What's On & Expat - Philippines

Some people need a reason to throw a party but restaurateur Tita Meneses Trillo knows better: life is too short to miss out on the things that matter, like enjoying the company of good friends and family. It’s no surprise that a party hosted by Trillo, who runs the well-stocked cellar-cum-bistro La Vigne and Titania Wine Cellar and is known as much for her hospitality as she is for her exquisite taste in wines, would not be complete with out popping a cork (or two or three…) of a bottle of good wine paired with a memorable meal.
Recently, a small group of Trillo’s

friends got a taste of la dolce vita (the sweet life) with a four-course Italian wine dégustation dinner featuring the wines of Piccini at Le Soufflé in The Fort. Guests, including Petron outgoing president Khaled Al-Faddagh, Secure Commerce Inc.’s Karl Hudson McLean, United International Pictures general manager Selina Gecolea, Rosie Harrigan, Cook Magazine editor-in-chief Nancy Reyes-Lumen and Jenny Santi, mixed and mingled sipping cocktails (Bella Mia Bianco IGT Sicilia 2006 and Bella Mia Rosso IGT Sicilia 2006) before tucking into an exquisite dining experience masterfully executed by chef Andreas Katzer.

Katzer, as always, delivered a sophisticated and creative menu that piqued the palate and had guests murmuring with delight as soon as the first course was served. For starters, layers of fresh Buffalo Mozzarella with plump cherry tomatoes and basil on Mesculin greens and Balsamic vinaigrette served with a light and refreshing Orvieto Classico DOC 2005 followed by a smooth and creamy watercress and frog

legs soup.
  The main course–a tantalizing fusion of shiitake risotto with succulent steamed crab claws topped with saffron jus and lemongrass¬accompanied by a beautiful Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC was matched by an equally tempting tender veal scallopini with fresh sage and parma ham on tomato linguine and nicely paired with a delightful two-year oak aged Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2003–packed a flavorful one-two punch.

  By the time dessert was served, which consisted of luscious helping of soft, spongy iced tiramisu, the table of diners was utterly and completely seduced by the sweet dining experience that left everyone pleasantly satiated and, most of all, captured the spirit of its hostess: warm, passionate and engaging. Now that’s definitely a good reason to pop open a bottle and toast to the good life!

Latitude at Traders Hotel Manila:
Drawing a New Line in Dining
By C. Jude Defensor

The Traders Hotel Manila, a Shangri-la managed property, now boasts of Latitude, a fresh new gastronomic destination that offers a new experience in the modern dining scene of the Roxas Boulevard area.    Executive Sous Chef Edwin Santos brings his mastery of cuisine to the Latitude kitchen. Santos honed his skills as an apprentice in various international hotel chains. Before Latitude, he was part of the opening team of Circles at Makati		Kitchie Paulino, Makati Shangri-La VP and general manager Greg Dogan and Tradesr Hotel general manager Andrea Mastellone
Shangri-la.    The 150-seat restaurant offers varied dining experiences. The culinary showplace’s 12 course menus change daily, composed of seasonal, local produce and superior ingredients enhanced by Santos’ vision and classic culinary skill. Pampered by the Traders brand of service, guests		will enjoy tableside presentations of carved meats, soups, salads, cheeses and desserts. True to the resto’s name, the a la carte menus feature dishes from the countries located around the same circle of latitude as the Traders. These include the Philippines, Guatemala, Mexico, South Africa and Thailand. The contemporary furnishings in warm woods and muted fabrics complement the elegant lighting that graces the restaurants interior.

Latitude at Trades Hotel Manila

Intimate, high- backed booth seating adds to the space’s laidback mood. Latitude also offers a semi-private area for special occasions and intimate events. The restaurant’s dining room was designed by promising talent Kaye Fordelon Tagle. Latitude is open daily from 6am until 11pm

   Hyatt Hotel and Casino in Manila celebrates Mid-Autumn Festival at the Pastry Boutique with the traditional sweet delicacy mooncake. Pastry chef Johann Dreisger has recreated the lotus-filled delights as works of art in his chocolate mooncakes called LiliMoon. The designer mooncakes are only available until the end of the month.
 

era Grand Prix in Athens that gave her the opportunity to work alongside esteemed opera stars Dame Joan Sutherland and Madame Gundula Janowitz.

    Devarana Spa on the second floor of the Dusit Hotel Nikko presents its two guest therapists Yupaporn Pana and Supichar Meeboonya. Staying at the hotel until the end of October, they would be lending their knowledge on the inner workings of the body through their skills in Thai massage. A uniquely relaxing and energizing experience, Thai massage is an interactive manipulation of the body using passive stretching and gentle pressure in key points of the body.

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   Gambrinus Bar at the Hotel Intercontinental presents Jennifer Uy on the evening of September 21 with a repertoire of popular opera, jazz, R&B and Broadway compositions. A scholar at Canada’s New School of Classical Music, she has had the honor of representing the Philippines and Canada in the Maria Calls Op