Before anything else, let me apologize for the rather lengthy absence from my column. Rest assured, I did not forget my readers, but was gathering more news and stories that I could share with all of you. It took a while though to get things together.
In the meantime, allow me to wet your appetite with a sprinkling of food festivities. It might still be a bit early for Christmas but it is never too early to get our palates ready. In anticipation for the round of merriment that awaits us this December, I compiled a mouth-watering list of feasts. Let the revelry begin…
Esperienza Italiana: A Taste of Italian Culture
The finest in food, wine, fashion, music and innovation from Italy was presented at Makati Shangri-La, Manila through Esperienza Italiana, a week-long festival that started last October 19 and promised a total sensory experience of Italian culture.
“This year, Makati Shangri-La, Manila paid tribute to what the Italian heritage has contributed to the world. We are pleased to invite our guests to partake in an authentic Italian experience right here in the grand halls of Makati Shangri-La for our valued guests,” said Alain Borgers, Area Manager of the Shangri-La Philippine properties and General Manager of Makati Shangri-La, Manila.
Aperitivo Italiano at Sage Bar recreated the Italian “happy hour” experience, where guests enjoyed good food, great wine, and excellent company after a long day at work. There was an array of fine Italian wines and spirits, such as Santa Cristina Spumante Classico Brut and Tormaresca Neprica Puglia 2013.
Guests capped off the night with “A Made in Italy” experience as Italian luxury brands Paul & Shark and Piquadro showcased the latest trends last October 23, 2015. Aperitivo Italiano was staged at Sage Bar last October 19 and 21.
The spread included Cured Prosciutto Gallioni, Cured Parmigiano Reggiano, Risotto Acquerello with Saffron, Green Asparagus and Italian Sausage, Paccherri in Casserole with Seafood, Spinach and Ricotta Quiche with Goat Cheese, and a variety of Crostinis.
Chef Rocco
“L’Artisan” five-course wine dinners with Michelin-starred Chef Rocco Iannone will take you on a gastronomic journey at Sage Bespoke Grill. A firm believer in natural, unsophisticated cuisine, Chef Rocco is the owner-chef of Pappacarbone on Italy’s Amalfi Coast. Famed for his reinterpretation of traditional Italian cuisine, Chef Rocco puts his own Neapolitan slant on each dish he creates, skillfully blending tradition and modernity using fresh ingredients of the highest quality.
Each dish bloomed with flavor when paired with premier estate Italian family wines, including Antinori, Chiarlo, Masi Agricola, and Allegrini. Tickets were at P5,500 for five courses and P4,500 for four courses.
“I am delighted to create artisan cuisine and work side-by-side with no other than Makati Shangri-La, Manila,” said Chef Rocco Iannone. Demonstrating his respect for ingredients, he created a menu of traditional Italian dishes and light classics exclusively for Makati Shangri-La, Manila.
The finale of the Italian journey culminated in That’s Amore last October 22. The 30-piece Manila Symphony Orchestra, along with three tenors and one soprano, transformed the Lobby Lounge into a unique Italian musical theatre. The repertoire consisted of contemporary and classic songs illustrated the Italians’ vitality and passion for life. Guests also enjoyed the pre-show aperitif in the main lobby at 6:30 p.m.
Savour Australia: A Gastronomic Journey Down Under
The chefs of New World Makati Hotel, in partnership with the Australian Trade Commission and the State Government of Victoria Australia, share their expertise on high-quality meats, wines, and cheeses through a hotel-wide Australian promotion that kicks off on October 19 until November 9, 2015.
Australian Executive Chef Robert Davis and Guest Chef Tim Hollands unveiled the culinary feast last October 1 through a curated wine and cheese pairing, followed by a sampling of the special menu items exclusively available during the three-week promotion.
The Australian Trade Commission has been quite busy this year, starting off with a campaign for Australian fruits, followed by a successful Australian grass-fed beef promotion and recently kicking off Australian citrus fruits in the market. This one gathers together the best of Australian food from Victoria, including dairy, wine, and grass-fed beef and lamb. Representatives from Dairy Australia could not emphasize enough about the cheese produced from pasture-fed animals. “Happy cows make really good cheese.”
Visit Café 1228 and savour well-marbled premium grass-fed O’Connor Premium Beef prepared in an array of mouth-watering selections at the buffet. Enjoy these with a range of international cuisine, wines, desserts, as well as hot and cold beverages for P1,399 for weekday lunch and P2,299 for weekend brunch and dinner.
Tomahawk
Hong Kong Master Chef Wong Kam On highlights Oriental a la carte offerings of Australian beef creations such as Stir-Fried Beef Tenderloin with Salt and Pepper Beef Steak and Goose Liver Black Truffle Sauce, Chinese Steamed Beef Buns, Fried Tenderloin and Mango Signature Dish, available for lunch and dinner at Jasmine restaurant.
Look forward to Whole Oven Roasted Prime Grass-Fed Beef Joints from Grippsland region of Victoria, Premium Ox Cube Roll, Premium Ox Chuck Short Ribs and Premium Tomahawk served at Cafe 1228.
An Australian-inspired barbecue experience fires up the weekends at the poolside, beginning October 9. Grilled seafood and meats are available Friday and Saturday, while grilled snacks and skewers are served a la carte every Sunday.
A special treat awaits wine and cheese lovers at The Lounge as fine Jindi and Ashgrove cheeses from Victoria and Tasmania are paired with De Bortoli DB Family Selection Wines.
According to Chef Tim Hollands, Australian cheese boasts of a range of styles from fresh and young to matured and flavored varieties. For wine and cheese matching, he recommends matching the intensity of the cheese with the wine. “Salty and tangy cheese like the Jindi Strong Blue will pair well with a sweet wine. Jindi Double Brie, with its mold on the outside will go well with a sparkling and bubbly wine, to cut the yeasty smell and cleanse the palate.”
For more information, contact New World Makati Hotel at (632) 811-6888 or visit www.newworldhotels.com.
The Italian Happy Hour
The Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (ICCP) recently launched a monthly event, L’Aperitvo Italiano. According to Director Ruslan Volpi, it is a very strong concept in Italy that introduces a moment for people to gather together over food and drinks, as well as network while beating the rush hour. Their third monthly event held at Intercontinental Hotel offered Italian wine and antipasti, alongside new cocktails and other aperitivos that have become popular in Italy.
Prosciutto, Mozzarella, assorted bread and desserts were sponsored by ItalybySkill, an Italian importer based in Naples. One interesting cocktail was the Valentina, merging Italian and tropical flavors of Don Papa Rum, coconut jelly, calamansi and guava.
Although you may have missed their past events, there are still two more L’Apertivo Italiano nights in the coming months. Call ICCP at (639) 175-638-633 or (632) 978-0279.
There are certainly a lot of things to look forward to in the coming months. Let us take the time to also discover something new and savour the flavors with every dining opportunity that opens up. Just as these food promotions are all about the dishes and drinks, they also give us the chance to learn more about a different culture. Sometimes, one bite and one sip is all it takes.