Zinfandel and Spicy Barbeque Sauce Make a Terrific Wine and Food Match

By Shari Goodman You can quickly make a complex and intense homemade barbecue sauce that sizzles. Simply blend all ingredients, then add smoke and meat, and you’ll have a license to grill. Sip some Zin with this ‘Que. Redemption Zinfandel 2007 ($21.95, LCBO) is peppery and full of blackberries worthy of tasting on its own, but it can easily battle it out with a steak. This bottle is from the Sonoma County in California where Zinfandels have a well-earned reputation. Barbeque is a summer ritual: gathering around the grill, catching up with friends and sipping something sippable. It’s quick, easy […]

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Chimichurri Flank Steak Fajitas with Peppers and Manchego Recipe Paired with Catena Malbec 2008, Argentina

Chimichurri Flank Steak Fajitas with Peppers and Manchego Paired with Catena Malbec 2008, Argentina Chimichurri sauce is an essential part of Argentinean cuisine found on every dinner table. There are many variations on the recipe but the key ingredients include fresh parsley, garlic and vinegar. Some cooks add more garlic, some more chilies and others blend in fresh cilantro.  Either way, this versatile sauce is a delicious accompaniment to grilled fish, chicken, chorizo sausages and especially steak. When it comes to pairing this steak with wine, my first choice would be malbec. Look for a malbec with lots of ripe […]

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Pistachio Crusted Rack of Lamb Recipe Paired with Grant Burge The Holy Trinity 2007, Australia

Pistachio Crusted Rack of Lamb Paired with Grant Burge The Holy Trinity 2007, Australia French cut rack of lamb, encrusted with a blend of pistachio, herbs and Dijon, is the perfect partner for Grant Burge The Holy Trinity 2007. A blend of Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvedre, the wine offers lots of intense fruit with a touch of pepper and spice. Fine tannins and good acidity allow the wine to stand up to the richness of this dish giving a full lingering finish. Serve the lamb with a side of herb roasted new potatoes. Serves 4 ( 2 ribs per person) […]

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Cheese Charms As The Grill Heats Up and Wines are Served

Nothing beats a barbecue after a day of fun in the sun. But hungry tummies aren’t always patient as the grill gets ready. A tasty Canadian cheese platter paired with some refreshing wine will help keep the wolves at bay. For the main course, I’m going to suggest one of my favourite Mediterranean-inspired meals, Grilled Pork Chops and Zesty Sauce Vierge with Feta. But first, let’s talk about our tasty cheese starter. Serve the cheese one at a time, and pair it with the right wine as you go. For starters go with a semi-soft Victor et Berthold from Québec’s […]

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Miradoro Restaurant at Tinhorn Creek Now Open with Tasty Food and Wine Pairings

After years of anticipation and planning, Tinhorn Creek Vineyards opened a new restaurant at the winery on April 1 The restaurant, aptly named Miradoro, roughly translates to “Golden View” in Portuguese.  This originates from Miradoro restaurant partner Manuel Ferreira’s (of famed Vancouver’s Le Gavroche) Portuguese background.  Miradoro will serve market cuisine in a relaxed fine dining atmosphere.  It seats 65 people inside with a 65-seat patio offering superb views of the scenic South Okanagan Valley. Ferreira has secured two exceptional individuals to run the restaurant whose knowledge and experience will make Miradoro a destination restaurant for tourists and locals alike. […]

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Soup’s on! Cool summer soup paired with a zesty riesling, pinot grigio or sake

By Pat Anderson Summertime, and sometimes it’s just too darned hot out to eat a hot meal. Soup and salad makes a great combination, especially if it’s a creamy cold soup that you’ve made in advance, and only needs to be poured from a pitcher in the fridge into bowls! Vichyssoise is an adaptable cold soup. The original recipe calls for using leeks, those long mild onions Welshmen wear on St. David’s Day, but I’ve modified vichyssoise to use whatever interesting fresh greens are at the market. Mid-May, that means wild ramps. End of June or early July, the farmers […]

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Tinhorn Creek Canadian Concert Series Pairs Wine and Music in Harmony

    Every summer Tinhorn Creek Vineyards hosts the Canadian Concert Series. These concerts feature up and coming Canadian talent over the summer months and close off the season in September with a highly recognized Canadian performer. The first concert of the season kicked off with an amazing performance by up-and-coming indie/jazz singer Ali Milner. At only 19 years of age Ali Milner delivers pure sound and amazing vocal depth, with a modern edge for a classic genre that has been described as shades of Sam Cooke and Nora Jones rolled into one. Watch a short clip of her concert […]

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Stoneleigh Wines and some great summer reads

Sponsored Post With summer finally here, avid readers are finding time to unwind and enjoy a good book.  Whether in the backyard, at the beach, or on the dock, summer’s slower pace allows time to tackle that book club reading list.  And what better accompaniment to a compelling story than a cool, crisp white wine, or a complex red? Stoneleigh® Wines from Marlborough, New Zealand are the Official Wine Partner of Random House of Canada Limited.  Together, they have a range of book recommendations and accompanying wine suggestions. [table id=3 /]   [table id=5 /]   [table id=6 /]   […]

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Let’s take the party outside: barbecue cheeseburger and wine pairing

There’s only one thing better than eating and drinking, and that is eating and drinking outdoors. We waited patiently through the winter and remained calm and humble when spring brought us a little warmth. But now the moment has arrived. We can boldly step outside with our plates of food and glasses of wine and celebrate the arrival of summer. Let’s organize a good old-fashioned family BBQ party. The key words for this party are “simple” and “fun.” We are going to please everyone and make the most delicious hamburgers ever – Three-Cheese Burgers. And here’s the brilliant part. We […]

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Chris’s Green Onion and Pink Peppercorn Marinated Flank Steak

Sponsored Post “How’s this for hip? …a super hot Merlot-Cabernet combo that is locally grown and produced in the Niagara Region. Sporting fresh black fruit and hints of coca, it’s great for sipping alone or with cheese or grilled meat.” – Globetrotting – Food and Drink Spring 2011 Spring is here and what better way to celebrate spring than with TREND wines, designed to be fabulous by Steven and Chris! The TREND wine collection will embrace spring this year and be showcased at the Canadian Tulip Festival in Ottawa starting May 6th with a grand opening amongst the tulips at […]

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