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Welcome Dinner at the Ambassador’s Residence

August 24, 2013

We were invited by the Ambassador to have dinner at her residence, shortly after our arrival in Berlin. Also present during dinner were guests guests from Manila and we enjoyed a fabulous meal with fabulous company. The meal was composed of Filipino dishes that were presented in a way that I’ve never experienced before. The new take on old classics were deconstructed and modern, in a way that can be served and appreciated by international company. It’s something I can aspire for when I entertain in the future. (Though I have to learn to cook simple pinoy dishes first!)

When we arrived, we had pica-pica and a drink at the salon before heading to the dining room. I didn’t realize that it was going to be a formal dinner, but what a lovely surprise. To be able to witness how a diplomat, such as Ambassador Natividad, hosts dinner is an experience to behold. During our posting to Jakarta, most of the receptions or dinners that we were invited to were more casual so this is quite a treat.

02-Welcome Dinner at the Ambassador's Residence Berlin-002 01-Welcome Dinner at the Ambassador's Residence Berlin-001The table setting was composed of Filipiniana elements. There were place cards and menus for the evening. I couldn’t help but be in awe of the minute details that Ambassador Natividad went through, even if she was only entertaining for a few people. I had to take notes! This is how it’s done. She was gracious enough to allow me to take pictures of the evening, though cameras and phones should really be a no-no, in a formal dinner.

06-Welcome Dinner at the Ambassador's Residence Berlin-005 07-Welcome Dinner at the Ambassador's Residence Berlin-006 05-Welcome Dinner at the Ambassador's Residence Berlin-004

The Ambassador gave a charming toast.

04-Welcome Dinner at the Ambassador's Residence Berlin-003

Shrimp in Sour Soup is a simplified version of my favorite Shrimp Sinigang. Light and less murky than it’s original form, it’s a perfect “clear soup” to start the meal. 08-Welcome Dinner at the Ambassador's Residence Berlin-007

The Noodle Salad is an open-faced deconstructed lumpia. Fried wonton is the base, topped with fresh shredded lettuce, carrots, cooked shrimp ground pork, and garnished with a slice of lime.

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Then there was the seafood entree, Grilled Sea Bass with Pinakbet. Who would have thought that pinakbet could look so pretty?

11-Welcome Dinner at the Ambassador's Residence Berlin-010

We had Calamansi sorbet as a palate cleanser before the meat entree. Delicious!

12-Welcome Dinner at the Ambassador's Residence Berlin-011Then Adobo with Milagrosa Rice was served. I thought I was stuffed after the sorbet but this was so good, that I finished it. Crunchy adobo flakes on top of wild rice, garnished with some adobo sauce and hard-boiled quail egg. Oh my.13-Welcome Dinner at the Ambassador's Residence Berlin-012

Everyone in the table was clearly full, but when dessert of Fresh fruits and Philippine Delicacies came, none of us could help it.  Deconstructed halo-halo anyone? This was the Pièce de résistance of the evening.

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To cap off the meal, we were serenaded by the beautiful voices of Miles and her husband. They  met at the UST College Choir and their voices literally brought tears to our eyes. 14-Welcome Dinner at the Ambassador's Residence Berlin-01315-Welcome Dinner at the Ambassador's Residence Berlin-014

This is an evening I am sure not to forget. Thank you for having us in your home, Excellency.17-Welcome Dinner at the Ambassador's Residence Berlin-017

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4 Comments · What's Happening

Comments

  1. Deepa says

    August 24, 2013 at 3:01 PM

    Nice! I’m always interested in finding more appealing ways to plate Filipino food for our guests.

    Reply
    • diplomaticwife says

      August 25, 2013 at 11:52 AM

      I know what you mean Deeps! Our food might be delicious but most of the time, it looks like mush! I really admire the ambassador’s cook. She is self taught! Galing no?

      Reply
  2. Tala says

    August 27, 2013 at 4:04 PM

    Wow this is amazing!

    Reply
    • diplomaticwife says

      August 27, 2013 at 5:21 PM

      It was a memorable and unexpected honor to be invited really!

      Reply

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Hello! I’m Ayessa, trailing spouse to a diplomat, mama to DiploBaby and DiploDog and founder of Declutter MNL. I love talking about how to achieve a minimaluxe lifestyle one step at a time.

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