast, red onion relish and dill sour cream, Suite’s “black & white” crostini (black caviar and egg salad with Grey Goose L’Orange vodka), lemon essence and snipped chives, along with strawberries and cream (strawberries soaked in Grey Goose Vodka and served on chantilly cream spoons), and baby lemon curd and Grey Goose L’Orange Vodka meringue tarts.

It was truly an evening that satisfied the senses, as the party continued with guests enjoying their Grey Goose cocktails while dancing the night away until the early morning.

A celebration of partnership

Dell Philippines’ Appreciation Night for its partners at Rizal Ballroom C of Makati Shangri-La served as a celebration of partnership between Dell and its dealers. The event is the company’s way of thanking them for their efforts in making its products available and accessible by promoting it as a trusted brand.

The Appreciation Night was themed Funk ‘80s. Guests were dressed in colorful, glamorous and anything out of the ordinary in the ‘80s. The event was hosted by Dell’s Albert Villanueva and Kristine Caballero. Guests also indulged in fun games. There were also raffle prizes for them and Dell made sure everyone went home happy.

The highlight of the night was the awarding of the employees from the different Dell partners and distributors. Dell’s partners Nexus, MDi, CT Link, Ironfort Inc., Integrated Computer Systems, Phil-Data, Accent Micro Technologies, Bridge Distribution, Inc. and Unison Computer Systems, Inc. were well represented at the event.

(Check out www.dell.com)