Date-Worthy Restaurants at City of Dreams Manila Offer Captivating Valentine Menus
Romance is in the air at City of Dreams Manila as its signature restaurants, café, and entertainment bar seduce with tempting specialties this season of love.
Crystal Dragon
City of Dreams Manila’s restaurant specializing in Cantonese and Chinese regional specialties entices couples to explore the date-worthy set menu for two priced at P4,500++ per person available on February 13 and 14 for lunch and dinner. The sublime appetizer is a trio of Foie Gras with Supreme Soy on Crispy Bean Curd Skin, Five-spice Pork Belly with Radish Pickles, and Deep-fried Sea Scallop in Mango Pomelo Salsa; followed by Braised Sea Treasures in Golden Sour Soup; Crispy Five-spice Marinated Pigeon with Spiced Salt and Worcestershire, and Crispy Egg Noodle with King Tiger Prawn in Rich Aromatic Prawn Broth. The Slow-Poached Chinese Pear with Snow Fungus in Umeshu Sweet Soup and Whisky Chocolate Brownie Snow Skin comes as a fitting dessert.
To add romance to the meal, a complimentary glass of France Chateau d’ Esclans Rosé sets the mood.
Mother’s Day ideas – from cocktails to lovely wines
By Gerard Richardson Drinks writer
Having skipped over the annual torture known as Valentine’s Day, there’s one celebration that no one can ignore, Mother’s Day? My advice is simple; look at what she normally drinks and enhance it, so if she normally drinks Baileys, try one of the multitude of cream liqueurs out there desperate to be discovered by new clients. If cocktails float mum’s boat then how about trying one of the cracking range from worldofzing.com which produce a superb range and present them in very attractive paper bottles… yes, paper bottles. They have a growing range of ready to garnish cocktails that no discerning dinner party should be without. How about showing your love with a rose wine? Theres a growing range but for me the finest are still from the Provence and the gorgeous Whispering Angel remains the market leader in the premium range…
Hakkasan Hanway Place partners with Château d’Esclans for Lost in Shanghai brunch series
Hakkasan Hanway Place, in partnership with the Caves d’Esclans, famous for its Rock Angel Rosé, is about to introduce a bespoke brunch offer with its new Lost in Shanghai series. Launching on Saturday, 9th March, the experience will be available only on four select dates and promises a gastronomic immersion into the elegant and vibrant atmosphere of Shanghai. Guests can look forward to a rich set menu filled with theatrics, including dim sum served amidst dry ice, the well-known Crispy Duck Salad, and Stir Fry Black Pepper Rib Eye with Merlot, complemented by signature cocktails and the Rock Angel Rosé. Adding to the charm of the cuisine, there will be live theatrical performances and a lineup of guest DJs, all set against Hakkasan’s iconic interiors.
The Lost in Shanghai brunch at Hakkasan Hanway Place is set to offer not simply a meal but a full sensory journey, inspired by the busy metropolis of Shanghai, where tradition meets modernity. Kicking off the with a signature martini cocktail, diners will delve into an opulent menu featuring Lobster Pearl Dim Sum and XO Scallop King Crab and Prawn Shui Mai, all presented with dry ice. The main courses keep up with the standard so set, with offerings such as Stir Fry Black Pepper Rib Eye with Merlot, to finish with a visually impactful platter of miniature desserts, again entailing dry-ice theatrics.
Rock Angel Rosé, from the Provence winery Caves d’Esclans, known for its flagship Whispering Angel, provides the perfect pairing to the Cantonese cuisine with its complex, structured profile and Sancerre-like minerality. This collaboration highlights the rosé’s versatility and its ability to complement the sweet and savoury flavours of Hakkasan’s modern Cantonese dishes.
The brunch is priced at £128 per person, which includes a signature martini cocktail upon arrival and three courses accompanied by a bottle of Rock Angel per person. For those seeking to elevate their experience further, an upgrade option includes the iconic Hakkasan Peking Duck, with caviar additions available starting from £190.
