Bob Paradies' Birthday Golf Tournament.

~ Part I ~

Wednesday, the 8th June 2011, was at The Country Club for Bob Paradies' Birthday Tournament - one of a series of Los Golfos-related birthday events that I've been invited to. I've attended Henry's birthday tournaments for quite a few years now, and, late last year, Jos' as well; but I missed the one of Mari a couple of months ago due to work.

Tee off was scheduled for 10:30am, but it started pouring at around 9am and kept on going, threatening a rain-out. By around 11am, though, it had cleared up enough, so 5 flights of us teed off. Unfortunately, it started pouring again later on, and, by the time my flight reached the 8th hole, we were all soaked to the bone.

A call was then made for all flights to return to the club house. Showered and dressed, we all then proceeded to partake of Bob's accelerated merienda-cena.

L-R: Celebrant/host Bob Paradies, Miguel Moras, Juan Miguel Llamas & Tito Chito Legarda.

Jos Moraza, Art Zuluaga (back to camera) and Tony Olbés.

L-R: Raffy Villarreal, Quito Moras, Mari Cacho & Henry Hagedorn.

We took our seats and several appetizers were served at the tables. With these, beer, rum-Cokes, wine, vodka & scotch flowed.



I'm not really sure what this was - some kind of a sisig I think. It was really good though, nice & spicy and great accompaniment for the ice-cold beers.

The broccoli pica-pica was particularly nice. I especially enjoy pica-picas that both taste good and are actually healthy - one can pig out on them without any guilt.

Above was one of my favorites of the pica-picas: Button Mushrooms al Ajillo on Fried Laguna Cheese. Nice blend of garlic, bit of heat with the earthiness of the mushrooms and creaminess of the cheese. Aside from the foregoing, there was a buffet table of, among others, a really good Pancit Luglug and Fried Chicken Breasts.

Of course, Bob had a birthday cake, the candle of which he blew out as everyone sang him Happy Birthday. The camaraderie then continued on a consistent, convivial note.

Above, left to right: Sal Lacson, Jos Moraza & Mackie Cui. I don't remember what Sal was talking about, but Jos doesn't look like he's buying into it.

Bob then announced that his birthday tournament would continue on the following Tuesday. He thereafter proceeded to raffle off some prizes.

In the photo above, Jos, kidding around as usual, jokingly took exception to the one of the minor prizes and said he'd rather just pay for it. On the left, in blue, Vince Revilla enjoys his drink. I understand Vince volunteered (or was volunteered) to host the next tournament.

Johnny-Mike won the putter that I was hoping to win in the raffle.

The drinking just kept on going. Somehow, Mackie's bottle of vodka mysteriously wound up at Miguel's table across the veranda. The rain having let up a bit, I and a few others then took our leave to avoid traffic on the northbound SLEX.

~ Part II ~

The following Tuesday, the 14th June 2011, the weather cooperated and Bob's tournament continued without any hitches. 1st Place went to Tony Olbés. Not surprising, really, as he, Tito Chito, Jimmy Alba and Bob himself are some of the usual llamados in these tournaments.

Tony receives his prize and congratulations from Bob.

I had thought all along that Tito Reynoso won 2nd Place, but it turns out he took 3rd.

Bob with the three winners: Tony (1st Place), Douglas (2nd Place) & Tito (3rd Place).

Above, left to right, are Jaime Ugarte and Miguel Moras. Jaime looks a bit perplexed. I suspect it's because his chilidog was taking long to be served. Everyone enjoys the hotdogs at the Country Club, and Jaime and I missed ours the last time.

Eating time.

I tried catching Henry in a compromising pose, but, unfortunately, he caught me at it.

By around 5:30 to 6:00 pm. most everyone had already trickled off, leaving the few and persistent to enjoy the breeze, view, remaining bottles and company.

Mackie, Douglas, Art, Jaime, Bob & Miguel.

What a fun 2-day celebration! Many thanks and Happy birthday again, Bob! We all wish you many, many more to come!

