By Bryle B. Suralta
Conrad Manila’s “A Symphony of Flavors” made sure that not one thing was out of sync as the hotel treated members of the media to a fine selection of premium wines and decadent cuisine recently.
For this event, the hotel partnered with Sommelier Selection, a Filipino company that advocates for a better understanding of the wine landscape. Executive chef Daniel Patterson, meanwhile, prepared a wide range of Italian, French and Spanish fare to pair with the wines.
The hotel’s three-hour wine promo, which lasted from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., came with a free-flowing serving of 20 wines from Sommelier Selection. Guests enjoyed the fine wine at C Lounge’s balcony, overlooking a beautiful view of Manila Bay, while listening to the live musical renditions by the hotel’s guest artists.
Conrad Manila’s French food and beverage director Clement Huguet knows that the Filipino wine market isn’t as robust as that of his home country, but in his eyes, the future looks promising.
“It’s actually improving,” he says with a smile, talking about the wine culture in the country since his arrival. “Three, four years ago, there were only a few Filipinos who were interested in wine, who were knowledgeable about the quality.”
Clement understands that the average Filipino is more likely to be more acclimated with beer than wine. He views the Philippines as a good country for great beer. The food and beverage director, however, acknowledges that Filipino wine culture has come a long way.
“It’s still small. It’s still a growing part of the drinking culture, but people are starting to learn more,” he adds.
As for the wines that he would recommend, Clement, being the proud Frenchman that he is, says that guests should try French wine first. For a heavier, more powerful taste, one should try wines from Spain, he also tells PeopleAsia. American wine, on the other hand, has a sweeter taste to it, if individuals are into that type of taste profile.
One of the luxuries of the C Lounge is its proximity to SM Mall of Asia’s weekly fireworks display, and the promo ended just in time for the dazzling show.
At P 1, 950, individuals may enjoy an unlimited serving of wines from Italy, France, Spain and Portugal. For updates on more wine promos and C Lounge’s menu, visit https://conradhotels3.hilton.com/en/hotels/philippines/conrad-manila-MNLMBCI/index.html.
