The Flavors of Christmas: Cirque du Noel at Discovery Suites Ortigas

Christmas just got an exciting and flavorful new spin...

Discovery Suites Ortigas brings you the magical experience of a circus draped in the festive mood of the holiday season, Cirque du Noel, for a unique Christmas experience. At the lobby, one can take in the yuletide vibe with a variety of gifts and goodies from different booths from November 16, 2015 to January 6, 2016. And you can also indulge in delectable food offerings best shared with family and friends to spread the holiday spirit...

All these, lead to a ceremonial tree lighting activity on November 25, 2015 at 6:30 pm as Discovery Suites Ortigas transforms into a unique Christmas circus. And no celebration would be complete without a sumptuous holiday-inspired menu, at 22 Prime. At the exclusive preview, we got to taste the unique flavors of Cirque du Noel...

Nothing like a few cocktails to get you in the holiday groove. Noted New York-based mixologist and consultant, Enzo Lim (L) shared his creative cocktails for a tipple before dinner.  Enzo Lim starts our round of cocktails with his refreshing take on the Tom Collins, infused with Chamomile tea, the Camille Collins (R), with gin and lemon...

...followed by his playfully inventive Breakfizz of Champions (L) with bacon and egg in a cocktail. And it gets better. Enzo Lim reinvents the classic Old-Fashioned with his wittingly named Foie Old Time's Sake (R), infused with foie gras. The subtle hint of the foie gras is layered perfectly by the smoky and orange notes for balanced flavors. 

But Enzo Lim wasn't done quite yet, with even more new and equally inventive cocktails up his sleeves (more on Enzo Lim and his cool cocktail creations on my previous post here). I go for one more round of Enzo Lim's Foie Old Time's Sake before dinner, a personal favorite, as freshly-baked bread baskets were laid on the dinner table. 

The Discovery Leisure Company Inc.'s Corporate Chef Anthony Raymond (L) welcomed guests to the exclusive preview of the special Four-Course holiday menu at 22 Prime,  a celebration of the season's rich flavors in four elegant dishes.  Enzo Lim's refreshing and soothing Daiquiri de Bilbao (R), infused with Chorizo, set the mood...

...as the first course was served, the elegantly presented Chilean Sea Bass Fritter on Piquillo Pepper Aioli. The delicate notes of the Chilean Sea Bass are punctuated by the sweet and smoky hints of the Piquillo Pepper Aioli for rich flavors.

Then, the beautifully plated Foie Gras Terrine with Petite Greens, Dried Fruit Compote, and Red Grape Gastrique was served next. The festive colors of the dish also served as a visual cue to the rich and vibrant flavors of the different components of the dish. The terrine just melts in your mouth releasing an indulgent richness that covers your mouth with the distinct notes of the foie gras. The fresh greens, dried fruit compote, and grape gastrique add contrasting notes to temper the richness of the terrine. The dish is paired with Stone Cellars by Beringer Chardonnay...

...or you can pair it with Enzo Lim's Dona Sol (R), an equally elegant and smooth blend of local dalandan liqueur, whiskey, sweet vermouth, and fresh orange juice. The tart and smoky notes of the Dona Sol cuts the richness of the terrine and cleanses the palate, preparing you for another bite. 

For the third course, we were served a comforting Pumpkin Bisque with Melted Leeks and Crab Ravioli, combining the delicate yet rich notes of seafood with the rustic flavors of pumpkin in a bowl. The distinct flavors of the soft crabmeat-filled ravioli comes through, with layers of creamy sweetness from the thick pumpkin bisque. It's a flavorful combination, best paired with the clean and refreshing notes of the Daiquiri de Bilbao. The sweet flavors of pumpkin adds rich, festive and homey flavors to the holiday menu at 22 Prime.

Then, it was time for the main dish, 22 Prime's signature USDA Angus Prime Rib Eye with Purple Potato Puree, Aromatic Vegetables, and Green Peppercorn Sauce, perfectly grilled to medium. Tender and juicy, each bite bursts with rich beefy notes, with its even marbling for more flavor. It's the dish that adds that exclamation point to celebrate the holiday season at 22 Prime.

The dish is served with thick and sweet green peppercorn sauce, but this premium slab of beef is really great as is, without the sauce. Pair it with a glass of Altozano Finca Constancia Tempranillo, a Dona Sol...

...or the Foie Old Time's Sake, with its smooth yet smoky notes to balance the richness of the USDA Angus Prime Rib Eye. Perfect.

Other mains at 22 Prime's Four Course Holiday Menu include the Double Smoked Bacon Turkey Roulade as another main dish option.  You can enjoy 22 Prime's Four Course Holiday Menu from December 16, 2015 to January 1, 2016, 12:30 pm to 10:30pm for only P 2,000 net per person. For those who want to celebrate Christmas Eve in the hotel, 22 Prime offers Prime Rib Eye and Holiday Turkey with decadent pastries for dessert priced at P 2,300 net. But save room for dessert...

TDLCI's Corporate Chef, Anthony Raymond, invited guests to the dessert area as 22 Prime's culinary team prepared the finale for our special preview of the holiday menu. In a series of swift yet deliberate motions, the chefs created a visually stunning canvas of chocolate art, with swirls of dark and white chocolate on glass.

And as more elements were added, 22 Prime's impressive edible art slowly takes shape...

Thin shards of white and dark chocolate are added, as well as more chunks of chocolate, and the chocolate art piece is complete. The performance was entertaining, all the while restraining yourself from grabbing that chocolate praline on the far side.

22 Prime's impressive Dessert Buffet, with Assorted Pralines, Chocolate Covered Strawberries, Chocolate Tart, Duo of Chocolate Mousse, Chocolate Creme Brulee, Chocolate Macaroons, Decadent Chocolate Cake, and moist Fudge Brownies. Pure chocolate bliss on glass.

As a final touch, the Chocolate Creme Brulee was ignited with its thin streaks of blue flame rising, and it's the cue everyone was waiting for, as plates were passed. And you can get as much as you like, and even come back for seconds. And thirds. 

And you just can't have enough chocolates, more so during the holiday season. And it's the perfect way to cap your holiday dining experience at 22 Prime.

You can also indulge in the sweet and delectable Gingerbread Cheesecake, a rich and creamy dessert topped with fresh strawberries and chocolate shards with that distinct bite of ginger. This special holiday treat will be available from November 16, 2015 to January 6, 2016. And there's more. Holiday room packages are also available when you book on December 1-30, 2015 and January 1-31, 2016, with rates starting at P 5,000 net in a Junior Suite inclusive of breakfast buffet for two.

Cocktails, dining, or a holiday stay...jump start the holidays at Discovery Suites Ortigas with Cirque du Noel, and indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of the season at 22 Prime.

22 Prime is located at the 22nd Floor of Discovery Suites Ortigas, 25 ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City or call 719-8888, email rsvn@discovery.com.ph or visit http://www.discoverysuites.com/ for inquiries and reservations.

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