Milestones and Classic Flavors: The Fiesta Filipino with Chef Myrna Segismundo at The Peninsula Manila

 The Lobby of The Peninsula Manila, the grand and elegant gateway to the iconic hotel, remains at the heart of a historic milestone, with a celebration of festive local flavors...

The Peninsula Manila celebrates its 40th Anniversary with a special tribute to Philippine cuisine with special dishes created by noted Filipino Chef Myrna Segismundo in a festival dubbed Fiesta Filipino from June 9 to June 19, 2016 at The Lobby.  A passionate advocate of Filipino gastronomy, Chef Myrna Segismundo shares twelve commemorative dishes reflecting the country's vibrant culinary heritage. And there's just no better place to savor and celebrate classic local flavors than at The Peninsula Manila's famed lobby...

The Lobby at The Peninsula Manila is considered one of the city's famous landmarks, known for its impressive and elegant interiors, its comforting 24-hour menu, and live orchestra. The special preview for Fiesta Filipino, held at the Upper Lobby overlooking The Peninsula Manila's elegant main lobby, set the tone for the evening... 

...with tables set with the finest silver and china, capped by colorful floral arrangements. Celebrated furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue's innovative and whimsical yet functional pieces added another layer of local flavor to the evening with his Chiquita stools (L), as local classics were performed by The Lobby's live orchestra (R).

It is, after all, The Lobby, and you can expect the very best. Along with the distinctly local flavors prepared by guest chef Myrna Segismundo, some of the best local craft beers from Juan Brew (L) and Pedro Brewcrafters (R) were served (more on Pedro Brewcrafters and their line of craft beer on my previous post, Meet Pedro). 

Also at the special preview, world-class local spirits were served, including VuQo Premium Vodka (L), distilled from coconut water; and Don Papa Rum (R), made from sugar cane from the south, the base for some creative cocktails served that evening. It was a celebration of local flavors, made even more special at The Lobby.  

Another round of cocktails...

...paired with Chef Myrna Segismundo's Kinilaw (L) gets you in the groove in no time. Fresh and clean flavors paired with a stiff yet soothing cocktail, it just can't get better than that. After a brief introduction, guest chef Myrna Segismundo (R) heads right back to the kitchen to prepare the next set of appetizers.

Your Fiesta Filipino dining experience at The Lobby is off to a great start with guest chef Myrna Segismundo's tasty starters, including her signature Adobo Foie Gras and Truffle Pate, Spiced Black Angus Beef Tapa, Kesong Puti and Longganisa Recado, and Pastel de Pollio in a light a crisp pastry cup. Small bites with big and bold flavors, it's a preview of even more flavorful dishes yet to come...

After a few more rounds of cocktails, guest chef Myrna Segismundo's special dishes created for The Peninsula Manila's Fiesta Filipino festival were then served, starting with her Ensaladang Ukoy, combining the traditional shrimp fritter with fresh palm hearts, jicama, and pomelo drizzled with native honeyed patis. Chef Myrna Segismundo weaves contrasting textures and flavors in a refreshing dish, showcasing the best of local flavors. The fresh and clean notes of the palm hearts and jicama are punctuated by the sweet and tart pomelo and honeyed patis dressing, capped by the crisp shrimp fritter.

The comforting local flavors of batchoy and pork buns are recreated in another flavorful combo, the Batchoy & Pao, with pork, beef, and chewy egg noodles in a rich and hearty broth topped with chicharon paired with a freshly baked bun with a sweet and savory pork filling. The richness of the batchoy is complemented by the sweet and smoky pork bun for a duo of local flavors.

Chilean Sea Bass & Coco Crab, with tender and delicate sea bass on rich coconut cream and crab fat, served with crab rice, is Chef Myrna Segismundo's next dish. The subtle sweetness of the Chilean Sea Bass are kicked up a notch by the richness of the coconut cream and crab fat, with the equally rich crab rice completing the dish.

For the main course, Chef Myrna Segismundo's Roast Prime Rib Tagalog was served next, premium prime rib slow roasted for hours draped in a sweet and tart guava glaze, served with roasted garlic and stewed tomatoes. The infusion of familiar local notes, released in a burst of beefy flavors with every juicy bite, is perfectly executed by chef Myrna Segismundo for a whole new and refreshing take on prime rib. And that's what makes the Fiesta Filipino at The Lobby special, recreating and reinventing local flavors with new yet familiar and comforting dishes.

The Peninsula Manila offers even more flavors to celebrate its rich history, with a box of premium chocolates. Packed in an elegant box, it's a perfect gift for family and friends, and an indulgent well-deserved reward to yourself with that distinct Peninsula touch. One  more cocktail, and it's time for dessert...

For dessert, guest chef Myrna Segismundo served her signature Queso de Bola Cheesecake with sweet mangoes and muscovado caramel, a perfect ending to an elegant and festive feast at The Lobby. Celebrate local flavors at The Peninsula Manila with Fiesta Filipino by guest chef Myrna Segismundo, and fall in love with The Lobby all over again. But better hurry, Fiesta Filipino runs only until July 19. See you at The Lobby...

The Peninsula Manila is located at the corner of Ayala and Makati Avenues, 1226 Makati City or call 887-8888 for inquiries and reservations.

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