Lost in Shanghai brunch series celebrates Hakkasan’s innovative spirit and its commitment to provide unique dining experiences for its guests. With only four dates available – 9th and 30th March, 27th April and 25th May – reservations are essential.
Curating the best wine in the Philippines for our community of wine lovers
WHISPERING ANGEL ROSÉ: PROVENCE’S ELEGANCE IN EVERY SIP
CRAFTSMANSHIP AND INNOVATION: THE ART OF WINEMAKING AT CHÂTEAU D’ESCLANS
At the heart of Whispering Angel’s allure lies the meticulous winemaking process, a symphony of craftsmanship and innovation orchestrated by the skilled hands at Château d’Esclans. From vine to bottle, every step is carefully choreographed to preserve the essence of Provence and capture the delicate flavors that define this iconic rosé.
HARVESTING: A LABOR OF LOVE The journey of Whispering Angel begins with the annual grape harvest, a labor of love that unfolds amidst the sun-drenched vineyards of Provence. Each September, from sunrise to noon, skilled vineyard workers carefully select and pick the ripest grapes, ensuring that only the finest fruit makes its way into the cellar. The harvest is conducted with precision, with grapes hand-picked and placed in small crates to avoid damage during transport.
SORTING Upon arrival at the cellars, the grapes undergo a rigorous sorting process to ensure only the highest quality fruit is used in the winemaking process. Manual sorting by experienced hands is followed by optical eye sorting, where grapes are meticulously inspected for health and quality. Only those grapes that meet the exacting standards of the winemaker are selected for vinification, a testament to Château d’Esclans’ commitment to excellence.
COOLING AND PRESSING Once sorted, the grapes are gently crushed to release their precious juice, which is then cooled to lock in its freshness and vibrancy. Temperature reduction is key to preserving the grapes’ delicate flavors, with the juice reaching temperatures as low as 7-8 degrees Celsius. This process ensures that Whispering Angel maintains its signature crispness and vitality, even as it undergoes fermentation.
FERMENTATION Fermentation is where the magic of winemaking truly begins. The juice, now transformed into wine, is placed in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to undergo fermentation. Here, yeast converts the grapes’ sugars into alcohol, while the wine develops its characteristic aromas and flavors. Throughout the fermentation process, careful monitoring and precise temperature control ensure that the wine retains its purity and elegance.
AGING AND BLENDING: THE ART OF ASSEMBLAGE After fermentation, the wine is aged to further develop its complexity and depth of flavor. Some batches may undergo barrel fermentation, where they are aged in oak barrels to impart subtle nuances of spice and texture. This methods pertains to the production of a portion of Rock Angel and Château d’Esclans while the two top end wines, Les Clans and Garrus are completely fermented and aged in oak barrels. Others may remain in stainless steel tanks to preserve their crispness and freshness. The final step is blending, where different batches of wine are carefully combined to achieve the desired flavor profile. The art of assemblage is a delicate balancing act, where each component plays a vital role in creating the harmonious whole that is Whispering Angel.
BOTTLING AND AGING Once blended, the wine is bottled and allowed to age, a process that allows its flavors to marry and evolve over time. While Whispering Angel is renowned for its youthful vibrancy, a period of aging adds complexity and depth to the wine, ensuring that it reaches its full potential upon release.
QUALITY CONTROL Throughout the winemaking process, rigorous quality control measures are in place to ensure that every bottle of Whispering Angel meets the highest standards of excellence. From vineyard to cellar, each step is carefully monitored and guided by the experienced hands of the winemaking team. This unwavering commitment to quality is what sets Whispering Angel apart, ensuring that every sip is a testament to the artistry and dedication of Château d’Esclans. It is this dedication to quality that has made Whispering Angel a beloved favorite among wine enthusiasts worldwide, a wine that whispers of elegance and charm with every sip.