Back @ Champêtre w/ the Family: 2008 Királyudvar Tokaji Demi Sec & 1990 Ducru Beaucaillou.

This past week was a busy one at work and at play, going through, among others, various anti-double taxation treaties and contracts (aside from meetings), weekday dinners for my brother-in-law and niece who are in town from Indiana (my sis didn't come along as she is busy tending to her recently opened allergy clinic there). There was also Bobby Paradies' rainy mid-week birthday golf tournament and a nice Friday night of craft beers & pizza with the Alabang group (more on those in separate posts).

Last night, Saturday the 11th June 2011, though, was dinner back at Champêtre with Catha, 2 of our sons (the eldest was at his freshman orientation) and a niece and nephew. Marc Aubry had sent me a text announcing Moules du Bouchot and fresh chanterelles from France starting that day, so we simply had to go to catch both ingredients as fresh as possible.

Moules du Bouchot served with Frites (2 orders). I can never resist these.

Of course, for our other starters, we had the usual Terrine of Foie Gras (2 orders), Escargots à la Bourguignonne (3 orders) and an order each of Onion Tart (no photos as the kids attacked them too quickly) and...

...Portobellos w/ Oeuf Cocotte. With all these, a bottle of...

2008 Királyudvar Tokaji Demi Sec - Very pure, well-focused, well-defined flavors of cold stoney, slightly off-dry/lightly honeyed pear, peach, with whispers of flowers and banana. Super clean, excellent freshness, crisp acidity and over-all balance. Excellent wine crafting here; so refreshing and food friendly.

Even the kids liked this and the bottle was quickly emptied. Wonderful with the terrine of foie gras and pretty good with the moules and escargots. This is readily available at Premium Wine Exchange for a mere P1700/bottle. You simply must.

Catha, Joaqi & Michael

Nicole & Lorenzo

My main course was Grilled Lamb Chops with Fresh Chanterelles, Risotto & Asparagus. This was a night's special, but with lamb loin instead of chops. I requested for chops instead as this was a dish Marc used to serve us in Je Suis Gourmand (Rene reminded me about it - he had it there the night before). Renzo had the same main course as I, Michael had the night's special as-is with lamb loin, Catha had the Boeuf Onglet again, Nicole had the night's special of Salmon & Scallops, Joaqi had the Grilled Scallops.

Joaqi's Grilled Scallops.

My Grilled Lamb Chops with Fresh Chanterelles, Risotto & Asparagus.

1990 Château Ducru Beaucaillou - A few quick initial sniffs upon opening revealed clean (no hint of being corked) but relatively reticent aromas considering its vintage. I then decanted it and let air for around 30-45 minutes, then poured as the main courses hit the table. The aeration did it good. Although the bouquet was still a bit reserved (not a bad thing for me), in the mouth, it was well-fleshed out.

With a definitive strike, proper mid-mouth breadth and weight and a moderately long finish, this showed off its pedigree in its slightly minty, anise, cedar/violets-infused black fruit and underlying tar/black gravel/asphalt. A notch or two under full-bodiedness, this exuded good, depth, complex layering, precise reserve and good balance. With a bit more time in the glass, dark/bitter chocolate emerged to join the tar and anise notes.

After around an hour more, the wine began to lose its body, sharpen its flavors and the anise and acidity started getting a bit obtrusive. Maybe I should have put it back in bottle after its aeration in the decanter. I think it can't take extended exposure in a decanter. I'll do that next time and see if that extends its performance. It was beautiful while it lasted though.

Desserts followed, we each got our own except for Catha who went straight to her coffee.

Joaqi with his Gateau au Chocolat.

The very berry Champêtre Soufflé.

This was my Home-Made Chocolate Ice Cream. Renzo got the Strawberry. Marc joined us at the table near the end of service with a beer and a glass or two of wine. It was another busy night for him with a packed house with some good turn-overs. For us, it was yet another of many excellent meals by Marc; and it goes without saying that we all look forward to the next.

