Since it is the New Year, palangga, this column is dedicated to cheers and spirits.
Let’s start off with that high-end bestseller, the bubbly Moët & Chandon, no less. The drink of royals from a century back, the brand held an exclusive Moët Grand Vintage Dinner at the Senju of Edsa Shangri-La.
This trés posh affair was highlighted with a truly special champagne and food pairing session that only Moët & Chandon can provide.
Senju was transformed into a chic fall season-inspired place, to harmonize the evening’s excellent created menu.
Impeccable complement
Host was Moët & Chandon’s tall, handsome, salt-and-pepper-haired managing director Steven Bullock, no less.
Invitees were treated to an exceptionally prepared feast by Senju chefs.
Also present was Moët Hennessy brand ambassador Arnaud Mirey, who jetted in from Hong Kong, dahlings.
The one-of-a-kind Moët Impérial Champagne was an impeccable complement all throughout the meal, from aperitif to dessert.
Moët & Chandon’s Grand Vintage Blanc 2003 also provided a great complement to the Japanese dishes. This assertive wine distinguishes itself by its “intense fruitiness with its notes of apricot, vanilla and liquorice, a spicy maturity and alluring warmth, creating a wine of sumptuous opulence.”
Moët & Chandon’s Grand Vintage Blanc 2002 and Grand Vintage Rose 2004 were also served.
Sweet ender
The sweet ender was a trio of desserts, paired with the excellent, rare sparkling wine, Moët & Chandon’s Grand Vintage Rose 2002.
By the end of the night, everyone was able to explore and experience the diverse distinctions of Moët Imperial champagnes.
All of the wines showed the vibrant intensities of green apple and citrus fruit, the freshness of mineral nuances and white flowers, and the elegance of blonde notes (brioche, cereal, fresh nuts), but with different overtones of sumptuousness and subtlety.
Bistro du Vin
The Moment Group and Singapore’s Les Amis Group opened the Bistro du Vin (BDV) at the Edades Tower and Villas in Rockwell Makati with a bash filled with an awesome guest list of wine drinkers from the old and new schools of cool.
It was raining, and the wine poured all night, mainly excellent French wines, naturellement. The table was likewise filled with super cheeses and hors d’ oeuvres, natch!
BDV seemed to have transported guests to a corner of Paris. It is described as one of, not the most, authentic French bistros in Asia, part of Singapore’s award-winning Les Amis Group.
The Manille outlet is a collaboration with the Philippines’ Moment Group.
“The neo bistro aims to demystify French cuisine often associated with fine dining. Here it’s barebones dining, at once refined yet casual, cool and current,” explained Abba Napa of the Moment Group.
The BDV experience consists of hearty dishes and superb divine cheeses from across France. Served were Epoisse, Camembert and Fourme d’ Ambert, including the house-made charcuterie- like Duck Rilette and Saucisson.
Also showcased were hors d’oeuvre such as foie gras terrine on toast with fig compote and apple, grilled lamb ribs with honey-mustard glaze and lavender, and steak au poivre .
For dessert, there was Don Papa Rum Baba.
These cosmopolitan renditions of the true bistro vibe of BDV were felt and seen in the details. Some even started to slur because of the generously flowing wine, but who cares?
The grand toast had everyone standing in attention, although swaying on their feet: “Savourez la France!”
Bistro du Vin Manila is at G/F, Edades Tower and Garden Villas, Plaza Drive and Hidalgo Drive, Rockwell, Makati City. Open daily at 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. for lunch, and 2:30-10:30 p.m. for dinner. Tel. 958-6712; e-mail [email protected].
Happy, happy New Year to all my dear palangga and readers. May 2015 bring us the best of health and, most important of all, loads of wealth and tons of love.