CULTURAL IMPACT: A GLOBAL PHENOMENON
Whispering Angel’s rise to prominence is a testament to its universal appeal. From chic rooftop bars in Makati and BGC to sun-drenched beaches in Palawan, Siargao, or Boracay, this iconic rosé has captivated wine lovers around the nation and around the globe. Its pale pink hue has become synonymous with sophistication, while its refreshing taste has made it the go-to choice for countless celebrations and gatherings. But Whispering Angel is more than just a wine; it is a cultural phenomenon. It has inspired a lifestyle centered around leisure, elegance, and conviviality, where every moment is an opportunity to savor life’s simple pleasures. Whether enjoyed with a casual meal or as an aperitif among friends, Whispering Angel embodies the spirit of enjoying life.
SAVORING THE TASTE OF WHISPERING ANGEL ROSÉ
Whispering Angel rosé tantalizes the palate with its exquisite flavor profile, offering a delightful balance of fruitiness, freshness, and elegance. Pouring a beautifully pale pink hue, it releases inviting aromas of fresh red berries, hints of peaches, and subtle floral notes. On the palate, Whispering Angel reveals ripe red berry fruitiness with a smooth and fleshy texture, culminating in a satisfying, smooth finish devoid of harsh astringency. Its versatility extends to pairing possibilities, making it an ideal match for light, summery dishes like seafood salads, grilled shrimp, or fresh sushi, as well as heartier Mediterranean fare such as herb-roasted chicken or grilled vegetables with olive oil. Whether enjoyed with friends at a casual gathering or as part of an intimate date night, Whispering Angel elevates every dining experience with its undeniable charm and elegance, offering a taste of Provence that beckons to be savored and celebrated. In every bottle of Whispering Angel, one discovers not just a wine, but a story waiting to be told. It is a testament to the beauty of Provence’s terroir, the artistry of winemaking, and the enduring appeal of a timeless classic inviting us to savor the elegance and sophistication of a truly exceptional wine.
Katie Couric is a woman who has always given back — tirelessly supporting cancer research after both her first husband and sister passed away from the disease, even founding the non-profit Stand Up to Cancer with eight other incredible women — and last night, Haute Living was able to return the favor as we celebrated the legendary newswoman in New York.
Couric, who’s about to become a grandmother, arrived at Scarpetta with husband John Molner and was flanked by friends including Dr. Felice Schnoll Sussman, Dr, Allyson Ocean, a medical oncologist specializing in gastrointestinal cancers, Kathleen Lobb, her Stand Up to Cancer co-founder, Frank Perez, and publicists Jaret Keller and Tara Halper.
Haute Media Group Vice President April Irene Donelson kicked off the evening by introducing the evening’s presenting partners, Oceania Cruises and Chateau d’Esclans Whispering Angel. She then introduced Editor-in-Chief Laura Schreffler, who spoke about Couric’s impressive path to charting her own destiny. Oceania Cruises’ Emily Loewy correlated the luxury cruise brand’s spirit of adventure to Couric’s own.
Couric then introduced her guests, many of who are top New York-based specialists in cancer treatment, before guests sat down to a dinner of Scarpetta’s Italian staples.
Chateau d’Esclans’ Michele Wood leads guests in a tasting of Whispering Angel
Chateau d’Esclans’ Michele Wood led the room in a pairing of wines with each course. Raw yellowtail, creamy polenta, beet salad, the restaurant’s signature spaghetti with tomato and basil, Ravioli Cacio e Pepe and bone marrow angolotti were paired with Whispering Angel rose 2022; roasted chicken, striped bass and sirloin of beef were paired with Rock Angel rose 2022; and Chateau d’Esclans’ “Garrus” rose 2019 was the showstopping finish, paired with Valrhona chocolate cake and yogurt panna cotta.
