A fusion of culinary and visual arts

Lolo Dad’s Brasserie offers yet another extraordinary dining experience by indulging customers with a showcase of world-class art coupled with great food.

On October 21, some 50 especially invited guests heartily assembled at Lolo Dad’s Brasserie as it formally opened a one-man art exhibit titled “Art Songs.” The exhibit, curated by Ricco Renzo Café and Galleries, is a collection of masterpieces from one of the country’s most outstanding visual artists — Allan Cosio.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was headed by former CCP president Nestor Jardin and Antonio Cojuangco, Chairman of the Board at Lolo Dad’s 6750 branch.

Since 1975, Cosio has been active in the Philippine art scene though his sculptures and paintings were mostly anchored on the theme of environment. He is an internationally acclaimed artist who has just earned the rank of “Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres” from the French government for his contribution to the promotion of French arts and letters. He is also a distinguished member of the Art Association of the Philippines and a City of Manila awardee.

Cosio used his love for music as inspiration for this particular collection. “Art Songs,” as he titled it, is the offspring of the liaison between painting and singing.

“The pieces I have done for this series are sort of musical, not like my usual hard, linear obstructions,” Cosio says. “You see, I’m very much into music. I find singing like vocal paintings, and paintings like silent music.”

The art exhibit is a celebration of Lolo Dad’s one year of success as a premiere restaurant in Makati. It also signals Lolo Dad’s desire to add another dimension to its business, that is, fine art.

“We’ve excited the people’s sense of taste for many years, so now it’s not just in the culinary arts that we want to explore, but also the visual arts,” explains Ding Ayuyao, manager of Lolo Dad’s Brasserie.

Ayuyao says their aim is to continue to delight their ever-growing clientele by incorporating fine art with fine dining. He adds that the exhibit has also helped bring more life and color to the restaurant.

According to Paulino Garcia, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Ricco Renzo Café and Galleries, the exhibit is an attempt to broaden the restaurant’s market base to include people who would like to satisfy both their hunger for food and art.

Lolo Dad’s was transformed into a gallery as guests were treated to a visual and gastronomic feast with cocktails. The evening was even made special as guests were serenaded by classical singers.

In his speech, Nestor Jardin expressed his delight at the organization of the exhibit. “I think it’s a wonderful setup that commerce somehow interacts with the arts so that we can promote the arts better.”

Artists Michel Herbert and Anna Maria Luisa T. Garcia also shared their opinions on the event.

“It’s very colorful and at the same time gives you the feeling of peace and quiet. This is something very special from Allan Cosio,” said Herbert.

Meanwhile, Garcia said of Cosio: “I think he’s a senior artist who is very, very talented and whose works are an investment for anyone who wants to buy them.”

A total of 22 art pieces complete the collection and are all for sale. The exhibit will run at Lolo Dad’s from October 21 to December 31.

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