The taste of Argentina's food comes to Taipei

It is so wonderful that The president of Taiwan went to Central America and celebrate their independence. This means that in Taiwan, people can celebrate it with the Argentinian food. It is wonderful food with wonderful music that everyone should try it. In the following, there's a compleate article.

2006/9/16By David J. Hurfurt The China Post

Argentina is a country renowned for its diverse and beautiful scenery. It is the birthplace of the romantic tango. Argentineans have for a long time had a reputation for producing quality beef and have gained a growing respect from around the world for the quality of their fine wines.

The Grand Hyatt Taipei, in association with the Leading Brands Wines and Spirits Co., has collaborated on a project to bring the taste of Argentina to Taiwan. The executive chef, Fernando Franco, from Park Hyatt, Mendoza has come to Taipei to present a selection of traditional Argentinean cuisine in the Bel Air restaurant at the hotel.

Franco says, "I am so happy to be able to introduce a sample of Argentinean culture to Taiwan. I have specially prepared ingredients from my country to share with the people of Taiwan."

To complement Franco's dishes, the master winemaker Dr. Nicolas Catena has provided a selection of well-known wines from his famous Catena Zapata winery. Dr. Catena says, "Being in Taiwan is a unique experience. I have traveled all over the world and rarely have I met such friendly and welcoming people."

Dr. Catena grows the grapes for his wines at high altitude in a region which combines low temperatures with intense levels of sunlight. He says, "It is this combination that makes our wines taste different from those developed in other regions. It is what gives our wines their special quality.

Cantena's Almonos, Chardonnay 2005 is the perfect accompaniment to Franco's classic grilled provolone cheese with mixed green leaves, while the Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 makes the baked minced veal with spices and tomato and garlic sauce a real treat. Franco's delicate corn-fed beef dishes work particularly well with Cantena's Alta, Melbec 2002. Franco's "Rogel" sweet milk cake with chocolate ice cream and vanilla sauce complete the set menu.

A sumptuous gala dinner will be specially prepared by Fernando Franco on September 20. The gala dinner includes five courses and a selection of four different wines from Catena Zapata. The price is NT$3,800 per person.

The "Argentinean Fever at Bel Air" runs through to September 24. For information and reservations call the Grand Hyatt's Food and Reservation Center on (02) 2720-1200, ext. 3198 or 3199.