Senator Kiko Pangilinan opens Lamesa Grill Iloilo

An event almost two months in the works and finally it became a reality. Lamesa Grill Iloilo had its grand opening last Thursday, June 2, 2011, with no less than Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan as the guest of honor. The mega senator who is one of the owners of Lamesa Grill just had made a “cut, eat and run” for this literal “Iloilo food trip”. He was just in the city for about 3 hours then went back to Manila.

But it was enough to give thrill and appeal to grand opening to one of Iloilo City’s up and coming hotspot for good food and entertainment. It was also a gathering of VIP’s as invited guests include Congressman Jerry P. Trenas and Councilor Lex Tupas among others plus added glitter to the event. Other invited guests included businessmen, friend, relatives and the media.

Armed with red candles, guests listened to short mass after which the owners together with Senator Kiko and Councilor Lex led the ribbon cutting ceremony. The blessing of the restaurant commenced as guests poured in the posh interiors of the restaurant – upping the ante of a Filipino dining experience.

A photo ops session filled the gap as guests took the chance to have their pictures taken together with the guest of honor. The media also took chances of interviewing the senator with current issues as well as “his favorite lamesa Grill specialty” which turned out to be the “Crispchon”.

The buffet dinner line up consisted of the restaurant specialties like Mixed Seafood ala Gambas, Garlic Chicken, Baguio beans in Coconut Milk, Lengua with Mushroom gravy and of course “Ang Aming Bida” (as the restaurant prides itself) – Crispchon.

Suckling pig fried to crispy perfection, it came in the signature presentation – bite sized portion wrapped in pandan crepes with wansuy, cucumber and leek garnishes plus six sauces to choose from. But for those preferring the original “lechon” experience, there was a plate with nothing but lechon on it!

Servings of turon finished off the night and as guests started to trickle out of the restaurant (Sen. Kiko had a flight to catch), the restaurant slowly transformed into a bar to continue the celebration of it’s grand opening.

PS. Do watch out the highlights and sidelights of Lamesa Grill Iloilo’s grand opening on The News Today, I-Events Magazine and Good Morning Western Visayas on Island Living Channel on Cable Star (Ch.10) and Sky Cable.

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