Marques de Vargas Wine Dinner at The Pressroom Bistro KL

5 amazing wines. 5 delicious dishes. What a treat. 

Who wouldn’t enjoy a mouth-watering lineup of chef-curated dishes paired with aromatic wines from the beautiful regions of Spain?

On 5th May 2017, The Pressroom Bistro, together with Marqués de Vargas wines, hosted a wine dinner for a group of 20 guests. I don’t always go for wine dinners because they tend to be quite pricey at RM250+ range but this one’s reasonably-priced plus it comes with 5 varieties of wines and 5 varieties of dishes including appetiser and dessert. The dishes are chef-curated and includes an all-time favourite for me: a salmon dish!

The evening started with fizzing Resso Cava with Kir Royale. This is deadly delicious! If you’re like me who enjoys bubblies with a hint of sweetness, you will enjoy this serving and you’ll be asking for more. This Cava was paired with amouse bouche, crab aioli stuffed in cannelloni with pickled kyuri and herring caviar. 

1st drink: Kir Royale with Resso Cava

The second wine was an Albariño: Pazo de San Mauro, vintage 2015, from Rias Baixas. I liked this white wine; creamy, rich with fresh fruits and citrus flavours. This was paired with the dish I was waiting for; sous vide salmon, marinated with Asian herbs, pak choy and spicy tamarind sauce. The pairing of this dish with the Albariño was superb. 

2nd wine: Albariño, Pazo de San Mauro

sous vide salmon, marinated with Asian herbs, pak choy and spicy tamarind sauce

Third was a Crianza: V by Vargas, vintage 2014, from Rioja. This is a traditional Rioja wine, aged for twelve months in French and Russian oak barrels. It was paired with magret de canard with brie and sun-dried tomato polenta cake, served with cinnamon, apple and ginger sauce. 

3rd wine: Crianza, V by Vargas

magret de canard with brie and sun-dried tomato polenta cake

The fourth wine was a Reserva Tempranillo: Marqués de Vargas, vintage 2011, from Rioja. This one is rich and full-bodied, a little bit complex for my taste but nevertheless an amazing wine. It is full of flavours that reflect the signature characteristics of Tempranillo, has hints of spice and tobacco. It was served with cajun lamb steak with crispy sweet potato, red pepper and onion marmalade. 

4th wine: Reserva Tempranillo, Marqués de Vargas

cajun lamb steak with crispy sweet potato, red pepper and onion marmalade

The fifth and final wine was Resso Cava. (Cava is the official name for sparkling wine produced in designated areas in various parts of Spain, not to be interchanged with Champagne which is the official name for sparkling wine from Champagne, France.) I always look forward to dessert! The cava was served together with the dessert, a chocolate mousse in tartlet with roasted almond, strawberry Jello and vanilla ice cream. This pair was the perfect ending to this wonderful wine dinner. Yummmms! 

Resso Cava

chocolate mousse in tartlet with roasted almond, strawberry Jello and vanilla ice cream

Great wines from Marqués de Vargas and awesome dishes from The Pressroom Bistro!

The Pressroom Bistro  

Lot C3.10.02 Level 3, Connection, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur

168 Jalan Bukit Bintang

55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Contact: +6 03 2148 3889 / info@pressroom.com.my

Open: 9:00 am to 2:00 am

www.pressroom.com.my

The Press Room Bistro is a modern interpretation of a European bistro. The emphasis is on simple Modern European food using the finest ingredients, served in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. The Press Room Bistro is defined by it’s menu, serving wholesome, comfort food in a simple setting. Illy coffee, tea, wine and a good range of draught beers are served too.

By the way, Mother’s Day Special treat at The Pressroom Bistro is happening on 14th May!

Mother's Day Special menu at The Pressroom Bistro

Celebrate this day with a delightful Mother's Day Special and spoil your mom with an exclusive Sothy's treatment! A delicious feast followed by a relaxing spa treatment is the best way to pamper your mother! Available on 14th May 2017 from 8am to 3pm only. It’s best to make reservations as this day can be quite packed, you may call +6012.653.7031 or +603.2148.3889.

Marqués de Vargas Family Wines & Estates is a firmly established family project located in three highly prestigious denomination of origin regions: La Rioja, Ribera del Duero and Rías Baixas. We produce limited editions of exclusive, high end wines made from grapes harvested from our own vineyards. The quality and character of these wines are famous around the world.

