Oranjestad – Chef Ruth van Waerebeek, the ambassador of food and wine pairing of the famed Concha Y Toro wineries visited Aruba and cooked for a handful of fortunate friends of Romar Trading a spectacular meal in the kitchen of the Renaissance Conference Center.
Chef Ruth started with an outstanding Chilean-style Quinoa Risotto with Scallops al Merken, a unique smoked chili pepper mix and celery topping.
The appetizer was paired with a buttery Amelia Chardonnay 2005.
For main dish the chef served a symphonic Braised Spring Lamb in Merlot, fresh tomatoes and sweet spices, with Tangerine-Rosemary Gremolata over Crispy Polenta and Asparagus, paired with a silky Trio Merlot 2006.
The third cheese course featured a Roquefort Cheesecake with Toasted Walnuts and Rye Bread, Mixed Greens with Cranberry Vinaigrette, chased by a delicious Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon 2002.
For dessert the Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc 2005 escorted the Panqueque Celestino, Crepes with Manjar, Caramelized Apples and Late Harvest Sabayon.
The chef who cooks all over the world promoting the pairing of fine food and Conch Y Toro wines lives in Chile not far from the wineries and runs a famed guest-house at Mapu Yampay, on the foothills of the Andean mountains.
She is Belgian born and favors a fusion of east and west based on solid classic cooking. Ruben Carrero the sommelier of the Westin Aruba Resort helped Chef Ruth with the presentation of the wines.
The evening was offered by Romar Trading’s Mariuccia Amaddeo, the company’s wine expert. It was beautifully orchestrated by the Conference Center banquet team and fully supported by its kitchen brigade.
