Santi and Marilen Elizalde like to go away from the city on weekends. They can either go to the beach or spend time in Anya Resort in Tagaytay to breathe clean, countryside air. The president of Anya Hospitality Corporation and his wife both love nature, and when they hosted a lunch at the luxury destination, the staff prepared a nature-themed table set with foliage from the gardens.
Before the meal proper, light appetizers were served around a coffee table in the terrace. The chef and his team prepared some home cooked spreads made from freshly sourced ingredients. Besides the wine, there were drinks of homemade fresh fruit punch to accompany the finger food.
When lunch was ready, guests gathered around a rustic countryside set up. Greenery from the garden was designed in a lush arrangement that brought the outdoors inside and on to the table. Amidst the lush foliage were coasters cut from small tree trunks. Each had the names of the guests carved by the house engineer and indicated the seating arrangements.
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Antique silverware from a private collection was combined with modern Lucerne chinaware. Drinks were poured into Schott Swesei stemware and handmade green colored glasses. There were mini chopping boards with slices of homemade multigrain breads with a jar of extra virgin olive oil beside. Adding to the touch of old world graciousness were the customized table napkins with old look silver ring trio.
Espousing sustainability, Anya sources micro greens from local farmers who have farms nearby. The staff offered some of the food but when the large fish and the whole roasted lamb were served, everyone stood up to appreciate the main courses set up on a separate table. The chef carved the 19-kilogram lamb that was cooked for five hours in 120 degrees. As with any good meal, there was wine to accompany the repast, a white Drouhin Vaudon Chablis Premier Cru Vaillons and a red RODA 1 Rioja Alta 2009 Tempranillo Reserva. Everyone toasted with the Cava Gramona Imperial Reserva, a classic that went nicely with all the food.
Scroll down to see more photos from Santi and Marilen Elizalde’s countryside feast…
This article was originally published in our latest coffee table book “Lifestyle Asia. Millennials. Travel. Entertaining.” To see more parties from Manila’s most discerning hosts and hostesses, you can purchase the book by sending us a private message on Instagram (@lifestyle_asia) or on our Facebook page. The book is also available in leading bookstands.
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