Le Méridien Melbourne invites guests to bask in a sun-drenched Mediterranean summer
Le Méridien Melbourne is inviting hotel guests to bask in the glamour of the Mediterranean, as it launches its sparkling summer program ‘Au Soleil’ on showpiece rooftop pool bar and terrace, Le Splash this December.
Inspired by the brand’s storied history and Air France origins, guests of Le Méridien will be magically whisked to the French Riviera as they ascend to the glamorous rooftop where sun-drenched afternoons that linger long into the evening are celebrated in a distinctly European fashion and endless glasses of crisp rosé.
Framed by a stunning city skyline, the first port of call is the glistening rectangular pool which could easily be mistaken for the gentle, lapping waves of St Tropez. The azure water lazily beckons guests to slide in for a dip or to pull up a chic pool lounge and admire from the side-line.
Yellow and white striped towels and matching umbrellas provide ample Euro sophistication, as elegant, sunglass-adorned guests order refreshing cocktails from the poolside bar. Here, an extensive list of international and local rosé and other drops can be ordered and delivered directly from the comfort of their pool lounge.
Classic poolside games, including backgammon and checkers provide sophisticated entertainment for guests as they await laissez-fare for the magic of Golden Hour to arrive.
A specially curated menu, inspired by the Mediterranean coast offers guests a selection of summer favourites including a vibrant smoked bocconcini salad, zesty grilled corn with sumac lime dressing and hearty Wagyu, snapper and vegan burgers that will satisfy any post-dip craving.
However, the true pièce de resistance is the Rosé Sorbet Sidecar inspired by Whispering Angel Rosé. The superb alchemy of summer’s most refreshing treats: Rosé and ice cream, Le Méridien partnered with renowned social media savant and tastemaker Meredith Hayden to bring the Rosé Sorbet Sidecar to life, in a nod to the brand’s quintessential invitation for travellers to chase an endless summer and create lasting memories complete with lazy, Rosé-filled afternoons.
Inspired by the preciousness of caviar ice baths and the cocktail sidecar, this delightful scoop-and-sip combo is served in a custom-designed glass cone, reflective of a classic ice cream cone, which holds the sorbet scoop. The glass cone then sits atop a stemless wine glass filled with Whispering Angel — today’s worldwide reference for Provence Rosé. The glassware duo is presented with an Au Soleil wooden cradle designed to hold the cone while sipping the Rosé.
Like all aperitifs, the Rosé Sorbet Sidecar can be ordered and delivered poolside — the soft glow of Golden Hour and the icy treat creating an ideal photo moment that simply must be captured and shared.
If the desire for leisurely adventure takes hold, guests can collect a specially designed Au Soleil passeggiata, a self-guided walking tour designed to ‘Unlock Your Destination.’ Taken at a pace that suits the wanderer, guests can make their way through iconic thoroughfares and the back alleys of Melbourne to discover the city’s best-kept secrets and ‘must-do’ experiences.
For those still lounging poolside, they can enjoy the warm glow of the sun lowering over the city, marking the finale to an idyllic sun-soaked day, as if they were beachside on the Cote d’ Azur.
Le Splash will await their return tomorrow.
As Le Méridien Melbourne embraces the sun, ‘Au Soleil’ invites guests to chase endless Euro summers and enjoy chic activities where good vibes (and great Rosé) never cease to flow.
Peering into our crystal ball instead of our crystal decanter.
By Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen
Rosé Is Going Haute
Drinking rosé throughout the year has gone from trend to permanent status, and we will see more and more premium offerings entering the market. We’ve been expecting to see luxury competition for pioneers in the space such as Domaine Ott, Château d’Esclans, and Gérard Bertrand for some time, and LVMH’s major investment in Château Minuty earlier this year sealed the deal as far as we’re concerned. Expanded—and pricier—rosé selections are on their way to a restaurant near you.
