A time for wining and dining
On an interesting visit to a vineyard sometime ago, the seemingly knowledgeable tour guide declared that at the start of the ‘80s, the wine industry was largely controlled by people whose objective was to make a hefty profit, and not worry too much about what the consumer wanted.
Today, the sector is dominated by people whose passion it is to encourage, mold and satisfy the tastes of their wine-drinkers.
One such specialty wine merchants are the forever driven Joseph brothers, owners of Ralphs Wines and Spirits, who have adopted innovative ways of trading, thus offering something different and unique in terms of choices and service regarding the “bountiful experience all trapped in a bottle”.
To create the perfect combination of life’s pleasurable pleasures, Ralphs represented by Bobby and Raymond Joseph and in tandem with the Casino Español de Cebu recently hosted a 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, specially selected by wine connoisseurs Bobby and Raymond Joseph, such as Gran Feudo Blanco and Gran Feudo Rosado with aromas of woodland berries and mixed fruit.
For starters, the sit-down dinner consisted of ensalada templada de langostinos con vinagreta de foie 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 US 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.
Natillas, the traditional Spanish custard, was the choice dessert. It 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 — the rich, yummy addictive chocolate confections — completed the meticulously prepared menu and excellently selected wines.
In attendance were the club’s elected board of directors led by vice president Gabriel Leyson, treasurer Rene Kintanar, director for cultural activitiesm Jimmy Escaño and sports director John Pages.
In an animated conversation were immediate club past president Jose Sala and his gracious wife Susan, former president Miguel del Gallego, Waterfront Hotel Mactan GM Hembler Mendoza, Plantation Bay and Resort GM Efren Belarmino, and Marriott Hotel GM Roy Abraham. Restaurateurs included entrepreneur Michel Lhuillier who never seems to run out of great ideas and his wife Amparito, a lady with a passionate mission to assist the needy; Winglip Chang and Raky Urbina, both leaders in their respective fields.
The gourmet dinner and wine pairing as promised by the hosts proved to be utterly educational and truly enjoyable.
Casino Español de Cebu GM Ed Tongco, events manager Rudy Rubi and the entire kitchen brigade went to great lengths to ensure a wonderful evening.
