BenCab-inspired ‘Art’ afternoon tea at The Pen
UNTIL Oct. 15, there’s a new reason to enjoy Afternoon Tea at The Lobby of The Peninsula Manila, especially if one has an eye for art and objects of beauty. The hotel has just launched a BenCab “Art” Afternoon Tea created by Executive Pastry Chef Xavier Castello that is inspired by National Artist for the Visual Arts, Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera, whose iconic Sabel and Larawan images have been printed into tapestries that are currently on view at the hotel’s iconic lobby. Eight works are on display, one of the largest group of tapestries the artist has ever exhibited. Presented by Abitare Internazionale, Philippine purveyor of contemporary design, eight paintings by BenCab have been transformed into “tapestry art” by MOOOI Carpets. The BenCab “Art” Afternoon Tea is accompanied by a guidebook that guests can use when exploring the tapestries on display at The Lobby — they can discuss their favorites over Curried prawn and apple salad with citrus aioli on shortbread; Smoked turkey ham, mature Cheddar, and tomato on wheat bread; Cured salmon, dill cream cheese, and golden trout roe on spinach bread; Grilled herbed squash and caramelized onions on a brioche roll; Mushroom quiche; Davao chocolate truffle cake; Mango panna cotta; Coconut pandan éclair; Calamansi meringue tartlet; Sans Rival macaron; and Peninsula raisin scones served with lemon curd, Baguio strawberry jam, and clotted cream. The BenCab “Art” Afternoon Tea is available at P1,590 per guest or P2,190 with a flute of Champagne. The BenCab “Art” Afternoon Tea is served daily until Oct. 15, from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.