Mentioning the name Marqués de Vargas means referring to a dynasty of four generations devoted to the production and commercialisation of outstanding wines from the Rioja, since the Marquisate of Vargas is held by a family that has close ties to this acclaimed Spanish winemaking region.

In 1840, Don Felipe de la Mata, 8th Marquis of Vargas, decided to plant the first grapevines at the Hacienda Pradolagar. Since then, four generations of this family lineage have cultivated the vineyards on this estate. Don Pelayo de la Mata, Count of San Cristóbal, and his brother Don Francisco, 9th Marquis of Vargas, who was elected mayor of Logroño, kept the passion for the vines at Pradolagar alive.

Today, Bodegas y Viñedos del Marqués de Vargas has become a solid family project established in three Designations of Origin of great prestige: Rioja, Ribera del Duero and Rias Baixas.

5-Course Bordeaux Wine Dinner: Chateau Beychevelle

7 beautiful wines including 3 vintages of Grand Cru. 5-course meal. You will love it.

When was the last time you truly sat down, sipped your wine slowly, appreciate each whiff of aroma, each tang of flavour and be served with chef-curated lineup of dishes? 

On 11th March 2017, be delighted by Philippe Blanc, the Managing Director of the Château Beychevelle, who will share the winery's history, secrets and, most importantly, 7 beautiful wines, 3 of which are Grand Cru, coming directly from the estate’s cellar, along with their 2nd and 3rd labels.

Chateau Beychevelle is one of the most-sought after estate from the St Julien village’s in the Medoc region of Bordeaux. With a history dating back to the 16th Century, when the Duc d’Eperon, a French Admiral built one of the most beautiful Chateau of the region, and were already producing outstanding wines.

The Chateau, classified as 4th Grand Cru Classe, is a benchmark in the region, producing powerful and concentrated wines, yet balanced with an incredible smoothness and and subtlety that only the Great Grand Crus can offer.

During this wine dinner, guests will be served with an exquisite set of dishes, specially prepared and created by Soleil Chef.  

What to expect at this dinner:
1. A beautiful 5 course dinner prepared by Chef Evert Onderbeke of Soleil Restaurant
2. Taste 7 Chateau Beychevelle wines including 3 Grand Cru  
3. Meet Philippe Blanc, the Managing Director of the estate
4. Mingle with other wine loving individuals

Full Menu

Chef’s Dish - Marinated crabmeat Cucumber, green pea, grapefruit

Wine - Grand Bateau Blanc

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Chef’s Dish - Intermezzo Wine

Wine - Grand Bateau Rouge

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Chef’s Dish - Beef tongue maccarello Beetroot, radish, crispy capers

Wine - Amiral de Beychevelle 2013

Wine - Amiral de Beychevelle 2008

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Chef’s Dish - Slow cooked stuffed Guinea Fowl, Black trumpet risotto

Wine - Chateau Beychevelle 2009

Wine - Chateau Beychevelle 1999

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Chef’s Dish - Braised Veal shank Lemon and garlic trofie, roasted fennel

Wine - Chateau Beychevelle 2013

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Poached Peach Vanilla panna cotta, Bellini sorbet

****

Date: Saturday 11th March - 7pm

Venue:  Soleil Restaurant

Lot 7 & 8 Damansara City Mall Jalan Damanlela, 50490 Bukit Damansara

Where to buy tickets:  Online, click HERE 

Limited seats available

SALE Price: RM358
Normal Price: RM388

More about the wines you’ll enjoy at this dinner:

Château Beychevelle    

Ever since it was first produced, and down through the various vintages, Château Beychevelle has reflected the elegance and finesse of Saint Julien's finest terroirs.Graceful and complex, with a tremendous aromatic richness, Château Beychevelle is made from the best plots in the vineyard and undergoes a rigorous selection process. It reveals its character after about ten years, and can be kept for several decades, depending on the vintage.

Amiral de Beychevelle    

The rigorous selection process undergone by the grand vin results in the creation of its younger brother, Amiral de Beychevelle. Despite being made from young vines, Amiral de Beychevelle benefits from the same growing techniques, meticulous sorting, and traditional barrel ageing.It has the same elegance and finesse as its older brother, but reveals its character more quickly, offering wine-enthusiasts the full vivacity of its youth. It can be kept for up to fifteen years, depending on the vintage.

