Why I Love Flambé

I love flambés. 

I used to take great delight watching our chefs at Cebu Plaza Hotel (now Marco Polo Plaza Cebu Hotel) pour alcohol to their hot pan (steak, crepe, fruits and all others) so they would be able to create a burst of flames right there in the middle of the restaurant, in front of all the guests.  No, I don’t like the danger it brings, but I do love the smell of burning food and the wonderful sight of chefs expertly navigating their way through the routine. 

And yes,, it was a great diversion from the yawn most of us Sales Account Managers had while entertaining clients.  It was during those moments when I fully realized that anything done in excess can really be stifling.  I used to really love dining out, go to parties, cocktails and premieres—it was a job any girl would really love (I was 25 back then).  But when it came to the point when we were required to entertain our corporate clients three times a day, fifteen times a week, on top of all the corporate functions we had to arrange, I got all burned out.  My colleagues and I would take turns slipping away from the very routine that we all dreamed of doing.  We had all the perks—car, signing privilege on all of the hotel’s outlets—but all of us had to give it up at some point (except three – they’re now holding top management positions at Shangri-la, Waterfront and Manila Hotel).  

I had two other hotel stints (Sarrosa International Hotel and Metropolis Hotel) after that but eventually gave those up, too.  

So now I look back and wonder—was it just part of man’s crazy human nature of not being contented with what he has, or did we just lack the drive and ambition to do it?  Was it sheer recklessness that made us give it up, or maybe it was plainly the choice of wanting to live a simpler life? 

Now back to flambés—sorry I got sidetracked.  Among the many reasons why I love flambé is that it reminds me of those youthful years, back when we thought we had the world in our hands.  I was reminded of this past love when an accident happened in Florida involving flambé—the fire leapt and burned the guests.  You can read about the article I wrote HERE.