PLATE No.2

Compared to the smooth-sailing of PLATE’s launch, producing the cover for the second issue was like going through the Cagayan River rapids.

Nothing  was going right.  We had miscommunications on one hand, time constraints on the other and the perennial conflict of schedules between the creative team and our choice of feature subjects.

It involved a lot of soul-searching for me as well, because somewhere along the way the final decision of whom to cover fell completely on my lap.   I was afraid that I may not be able to pull through with the restaurant I wanted.

But in the end, things really worked out and I’m happy with the result.

Having Alexa’s Deli Cafe and Wine Bar grace PLATE’s cover was a windfall.  It was my personal recommendation.  I have been a regular for the past five years, ever since I stumbled upon it during one of my exploratory walks.  So I felt that I was safely putting my money where my mouth was.

Oh, but let me say that till I asked for the interview, I had no idea who the owners were or what Alexa’s was all about.  I just really liked the place.

I could say more, but I will let the articles speak for themselves.

———-

Photos courtesy of MeAn

 

October: Wine and Food Month

And so October’s Wine Festival draws to a close.  Due to this year being such a busy season, I didn’t really feel like I could go and enjoy a serious degustation without some sense of guilt gnawing my insides.  Very unfortunate, as there were a couple of events I was really interested to check out.



Sommelier’s very indulgent feast is best described by Lolo Dad’s Brasserie:

“The event is a celebration of wine growers who embrace a holistic approach to their practice of working the vines. French wine merchant Sommelier’s unique selection of organic and natural wines will be paired with epicurean courses with a series of dinners with some of the country’s most reputable tables…Manila could be an interesting place for wine with bottles you can’t find anywhere else in Asia, and Sommelier Selection is the country’s largest importer of French wines with more than 140 labels.”

Aside from Lolo Dad’s, Astralis, Bistro Filipino, Cav Wine Bar, Je Suis Gourmand and Sala offered the geniuses of their kitchens.

Meanwhile, Wine Depot debuted a locally-themed affair this year.

Compared to the wining and dining of the first, this one is basically like being let loose in wine shopping land.  I don’t intend to build a wine cellar anytime soon so I’ll probably end up spending most of the day just browsing and only buying a few.  But it would be fun.  And I think there’s just something about window shopping that’s therapeutic for girls.

Anyhoo, I’ve promised myself to participate more next year.  If this year’s menu lists were any indication, I think it’d be worth it.

————

Click here for Sommelier’s menu list.  More info on Wine Depot’s affair can be found here.