KICKSTARTING the holiday season is Seda Ayala Center Cebu as it celebrated “Feliz: A Holiday Journey,” a culinary experience showcasing both culture and tradition on a plate.

It was on Oct. 24 to 25 that guests from the corporate and media sector were treated to a night of fine dining with its specially curated menu of timeless favorites served with a modern twist; but not before being serenaded with the musical stylings of The Mandaue Children’s Rondalla headed by Maestro Anthony Buenconsejo.

“At Seda, we always like to challenge conventions and think out of the box. While throwing in ideas on how to roll out our Christmas offerings, we thought of how to make the experience unique and memorable; thus, Feliz,” shared Seda’s director of sales and marketing, Frances Alfafara. “Feliz perfectly encapsulates how we experience the entire holiday journey as Filipinos.”

Some of the dishes whipped up included Simbang Gabi classics to Noche Buena favorites. The dinner started with puto maya paired with mango and sikwate; glazed ham with mesclun greens; pan-seared salmon on bed of mashed potato with balsamic reduction; and for dessert, choco lava cake with sweet, spicy and bitter chocolates.

Seda also partnered with The Chocolate Chamber by Raquel Choa, the Philippines’ “Chocolate Queen” for its sweet treats and general manager of Happy Living Philippines and world-renowned sommelier, Jullian Gagliardi, for the wine who also shared to the guests some tips on holiday pairings.

Its moments like these that remind us that it’s the simple things in life that bring the most joy. Nothing brings us more happiness than spending the holidays with good food surrounded by friends and family.

“Of course we would want them to feel the holiday spirit, even as early as October. And since we’re bringing culture and tradition to our guest’s table, we would want them to feel nostalgic of the good old days when they choose to dine at Misto this holiday season. To remember the most treasured memories of family and friends at Christmas time through the variety of local dishes served during Feliz,” said Seda’s marketing communications officer, Gabrielle Llanto.

Seda’s Feliz recipes will be available during Misto’s Christmas and New Year buffets.