Dinner w/ Longtime Friends @ Champêtre.

Many things change as one progresses from being a young, single college student. Aside from working, getting married, raising children - all wonderful - a less-than-desirable, inherent side effect is that one tends to see less of old friends. I first met Johnson in June of 1983 - we were classmates in our (home) English classes under Prof. Eric Torres in freshman year college at Ateneo. We became fast and close friends, and, through him, I got to know Lance and Mike.

Though Lance and Mike studied college abroad, I'd see/hang around Lance in Manila during his breaks; Mike I'd see more often at parties and Johnson and Lance's get togethers. This has continued, albeit more and more sporadically, until now. I still see Johnson more often than I do the others, but not as often as I'd like to. A few days ago, during a brief wine-related e-mail exchange with Lance, we decided to organize a little get-together with the wives for this Saturday, the 4th June 2011, at Marc Aubry's Champêtre. Had Danny (based in HK) and DG (LA based), been around, it would have completed all my favorite Xavier boys in one shot.

The Guys: Lance, Johnson & Mike.

As misfortune would have it, I suffered a severe, though, thankfully, relatively brief, bout of food poisoning Friday morning (which I attribute to some bad unagi that I had for dinner Thursday night). Feeling weak and slightly feverish, I ate virtually nothing Friday and most all of Saturday so that I could make the subject dinner. Our get-togethers are few and far between, so I didn't want to have to cancel at the last minute if it could be at all helped.

The Ladies: Candy, Ann, Catha & Jay.

We ordered many of my old reliable/favorites by Marc: the signature Terrine of Foie Gras, Escargots a la Bourguignonne (Jay loves this stuff as much as I), Brie in Filo Salad (a night's special which Ann evidently liked a lot), Steak Frites (which Lance & Mike enjoyed), Marc's signature Pasta Trio (Candy's, Ann's & my main courses), Boeuf Onglet (for Catha), etc.

I was so relaxed and enjoying the company, I hardly took any photos of the food. Lots of catching up, many funny stories both old and new, lots of laughter. The wines helped a bit in that regard, I guess, but I'd have had fun in any event.

2005 Domaine Bott-Geyl Gewürztraminer Sonnenglanz Grand Cru - I know I've had Bott-Geyl's 2005 vintage of this Alsace grand cru gewürz before, but I can't seem to find any notes of mine on it (just on the 2004 and 2006). In any event, I brought this along (sourced from Jerome's Sommelier Selection at just under P2900/bottle) for the foie gras terrine. A step up from the regular "Les Éléments" bottling, this shows marked residual sugar (noted by Mike as "sweet" - which he likes; and by Ann as "almost like a dessert wine" - Ann prefers her whites on the drier side), but, to me, with just enough balancing acidity to keep things interesting.

Nice enough freshness to its rich, indulgent, hefty, creamy, lusciously curved honeyed peach, lychee, rose, faint underlying musk and slight baking spice notes, this is a very forward and eager-to-please wine. Opulent. It is for sheer indulgence and enjoyment. I thought it was great with the foie gras and apt for the occasion. Candy said she liked this a lot too.

2009 Domaine Tempier Bandol Rosé - I brought this for the Burgundy escargots; sourced as well from Sommelier Selection. Rene & I picked up the last of their 2009 stock. Those who want this will either have to import their own or wait until Jerome's stock of vintage 2010 arrives. I've written about this wine so often, most recently a stellar bottle with the Usual Suspects during a lunch barely 2 weeks ago (also in Champêtre). Then as now, I maintain that Tempier makes the best rosés in the world. Many opine that it is too pricey for a rosé, but I don't care - in fact, I like it that way - that leaves more for me.

2006 Yarra Yering Pinot Noir - Lance's bottle. This is their top-bottling pinot noir if I am not mistaken. It's New World origins are relatively evident in its hefty, few notches over medium body and concentrated darkly ripe plum, cherry, hint of kirsch, faint cola, bit of underlying chocolate, hints of baking spice and other well-integrated wood-related notes. All in pretty good form, though, this is not your ubiquitous New World Franken-Noir. I'm not by any stretch an expert on Aussie wines, but it seems to me that this came from cooler Aussie climes. Quite pleasant, and I'd imagine it went well enough with the steak frites and boeuf onglet.

