Life / Epicure
turned from blue, to gold, to orange, and then,
navy. As night settled, guests were escorted
to a secluded cove within the resort where an
interactive kitchen experience awaited. Tables were
angled towards the chefs’ set-up, allowing diners
a close-up look at the action. Lights, LED screens,
and even a sailboat transformed the waterfront
space into a spectacular events venue.
The lights grew dim, music flowed in, and the
pitch-black ocean lit up with multicoloured lasers.
From around the corner of a rock formation in the
ocean, Reservations In Paradise’s spectacular culinary
team arrived via speedboat. They docked onto shore
and immediately moved to their stations to begin
preparations. Shangri-La chefs Gilles Galli, Joris Rycken,
Alain Rion, and Anna Atilon were joined by guest chef
Michel Portos, an international culinary talent who has
been awarded two Michelin stars. It was like a dance,
every move choreographed to perfection. The weekend
had only just begun, and already the bar was raised
high. Lichaytoo welcomed his guests and introduced
six phenomenal Marchesi Antinori wines to accompany
the 12-course dinner. From the Cervaro della Sala to the
Solaia, all offerings were beyond satisfactory. To the side
was a lounge and bar on the sand where guests could
kick back, relax, and enjoy a nightcap.
“We first decide which vineyards to invite. Then we
conceptualise the type of event to create. The menu
is then made with the great wines as inspiration,” said
Lichaytoo. “The vineyard must be a recognised premium
brand that is able to attract a higher level of participants.
We aim for variety during each weekend, such as having an
Italian selection for one dinner and a French for the next.
Antinori, for example, is a 26-generation family vineyard
that has been around for more than 500 years. They are
definitely the first family of Italian wines.”
Day 2
Sunlight trickled into the room as a gentle wake-up
call—a reminder to not miss brunch! Tucked away on
one of Shangri-La Boracay’s gardens just a hop away
Guests enjoy a world-
class stay at this
Shangri-La property
for three days, featuring
internationally
acclaimed food and
beverage prepared by
top-shelf talents
90 philippine tatler. august 2019