Thursday, 19 January 2012

Alliance Française de Manille

by Rene R. Fuentes

Most events organized by the Philippines Branch have gone over very well.  However, one which was in danger of abortion was the Great Chardonnay Tasting Revisted for the 4th or 5th time over the course of the Branch's 30 year history. Is it because Chardonnays have become passe`- overtaken by sexier grapes like viognier, reisling,and gruner veltliner?  Is the mantra "Bordeaux for red and Burgundy for white" which we held dear for years overtaken by fashion?  Why do we persist in pitting Old World chards against the New World upstarts?  Is it the hope that, for once a French chard (the likes of a Montrachet or Corton-Charlemagne) would regain the throne?

Saturday, 3 December 2011

La Girolle

by Richard Joye

It was a lot of fun but where were the Girolles?

The last International Wine & Food Society function for 2011 was a BYOB which has become very popular with the members of the Philippines Branch.  This had been a highly anticipated event, not only because it was to close another eventful year in the Society, but rather because it marked the opening of the festive month of December - rich in parties, cocktails and obviously great wines and foods.  With a ratio of bottle per participant well over 1, this Bring-Your-Own-Bottle lunch was usually a true relaxing informal moment of sharing and pairing.

Thursday, 17 November 2011

Aubergine

by Lawrence Martin

Our November monthly event was held at the Aubergine Restaurant which has been voted by the Miele Guide as one of the top 20 restaurants in Asia in 2010.  Chefs Stefan Langenhan and Uli Willimann were in charge of preparing the impeccably presented food on the evening.

Canapés were served with Château Bonnet Entre-deux-Mers 2008 as people used the traditional pre-dinner greeting period to say hello to friends.  The smoked salmon wafers and the  duck prosciutto were particularly tasty.