Such a fun evening. Jay noted that last we saw each other all together was approximately 6 months ago at her and Lance's 10th anniversary bash at Masseto. How could I forget? I hadn't stayed out partying past 4am in decades. Great fun; and, hopefully, it won't be another 6 months...until the next!

Back @ Gustavus Steak Lounge for Lunch with Rioja, Napa & Ale.

Wednesday, the 1st June 2011, was back at Gustavus Steak Lounge for lunch with Miguel, Rene & Santi. Yes, I am obsessive when I "discover" a "new" place to eat that I like, in that I tend to go often and frequently. This was the 5th time I was in Gustavus within the past 4 weeks, and only the fear of raising my cholesterol count to unacceptable levels has kept me from visiting more often.

Mig and I got there ahead, immediately greeted by Mike and showed to our table by one of his staff. Mig had brought along a bottle of one of my favorite ales, a bomber of Rogue Double Dead Guy. Jimmyton's Global Beer Exchange (GBEX) distributes Rogue ales locally (among others). This manly, flavorful ale is a seasonal release - I've gone through my stash at home, so I'll have to wait until August for the new batch to be released and brought in by Jim. I can wait, albeit a bit impatiently.

We had this with a platter of Fresh Oysters while waiting for the others.

Rene arrived a few minutes later, so we had another round of oysters. Santi arrived shortly after. With the second platter of shellfish, we popped open my bottle of 2009 Bruno Giacosa Roero Arneis - a dry, mildly seashell-minerally, white grapefruit reminiscent, pear and slight almond-bitter flavored white from the Roero hills of Piedmont.

File photo

The T-Bone not being available at the time, we all went for the large Gustavus Cut USDA Prime Rib-Eye. One each, Santi & Rene had theirs medium-rare; Mig & I went for rare. These are the only proper ways to have these kinds of steaks. Anything more cooked than medium-rare, to me, is a virtual waste of good meat. Rene & I had sides of fries, Santi had the Gustavus Steak Rice, and Miguel went for the Gnocchi.

Just so the others could try it, we thirded a Mr. D's Ultimate Beef Burger and had it served in the middle - a carnivorously indulgent second appetizer of sorts.

Succulent.

Our reds.

1981 Bodegas R. López de Heredia Viña Bosconia Gran Reserva - My bottle, one of the ones I purchased from Watson's Wine Cellar in HK (the Pacific Place branch in Central). I've written about this recently, it was my birthday bottle of red at Gaddi's last month. I chose this as this lunch was actually a belated birthday treat for the guys. My notes at the Gaddi's dinner were as follows:

1981 Bodegas R. López de Heredia Viña Bosconia Gran Reserva - Fortunately, a few days before, during the Commanderie de Bordeaux Domaine de Cheval Blanc dinner back in Manila, Eric Recto glowingly recommended this wine to me and provided decanting advice as well (which I followed, of course). It was fantastic - so complex, deep, with an alluring, slight meaty/gamey lilt to its red fruit, slight leather, tar, balsamico, violets and anise notes. Beautiful wine, incredible balance, and perfect with the lamb. Under 420 cases produced. I brought a couple of bottles home since I loved it so much. Thanks for the heads-up, Eric.

During the subject lunch, this lovely was, unfortunately, over-powered by the thick, rich rib-eye. This wine should really be served with lamb. Oh, well, mea culpa...but it was still delicious on its own.

1994 Chateau Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon - Rene's bottle that he generously gave to me for my birthday gift. Naturally, I opened it right then and there. Compactly full-bodied, notable structure and roundness, but in good balance typical of Montelena (no over-ripe, over-the-top fruit bomb here). Black fruit base, hint of crème de cassis, cedar, violets, topnote of slight mint, flecks of licorice and a touch of dusty earth. Excellent with the steaks. This has the structure to age well many more years I'd expect.