The weekly series continues next week, offering guests the opportunity to “mix, mingle, laugh, and learn” in a relaxed setting
Floral designer Lewis Miller presented at The Colony Hotel’s Living Room Series on December 20. Photo by Capehart
This fall, The Colony Hotel in Palm Beach unveiled The Living Room Series, a weekly conversation and demonstration series with local luminaries and creatives. Presented in partnership with Whispering Angel and Palm Beach Illustrated, the Wednesday evening fetes offer guests the opportunity to “mix, mingle, laugh, and learn” in a laid-back, sophisticated setting.
INTERVIEW: ALEX DIARD, CHATEAU D’ESCLANS’ GLOBAL BRAND AMBASSADOR, TAKES US INSIDE SACHA LICHINE’S NEWEST TRIUMPH — THE PALE ROSÉ
By Merasturda
The extraordinary French winemaker Sacha Lichine has once again redefined the category with The Pale Rosé. Named after its transparent, pink color, The Pale by Sacha Lichine embodies all the characteristics of an authentic rosé from Provence. Lichine is the mastermind behind the most famous producer of all Provencal wines, Château d’Esclans.
Hamptons Social spoke with Alex Diard, Brand Ambassador at Château d’Esclans, about The Pale Rosé (Whispering Angel’s young, fresh sister rosé). He shared insight on the connection between rosé and the Hamptons, how he was influenced by growing up in Aix En Provence, the birthplace of rosé, and what he has learned from working closely with the iconic Lichine.
How has the release of The Pale Rosé redefined the category of rosé?
The Pale Rosé is the latest creation of Sacha Lichine, the man who brought us Whispering Angel. The Pale is contributing to the increased popularity, awareness, and interest in rosé wine that is accessible all year around and has a Provence-style influence. With an eclectic label and screw cap, this rosé is made for everyone to enjoy in any and all settings whether you are hosting a party or simply enjoying a glass with your dinner.
What does someone have to look forward to when they open a bottle of The Pale Rosé?
Upon looking at the bottle, The Pale Rosé is unique, chic, and festive, leaving an amazing first impression before the liquid hits the lips. It immediately captures your attention and promises a fun time. The wine, itself, is a seriously made rosé but was created to be accessible to both avid wine enthusiasts and beginners alike. It’s bright, elegant, and refreshing. You have the satisfaction of the fruits without the sweetness that some other rosés have.
What is one of the most important lessons you have learned from working closely with Sacha Lichine?
I’ve grown both personally and professionally through my work with Sacha Lichine and his team over the years. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned from Sacha, is to be persistent and to not give up. Sacha Lichine had one vision – to make rosé a “real” wine when the category was nonexistent. By leading and inspiring professionals around him, he made that vision turned into a global success story.
How were you influenced by growing up in Aix En Provence, the birthplace of rosé?
Naturally, it means a lot to me since I was born and raised in Provence. I do have some sweet memories growing up when we had family gatherings on Sundays around a delicious lunch, there were always a few bottles of rosé on the table. The quality back then wasn’t as elevated or precise as it is today. It has been quite fantastic to witness the evolution over the years, in quality and popularity beyond the region.
What do you think about the connection between rosé and the Hamptons?
For many, The Hamptons is an oasis from a busy city life and a place to escape for rest and relaxation with friends and family. I believe rosé became a go-to choice for many residents and well-traveled visitors mainly because of the similarity of lifestyle in the French Riviera. Throughout Antibes, Cannes, Monaco, and Saint Tropez, rosé is associated with the upscale and leisure lifestyle of the area. Life is enjoyed on the beach, by the pool, or on a boat with friends and family. It is simply a celebration of life. The same can be said for The Hamptons.
How has rose evolved over the last decade and what do you foresee for the future?
Over the last decade, the rosé category has experienced significant evolution in terms of production techniques and popularity. I believe the future will remain on this dynamic incline with premiumization as consumers are looking for a more refined wine experience without forgetting “la joie de vivre” – the enjoyment of life.
