WINE ENTHUSIASTS GO TO ARGENTINA "If it wasn't for my dad, I wouldn't have found Argentina," says Carlo about the South American country close to his heart. It is the home and origin of both Bodega Lagarde and La Cabrera restaurant (his successful food business venture). "My dad introduced me to the finer things in life. He would take me to Europe and the US where I was introduced to fine wine and good food. It was a blessing."
Carlo considers himself a wine enthusiast and insists that there is a difference between his kind and connoisseurs. His appreciation for wine -developed as he matured. It also helped that he and good friend Bobby Techavez both share a love for good eats and happy hour. The two decided to bring Lagarde wines to the Philippines. Their first mission was to track clown the Pescarmona family, who owned Lagarde. This proved easy due to his lather's former work in the region. It helped them get familiar with the country and its customs.
The business grew rapidly, catering to a market that was curious to explore wines from the Argentinian regions. The company took pride in offering a wide range from entry-level grapes to premium selections. Today, over 30 variants from five different brands sourced at the Bodega Lagarde are flown in regularly.
One of the most premium bottles imported is the Henry Grand Guardia. Only 11,590 bottles were produced in 2011 after being aged for two years in oak and one year inside the bottle. He says that the year 2013 was the ideal time to pour it into a wine glass to finally enjoy and appreciate.
ENDURING FAILURE'S BEFORE SUCCESS "Bobby Tenchavez is like my brother," declares the entrepreneur about his business partner, who happens to be a third-generation
restaurateur. Both Lagarde and La Cabrera Restaurant are their joint ventures. They also operate other establishments in Davao including a Sumo Sam franchise and concept restaurants Munch Town and Open Table.
Carlo recalls trying times when they had to close clown restaurants before finding success with the South American cuisine. It was during a honeymoon trip to Argentina when he first came across La Cabrera's food. Back then Chef Gaston Riviera's local creations made La Cabrera the hotspot for local foodies and tourists alike. So impressed were the couple that they returned several Limes to try out as much entries on the menu as their holiday itinerary would allow.
As soon as he returned to Manila, Carlo enthusiastically shared anecdotes from his trip, placing the greatest emphasis on the dining experience he and his wife enjoyed at La Cabrera. He introduced the idea of bringing Argentinian cooking to Manila's dining scene, presenting the concept as the "perfect marriage." He also reasoned that since the Philippines is the “South America of Asia," Argentinian fare would be relatable to local taste buds. Carlo also added that an Argentinian restaurant would give them a good venue for wine pairings. The meeting led to the opening of La Cabrera in Makati City -with Chef Gaston Riviera himself flying in from Argentina to helm the kitchen.
LIFE IS TOO SHORT NOT TO EAT WELL Although there is a lot of work in the Philippine capital, Carlo's roots remain in Davao where his family runs a rice milling company. "Life in Davao is rice and business, even on the weekends. I'm a rice miller. In Manila, life is full of meetings-90 percent of which are in La Cabrera. And of course, my family is here," says the proud father of two.
When asked about living in two cities, Carlo answers, "That is the price you pay for good food." The interview was only one engagement in Carlo's agenda out of several. He wrapped it up with an order of Chocotorta, a dish that marries three different desserts: dulce de leche, queso creama (which is cream cheese) and chocolinas (chocolate cookies). He offers the plate of sweet enders with a glass of wine in his hand, urging, "Life is short: you have to eat well."
What's on your bucket list? Good question! I actually don't have one. I just want to be able to travel the world with my wife Julia and my kids Javier and Claudia.
Favorite travel destination. Argentina and Davao City. Both have great places to go to: from the city to the beach to the mountains.
How do you spend your weekends? Hang out and play with my wonderful kids and pig out with my beautiful wife from sun up to sundown.
Preferred wine or cocktail? Malbec for Red and Torrontes for White; both are analogous to Tango dancers that best characterize the passion and beauty of Argentina with Malbec representing a strong, well-balanced male and Torrontes as a well-structured, elegant woman.
Favorite food guilty pleasure? Any longganisa/chorizo with fried egg and Sun Made Brown Rice! Cheetos puffs, too!
How do you have your steak (rare, medium, well-done etc.) I like it a punfo or medium in Argentina, just to the point of being fully-cooked.
The best advice you ever received? I have three that guide my principles:
a. Waking isang milyon, kung waking isang piso (There is no one million without one peso)
b. Ang anak ang dapat palaging mapasensya sa magulang (A child should always be patient with the parent.)
c. Nothing good in life comes easy
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