Thanks, Rene!

Mig & Santi have at it.

Mike kindly sent us some desserts on the house: an order of Gustavus Torron (no photo as it got eaten before I could take one) and my favorite Choco-Nut Pinoy Buster Parfait. I love the latter so much I simply had to order a second with a side order of extra Choco Nut. What the hell, it was a belated birthday celebration after all. I'd worry about the calories whenever.

Santi, Rene & Miguel.

We capped off the afternoon with a couple of rounds of craft beers at Jimmyton's nearby Tasting Room where Tinchu joined us. I just realize, as I write, that Mike, Tinchu and Jimmyton (out in California at the time "researching" new craft beers) are all cousins of Santi. His must be a large clan indeed.

Well, it was a filling and fun mid-week break. Thanks, guys for joining me, to Mike for another great meal at Gustavus; and, to Rene, many thanks again for such a nice gift. Until the next!

A Birthday Dinner @ Gustavus Steak Lounge.

This past Monday, the 23rd May 2011, was my sis-in-law, Mich's, *cough*th birthday. She is based in Singapore these days and was just here for less than a week for some business. She wanted steaks and was thinking of going to Mamou, but she'd been there quite often already. Thus, I suggested she try out Gustavus Steak Lounge (Ground Floor, F&M Lopez Building, 109 C. Palanca Street, Legazpi Village; Tel. No. 846-2430) since I enjoyed my dinner there so much after a long ale session with Jimmyton and J-Lab a couple of weeks before. She agreed to my suggestion, so I made arrangements with Gustavus' Managing Partner, my Ateneo high school classmate, Mike Gayoso.

We were 16 in all that night with my in-laws and a few of their cousins. Mike was to be out of town that whole day until late, but left instructions for how our large party was to be accommodated (2 tables for 8 side-by-side, etc.). We were very well taken care of. Though a party of 16 having multiple courses is normally quite a strain on the waitstaff, there were no problems at all. On the contrary, I thought the service was quick, crisp and precise. Some of the dishes we enjoyed at our (the boys') table were:

Fresh Oysters (file photo)

The kids started off with the above-depicted fresh oysters (I've had these a couple of times before). They are always super fresh and delicious - an absolute must in Gustavus.

Grilled Rib-Eye, one each for my 2 brothers-in-law.

One of them got some Gustavus Steak Rice.
The rest of us went for the excellent French Fries and Gnocchi for our starch.

Grilled T-Bone Steak (for me; rare of course). Delicious. I've had it here thrice so far.

Roast Rack of Australian Lamb w/ French Green Lentil & Bacon Cassoulet for my second son. Looked magnificent.

Grilled Tenderloin Steak; a couple of them, one was for my youngest.
You can see from the photo above how well it was cooked and how juicy it was inside.

Mr. D's Ultimate Beef Burger - my eldest went for this.

There was an assortment of similar dishes at my sis-in-laws' table. I get along very well with my sis-in-law (Catha's sister). I always have. You can see from the photo above how very much she enjoys her food - so we naturally enjoy each other's company (and obviously mean sense of humor). Desserts were excellent as well:

Choco-Nut Pinoy Buster Parfait. My nephew got this. It looked so good I vowed to have it myself next I was there - a vow I've already made good on. It definitely tastes as sinfully good as it looks.

Strawberry Cheese Cake, I don't recall whose this was though.

Crisp Apple & Mango Filo.

This was my dessert - a scoop each of Dark Chocolate & Mint Chip Ice Cream, which, together, made up a cool bowl of After Eight Dinner Mint of sorts. Loved it. I don't know what else was ordered for dessert as I was so concentrated on my own.

We didn't have any wine that night, but we continued on until late with some beers, cognac and some hilarious stories. Excellent evening. Thanks, Mich! I daresay we'll be back in Gustavus next you're in town!