Elements of flavor

Discovery Primea presented “Elements of Flavor at Flame: Beijing X Manila,” a culinary event that brought together the best of French and Asian cuisines. This experience was held at Flame Restaurant that showcased an unforgettable meal by Discovery Primea’s executive chef Luis Chikiamco and chef William Mahi, chef de cuisine at the Michelin-starred Jing Restaurant at The Peninsula Beijing who used to work here in Manila.

“Beijing X Manila” is part of the “Elements of Flavor” series, Flame’s premier culinary event that showcases collaborations with renowned local and international chefs.

Luis is known for his innovative approach to Asian cuisine and has a career that spans training in France, Mexico, and the Philippines. He says, “I’ve always admired chef William Mahi since his days at The Tasting Room. It’s now an incredible honor to cook alongside him.”

William is acclaimed for his inventive modern French cuisine. His 28-year career has been enriched by experiences in Istanbul, Shanghai, and Athens, and collaborations with culinary legends Alain Ducasse and Joël Robuchon. The “Beijing X Manila” theme pays homage to the vibrant culinary landscapes of both cities.

Jade Abalone.

The seven-course menu started with Gillardeau Oysters & Wagyu Beef Tartare - Wagyu beef mixed with shallots, chives, capers, and pickles topped with a French oyster swimming in an oyster & caviar sauce.  This was followed by the Jade Abalone – a silky black pepper cauliflower “chawanmushi,” jamon Serrano, and petit pois (little peas) paired with Champagne Palmer & Co. Brut Reserve Non-vintage. Next two were Brittany Langoustine with sweet potato purée, crisps, langoustine bisque, orange juice, curry, coconut milk, and coconut flakes and  Chilean Sea Bass with chorizo “cappuccino,” fennel confit, crispy chickpeas, and piquillo pesto, both paired with Pierre Vincent Girardin Bourgogne Chardonnay “Éclat de Calcaire” 2021. Mains started with French Farmed Pigeon, slow-cooked pigeon breast, duck liver, pigeon leg confit stuffed with pine nuts and sunflower seeds, with Savoy cabbage in two textures, paired with Domaine Chantal Lescure Pommard Premier Cru “Les Bertins” 2019, followed by the very tender A4 Sendai Wagyu Short Rib with celeriac, and three mushrooms (king oyster, porcini, shiitake), edamame (Japanese beans), truffled potato fondant, Madeira mirin paired with Chateau Chantalouette, Pomerol 2019. The perfect ending to an exquisite meal was Auro Chocolate — flexi ganache, chocolate ganache, fresh berries, and mint The wines were sourced in partnership with Premium Wine Exchange.

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Flame Restaurant is located on the 16th floor of Discovery Primea. Call landline (02)7955 8888 or email [email protected] for inquiries or reservations. Visit www.discoveryprimea.com or follow Discovery Primea on Facebook or @discoveryprimea on Instagram.

'Six' comes to Manila

The Queens are finally here! Kenny Wax, Wendy & Andy Barnes and George Stiles, in association with GMG Productions, announced the full company for the upcoming Six the Musical international tour.

I have always been fascinated with the tale of King Henry VIII and his six wives and the much-awaited comedy opens in Manila next month!

The queens are Billie Kerr as Catherine of Aragon, Yna Tresvalles as Anne Boleyn, Liberty Stottor as Jane Seymour, Hannah Victoria as Anna of Cleves, Lizzie Emery as Katherine Howard, and Eloise Lord as Catherine Parr. They are joined by alternates Izzy Formby-Jackson, Lorren Santo-Quinn, Erin Summerhayes, and Milly Willows.

GMG Productions’ CEO Carlos Candal shared, “We know fans have been eagerly waiting for this moment, and we couldn’t be happier to welcome the new SIX queens to Manila. Filipinos will be thrilled to see them take the stage with unmatched energy, talent, and passion to tell this extraordinary story.”

The hit production has been met with widespread critical acclaim since its first staging in 2017. The UK’s Daily Telegraph declared it “The best the West End has to offer” and US’ New York Times described it as “pure entertainment.”

Written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, the modern-pop inspired musical brings these historical figures to life, portraying them as fierce and influential pop stars in their own right. SIX tells the story of the six wives of King Henry VIII — Catherine of Aragon (divorced), Anne Boleyn (beheaded), Jane Seymour (died), Anna of Cleves (divorced), Katherine Howard (beheaded), and Catherine Parr (outlived to remarry) — each telling their own story and reclaiming their own narrative. Here’s an interesting fact: The two beheaded wives were first cousins.

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Six the Musical will run in Manila for a strictly limited season from Oct. 4 to 20 at The Theatre at Solaire with tickets on sale through TicketWorld. The Manila Season is produced by GMG Productions. For updates and exclusive announcements, visit www.gmg-productions.com or follow @gmg.productions on Instagram and Facebook.

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