Posts
Because of J-Lab's glowing review of the '99 Ridge Monte Bello, I simply had to try it out. Having a dinner to attend in Serendra, I stopped by CAV for some of this wine, chancing upon old friend Felicia there, as well as owners David Ong and chef Marcus Gfeller. I asked for one of their proper, bigger glasses and got a full serving from the wine dispenser.I found the nose and palate mirrored each other exactly with blackcurrants, mint, demure cedar, mere hints of tobacco leaf and licorice underneath. Wood was quite apparent, but very well-integrated and not at all obtrusive. Very self-possessed character, with precise balance and impressive, minty length. It doesn't shout out like most Cali reds I've tried and it is not at all over-ripe, jammy, syrupy or high in alcohol. I was texting J-Lab while I was sipping, telling him that, if served blind, I think this could probably easily fool me into calling it from Bordeaux.
Saturday, 25th July 2009.
My dad and youngest sister had dinner with us at home - just a simple one of steamed live crabs, pork adobo (requested by my youngest) and ginataang sitaw, kalabasa, talong and shrimp. I love eating crabs and simply steamed is my favorite way of having them, so I passed on the adobo and had 2-½ crabs. I rarely use the lemon-butter sauce, preferring to drizzle them with sinamak (a local vinegar spiced with garlic and chilis).
Steamed Crabs
Pork Adobo
Ginataang (cooked in coconut cream) Sitaw (string beans), Kalabasa (pumpkin), Talong (eggplant) & Shrimp
During golf earlier in the day, I had a short discussion on the 14th hole with a Spanish friend about albariños and Galician seafood. That fresh in my mind, I pulled a chilled bottle of 2007 Martín Códax Albariño to go with my steamed crab.
It's certainly obvious to those that follow my blog that I love these cleanly fruited, bracingly dry and brightly acidic whites from Rias Baixas, Galicia, Spain which are regionally and traditionally paired with the seafood Galicia is famous for (I especially enjoy them with simply prepared fresh shellfish). These are casually delightful wines that are, happily, very affordably priced - something good that can be enjoyed at any time. I always keep some handy at home.My personal favorite currently locally available albariños are those by Laxas (Terry Selections), Códax (Barcino) and Terras Gauda (Premium Wine Exchange). For those who care, see my notes on a recent locally available albariño taste-off at La Tienda.
10 comments:
those crabs look tantalizingly delicious. if you have a version of chilli crabs, i may insist on it next time I'm in the Ermitano residence (together with your signature steaks)! - jojo
As a matter of fact, yes, I do. Not the Singapore style chili crabs (I don't like crab sullied with a lot of sauce), but my dad's cook certainly makes that.
What I used to make very often for dinners is the Thahn Long style crabs using butter, olive oil, tons of toasted chili and garlic. The matching noodles too. I haven't made it in years (I used to make it very often because the Alabang group really liked it), but I can easily do that again next time at the house.
I'll plan it!
N
might be an occasion for buttery Napa chardonnays! am always game to go to Alabang to eat at your place. -Jojo
Cool! Catha likes those buttery Napa chards....
N
Great Combination...Albariño and steamed Crab....
Indeed! It was Chicho I was discussing the pairing with on the 14th hole. That guy's a 6 handicap and he very uncharacteristically pulled his drive left into the trees right after we spoke of the pairing - he told me it was because he was thinking too much of Galician seafood and wine on his down-swing.
Heh heh, Naging kasalanan ko pa....
N
hi Noel,
i have 2 questions:
1. where and what kind of sake (for hot) thats reasonably priced entry level would you recommend? had dinner at seryna and the ones they have are servings for babies! haha and expensive if i get the big bottle.
2. do you know if tour de mons, from margaux is available in manila?
thank you and best regards,
sharon
Hi, Sharon. Sorry, I'm not the one to ask about locally available sake as I'm not really picky about them and do not know the prices.
Re: Tour de Mons, I knd of remember seeing some around here but can't really remember where; didn't take note of it. Sorry.
N
I know Terrys used to have Tour de Mons before..not sure if they still have it..
Thank you Noel and thank you Miguel :) do you know the price range? :)
Post a Comment