The Peninsula at 40: ‘Da bes’ is yet to come
It is often said one reaches his/her peak in any profession at age 40. This may not be true for some, though, as there are late bloomers who would realize their full potential at a much later age.
But once in a millennium, a star falls from the sky and is destined for greatness from birth. That is the fate of The Peninsula Manila. It was predestined to be a shining star from day one: September 14, 1976.
As Mariano “Garch” Garchitorena, the hotel’s director of public relations, said in an interview: “The Peninsula Manila is commemorating four decades as one of the legends of Philippine hospitality since it first opened its doors 40 years ago. It is the second Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited property to bear the iconic Peninsula name after its namesake in Hong Kong. The hotel has been inextricably linked to the fortunes of the Philippines and Manila, the country and the city with whom it has enjoyed a 40-year-long relationship.”
Garch also shared that they aim to honor the hotel’s legacy during this milestone 40th-year anniversary with a string of happenings that include suite stays with the “Ruby Revelry” room package, holding a wedding fair in collaboration with Bulgari and Hèrmés Maison, the Peninsula Jeepney, the restoration of a priceless art collection by Philippine National Artist Ang Kiukok, the introduction of new Peninsula Academy programs, giving back to the community with its corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects, and celebrating 40 years of gastronomic excellence at Old Manila.
“The Old Manila,” he added, “is the undisputed grand dame of fine dining in the metropolis, and probably the oldest continuing fine dining restaurant as well. It stands proud and boasts of an impeccable culinary heritage that stretches back 40 years. We’re launching a milestone ‘Best of the Best’ menu of Old Manila classics the whole month of July. Its present chef de cuisine, Frenchman Bertrand Charles, has scoured its old menus and created a nostalgic à la carte and degustation menu that promises to be an exquisite gastronomic experience like no other.”
Sometime last week, “experience” we did this exquisite gastronomic experience as Garch had promised. And he did not disappoint. Chef Charles served us the four-course degustation menu with wine pairing.
It started with a bonus to tease our palates (not included in the four-course offering) of marinated organic salmon with pickled potatoes, carrots and shallots, culled from the “Best of the Best Business Lunch.”
The first course was the chef’s signature pan-seared foie gras (duck liver) sitting over a slice of yellow-fin tuna sashimi. Sandwiched in between them was caramelized apple and pickled ginger. The combination of the four ingredients, when placed into one’s mouth, makes a wonderful symphony of flavors and textures, punctuated by the umami of the foie gras. A smoked slipper lobster dish followed, cooked with butter and mascarpone cheese. These two dishes were paired with a French Chenin Blanc from Domaine Champalou.
Prior to the main course, another bonus came in the form of a scallop a la Parisienne, baked on the half shell with leeks and mushroom béchamel sauce. This was again culled from the Best of the Best Business Lunch menu.
The main course was a mini roulade of lean rabbit meat, wrapped in a thin strip of lard (pork fat), breaded and deep-fried. This was paired with a French red Domaine Du Grand Arc, Carignan. To cap off the dinner, a trio of chocolate treats was served: dark, milk and white.
French chef Bertrand Charles delivered the nostalgia of Old Manila with a fresh and new perspective, continuing the 40-year tradition of excellence of The Peninsula Manila.
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Old Manila’s Best of the Best Business Lunch is priced at P1,900+, the four-course degustation at P 2,980+, and with wine pairing at P4,480+. Best of the Best runs until July 30 at Old Manila, The Peninsula Manila. For inquiries and reservations, call 887-2888, extension 6694.
