An epicurean journey at Casino Español de Cebu
Al Espejo and Irene Jane Santos
Philippine Wine Merchants (the largest family-owned wines and spirits distribution company in the Philippines) together with Viña Maipo (the fourth largest exporter of wine from Chile) staged a one-night-only event at the Casino Español de Cebu to take guests on an epicurean journey.
The doors opened to an elegantly decorated El Comedor with music by sax player Raydon Encinares. Raymond Joseph, director for sales and marketing of Philippine Wine Merchants, joined by Quinta de Maipo vineyard personalities Francesco Cartoni, regional manager, and Jose Gonzalez, sales director, welcomed the guests.
Each dish in the five-course sit-down dinner — meticulously prepared by Casino Español executive chef Rico Villarante — was matched with the appropriate wine.
The appetizer that consisted of pan seared scallop and prawn with zesty citrus cilantro dressing was paired with Vitral Sauvignon Blanc 2017. On the palate it showed a very fresh and full-bodied sensation with a citric persistence.
Cheling and Susan Sala with Margie Taylor
The salmon tartare on avocado and coriander timbale salad came next, which harmonized perfectly with the Vitral Chardonnay 2016. This lemon-yellow-colored wine awakens your senses with its freshness. It has notes of pineapple, peach and vanilla with a long and sweet finish.
A cooked-to-perfection roast duck with cranberry sauce followed by duo of lamb barbeque ribs and braised osso bucco with saffron risotto rice were served with Vitral Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 and Vitral Syrah 2016. Both wines exuded aromas of cherry, currant and cedar flavors that were irresistible. The dinner concluded with a delightful chocolate truffle marquise created by pastry chef Moises Saavedra.
The Casino Español de Cebu kitchen team, with the guidance of dedicated general manager May Ocaba, met the challenge in creating distinct flavors on each plate as the wines combined perfectly in delivering a harmony between all elements of this memorable evening.
Department of Tourism regional director Shalimar Tamano and Raymond Joseph
