Bordeaux’ Wine Flights – A great way to taste wines

Besides the great food Bordeaux has yet to be known for (now you all know), they have a great selection of wines, from light to bodied, from white to red. They specialized in wines that can be paired with food, and those, which can be enjoyed as is.



For the first timers, who do not know which kind of wine would fit their liking, the Wine Flights are a good place to start. Bordeaux offers its customers with the Red Wine Flights and the White Wine Flights, which is basically three different glasses of different kinds of wines which varies in taste.



The White Wine Flights include a glass of Rive Haute Colombard Sauvignon, a lively white wine. Nose characterized by acacia and honeysuckle notes. Ripe citrus fruit such as pineapple and lime in the mouth accompanied by refreshing acidity; a glass of Colombelle, which has fresh and intense aromas, with floral and exotic fruit notes. It’s round on the palate, accompanied by flavors of ripe fruit, pineapple and white peach, giving a smooth and tasty balance. It has a citrus finish; and lastly a glass of Yvves Borie Chardonnay, which is characterized by mingling aromas and taste of peaches, grapefruit and honey dew melon.



The Red Wine Flights include a glass of Rive Haute Merlot Tannat, which is garnet red in color, with generous aromas of blackcurrant, plum and hint of licorice. It’s round and silky in the mouth with a fresh and fruity finish; a glass of Discipulus Syrah, which is fragrant, lively, with fresh fruity aroma on the nose. It’s floral and spicy, with a solid structure anchoring it all. It’s an easy-going and adoptable wine; and lastly a glass of Yves Borie Sabernet Sauvignon, which is a medium bodied, fruity wine with spicy notes on the palate finished by elegant tannins.

Manila's Signature Dishes 2010: Barcino Wine Resto Bar

The last stop we made that first day was at Barcino in Greenbelt 2, Ayala Center, Makati, where we were scheduled to try out the Paella Valenciana Set by Chef Jaume Viñallonga. We almost didn't get to try the set because no one knew that we were supposed to visit that day, but everything was fixed after some calls. Yay! We were there for a mission, and we proceeded with the task. :)



Barcino is located along the stretch of restaurants at the ground floor of Greenbelt 2. It’s easily spotted because of its well-lit façade and inside, and is well known for its quality wines, spirits and alcohol.



We were there to try out the Paella Valenciana Set for the Manila’s Signature Dishes of Unilever Foodsolutions. First we were served the Ensalada Catalan, a salad dish – greens, tomatoes, onion, Spanish sausage or chorizo, egg, with a balsamic dressing. It’s unpretentious, straight to the point and refreshing.



The star of the night was the Paella Valenciana. Luckily, the paella was really good. The rice was boiled with shrimp. Manila clams, mussels and squid, with a saffron mix, according to Chef Castillo, and simmered down to perfection. The tastes were infused well into the dish, and created a wonderful meal. Two thumbs up for this.



Capping off the set was Crema Catalana. It’s a Spanish dessert, a Catalan version of the popular French Crème Brulee. I think it’s too sweet for my taste, but people with sweet tooth would definitely love this dessert. A glass of Casillero del Diablo wine would be really good with the set.



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Unilever Foodsolutions (UFS), being the preferred foodservice business partners among restaurateurs, felt the need to acknowledge notable restaurants who are developing Manila as a culinary city. They have partnerered with select restaurants within the metropolis in coming up with signature dishes. UFS has synergized with these restaurants, both through dish development and promotion campaign for these signature dishes, in achieving one common goal: coming up with a different culinary experiences that provide value for money and culinary memories for diners.

If you're a restaurateur (or an aspiring one) and in need of help in coming with your signature dish, call (632) 588-8855 or email at foodsolutions.philippines@unilever.com.

Manila's Signature Dishes 2010 by Unilever Foodsolutions

Experience Manila's Signature Dishes 2010. Every artist has a masterpiece. Manila's Signature Dishes 2010 is a collection of childhood memories, unforgettable travels, personal treasures and exciting experiences of chefs and restaurateurs expressed in a culinary experience across Metro Manila. Have a taste of the metro's signature dishes exclusively created for you by 16 of its finest restaurants.

So follow me and Lost Tsinelas as we take you to all of the 16 restaurants, share with you their exquisite food, paired with a glass of Casillero del Diablo wine, and enjoy ourselves in a gastronomic adventure, made possible by Unilever Foodsolutions. :)

Trinoma with Kim and Nina

I opened up a bottle of red wine yesterday. It is a Calvet de Calvet Cabernet Sauvignon (Vin De Pays D'OC). At first, I was taken aback by the taste. It's woody, deep, spicy and really firm. I like it. But it isn't the best I've tasted.

Earlier today (or technically yesterday) I watched Indiana Jones with Kim and Nina (too bad Pao Pei couldn't make it) We enjoyed catching up, talking, being indecisive, and of course the food and the movie.

I haven't watched the old Indiana Jones movies (or I did but I really cannot remember what happened), but I think this movie was pretty awesome. It has achieved its look (old-ish, but with a hint of freshness). I'm not that sure if the old fans liked this, but for me, it's a good movie.

We ate at Zong's for lunch, and we got the (clockwise from topmost left:) Prawn Ha Kao (Php 128), Yang Chow Fried Rice (Php 228), Lemon Chicken (Php 228) and the Spicy Singapore Style Fish Fillet (Php 328).

Their Ha Kao was firm and it held everything together well. It really tastes good, though I think it might be a little small. I have no qualms about their Yang Chow. The Lemon Chicken tasted more of lemon; it really overpowered the dish. And, my personal favorite is the fish, though it would be good if it were spicy. Although its name says it should be spicy, it wasn't at all anywhere near it. Zong is one of my Chinese restaurant comfort food getaways? I don't know if it's just because of the food, but I suspect it's also because of the overall presentation, service, plus the ambiance.