The Great British Festival invades Cebu
British food is uncomplicated, comforting and holds a treasure house of familiar, cherished flavors. While it is not noted for sauces and refinements, it depends substantially on the excellence of the raw materials, seasonal crops and a simple style of preparation that give the flavor of the food a chance to retain its true taste.
Though globalization have changed British tastes somewhat over the years, there are quite a few classic dishes that remain top of the list.
Cebuanos had a taste of these quintessential treats during the recent Great British Festival hosted by the British Embassy Manila at The Cabin of the Pig & Palm. In its fifth year and first time to be held in Cebu, the event was attended by luminaries from the social and corporate scenes including UK Honorary Consul in Cebu Tamsin Booth. The British Embassy Manila was well represented by director for trade and investment Mike Moon, second secretary for political and strategic communications Vicki Bates and trade manager April Cheng.
Garrison Rosseau, Belinda Wong, Frances Siao, Tessie Javier
True to its vision of providing a Michelin-level dining experience, The Pig & Palm sourced the beef from East Anglia through C&K Meats, whose history in the industry stretches back over 200 years. C&K Meats handpicks the best breeds that graze on a rich diversity of grasses in river valleys, salt marshes, and meadows, giving their meat an incredible flavour and texture fit for the most discerning palates around the world.
Guests indulged in a traditional Beef Wellington with truffle mashed potatoes and honey glazed carrots, beef tartare with truffle goat’s curd and pickled onions, and fillet or ribeye Steak. A special Johnnie Walker-based cocktail was also available for the duration of the event.
The successful and well-attended festival demonstrated that the United Kingdom has endless choices of food to explore and enjoy, which stretch far beyond the stereotype cuisine of fish and chips, cottage pie, roast beef and Yorkshire pudding.
Vicki Bates and Mike Moon of The British Embassy Manila (first and third from left) with Mariquita and Carlos Yeung
