The wine whisperer

Makati Shangri-La offers guests an unforgettable dining experience with the expertise of Daniel Blais, a certified and internationally recognized Canadian sommelier. Daniel takes fine dining to the next level as he conducts an interactive, casual and fun wine tasting experience in the hotel.

Guests may learn the basics on how to taste, evaluate and enjoy wine. They are also set to understand how to perfectly pair wine and food. Daniel’s basic wine and food pairing rules are:

- When pairing food and wine, the goal is synergy and balance. The wine shouldn’t overpower the food, nor should the food overpower the wine.

- Think of wine as if it was a condiment — it should complement the food.

- Wine drunk by itself tastes different compared to drinking wine with food, because wine acts on food similar to the way a spice does. Acids, tannins and sugars in the wine interact with the food to provide different taste sensations.

- Wine can enhance the flavors of food. A good match will bring out the nuances and enhance the flavors and unique characteristics of both the food and the wine.

- Memorable food and wine pairing is achieved when you find similarities and/or contrasts of flavor, body (texture), intensity and taste.

- Above all, don’t stress over the perfect food and wine pairing. The best pairing is good food, good wine and good company. Friends and loved ones are the most important ingredients.

We sure did learn a lot during our intimate dinner at the hotel’s outlet Red.

Daniel is also the first appointed director of beverage for Makati Shangri-La. With more than 20 years of experience in the luxury hospitality industry, including eight years as head sommelier in various hotels around the globe, he brings with him an extensive knowledge and expertise in wines and beverages. In 2010, he was awarded “Sommelier of the Year” by Caterer Magazine in the Middle East and Hotelier Magazine in North Africa.

A private wine dinner may also be set for a minimum of 12 diners, where guests may enjoy a five-course menu paired with different wines while Daniel explains the principles of food and wine pairing throughout the meal.

(For inquiries, call Red’s reservations and information center at (632) 813-8888 or send an e-mail to [email protected].)

Lesley Mobo wows Manila

Select guests gathered to celebrate the homecoming and first-ever gala show in Manila of acclaimed London-based Filipino designer Lesley Mobo.

Cignal, a direct-to-home satellite provider, and its living magazine channel Colours presented the grand fashion event that showcased Mobo’s Spring/Summer Collection for 2013 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The venue featured a wrap-around stage where the models walked down to showcase elegant pieces from classic crocheted white dresses to a burst of pastel colored sheer gowns.

Mobo’s latest collection inspired by Igor Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring focused on neutral color palettes with free-flowing silhouettes.

Hosted by Tessa Prieto-Valdes, the event kicked off with a brief talk by PLDT chairman Manny V. Pangilinan, who announced that Colours Gala will take place annually to recognize people who are committed to education. A sit-down dinner and entertainment from British band Blake completed the event.

Part of the proceeds was given to Lightomorrow Project with Save the Children Foundation, a non-profit organization that aims to make quality education accessible and affordable to the less fortunate. 

The event was presented by Cignal for Colours, Smart Communications, Sun Cellular, PLDT, DOT, W/17 and Dusit Thani. Other sponsors were Michelis, Villa del Conte and BDO, together with The Philippine Star, Manila Bulletin, Meg Magazine, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Preview and Stylebible.