Yes, I’ve been to Oakroom in Oakwood Premier Joy~Nostalg Center again and I like it! 
24 June 2010, Thursday –A bunch of press people and Gabby’s daddy-blogger (ehem, that’s me!) met up at the 6th level of Oakwood for Oakroom’s AMERICAN WINE and FOOD FESTIVAL Press Lunch.
If you’ve been following this humble site, you know that I’ve attended 2 similar activities prior to this; those were
SPANISH WINE and FOOD FESTIVAL last April 07 and
ITALIAN WINE and FOOD FESTIVAL last June 02.
And every experience in Oakroom has been consistently beautiful.
In time for the 4th of July celebration in the US, Oakroom’s AMERICAN WINE and FOOD FESTIVAL will run from July 03 –30, 2010 and finest wines from Napa Valley, California, BERINGER will be featured in this event, perfectly complemented with delicious a la carte menu prepared by Oakwood Premier’s Executive Chef Jerome Cartailler.
A good wine is truly a complement to a good meal.
My palate had sampled again the best of Oakroom…
CHOP HOUSE SALAD, Traditional chopped salad with Iceberg lettuce, crumbled blue cheese, dried cranberries, avocado, smoked bacon, chopped pecans and tomato served in a heart of Iceberg.
The fusion of its ingredients, their textures and freshness make this starter a must-try.
The salad was paired with BERINGER CALIFORNIA CHARDONNAY 2005.
An immediately pleasing wine, this Chardonnay is an enticing blend of ripe stone fruit and vivid citrus flavors. The bright citrus perfectly offsets the honeyeyed apricot, culminating in a smooth, delicious wine with a lasting finish. It is a wonderfully approachable and refreshing wine, full of lush fruit flavors and aromas that conjure up the bounty and sunshine of California.
The event was hosted by Oakwood Premier’s General Manager Brian B. Connelly who takes pride in bringing a taste of California in the elegance of Oakroom. He’s assisted by Oakwood’s PR and Marketing Communications Manager, Genny Puno who graciously attended to their guests, as always.
Also present in the event was Ms. Katherine Yao-Santos, Marketing Director of Happy Living Philippines Corporation, the distributor of Beringer Wines in the country. Ms. Kathy took our conversation about wine appreciation and wine and food pairing to a heightened level of fascination. Her passion on what she does best was truly inspiring and interesting. She really knows wine by heart.
I’ve learned so much from our small talk. When serving steak, for instance, one should consider not only the quality of meat but more importantly, the gravy and herbs infused into the dish. The overall taste of the entire entree should go well with the wine for an entire enticing gastronomic experience. Also, remember that Keannu Reeves’ movie A Walk In The Clouds? We were told that some scenes were shot at the winery of Beringer in Napa Valley, California.
Talking to Ms. Kathy Yao-Santos gave me a push to support my preschooler son’s dream of becoming a chef and perhaps it would not hurt for Gabby (and who knows, me as well) to become a wine connoisseur too someday.
DUET of GRILLED U.S. ANGUS FILLET MIGNON and ALASKAN KING CRAB, Onion rings, mashed roasted garlic potatoes and grilled asparagus bernaise sauce.
This surf and turf medley from Oakroom is a sure winner when paired with BERINGER CALIFORNIA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005.
Beringer California Collection Cabernet Sauvignon is full of a jammy black fruit flavors that make this wine enticing from the first sip. The sweet vanilla and richness of the oak flavors blend seamlessly into the wine, offering just a hint of spice. Easy drinking and satisfying, this wine is well-suited to a variety of occasions.
A meal isn’t complete without that sweet ending. For the sampling of American Wine and Food Festival, we were each served with a delectable plate :
DONUT CHEESECAKE + MAPLE ICE CREAM and BLUEBERRY COULIS.
This sweet temptation blended well with my favorite among the wines that were served that afternoon.
BERINGER CHENIN BLANC 2009.
A well balance wine with aromas and flavors of crisp citrus, melon, and spicy ginger. It’s meant to be enjoyed with a variety of foods, from Asian and Mexican dishes to casual backyard barbecue with friends.
I tell you, this Chenin Blanc from Beringer has the lightest and fruity freshest taste among the wines I’ve tasted.
The afternoon ended with wonderful and warm exchange of thoughts and casual chitchat amidst the sophisticated ambiance of Oakroom.
Sublime service + Impeccable wine and food pairing = excellent experience!
Enjoy quality prime beef seared to perfection (21-ounce Cowboy Steak, 12-ounce Porterhouse, 18-ounce Rib-eye, 8-ounce Tenderloin, among others), Berkshire Porkshop, Barbecue Chicken, Maine Lobster, Cheesecake, Apple Pie and Ice Cream paired with Wine Spectator’s “Wine of the Year” awardee –Beringer Chardonnay and Cabernet which was also voted as “Winery of the Year” by Wine Enthusiast and Wine and Spirits only in Oakroom from July 3–30, 2010.
Oakroom Bar also offers “Girls’ Night Out” on Wednesdays beginning July 07, 2010, “Thursday Night Wine Buffet” and “Beer Friday Unlimited”. Call Oakroom in Oakwood for more details of these events at (63-2) 637 7888 / (63-2) 910 8888 ext 8118. Fax (63-2) 719 1157 / (63-2) 706 7777 and mobile # (63)(0908) 874 1639. website www.oakwood.com
Oakwood Premier Joy~Nostalg Center Manila, 17 ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City 1600, Philippines.
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Special thanks to Ms. Genny Puno for the invite! Cheers!
OPINION COUNTS…