A taste of Istanbul

“Istanbul…the constant beating of the wave of the East against the rock of the West.” — Susan Moody

A gastronomic exploration recently took place at Marco Polo Ortigas Manila with its Turkish Food Festival.

Led by general manager Frank Reichenbach and graced by guest of honor Turkish Ambassador Esra Cankorur, the food festival was an exclusive wine dinner that had the presence of notable VIPs from the business and social sectors.

(From left) Marco Polo Ortigas Manila’s Kristine Facto, Frank Reichenbach, chef Gürsel Keles and Stuart Stancombe.

Guests enjoyed a lavish four-course dinner curated and prepared by guest chef Gürsel Keles. The evening’s superb dishes of the best Turkish cuisine included a marinated sea bass with artichoke and beans, Turkish prawn and fish soup with vegetables and herbs, a slow braised lamb shank with Turkish spices and almond rice, baked rice pudding and coffee ice cream, and a special Turkish delight for dessert. Each meal was paired with sophisticated wines from the Mediterranean.

(From left) Charles Gamba, Kenneth Sinfuego, Ambassador Esra Cankorur, Ben Solis, Oskie Ravanera and Isaac Sabas.

Congratulations to Marco Polo Ortigas Manila for a successful Turkish Food Festival!

Greetings

Happy birthday to our celebrators today, business magnate “El Kapitan” Lucio Tan and socialite Leica Carpo.

Advance birthday greetings to Consul Vicente Carlos and socialite Nini Licaros, Nov. 19; Cary Lopez, National Artist for Visual Arts Arturo Luz and STAR’s Büm Tenorio Jr., Nov. 20; Raffy Abello and Pops del Rosario, Nov. 21; Titania Wines Inc. chairman Tita Trillo, Nov. 22; and Rose Orbigo, Nov. 24.

Happy wedding anniversary to Ronnie and Menchu Concepcion, Nov. 21. May you have many cherished years together.

So, how was your week?

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(For comments and inquiries, please e-mail me at jjlitton@indanet.com.)