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The Second Annual Masters of Food and Wine, South America My plane sets down at 6am at the Dallas- Ft Worth airport. I look out the window to see drizzling rain and sleet. The captain comes on to say that the temperature outside is 36 degrees. Home already, I think…can’t I just go back? Though I know this will not happen, I can't help but reflect on the memories of the fantastic two weeks I just spent in Argentina, traveling down to Mendoza for the Second annual Masters of Food and Wine, South America festival. After spending two days in the fast paced hub of Buenos Aires we flew to Mendoza, the heart of wine country, Argentina. The festival is designed to celebrate all that is enjoyable in food and wine, and the lifestyle that these beautiful Argentines celebrate. This concept became clear as the days few by during this culinary showcase of lunches, dinners, tastings and celebration. Held at the serene Park Hyatt Mendoza, The Masters of Food and Wine, South America invited 29 chefs and 8 sommeliers from around the world to highlight some of their favorite dishes, and pair them with Argentine wine found in this region. Wines of Argentina are quickly growing in international acclaim and recognition, with many national ratings coming out to show that some of the best are achieving 97+ points from the most respected and discerning palates.
Opening night festivities included a tasting of all participating wineries selections inside the hotel, accompanied by heavy signature appetizers by each chef in the massive courtyard. The evening was heavenly with a slight breeze whistling through the courtyard, cooling the warm Argentine evening. After tasting several wine selections in side the massive ballroom I settled on Quieto Reserva, a nice blend of Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon from a small, family owned winery named Montequieto. I ventured into the courtyard and proceed to taste beautiful seared tenderloin on sweet potatoes with a reduced Malbec sauce, curried Argentine goat in phyllo. The food went on and on. One of the most exciting tastes of the night came from gourmet chocolatier Andrew Shotts of Garrison Confections. His whimsical chocolates were displayed featuring his fanciful bon bons that are almost too beautiful to eat, almost. The flavors of these chocolates were unlike any I have had before. Each piece was completely different, offering a creative use of spices and herbs that are not normally used in chocolate like mint, mango, coffee, Moroccan and Linzer spice. They were incredible. After an introduction of the invited chefs and sommeliers, delivered by the charming Park Hyatt Mendoza General Manager, Antonio Alvarez, the evening ended with a fireworks display that surely lit up all of Mendoza city.
The next day we attended English Chef Craig James lunch at Terrazas winery. James has a vision to bring traditional English dishes back into focus, cooking with rarely seen ingredients like rabbit, squirrel and other wild game. Currently Head Chef at the wildly hip restaurant Quaglino’s in London, James is on the path to open his own place in early summer, Brassiere James. Though squirrel wasn’t on his menu at Terrazas he did prepare an enticing assortment of English inspired dishes like Black Pudding with seared scallops on a bed of arugula, paired with Terrazas Unoaked Torrontes (the traditional white wine grape of Argentina,) Cornish shrimp bisque with Terrazas Reserva Chardonnay, Roast filet of beef with a herb crust paired with Afincado Cabernet Sauvignon. I have to say, I am not a big fan of the large production wineries, I prefer the smaller, boutique, family owned operations. But James’s dishes paired with these selections made for a flavor rich combination.
