Can a Wine Dinner Be This Good? Familia Torres and Poblano KL Just Proved It
On 10 October 2024, we gathered at Poblano KL for an intimate evening filled with thoughtful food pairings, wonderful wines, and lively conversation. Executive Chef Neil Frediani crafted a five-course menu that kept everyone at the table engaged—not just with the dishes but with each other. The wines from Familia Torres, recognized as the World's Most Admired Wine Brand 2024, added an extra spark, making the evening feel special.
A Closer Look at the Menu and Pairings
Every dish came with a carefully chosen wine from Familia Torres, each sip enhancing the flavors of the food. Here’s how the night unfolded:
1st Course: Assorted Canapés – Viña Esmeralda
The evening began with three light and flavorful canapés:
- Gazpacho – A refreshing Spanish chilled soup (V)
- Salmon Gravlax with mousse
- Whisky pâté on toasted sourdough with spiced onion tomato jam
Viña Esmeralda brought a fresh, floral touch to the first course. With notes of citrus and tropical fruit, the wine balanced the richness of the gravlax and pâté while adding a lively brightness to the gazpacho. It was a relaxed and easy start, perfect for easing into the evening.
2nd Course: Poached Lobster Tail – Pazo das Bruxas Albariño
Next came lobster poached in butter and white wine, served with angel hair pasta and a caviar-laced beurre blanc sauce.The pairing with Pazo das Bruxas Albariño was spot on. This crisp, citrus-driven white wine cut through the richness of the lobster, keeping things light while highlighting the seafood's natural sweetness. Guests were already commenting that this might be their favorite dish—though the rest of the meal was yet to come.
3rd Course: Spiced Lamb Fillet Tostada – Gran Coronas Cabernet Sauvignon
For the third course, Chef Frediani brought a twist of bold flavors. The lamb fillet, braised in a deep red wine sauce, sat atop a crispy rice paper tostada with a dollop of crema.The Gran Coronas Cabernet Sauvignon was the perfect match. With its structured tannins and notes of blackberries and spices, the wine mirrored the intensity of the lamb. Every bite felt warm and satisfying, exactly the kind of dish that encourages long conversations over refills.
4th Course: Beef Wellington – Ibericos Crianza La Rioja
The Beef Wellington was, without a doubt, the showstopper of the night. Encased in flaky pastry and served with parmesan mash, sautéed green beans, and baby carrots, the beef was cooked perfectly—tender, juicy, and flavorful.Paired with the Ibericos Crianza from La Rioja, the wine’s smooth tannins and red fruit notes added a wonderful depth to the dish. Guests couldn’t help but swap comments about how this might be the best Wellington they’d ever had.
5th Course: Chocolate Brownie – Floralis Moscatel Oro
For dessert, we served a warm chocolate brownie alongside house-made raspberry ripple ice cream and a drizzle of hot chocolate sauce.The sweet finish came with a glass of Floralis Moscatel Oro, whose floral aromas and honeyed sweetness complemented the rich chocolate and tangy raspberry flavors. It was the kind of dessert that makes you sit back in your chair, fully content with the night’s indulgences.
The Magic Was in the Conversations
What made the night special wasn’t only the food or wine—it was the warm, cozy atmosphere. Guests shared tables, often with people they had just met, but conversations started flowing in no time. Everyone felt comfortable, laughing, chatting, and enjoying each other’s company. It was the kind of night where you didn’t need to know anyone beforehand to have a good time. Seeing guests connect over great food and wine made the evening as meaningful as the meal itself.
FIJI Water: The Perfect Companion for Red Wine
As with most of our wine dinners, FIJI Water was a part of the evening. With its smoothness and subtle sweetness, FIJI Water is more than just hydration—it's the perfect complement to your favorite red wines.
What makes FIJI Water stand out is its natural silica minerals, which interact harmoniously with the tannins in red wine. This balance brings out the fruitiness in the wine, softens its structure, and allows the subtle flavors to shine through. By sipping FIJI Water alongside your favorite red, you experience the wine in a whole new way—more refined, more enjoyable.
If you haven’t experienced this pairing yet, join us at our next wine dinner and see for yourself what a difference FIJI Water can make! It’s a little secret we love to share 😉
Looking Forward to More Nights Like This
We’re grateful to everyone who joined us at Poblano KL for this special night. It was more than just a dinner—it was an experience that brought people together through food, wine, and good company. Nights like these remind us why we love hosting wine dinners.
Missed this one? Don’t worry—there are more events and tastings on the horizon. These evenings aren’t just about discovering new wines—they’re about sharing moments, meeting new people, and enjoying simple pleasures together. Keep an eye out for our next event. We can’t wait to welcome you back to the table.
