MANDARIN ORIENTAL MANILA unveils its selection of this year?s Christmas hampers, showcasing elegant silver-colored baskets brimming with homemade specialties made by the hotel?s master chefs.

The meticulous work made by Executive Chef Rene Ottlik and Executive Pastry Chef Roberto Molleman to create this year?s offerings is evident in the baskets? composition. In addition to Mandarin Oriental?s signature Christmas items?Mandarin Oriental duck liver paté, honey-cured ham, beef pastrami, gingerbread shield, English fruitcake, knacker bread and Dresdener stollen?the new tempting items are all original creations: Foie gras terrine, hazelnut pistachio biscotti, pomelo-pineapple jam, almond-cinnamon cookies, macaroons, mince pie and cheese sticks. The additional items that were carefully selected for the baskets are Montes Sauvignon Blanc, Terra Burdigala, Sotaroni Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Epoisses cheese. A 20-percent discount voucher for The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Manila tops off the premium basket?s contents. The hampers require 48 hours advance booking.

The four hamper types, each evoking the famed Mandarin Oriental gastronomic excellence and pedigree, range from P2,500 to P7,500. Customers may also compose their own hamper contents using Mandarin Oriental?s silver baskets that range from extra small to large, or even a silver tray for delicate items. The duck liver paté, which has become de rigueur in many discerning gift-givers? lists is offered in two special packages at P1,500, paired with bread sticks and either fruitcake or a 750-ml bottle of Malbee Argentina.

During its launch, the proceeds of the advance orders were contributed to the Youth of San Antonio projects in aid of tropical storm ?Ondoy? and typhoon ?Pepeng? victims. For a complete line of the hotel?s offerings of Christmas carvings, deli selection, cakes and confectionery, a visit to the Mandarin Deli is recommended.

For inquiries, call the Mandarin Deli at 7508888 local 2415.