Wine Artist Clive Faustin, Wine Portfolio & Account Team Leader at Romar Trading hosted one of his special evenings at La Bodega Wine Shop on Friday, pairing a famous wine line from New Zealand, Oyster Bay, with delicious New Zealand food specialties.

According to Faustin, Oyster Bay winery boasts the number one position among New Zealand Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Merlot in the USA.  Oyster Bay, he explains, is recognized as a hot-brand, posting double digit growth and gaining popularity everywhere in the world, including Aruba.

The winery recently launched its product line here, in collaboration with Romar Trading, and last Friday chef Jeroen van Buuren with his creative kitchen assistant Brenda Haen prepared a special menu for a crowd of food and wine lovers, at La Bodega.

The chef paired Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc, with a lovely Amuse, serving a Canapé with chicken, Kiwi and Orange dressing.  The Oyster Bay Merlot was paired with raw ham, stuffed tortellini and truffle cream sauce. The Oyster Bay Chardonnay, escorted the Salmon Pie, and the Oyster Bay Pinot Noir chased the New Zealand Beef Pie with green vegetables. For dessert Concha y Toro Late Harvest was matched with servings of Goat Cheese with Honey and Nuts.

Chef  Jeroen van Buuren, who is the head chef at her majesty’s Dutch Marine base in Savaneta, enjoyed the friendly assistance from Brenda Haen and showed great artistry with food presentation.

Faustin also entertained wine lovers with Le Nez Du Vin, discussing the different wine aromas, and challenging his audience to recognize subtle differences.

Pictured here, the evening at La Bodega wine shop.