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MAY 20-MAY 26, 2007 |
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DINING |
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The Ottoman Empire cut a wide swath not just through the annals of civilization, but also across the culinary map. Much of the Mediterranean and the Middle East was indelibly marked by this imperial behemoth’s cultural, historical, and gastronomical stamp. This continents-spanning power served both as a conduit and a barrier between what was then the European West and the Exotic East, adapting and influencing the ways of life of every society it touched for more than six centuries.
The Mandarin Oriental follows the many-storied caravan trail of the celebrated Silk Road which traverses this vast melting pot of cultures. For the enjoyment of Manila residents, the hotel has brought together varied elements and cuisines from North Africa, Persia, India, Greece and the Mediterranean, with the treasured spices and gracious service of the Far East. Like the tales of Scheherazade of Arabic lore, 12 “Arabian Nights” shall unfold every evening, 7 to 11pm at the Paseo Uno poolside of the hotel until May 27.
This feast for the senses at the Mandarin Oriental is made possible with the help of Qatar Airways, Best World Beverage Brands and the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia. |
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Lebanese guest chef Rgheb bou Dargham preparing shish kebabs
H.E. Ambassador Mohammed Ameen Mohammed Wali of Saudi Arabia, Best World Beverage Brands president Edna Diaz and Qatar Airways Area Manager Mohammed Riyaz along with other distinguished guests and media personalities graced the lavish event, presided over by uber-GM Helmut Gaisberger, which kicked off the series of Arabesque evenings.
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With intricately woven tents, carpets and tapestries, smoky candles and lamps and a liberal sprinkling of spices, the Paseo Uno poolside was transformed into a scene right out of Topkapi Palace. The ever-attentive Mandarin Oriental staff were all garbed in appropriately striking Arabic garb while an authentic Lebanese band and belly dancers completed the exotic entertainment. Lebanese guest chef Rgheb bou Dargham of Movenpick Hotel Beirut was purposefully flown in for this two-week feast, preparing an array of delectable dishes that are mostly traditionally served only during grand celebrations such as wedding receptions and religious festivals.
The sumptuous spread consists of cold mezze (from tabbouleh to hummus), hot mezze (including fish with chili and kofta), and a buffet of expertly-seasoned roast whole lamb, chicken and beef, either cut to spec, or served as shish kebab or shawarma. To perk you up or refresh the palate, Arabic coffee and arak (anise-flavored distilled alcohol) are poured, as well as an assortment of delightfully-flavored shishas (smoking pipes). Interesting sweets and desserts ranging from rose-flavored custard sprinkled with pistachio nuts and nutty baklava round out the adventure in fascinating taste sensations.
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What’s On at the Hotels |
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Here are the latest updates on hotel offerings and more:
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The Lounge at the ground floor of the Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila is offering a 20 percent discount on cigar purchases for every purchase of single malt whiskey. Puff out a Cohiba, Monte Cristo or Trinidad and complement it with a glass of Johnnie Walker Green Label, Old Bushmill, Aberlour Single Malt, Glenfiddich or The Macallan. (02)245-1234.
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Tosca at the mezzanine level of Dusit Hotel Nikko recently opened its doors with an extensive menu and wine selections. Chef Alessio Loddo of Sardinia, Italy interprets classic Italian dishes with a twist such as Fetuccine Al Nero Di Sepia Con Crema Di Porri Con Gamberoni (homemade squid ink fettucine pasta served with fresh tiger prawns and a light creamy leek sauce reduction). Furthermore, guests can sample a wide array of Old World (Italian and French) and New World (Australian, USA and Chilean) wines by the glass with the innovative Verre de Vin wine preservation system. (02)867-3333.
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FAB at the fourth floor of Holiday Inn Galleria Manila has an ongoing Kids Dine for Free promo where children seven
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years old and younger get to eat with their parents whether it be breakfast, lunch or dinner, at no cost. Promo is valid everyday, including holidays. Limit four children per family. (02)633-7111.
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Seasons at the Manila Pavilion Hotel spices up your May weekends with a tasteful Indian fest: papadom with mango chutney and spicy mint dip, vegetable samosa, Punjabi lentil soup, lamb leg paired with shrimp and fish pacora, yellow daal, basmati or biryani rice, mango lassi, nan bread…The buffet is open for lunch and dinner and is priced at Php900. (02)526-1212 ext. 2318.
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Manila Pavilion Hotel is saying thanks to its loyal clients with a Pavilion Gold Dining Privilege Card. Members can get dining discounts at the hotel’s fine-dining Rotisserie, Malaysian-Cantonese restaurant Peony Garden, international diner Seasons, Patisserie bakeshop and cosmopolitan bar Boulvar. For Php5,888 net, members can also get discount benefits at different Waterfront properties such as the Waterfront Cebu City, Mactan and Davao. (02)526-1212 ext. 2520 or 2521.
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An Afternoon Tea with Me |
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By Jacqueline L. Ong |
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What’s a better way to spend a lazy Friday afternoon than a tete-a-tete with some good ol’ friends, taking bites off some good pastries, sipping fine tea and with a piano solo playing in the background? Well, nothing… or maybe an early weekend retreat to the countryside? But not being a spur-of-the-moment type of person to just drive off at the slightest lure of an unplanned out-of-town getaway, a visit to The Peninsula’s much talked about Afternoon Tea would have to do. And it proved to be just as relaxing, and like a vacation, something you’ll never get tired of.
Over freshly baked scones served with mascarpone cheese clotted cream and fruit preserves, crisp flaky puff pastry, gooey and definitely chocolate-y chocolate pudding, fruit tarts, soft cheesecakes and some other goodies, we were like English royalty in cardigan and denims. To chase it all down was flowing tea served in a fine delicate china teapot set with a fancy silver-plated tea strainer. I’ve never seen such an intriguingly cute small thing quite like it. It so piqued my curiosity, it would have “accidentally” slid down my bag were it not for obvious etiquette that seems to resound from the high-ceilings of the hotel throughout the left side of the lobby area
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where we dined like okay, not princes and duchess, but regal court guests. I think I should stop the role-playing, heck, even a single fly came passing by our table to buzz us up from our daydreaming.
Looking around me, other people seemed to be having a good time as well. On my left was a mixed group of locals and expats celebrating a birthday. How’d I know? The classical music serenading us from up above the hotel’s balcony suddenly changed keys to F-C-F-Bb-F-C-F. (That’s “Happy Birthday To You.”) On the other side appeared to be a meeting of some sorts because they were all dressed in those uptight all-black suits… Funny how the whole stiff image crumbled upon seeing them fuss over the pastries like frustrated connoisseurs. And believe me, I think it’s over this made-up setting that intimate conversations are made of.
Just passing time there from 3-5:30pm, I heard several refreshing music unusual in Philippine dining places where yakking, guffaws, singing and loud discussions are usually mainstays to the ears. Friendly laughs, casual talk, light-hearted chats… it was such a pleasant and serendipitous moment to just sit and loosen up.
Care for a Friday afternoon tea with me?
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The afternoon tea crowd at the Peninsula lobby
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