It was an evening unlike any other. Then again, special evenings at Shangri-La are always memorable as a Shangri-La Tale unfolds for yet another unforgettable chapter...
It was an evening inspired by classic tales, recreated with lavish and masterfully executed set designs matched with impeccable cuisine. It's a major production, as Shangri-La Hotels hosted an appreciation dinner for friends, media and influencers in an evening of sights, sounds and flavors blending seamlessly in a layered tapestry of sensory elements. It's the way they do it Shangri-La, and for one evening, we immersed ourselves in an epic tableau of elegant performances and indulgent cuisine at Shangri-La at The Fort (for more on Shangri-La's themed and concept-driven culinary experiences, see my earlier post, Feeding Your Mood in Five Acts: Shangri-La's The Table by Golden Circle).
Drawing inspiration from tales of magic and sorcery, the master mixologists of Shangri-La concoct their wicked potions for the evening's revelry...
At the entrance of the first set located at Level 4 of Shangri-La at The Fort, guests were served tasty bites for a preview of even more savory delights yet to come. The hall is transformed with a dazzling array of colorful lights with an imposing long table at its center transporting you to a whole new world only imagined, until now. 
At the bar, rows of stylized glass decanters glow against the colorful lights, with the deep amber hues of fine Scotch whisky infused with smoke in a delicate blend shine, and maybe it was the evening's magical spell, but for sure, you get that feeling that you're being called for a tipple...
...and the master mixologists respond to your request with a handcrafted cocktail. Fire and smoke add to the evening's mystical vibe, as torches and smoke blend in a flurry of rapid motions. There's a whole lot going on for the preparation of one cocktail, but the master mixologists are up to the task... 
...and one sip is all you need to know that this is one shot that opens up so many possibilities. The deep yet elegantly smooth notes of the whisky are layered with a subtle hint of citrus capped by the lingering flavors of the infused smoke. And that calls for another round...
Then, the massive paintings on one side of the hall were slowly raised, revealing Shangri-La's top chefs in their elegantly framed live stations...
...and with the applause of the guests, performed their own culinary wizardry. Each of the four stations prepared tasty and elaborate appetizers, using smoke and even liquid nitrogen for their signature dishes reflecting Shangri-La's modern and contemporary culinary approach. 
At the far end, thin slices of premium beef are infused with smoke under a glass bowl finished by a drop of flavored oil while savory foie gras is delicately pan-seared in another station as finishing touches are done on a row of plates for dessert. Seeing the performance is an experience in itself, but this is just the beginning of a Shangri-La Tale...
Our culinary journey with A Shangri-La Tale began with paper-thin slices of Smoke-Infused Beef Carpaccio drizzled with Citrus Oil...
...followed by Pan-Seared Foie Gras on an elegantly plated dish...
...a bowl of fresh seafood Ceviche topped with icy liquid nitrogen frozen crumbles delivering vibrant flavors...
...and an elegant Cheesecake with berries, each one perfectly executed. One more bite, and we were directed to the next stage in A Shangri-La Tale...
...to another section of the hall decked out with elegant candelabras and fresh fruits like the royal courts of bygone times. Shangri-La excels in setting the mood with a sense of both time and place straight from your imagination.
From the ceiling...
...to the subtle glow of candles, A Shangri-La Tale is unveiled in a spectacle of vivid colors...
...and lavish flavors. The first course for the evening's dinner featured Shangri-La's Sea & Garden, an intricately plated course with Fillet of Halibut, herb beurre blanc, fennel and leaves served with a glass of Oakridge Over The Shoulder Chardonnay. The tender and flaky halibut just melts in your mouth releasing its briny sweetness capped by the smoky notes of delicately roasted vegetables and the rich herb-infused beurre blanc.
Before the second course, a palate cleanser was served, the Flower & Citrus with Yuzu Sherbet topped with homemade elderflower brew to open up your palate for the main course...
Then, Shangri-La entertained guests with live performances adding to the festive vibe of the evening kicked off by the familiar "singing candelabra" from that well-loved animated film...
...followed by the dramatic entrance of the film's lead character in another dazzling performance.
For the main course, Shangri-La's chefs served their savory Bones & Meat with fork-tender Braised Short Rib, Bone Marrow, and Tenderloin...
...paired with a glass of Chateau Simard St. Emilion Grand Cru. And it just doesn't get better than that.
Capping our elegant feast was an indulgent trifecta of sinful desserts presented in three decadent acts, drawing inspiration from the elements starting with Air, a visual presentation of new beginnings and freedom ...
...Ice, a creative play on water's serene tranquility...
...and Earth featuring the hotel's interpretation on the evolution of flavors.
A few more glasses of wine, and another story in A Shangri-La Tale comes to an end leaving lingering memories of another epic dining experience at Shangri-La. Ready for your own tale? Just ask Shangri-La how they can make your celebration a memorable one for your very own Shangri-La Tale...
Shangri-La at The Fort, Manila is located at 30th Street corner 5th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Metro Manila or call 632-820-0888 for inquiries and more information.
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