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The Venue: Soleil Restaurant & Wine Bar

In December 2016, Soleil has moved to a new location. Its 4000 sq ft home is at Damansara City Mall located in Damansara Heights. Whilst continuing to maintain its fine dining roots complete with two new private dining rooms, Chef Evert Onderbeke has created a new casual dining menu at a much expanded bar section. This includes an Alfresco area and the Chef’s Table comprising 5-seat dining area which allows a bird eye view of Chef Evert preparing his award winning creations. 

Soleil [pronounced Soh-lay], means Sun in French is a restaurant located in section 17, opened in August 2013. Serving mostly modern European cuisine with subtle Asian influence, the restaurant boasts a plethora of fresh imported and local seafood options as well as other delectable items including a small selection of meats and pastas on its menu.

Soleil continues on their journey to serve guests with its best curation of dishes in a beautiful setting, perfect for enjoyable and memorable dining. 

Valentine’s Day Wine Gifts

Not a big fan of lovey-dovey flowers as Valentine’s Day gift? So am I!

Rather than getting a bouquet of flowers, I’d be more excited receiving a bouquet of fried chicken nuggets, a box of Classified Chicken or Prawn Sensation pizza and maybe, like what my good friend, Rowena, was thinking of…a bouquet of beers and ciders! Yummmm! 

For those of you who are looking for unconventional ideas to give your loved ones this coming V Day, try sending them wine or beer! Wine is classy, creative, perfect for spending more quality time and has wide choices to pick from. Beer is fun, cool and perfect for an evening filled with laughter and cheers!

Whether you're dining out, snuggling up at home or giving V-day a miss, a bottle of wine is necessary but as with all occasions, which wine? Here’s an easy guide to help you pick the right wine:

The Love Flirts 

First date? Just getting to know him or her? Set the mood with a good Italian Cabernet Sauvignon. It's a general crowd pleaser and great with a lot of dinner dishes.

Pick up line pairing: This wine tastes like I'll be texting you later. 

The Romantic Couple 

Cozy up with a seductive bottle of Bordeaux, a classic favorite. It pairs well with most food dishes and has stellar character to carry on for after dinner drinks. Netflix and chill, perhaps?

Pick up line pairing: Wow, and I thought my wine had good legs!

The Adventurous Couple

The ones who couldn't be bothered for a bottle of white or red but prefer beer instead. With the thrill for stepping out of comfort zones, forget the classics and try a few craft beers instead. 

Pick up line pairing: Do you do tequila? How about giving me a shot. 

The Single Ladies 

A day to celebrate your love for your girlfriends, GALentine's Day! Enjoy the sweeter things in life with a bottle of Moscato, keep it peachy with some rosé wine or pop the night with a bottle of Champagne! You can never go wrong with a bottle of bubbly.

Moet & Chandon Rose Imperial Champagne

Beers, Ciders, Wines for Christmas and New Year!

’Tis the season to be shopping…falalalala lala lala!

Yay, it’s December! Few weeks left before we start with 2017. But this year won’t be complete without celebrating the season of giving and sharing great cheers with our loved ones. 

If you love wine, beer and more including gifts, this is the right time to be shopping at Wine Talk. Aside from the ongoing discounts where you can get a bottle of wine for as low as RM46, you can also score freebies with your orders!

FREE Limited Edition Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc Planner 

Simply order 2 x 6-can pack of Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc and you will get the planner together with your order. This is limited to first 100 orders so better act fast. Yay planner! I already received mine with my order last week. 

FREE Asahi Bluetooth Alarm Clock 

Just order 2 x 6-can pack of Asahi Dry Beer and this cool gadget is yours for free. Limited to first 80 orders. 

FREE Vintec chiller worth RM4,900* - for the serious wine lover

Purchase 90 bottles of Penfolds, Wolf Blass or Beringer excluding Penfolds Koonunga Hill, Wolf Blass Eaglehawk, Red Label & Yellow Label and Beringer Classics Range. Limited units available, click here for full details  about the free chiller deal.

