Now that the weather has become chilly and people are retreating to the comforts of home, gathering with friends to discuss great books and share a bottle of wine is more appealing than ever. Some solo reading time with a glass to savour is another cozy way to spend precious free time. Stoneleigh Wines from Marlborough, New Zealand are the Official Wine Partner of Random House of Canada Limited. Together, they have a range of book selections to recommend, and accompanying wine suggestions for book clubs large and small… plenty of food for thought, and nuanced wines to complement good […]
Month: October 2010
Dining and a Relaxing Weekend in the Wine Country of Kelowna
By Michael Fagin Hillsides blazed with red fall color as we drove from Seattle through the Okanagan Valley of Eastern Washington and into British Columbia. After enjoying the six hour drive through magnificent scenery in the Cascades and along the Columbia River, we arrived at the Sandman Hotel in Kelowna. We quickly settled into our large suite, whose very comfortable chairs and outside patio with a view of the hillside were just what we needed. After relaxing, which was very easy, we went downstairs to the Chop Steakhouse & Bar. We had thought that there would just be meat on […]
This fall, cozy up to some great wine and cheese pairings
Photo: Dairy Farmers of Canada As the seasons change so do our palates. It’s a perfect occasion to try some new wine and cheese pairings. This time of year dark fruity reds, think a Chilean Merlot, Minervois, or Corbières, are delicious with semi-soft Canadian cheeses that melt in the mouth. Try to avoid wines that are too tannic. A great first course platter combines Mont St-Benoît, a sophisticated cheese with fresh hazelnut and butter flavours, Noyan, with it’s creamy-nutty flavour is easy to love and Comtomme, a medium cheese with hints of crab apple and pinapple. Try them all or […]
California-bound in honor of the Grande Dame MFK Fisher
I can finally spill the beans! I’m heading to California next Friday for the annual conference of Les Dames d’Escoffier, the international culinary organization formed in honor of the French chef Auguste Escoffier. About a month ago, I received a phone call from one of the members telling me I had won the MFK Fisher Award for Excellence in Culinary Writing, an award that the group gives every two years. I assumed it was a joke, and there was a back-and-forth of "No!" "Yes" "No?" (If you’ve read the work of my fellow nominees Jane Black of the Washington Post and […]
New Wine Reviews
Number of Wines Recommended: 42 Review date:October 16, 2010 The highlights in this Vintages release include: – 18 wines under $20 – Best value white: A floral white from Argentina for seafood, salads $16.95 – Favourite white: Zesty, mouth-watering NZ Sauvignon Blanc 92/100 – Best value red: Robust rich Syrah from France for steak and brisket $14.95 – Favourite red wine: One of Niagara’s best Pinot Noirs 94/100 – Best value sparkling wine tied: Toasty French bubbly with green apple notes for parties $19.95 – Best value sparkling wine tied: A lovely cremant rose for shellfish and dinner […]
Sip and Savour Girlfriends’ Getaways
The passion for wine and culinary excellence has never been hotter and Ontario offers a tantalizing menu of possibilities for you and your girlfriends to consider. Come walk the vineyards, sip at the tasting bar and savour the flavours of exceptional vintages. Enjoy food and wine paired dinners under the tutelage of exceptional chefs, and plan to do it all again very, very soon. If you are more hands-on, share in the fun of a culinary workshop and take a few tasty secrets home with you. Ottawa Girlfriends’ Getaway This one’s for the girls! Calling all girlfriends to retreat to […]
