I haven't really been to fancy food places lately but just recently I got invited into one of Cebu's more sumptuous restaurants, The Social, to witness (and taste, basically!) a classic food and wine pairing. To those who are new to The Social, it is an Australasian-European cafe, bar and music hub owned and operated by Tadcaster Hospitality. It was my second time to dine at The Social and I always loved the place not only because of its elegant and romantic ambience, but also because they serve really appetizing food. You better get yourselves ready cause you might be clearing your throats while reading this mouth-watering post.
These are the guys that entertained me and my blogger friends as we feasted on a five-course dinner prepared by their main chef, Rob Leonhardt, paired with their finest Califorian wines. On the left is Phil, one of The Social's investors and on the right is David Duckhorn, the president of the Via Pacifica Selections, a vertically integrated wine company devoted to the distribution and production of wines from the classic appellations of the Pacific Rim. The dinner that we altogether celebrated was an honorary celebration for their first branch here in the Philippines.
Via Pacifica, translated as “the peaceful route,” is committed to making wine a part of the daily journey through life.
A few of Via Pacifica's finest wines:
2009 Paraduxx Z Blend Red Wine, Napa Valley2012 Duckhorn Vineyards Merlot, Napa Valley in Magnum2012 Rodney Strong Cabarnet Sauvignon, Symmetry, Alexander Valley
Before the program officially started, we were served with their 2014 Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc-Viogner, Clarksburg wine.
Not only do you get to enjoy the great ambience of the place but you also get to be treated well with their friendly staff as you lounge on their indoor & outdoor bar, and an attractive alfresco area. We enjoyed the rest of the night with their no-rice five-course meal as we engaged and socialized with their other customers.
First CourseBeef & Goat Cheese Salad, Toasted Pistachio, Pomelo, Aged Balsamic, Basilpaired with 2012 Chamisal "Stainless" Chardonnay, Edna Valley
Second CourseSmoked Lapu-Lapu, Organic Japanese Tomato Consomme, Calamanci & Seaweed Sorbet, Nori Saltpaired with 2012 Oberon Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley
Third CourseSticky Braised Shortrib, Corn Puree, Black Truffle Butter, Blackened Onions, Parmesan, Potato Gallettepaired with 2012 Rodney Strong Cabarnet Sauvignon, Symmetry, Alexander Valley
Excuse me if I pause your tasty daydream right there but I gotta laud that this one's my favorite, so far. It's really soft that I almost thought I was just eating a cake. Really, it was delicate and definitely delicious. Although...I wasn't able to finish my plate since it was more than my tummy could hold at the moment. Phil even teased me to sing a karaoke song, after dinner was served if I didn't finish my plate but it was too late when I realized that he was pretty serious when the waiter already cleaned my batch. Geez. But Keene was a lifesaver, he was the one who sang and it definitely cheered the night up as representatives from each table continued to sing their favorite songs. Way to go Keene!
Fourth CourseRack of Lamb, Maeyer Lemon Glazed Asparagus, Slow Cooked Lamb Nori Roll, Crispy Clamspaired with 2012 Duckhorn Vineyards Merlot, Napa Valley in Magnum
Fifth CourseDark Chocolate Soufle, Salt Caramel Sauce, Pandan Ice Creampaired with 2009 Seghesio "Old Vine" Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley
I wasn't really a fan of lamb meat because it was honestly my very first time of ever tasting it and it's also because lamb meat isn't really common here in the Philippines. I wasn't really sure with its taste but I liked it. I like that it has a very interesting taste. It was kinda raw actually but I didn't expect to like it with that being said.
We ended the night with karaoke songs and this little girl's performance singing Let It Go from Frozen was really adorable. She was really confident and she even memorized the lyrics.
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In our dinner table, we sat together with two other customers. One was Keene's former boss and she was with her foreigner friend and together we enjoyed the rest of the night. We even got free tequila shots because Keene's performance was great! It was a very fun way to end the night. Phil and David were really accommodating and always visited our table and would tell us about the food and wine that we were having on each course. They're really inviting and captivated us with their best tasting wines. I personally like white wines' rich and zesty taste and I find the ones they have delectable and I enjoyed drinking them. I look forward to Via Pacifica's growing business here in the metro. Kudos to Dave for being really passionate and hands-on to his work.
You can enjoy The Social's five-course meal for Php 1,500 per person that's strictly first come first served basis due to limited availability. For reservations, dial (032) 231 0679. Follow The Social in their Facebook page for more updates!
Special thanks to these blogger folks who joined the night with me: Carlo of Kalami Cebu, Hoven of Rock x Scissors, Keene of Keene Tan and Monica of Afterglo[w]be.
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