Aside from those lovely goodies, there are more great stuff to enjoy this season:

Somersby Day on 21st December 2017 - RM21 OFF

Simply order 1 carton of Somersby bottles or can, use code SOMERSBY21 and you’ll enjoy this deal. Limited to 2 cartons per customer. Must order my apple cider again soon!

Carlsberg Smooth Draught Beer, Somersby Cider and Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc are now available for 3 hour delivery within Klang Valley.

Limited edition mini Moet & Chandon with FREE mini flutes

This set is perfect for parties, that’s why even celebrities take this during red carpet events! It’s pretty, elegant, sexy…just how Champagne lovers ought to feel. 

Wines starting at RM46.00 a bottle - find more choices of SALE products, click here

3 Hour delivery - receive your orders within 3 hours, within the day! A lot of us are often in a rush, preparing for dinner, gathering friends and we sometimes forget the drinks! I personally don't like carrying bottles or cans from the shop to my car. Ordering them online is just easier and faster. It saves me time and effort. 

Win a Helicopter Ride around KL City for 3
If you have lotsa lotsa friends who love beer, wine, spirits or cider, this deal is ideal for you. Refer friends and get a chance to bag this unforgettable experience...fly above KL City in a helicopter! See more details on how - click here 

Here’s to wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas celebration filled with wine, beers, ciders and good cheers!

An Italian Wine Tasting at Soleil Restaurant

October is here! We are closing in to end the year, closing in to the holidays and closing in to an upcoming Italian wine tasting that you wouldn’t want to miss. If you love wine, enjoy wine or a beginner to wine, you will have a great time at Soleil. 

But before I ramble on, take note that the early bird ticket price is ending by 5th October. It’s best to grab tickets soon.  

What:      Italian Wine Tasting

Where:  Soleil Restaurant, Ground Floor, 22A, Jalan 17/54, Seksyen 17, 46400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia

When:      8th October, 2016, Saturday, starts at 4:00pm

Price:        RM120 (early bird) / RM140 (normal price and walk-in)

What will you enjoy:

Tasting of 11 Italian wine labels - collection from Antica Vigna and Fattoria Fibbiano

Canapés by Soleil’s Chef Evert canapés 

• Charcoal cone with salmon mousse and citrus pearls
• Ratatouille tart with parmesan cheese
• Seabass goujonettes with beetroot gribiche
• Miso glazed chicken satays
• Fried baby crabs with anchovy dip
• (Live Station) Giant paella pan with squid, chicken and turkey chorizo

Where to buy tickets:     Online, click HERE  or visit www.winetalk.com.my 

More about the wine you’ll enjoy at this event:

Antica Vigna is a range created by Tenute Salva Terra, a family-owned estate, located in the heart of Valpolicella in the magnificent Villa Giona, dating back to the sixteenth century, in San Pietro in Cariano and now run by Brothers Eros and Lucio Furia.  A unique place which stands out for its terroir, where an ideal soil combines with oenological mastery.   They produce a range of Classic Veneto wines, focusing on elegance and personality, rather than overuse of wood barrels. 

New arrival in MY - be one of the first batch of wine lovers to enjoy this in Malaysia!

1. Pinot Grigio
2. Rosso di Veneto 'Appassionato
3. Valpolicella Classico
4. Valpolicella Superiore 'Ripasso'
5. Amarone Della Valpolicella

Fattoria Fibbiano is an agricultural company and farmhouse, located in a magical place, on a sunny hill, bounded by two streams at the bottom of the valley, in the heart of the Tuscan countryside, in an area in the council of Terricciola, in the hills between Pisa and Volterra.   

1. ‘Fonte Della Donne’ Blanco
2. Rose
3. 'Le Pianette'
4. 'Casallini' Chianti
5. 'L'Aspetto'
6. 'Cepatella'

A total of 11 wine labels is waiting for guests, including delicious canapes from Soleil. 

This Italian wine tasting is a collaboration between Soleil Restaurant and Wine Talk.  

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Behind every great restaurant is a great head chef and his team…

Heading the creative and amazing kitchen of Soleil is Chef Evert Onderbeke. He was born in Ghent, Belgium in 1976. He has always been fascinated by restaurants and at 15 years old began his studies at Belgium’s most famous culinary school, ‘Ter Duinen in Koksijde’. After qualifying, he assisted in the opening of a new restaurant in Ghent before relocating to New York to study under Belgian Chef Steven Debruyn. He returned to Belgium and soon joined the premier in fine dining catering company, ‘Diner Prive’ in 2003. There, he was mentored by the legendary 2 Star Michelin Chef Roger Souvereyns, who instructed him on the art of fine dining.  