The most incredible flavor came from the olive oil the family makes. It was the freshest, most floral olive oil I have ever tasted. On the open grill beef and pork ribs sizzled, accompanied by strips of steak and roasts of lamb. Accompanied by Laborum Malbec and Amauta from Boedga El Porvenir de los Andes in Cafayete, Argentina; Guayquil, a newly released blend from Huarpe Winery in Mendoza; and a special bottle of Veuve Clicquot the family had been saving, the table was complete. Looking around the table and reflecting on the moment I realize that everything is fresh, fresh, fresh. These foods are not processed or
per-packaged. The lifestyle is to eat real ingredients, prepared simply with olive oil, herbs and spices. They enjoy rich foods like cheese and meats, but in moderation accompanied by the freshest vegetable dressed
simply with clean ingredients. They do not cover their foods in cream sauces that weigh down the natural flavors; they let the real flavors of these fresh ingredients shine through. Argentines have a passion for food,
wine and enjoying life. This rings through in the way they celebrate life through a simple family meal. The next day we rejoin the Master activities and attend the luncheon package for dear friend Andrew Ormsby. Our morning begins with a tasting at Luigi Bosca, including a tour, tasting and some Tango dancing. Argentina is known for its passionate Tango, and this performance lived up to the reputation. We then ventured to Dominico Del Plato, the winery started by Susana Balbo and her husband Pedro Marchevsky. I am quite in awe of Susana. Though she heads a large production winery, I think she is an inspiration. She is one of the first and leading female wine makers in the world, and she had built one of the most widely known wineries in the world. Because it is such a rarity to find a female wine maker she is now constantly on the road, traveling around the world to consult at different wineries and sell herself and her brand. Plus, she is just lovely. After a tour of her lavish grounds, caves and facilities we are seated ready to enjoy the culinary delights of Dallas Chef, Caterer and Entrepreneur Andrew Ormsby of Andrew Ormsby Catering and Tucker Restaurant in just outside of downtown. Ormsby enjoyed his second year of being invited to the Masters, and his second year cooking and pairing with Susanna at her winery. His menu started with some of my favorites, often seen on his menu at Tucker, including wild mushroom and black truffle soup with a tenderloin slider topped with foie gras and tomato marmalade (yes, incredible) paired with Crios Rose, smoked sea bass paired with Crios Torrontes, rack of grilled lamb with potato mash with Balbo Malbec. If you haven’t visited Tucker recently you are missing out, as Ormsby has recently re-entered the front kitchen to cook directly for his Dallas clientele. We return to the Hyatt for a dip in their majestic pool followed by the Wine Spectator Gala black tie cocktail reception and dinner. Chandon
bubbles are flowing and a celebration of life is in the air on the grand front terrace of the Hyatt. The dinner is prepared by a group of invited chefs including Michelle Bernstein and Andrew Shotts from the United
States, Ilhame Guerrah from France, and Luis Acuna from Uruguay (who prepared roasted lamb on a traditional outdoor grill set in the middle of the lavish courtyard filling the air with the succulent aromas of grilled
meat.) After dinner we retire to the Uvas (grapes in Spanish) bar for more bubbles from Chandon and a final celebration of the night.
The following day we have the pleasure of being invited to the chef’s good bye lunch at Familia Zuccardi winery. This was a real treat as we were invited to help the winery pick grapes for their early harvest, tour the grounds and enjoy a lavish lunch of cheese, onion and beef empanadas with Zuccardi Torrontes, grilled vegetables, grilled pork, beef, ribs and chorizo paired with Zuccardi Malbec, Bonarda (another traditional varietal found in Argentina) and Cabernet. We relax in their expansive garden, enjoying a siesta in the sun and reflecting on the weekend we have just enjoyed. The main take away that I have is that this is a country of people who love life, and genuinely love bringing their passions to you. They are classy, traditional, warm and inviting. The countryside, the wineries, the city of Mendoza and the people have penetrated my heart and I understand why those who visit Mendoza continue to come back time and time again. The Masters of Food and Wine, South America was a perfect way to be introduced to this beautiful country, as the activities are pre-planned and mapped out for you. You can, however, venture off on your own to explore other parts of the city and enjoy the richness of the area. Mendoza is thought to be a sleepy city when compared to Buenos Aires. I, however, found it charming, welcoming, and lovely. My taxi driver described it as mystical when he was taking me to the airport. Upon reflection I think he was 100% correct. It is a city and area that entices you, penetrates your heart and soul and allows you to forget the rest of the world and escape into complete relaxation. I can’t wait to return for next year and the Third annual Masters of Food and Wine South America.
Cheers, |
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That evening I had the special privilege of being invited to a
traditional family Asado held by friends of my traveling companion, so I opted out of the Masters planned activities. It is an honor to be invited to an Asado, which is the Argentine version of s family
bar-b-queue. Living in Texas I have attended many family bar-b-queues, but nothing quite like this. If you think of the heritage of Argentines, their grandparents and great grandparents came over from Italy and Spain,
so they have a great love of food and traditional Mediterranean flavors, combined with the rich fresh vegetables and beef that Argentina has to offer. An antipasti table is filled with a whole 
