A Night of Wines at Casino Español De Cebu

At the start of the 1980s, the wine business was largely controlled by people whose objective was to make a hefty profit and not to fret too much about the consumer.

Today, the business is dominated by people whose passion is encouraging, molding and satisfying the tastes of that same consumer.

One such specialty merchants are the Joseph brothers, owners of Ralphs Wines and Spirits, who have adopted new styles of trading, offering something different in terms of choice and service.

Recently to create the perfect combination of life’s pleasurable pleasures, Ralphs, in tandem with the Casino Español de Cebu, hosted a fabulous five course gourmet dinner at the well-appointed Salon de Madrid.

The evening started with cocktails. The wait staff passed around unusually delicious canapés as guests savored interesting Spanish wines, such as Gran Feudo Blanco and Gran Feudo Rosado with aromas of woodland berries and mixed fruit, specially selected by wine connoisseurs, Bobby and Raymond Joseph.

For starters, the sit-down dinner consisted of ensalada templada de langostinos con vinagreta de foi gras. This was followed by cream of pumpkin soup topped with parsley foam and crispy Jamon Serrano.

Then came a refreshing champagne sherbet. The main course was slow roasted U.S. Angus Prime Rib of Beef with truffles sauce and potato terrine. This was complemented with a choice of Gran Feudo Crianza, with its well balanced blend of soft fruit, oak and spice, and Gran Feudo viñas viejas, characterized by a hint of tobacco, vanilla and nut notes.

After such a delicious meal, natillas, the traditional Spanish custard was served together with Gran Feudo Moscatel, a natural sweet wine reminiscent of fresh Muscat grape with hints of flowers and touches of roses and honey.  Coffee and pralines, those rich, yummy addictive chocolate confections completed the meticulously prepared menu and perfectly selected wines.

In attendance were the elected board led by vice president Gabriel Leyson, treasurer Rene Kintanar, director for cultural activities Jimmy Escaño and sports director John Pages.

In animated conversation were immediate club past president Jose Sala and his delightful wife Susan, former president Miguel del Gallego, hoteliers Hembler Mendoza, GM of Waterfront Hotel Mactan,  GM Efren Belarmino of Plantation Bay Resort and Spa, and GM Roy Abraham of the Marriott Hotel. Restaurateurs included Michel and Amparito Lhuillier, Winglip Chang and Raki Urbina.

The gourmet dinner and wine pairing as promised by the hosts proved to be educational and truly enjoyable.

Congratulations go to Casino Español general manager Ed Tongco, events manager Rudy Rubi and the entire kitchen brigade who went to great lengths to ensure a truly wonderful evening.