Lechon with truffle oil? Manila Hotel does it well

Already sinful and luxurious, how can the lowly lechon get any more rich and delicious?

In the able hands of the country’s “Lechon Diva,” Dedet de la Fuente-Santos, the possibilities are endless. As guest chef of Manila Hotel’s Cafe Ilang-Ilang, which is holding its Filipino Food Festival from Sept. 11 to 27, Dedet — who owns Pepita’s Kitchen — took the sosyal route as she stuffed her lechon de leche with rice flavored with French truffle oil and mushrooms. She calls it Ooh la la Si Bon Lechon.

The intoxicating aroma of truffles wafted in the air as soon as the chef thrust the knife into the ribs. The crackle of crisp skin and the steam emitting from its juicy meat was enough to whet the appetite. So I scooped out the flavored rice, took a sinful portion of the skin, indulged and just savored the experience.

In between mouthfuls, chef Dedet shared that this stuffed lechon was hailed as Asia’s best dish in London’s Chowzter awards given by food experts and bloggers.

“Food blogger Anton Diaz asked me to give it a try. The Chowzters wanted something different, uniquely Pinoy. And what would be more Pinoy than lechon?” Dedet said.

So the Pinoy lechon has gone global. This best describes chef Dedet’s lechon specialties. There’s Manileña, Spanish chorizo with taba ng talangka rice stuffing; the German Lechon stuffed with potatoes and whole onions; and the Christmas Lechon, which is roasted with chestnuts, almonds and nuts, among others.

For Cafe Ilang Ilang’s Filipino food festival, the Lechon Diva showcases her Pinoy Lechon, which is stuffed with tocino rice, and other delectable Pinoy fare such as hiplog (a shrimp dish with salted egg sauce), balut salpicao, and crab with taba ng talangka sauce.  For dessert, chef Dedet serves her award-winning Super Suman and Mango Trifle.

Chef Dedet collaborates with Manila Hotel executive chef Konrad Walter to give diners a truly Pinoy dining experience. The Filipino spread is just a delicious addition to Cafe Ilang Ilang’s extensive buffet selection.

The restaurant is decked with kiping-inspired lanterns and other ornaments reminiscent of town fiestas. Not to be missed are the hotel’s special bibingka and puto bumbong stations at the al fresco area.

During the launch, Manila Hotel’s event partner Philippine Airlines raffled off a round-trip ticket to Cebu City. 

“Manila Hotel’s Filipino Food Festival celebrates not just the best of Filipino cuisine but also our heritage and Filipino artistry,” enthused Nian Liwanag-Rigor, assistant vice president for public relations and corporate communications, Manila Hotel.

Hotel guests can check out the exquisitely romantic Maria Clara gowns and modern ternos by designer Jo Rubio featured in “The Art. The Romance. The Filipiniana” fashion exhibit at the iconic lobby of the Grand Dame. Artworks by Patsy Paterno, Peggy Pilapil-Lasa, and Martie Datu will deck the wall at the entrance of Cafe Ilang-Ilang during the festival period.

Indeed, Cafe Ilang-Ilang’s Filipino Food Festival at Manila Hotel is a feast for the senses.

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The Filipino Food Festival runs from Sept. 11 to 27 at Cafe Ilang-Ilang, Manila Hotel. For reservations, call 527-0011 or visit www.manila-hotel.com.ph.