Hennessy hosted an event in collaboration with some of Manila’s top creatives in the food and art industry, and upcoming artists in the field of music. These were of course greatly appreciated by a dynamic crowd enjoying the best quality cognac.

Leading the way in experiencing local culture with refinement and sophistication, the Hennessy King of the Road is a celebration of Manila’s urban lifestyle.

Many from the younger generation doesn’t really appreciate a good glass of Cognac. Cognac is really not their go to drink, in bars or just for relaxation. The event aims to promote Hennessy not just as sophisticated gentlemen’s drink, but rather a classy alternative to the usual mix.

With that in mind, they invited Chef Jordy Navarra, and Chef JP Anglo to cook up or to create their own take on traditional Filipino street food. Knowing the two chefs, I am pretty sure they won’t disappoint.

Chef Jordy’s version of Pork Barbeque is the best one I’ve had EVER! Really excited for the opening of his Toyo Eatery, can’t wait to have more!

Aside from his really awesome Pork Barbeque, Chef Jordy also made three more awesome dishes! Twice Cooked Shrimp with Hennessy VS Sauce (the perfect bar-chow), Beef with Star Anise (best dish of the night), and Dulce de Leche with Hennessy Bonbons.

Lee Watson, of ABV, crafted special Hennessy cocktails to pair with each of the chef’s masterpieces. These two cocktails also took inspiration from unique Filipino food ingredients which are in line with the Hennessy King of the Road campaign of embracing local culture.

The Habal-Habal, named after the “one-person jeepney”, was paired with Chef Jordy’s Barbeque, is a drink that used black pepper infused Hennessy VS, coupled with bay leaf, honey, calamansi, and ginger beer, served in a highball glass. This was my fave drink of the night! 🙂

On the other side, Chef JP Anglo prepared three stellar dishes that perfectly matches with the theme, and with Hennessy cocktails.

I was on a diet that night during the event, but I can’t seem to stop eating especially Chef JP’s Kansi Panada, and Kare Kare Taco. Not to mention that everything seemed to taste ten times better when paired with Lee Watson’s Hennessy inspired cocktails.

Lee Watson’s second drink called Patok, got its name from the loud, fast and colorful jeepneys. Here he infused Hennessy VS with siling labuyo, complemented with honey, calamansi, and a dash of white vinegar.

Vibrant, distinct and audacious, the presence of the jeepney on the road reminds Filipinos of the country they were born into, and its ways and practices of living. The jeepney is an iconic urban symbol of Filipino resourcefulness, flair, and sense of community. It is literally and figuratively hailed as the King of the Road.

As the guest of honor made his debut, entering the venue with its roaring engine, the Hennessy King of the Road whose sleek matte black exteriors and refined gold detail, wowed the crowd. The Hennessy jeepney was reflective of the emblematic heritage brand that Hennessy has built over the past 250 years, ultimately making its step in embracing local Philippine culture.

Leading the way in experiencing urban Manila, the Hennessy King of the Road will take over urban hotspots throughout the metro. Follow the trail of the King of the Road by checking out Hennessy Philippines’ social media pages. Facebook page at facebook.com/HennessyPhilippines and follow them on twitter and Instagram @HennessyPH

Disclaimer: It was a media event. Everything written here is entirely based on my own opinion, my own biases, and my own insights.

Stay hungry,

thehungrychef

Nathaniel Uy