Thursday, September 11, 2008 Utzurrum: Culinary journeys to Spain and Switzerland By Chinggay V. Utzurrum the scene
“WE had such positive response and unprecedented attendance in last year’s Swiss Foodfest, that we’re having it again by popular request” announced Marco Polo Plaza Hotel general manager Hans Hauri. He’s as Swiss as the Alps, but has since become warm like a Cebuano!
So, three weeks ago, Swiss National Day in Cebu was celebrated with all the hoopla!
Opening rite was the ringing of the bells of Notre Dame de Visitacion in Martigny in the Swiss canton of Valais. The speech of the president of the Swiss Confederation Pascal Couchepin was read. This was followed by a message by the Swiss Ambassador to the Philippines Peter Sutter, who was very visible, with his embassy’s deputy head of mission, Irene Flueckiger.
Highlight was the gastronomic array of Swiss cheeses, with my favorite, Raclette, having the longest queue.
Also attracting culinary attention were the Alpine-dried beef, cheese fondue, wurst salat with kaese, breaded suckling lamb, creamy polenta with gorgonzola, salmon basil style— too many to mention all.
To enhance Swiss ambience at the hotel’s Garden Terrace, there was the presence of Swissy the Cow, the lighting and significance of the bonfire in early Switzerland, as a means of communication. There were fun contests galore, like a yodeling competition, which was amazingly won by a Korean guest!
To name more exciting games: the Wheel of Fortune, Swiss Quiz and the much-awaited raffle draw of a round trip airline ticket to Zurich, which went to our lucky colleague, Consul Jaime Picornell.
As if to celebrate a perfect end to a memorable evening, fireworks lighted the velvet black sky, with a silky stretch of sunbursts and silver! Happy Swiss National Day, and the party had just begun!
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From one European country to another, we now fly to sunny Spain via the Spanish Food Fest, Sabores de España, also at the Marco Polo Hotel, which is ongoing till Sept. 14.
The hotel’s events staff, headed by Carlo Borromeo, spread out the red-and-yellow carpet of welcome with the opening marked by the slicing of the famous Jamon Serrano!
Savor succulent chorizos, croquettes, calamares, the specialty caldo Gallego, main courses lengua, paella Valenciana, pollo ala chilindron, pescados, etc. Don’t miss the signature tapa of Spain, the tortilla de patatas and aceitunas y queso manchego en vinagreta!
After hotel GM Hans Hauri donned a red-and-yellow apron, Spain’s national colors, and gave the three guests of honor—Honorary Consul to Spain (Cebu) Jaime Picornell, Amigos de España president Amparito Lhuillier, culinary consultant Gema Luisa Pido—an apron each, the unique “slicing of the ham” commenced the festival.
The entertainment was likewise Iberian-inspired. Talented artists who studied in Spain, guitarist Adolfo Timuat and partner Flamenco dancer Jessie Santos, emerged and fleshed out the fieriness and frenzy of the Spanish soul!
Selected guests who partook of the goodies on opening night included members of the Amigos De España, and Casino Español de Cebu.
And for this superb, well-attended event, Marco Polo would like to thank the Honorary Consulate of Spain in Cebu and Cebu Pacific Air!
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The very popular self-improvement, self-analysis seminar, Personal Awareness and Leadership Seminar (Pals) will start on Sept. 19, 20 and 21 (that’s Friday to Sunday) from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Parklane International Hotel.
Make a difference in your life or in your loved ones by joining this seminar which has an absolutely positive effect on the participants. Changes in attitudes, mostly for the better, will and can be achieved in just three days! For more info, please call Marget Villarica or Leny at 231-2461.
