Relive Spain's culinary history

Prepare for a night of enchantment and culinary delights when the Camara Oficial Española de Comercio, Industria y Navegacion en Filipinas (La Camara) and Spain’s Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Commerce jointly host “Sabores Historicos de Castilla La Mancha (Historical Flavors of Castilla La Mancha)” on Dec. 4, 6:30 p.m., at Terry’s Selection on Pasong Tamo Extension in Makati City.

Chef Juan Carlos de Terry has prepared a menu of special dishes, actually tracing the history of Spanish cuisine, dating back to 2050 B.C., the time of the ancient Phoenicians, to 1616 A.D., the Cervantine era in Spain.

The evening’s offerings start with appetizers of crunchy vegetables that symbolize three worlds (Arab, Roman and the Americas), served with Ajilimojili sauce and Italica sauce made of raisins and cumin; and Square Croquettes, with a replica of the Almires-made sauce that evolved into the modern-day brandade. 

The main course consists of Alexandria-style Almagro Eggplants; Tuna Belly with Baelo Claudia’s Garum Sauce; Kityon Lentils with Saffron Oil Sauce, Orange Blossom Essence, White Pepper and a Bouquet of Old World Spices; a creamy mixture of Free Range Eggs, Pork Belly and Chorizo with Alboronia Sauce and Wild Bush-Scented Honey; and “Hidden Lamb,” a Terry’s creation. 

Desserts will be Black Malagon Olive and Olive Oil Ice Cream drizzled with Cencibel syrup; a confection of Quince Paste, Pumpkin and Sweet Potato; and Puffed Dough coated with Honey Brandy. 

Aside from their historical significance, the last two main dishes are also culled from literary pages — the first from the book “Don Quixote de la Mancha, Chapter 1, Page 1,” and the second from “Villanueva de los Infantes Manchego.” 

All these will be served with a selection of choice Cava from Terry’s Selection and wines from Barcino Gourmet.

The event is made possible by MAPFRE Insular, Makati Shangri-La, Amoroso Solera Brandy de Jerez, Fuego Hotels, Soluziona Indra, Aboitiz, and ZMG Executive Search.

Valuable prizes will also be raffled off to lucky guests. Dinner costs P2,600 for La Camara members and P2,800 for non-members. Due to limited seating, only pre-paid reservations will be accepted. Contact the La Camara secretariat at 886-7643 or 759-6776.

All in all, a night of appealing delights and flavors from Madre España, reminiscent of ancient history and the unforgettable era of the “Knights of Dolorous Visage,” awaits guests to this culinary extravaganza.