A gastronomic adventure at Marco Polo Davao
IN partnership with Wine Warehouse, Marco Polo Davao recently held a Chinese Wine Pairing Event at Polo Bistro.
Guests enjoyed a fivecourse interactive dinner of the finest Chinese dishes paired with premium wines from Talamonti Wines, which are from Abruzzo, a region at the Eastern part of Italy.
Brett Tolhurst, chairman and owner of Wine Warehouse Corporation Philippines, was present during the wine pairing event at Marco Polo Hotel Davao.
Daniel Blais, wine sommelier and expert, said the wines use Motepulciano, a grape which has a very thin skin and low in tannins.
"It is not full body and is very much fruit driven," he said.
For the first course we had the Organic Roast Duck with Mashed Taro, Honey, Honey Plum Sauce paired with Montepulciano Rose XXXX Cantine Talamonti.
Blais described the Rose as dry but fruity.
Then for the second course we were served the Braised Sea Cucumber with Superior Pumpkin Millet Rice Broth paired with Trebbiano Trebi XXXX Cantine Talamonti. This was my first time having sea cucumber and it was interesting in terms of texture. That rice broth though was really good.
Blais described the Trebbiano Trebi as crisp and refreshing.
For the third course we had the Steamed Tiger Prawn and Minced Scallop with Mashed Garlic, Braised Bok Choy and Steamed Bun paired with Montepulciano Moda XXXX Cantine Talamonti. This was my favorite of all the dishes served. It was really delicious and I just love how garlicky it was.
The Cocoa Espresso Lamb Chomp with Chickpae Puree, Burnt Eggplant, Olive oil was our fourth course and was paired with Montepulciano Kudos XXXX Cantine Talamonti, which was the stronger wine among those that were served to us dur-
ing the wine pairing. Blais said the reason for it being stronger is it has been blended with merlot.
Our meal ended with a Trio of Mini Buns paired with Montepulciano Tre Saggi XXXX Cantine Talamonti. The salted egg mini bun was the most memorable one. It was simply good. I hope Marco Polo Davao would make it available at its cafe. ;)
The wine pairing was truly a unique experience for me. It was adventurous and memorable. The wines and the food were also great.
If you want to enjoy a gastranomic adventure and great wines, visit Marco Polo Davao along corner Roxas Ave. and C.M Recto Ave.