Chef Evert moved to Malaysia where he was the head of kitchen at ‘High Tide’ (Time Out KL award winner Best Seafood restaurant 2010, MIGF award winner best all round cuisine 2010) before joining ‘Batu Batu Resort’ in Pulau Tengah, Johor. He has now been here for 7 years and currently heads the culinary team in Soleil Restaurant (Time Out KL award winner best European restaurant 2014, winner of 13 awards at MIGF 2015 including gold award Best all round restaurant).

Chef Evert creates finely well-balanced seafood dishes that hinge upon the styles of European cuisine but his true mastery is conveyed in blending local and imported ingredients to created his unique world of flavours. Each dish served on a plate is a product of his deep passion and creativity, making Soleil a truly memorable restaurant to dine in.  

Soleil [pronounced Soh-lay], means Sun in French is a restaurant located in section 17, opened in August 2013. Serving mostly modern European cuisine with subtle Asian influence, the restaurant boasts a plethora of fresh imported and local seafood options as well as other delectable items including a small selection of meats and pastas on its menu.

The restaurant layout is split into two floors with the ground floor catering comfortably for up to 45 persons. The first floor houses the restaurant's wine cellar as well as the cigar lounge and private room. Upstairs has a maximum seating capacity of 35 persons.

For inquiries about dining at Soleil, visit www.soleil.my 

For more Italian wine choices and wine tasting events, visit www.winetalk.com.my 

Wine Shopping Made Easy for East Malaysia

Do you like wines but have difficulties finding them in your area within East Malaysia? Are you in Kuching, Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan or Bintulu where your wine choices are limited? Don’t you wish there was an easy way for you to look and shop for wines then get them delivered to your home? 

Wine Talk, Malaysia’s largest online wine shop, has recently launched and extended its delivery service to East Malaysia. For the past years, Wine Talk has successfully delivered wines to major cities in West Malaysia. This time, it is happy and pleased to expand its services to the beautiful East Malaysia islands and cities. 

Wines from various winemaking countries can be found at Wine Talk East Malaysia site. These countries include France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Australia, Argentina, South Africa, Chile, USA and Uruguay. Be spoilt for wide choices of wine grapes such as Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Riesling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and more. If you love popular brands like Penfolds, Wolf Blass, Lindemans or Gerard Bertrand, you’d be delighted to find it at Wine Talk.  

Wine delivery in East Malaysia is now just a few clicks away. When you log on to www.winetalk.com.my, just select “East Malaysia” as your “shipping to” option and you can start choosing your wines. Need help on which wine to choose? No problem! Wine Talk is the first wine shop in Malaysia to have an online shopping advisor, both for West and East Malaysia locations. Simply log on to www.winetalk.com.my during work hours of weekdays and you’ll find an online advisor who can help you decide with your shopping. Whether you need advice on which wine goes well with a dish or which wine can you buy within a certain budget, Wine Talk’s wine shopping advisor can help you. 

Wine Talk is an online wine delivery service in Malaysia, providing fast, efficient and easy way for wine enthusiasts to shop online for wines, wine accessories such as wine glasses, wine chillers and decanters. May it be red wine, white wine, sweet wine, Champagne, sparkling wine or even non-alcoholic wine, searching for wines that you like is easy at Wine Talk. 

Online shopping at Wine Talk is made even easier with various payment options such as credit card, online banking, PayPal and cash-on-delivery (for selected Klang Valley areas in West Malaysia). You can also get assistance from Wine Talk for corporate orders, wine event requirements and wedding wines.

What type of wine do you like? Are you looking for a certain wine label and not sure where to find it? Try searching for it at www.winetalk.com.my. If you can’t find it on the website, just chat with a wine shopping advisor or send an email to info@winetalk.com.my for assistance. They’d be more than happy to help you in all your wine needs!

More good news? Voucher offer? You can use my personal voucher code to enjoy RM50 OFF on your first purchase! Use my code CELESTE50 on RM250 worth of normal-priced wines, valid for West and East Malaysia.