Good Food, Wine, Music and Company with Escoffier Philippines at Segreto!@Caruso

Escoffier Philippines recently hosted a lavish dinner at Caruso Ristorante Italiano celebrating the spirit of Escoffier dubbed Segreto!@Caruso. Following the success of previous dinners, Escoffier Philippines caps another successful year with a memorable evening showcasing the house specialties of Caruso Ristorante Italiano along with inspired performances by noted artists (for more on the previous dinners by Escoffier Philippines, see my earlier posts, One Dinner. One Menu. Across Thirty Countries. Celebrating the Culinary Legacy of Auguste Escoffier with An Epicure's Dinner by Escoffier Philippines at One World Kitchen on the 175th birth anniversary of the culinary icon, "Simply Classic Cuisine" by Chef Robert Lilja for Disciples Escoffier at Makati Garden Club last July and Chef Alain Raye Lights Up Poblacion with a Lavish Dinner for Disciples Escoffier at Dr. Wine Manila from five months ago).

Emilio Mina, the man behind Caruso Ristorante Italiano, welcomed guests to the special dinner last November 18. One of Makati's enduring institutions, Caruso Ristorante Italiano along Nicanor Garcia Street remains a true gem in the metro's ever changing culinary landscape with its traditional Italian cuisine (for more on Caruso Ristiarante Italiano, see my earlier posts, Black is Back: It's Black Truffle Season at Caruso Ristorante Italiano from July this year, It's Truffle Season All-Year Long at Caruso Ristorante Italiano from March and A Symphony of Classic Italian Flavors at Caruso Ristorante Italiano from six years ago).

A few weeks earlier, Founding Chairman of Escoffier Philippines Philip John Golding met with Emilio Mina to discuss the possible hosting of a special dinner at Caruso Ristorante Italiano...

...and a plan was hatched helped along by some of the house specialties from the kitchen. The evening ended with a solid plan soon set in motion...

...for Segreto!@Caruso with tickets for a Four Course Wine Dinner and Pizza & Wine course sold online via TicketBooth.PH. 

The stage is set for Segreto!@Caruso...

Like all of the dinners hosted by Escoffier Philippines, the event not only fosters camaraderie and fellowship but includes a component for the transfer of culinary knowledge in the true spirit of Escoffier. 

In the kitchen, Chef Philip John Golding oversees the execution of the special appetizer course prepared by the young chefs...

...meticulously adding the final touches before service. Precision and attention down to the minutest detail goes on each dish before being expedited to the growing number of guests for Segreto!@Caruso.

With the last appetizer dish served, a well deserved pat on the back from Chef Philip John Golding signals the start of another memorable dinner by Escoffier Philippines at Caruso Ristorante Italiano.

Dinner began with the elegantly plated Cold Appetizer Pasta with Orzo drizzled with Broccoli Affila Cress sauce to open up the palate... 

...followed by the Antipasti Terra with a savory variety of Italian Cold Cuts. A hearty Crema di Funghi Champignon e Porcini or thick and creamy Mushroom Soup was served next along with wine. 

Caruso Ristorante Italiano then served the favorite wine of Pope Francis, the Barbera d' Alba along with the next course of the evening...

...Caruso Ristorante Italiano's specialty Trittico Pasta, a savory trio with homemade Garganelli with Porcini Mushrooms, homemade Tagliatelle with Truffle Cream and Parma Ham and homemade Ravioli filled with Spinach and Ricotta draped in rich butter and sage. It's the dishes Caruso Ristorante Italiano has long been known for, adding a comfortingly familiar vibe to an elegant dinner.  

For the main course, Caruso Ristorante Italiano served the Scallopine di Vitello al Limone or tender veal slices in butter and lemon sauce. The richness of the veal and butter are tempered by the bold notes of lemon for balanced flavors, pairing well with a glass of Barbera d' Alba. 

After a sumptuous dinner, Caruso Ristorante Italiano continues to impress with their decadent desserts including the refreshing Limone Ripieno, a soothing sorbet with the vibrant flavors of lemon to cleanse the palate...

...and the decadent Tartufo Classico for that perfect ending. But the evening's festivities were just about to begin.

Emilio Mina entertains guests with his performance on stage...

...singing classic Italian songs as guests joined in a loud chorus. Good times. 

Part of the evening's festivities included a special raffle...

...with lucky guests winning gift vouchers from Caruso Ristorante Italiano. Then, the evening's mood goes into high gear with yet another stirring performance on stage...

...this time by noted soprano Rachelle Gerodias and Byeong In Park.

Rachelle Gerodias is one of the country's most sought-after and award winning sopranos including the much coveted Aliw Awards Hall of Fame for Best Female Classical Performer.

Her impressive resume includes being awarded as one of The Outstanding Women in the Nation's Service along with a long list of local and international accolades.

A performance by Rachelle Gerodias is a fitting finale to an elegant dining experience at Caruso Ristorante Italiano for an evening of good food, wine, music and company.

For the evening's encore, Emilio Mina and Byeong In Park perform a duet on stage to the delight of the guests.  

One more glass for the road, and the spirit of Escoffier lives on with another successful dinner by Escoffier Philippines at Caruso Ristorante Italiano.