By Charles Woollet
Extra Virgin!: Muchas Gracias to Victor and Susan of Finca Luna Serena for a wonderful Oktoberfest luncheon at Finca Luna Serena. And congratulations on their just reopened exclusive Olive Oil store within the Opal Mine Jewelry store, Ignacio Hernández Macias 99. After 20+ years of hard work, a dedicated staff tending to some 1,800 trees, 8,000+ guests later, cookbooks, and other books, this year will be their biggest harvest ever with 1,200 liters of EVOO and 400 kilos of cured olives. This now highly touted Mexican Extra Virgin Olive Oil promises a new and up-and-coming Mexican industry. What a wonderful tribute to this much-loved couple and their ‘serene moon’ estate story.
Charity-Work: One of the oldest and most respected non-profits, Patronato Pro Niños, at their 'SOLD OUT' Royale Gala held at the Malanquin Golf Club, was a huge success as reported by their President, Lilo Newberry. The Equinoterapia Horse Riding Benefit Lunch at Donnie Masterton’s rancho on October 21, also raised well-deserved money, according to Jean Gerber, Founder, and President who announced the winners of the Dolly Parton Extravaganza dress-up contest; 2nd place Krystal McCullough and 1st place went to: Manuel and Gaby Ortega.
Music & McCartney?: Miles Wakeman, the thirty-year veteran Executive Music Producer, is happy to report progress is being made on his "Troubled Clef Recording Studios" outside of town and hopes for a finish in early 2025. Rumors persist about Paul McCartney's Mexico City Concerts on 11/12 & 17th, noting, “He might just pop up to take a look.” Be a blast from the past as this world-class studio is an exact match to AIR Studios built by Beatles Producer, Sir George Martin on Montserrat.
Real Soul: A sweet benefit concert was held at Casa Cochran by Felecia Ford and her Soul Flame bandmates, Alfred Thompson, Bill Kavanagh, Israel Chavez, Edgar Bord, Carlos & Rodrigo Vargas along with Freddy Thompson. A lovely setting, together with a truckload of money, rice, beans, and salt was donated for the people living on the outskirts of our city.
Heard: Award-winning architectural designer, Ralph Lopez (originally from LA with multi-million-dollar private home designs in Punta Ballena, Los Cabos) is putting the finishing touches on what promises to be the most elegant restaurant and nightclub in town. Opening soon on Hernández Macias. My sources tell me, the names being contemplated are Icarus or Segovia... stay tuned.
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Deborah Castañeda, the new Chief Concierge and Hotel Director hosted a Star-studded Grand Opening of San Miguel de Allende's latest boutique Hotel, Piedra Negras down on Pila Seca's cul de sac. Doors opened to rave reviews. That night the food was created by a Chef dynamo ensemble, Abel Hernández, local Donnie Masterton, Rodrigo Carrasco and Luvina Quemain. With only nine beautifully decorated rooms, a courtyard dipping pool, and a bakery with restaurant Martez for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this spot is going to be popular! On first blush, the Phantom Gourmet would have to award four Silver Spoons.
A++! Atrio is currently one of our Top Three Favs in San Miguel de Allende. Add to that, an evening with the loveliest of couples from Kentucky, the 'Derby Duo', Susan & Barney Sutton. Dinner consisted of Atrio's legendary soft shell crab and suckling pig tacos, tuna avocado ceviche, and a crispy red snapper with ice-chilled glasses and a cold couple of bottles of Pinot Grigio. For dessert, a luscious deconstructed key lime pie, not only a work of art but very more-ish, one might even go so far as to say a ‘mouth orgasm’ (sorry, the publisher does not ‘love’ this term! Probably won’t use it again).
A Grand Marnier & cappuccino led us back to earth from momentarily being in heaven. The Phantom Gourmet has said it once before and happily, will say it again: Five - count ‘em, Silver Spoons for “par excellence” in all areas; of vibe, decor, service, and extraordinary artistic gastronomy worthy of high praise!
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