It was such a thrill to travel to Palm Springs October 23 to accept the MFK Fisher Award for Excellence in Culinary Writing from Les Dames d’Escoffier International! I was touched by the support and warmth of the members that evening at the dinner ceremony. I was also moved by the outpouring of support on Twitter, Facebook and good old-fashioned e-mail: the real win was in sharing it with food-and-wine-loving friends! Here’s the press release from Les Dames d’Escoffier International. Thanks again guys! Cheers, Natalie Les Dames d’Escoffier International Announces Winner of the M.F.K. Fisher Award LOUISVILLE, KY–(Marketwire – November […]
Events
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 […]
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 […]
Win the Centre Stage in Niagara Contest
Let us help you escape to Ontario. Register on ontariotravel.net today and your name will be entered for a chance to … WIN the Centre Stage in Niagara Contest Celebrate the theatrical nature of Niagara during the Shaw Festival’s 50th Anniversary. An exclusive behind-the-scenes look and the best seats in the house set the stage. Then it’s on to the theatre of Niagara’s wine and culinary scene where you’ll savour the sights from the air and tastes on the ground. Take a peek at Niagara-on-the-Lake’s intriguing past, and wrap it all up in a luxurious three-night stay at the Four-Diamond […]
The Vintage Harvest Party of the Year
It’s the last weekend of the Niagara Wine Festival, so from September 24th to 26th, raise a glass and celebrate 59 years of a Vintage Harvest! Niagara transforms into a wine lover’s wonderland this weekend, featuring winery tours and tastings, concerts, Niagara cuisine, wine seminars, live entertainment, and one of Canada’s largest street parades. Enjoy food, wine and live entertainment in St. Catharines’ historic Montebello Park, the hub of the harvest celebration. Experience VQA wines from over 35 wineries as you sip and savour the sounds of Canada’s best live music on the WestJet Centre Stage, featuring fan-favourites such […]
The Vintage Harvest Party of the Year
From September 17th to 26th, raise a glass and celebrate 59 years of a Vintage Harvest with the Niagara Wine Festival! Niagara transforms into a wine lover’s wonderland for two full weekends, featuring winery tours and tastings, concerts, Niagara cuisine, wine seminars, live entertainment, and one of Canada’s largest street parades. Enjoy food, wine and live entertainment in St. Catharines’ historic Montebello Park, the hub of the harvest celebration. Experience VQA wines from over 35 wineries as you sip and savour the sounds of Canada’s best live music on the WestJet Centre Stage. Fan-favourites such as Matt Dusk, The Great […]
Discover Ontario’s Wine Country
Meander along the roadways of Ontario’s wine regions to discover small craft wineries, stunning contemporary new facilities and the beauty of sun-drenched vineyards. Be welcomed by passionate winemakers, owners, sommeliers and winery staff anxious to share their craft. In the tasting room, swirl, sniff and sip acclaimed vintages to discover the unique signatures of the winemaker and the pleasures of the perfect pairing. You’re guaranteed to want to take a selection home with you. You can win a three-night stay in Niagara this fall to attend the Shaw Festival with a private tour, dining and wine country visits. You […]
Stoneleigh New Zealand wine recommends great books for the summer
Admit it. Book Clubs are really Wine Clubs in disguise. It’s a great group of friends sharing a great bottle of wine and catching up on everyone’s busy lives. And maybe talking about the book you’ve been reading, just to maintain the illusion. For your next “Book Club” meeting, why not try some of these fantastic wine and book pairings. We also recommend these for when you want a relaxing night at home to catch up on some well deserved “me time”. BEATRICE & VIRGIL By Yann Martel An astonishing and original new novel by the author of […]
Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life
The Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life is Canada’s most important HIV/AIDS annual fundraising and awareness event. This year, the Walk takes place from September 11-19, in over 50 communities across Canada. Approximately 65,000 Canadians live with HIV/AIDS. Another person is infected every two hours. There is no cure or vaccine. That’s why people from coast to coast are walking this September to raise HIV/AIDS awareness and funds. More than half a million Canadians have participated in the Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life. Close to $28 million has been raised. Yet needs persist. Santa Margherita is the Platinum Sponsor of the […]
Great Canadian Chicken BBQ Contest
Every July 1st, Chicken Farmers of Canada hold the “Great Canadian Chicken BBQ” in Ottawa’s Major’s Hill Park. We hold the BBQ each year as part of our sponsorship of Canada Day in the nation’s capital. This is our 18th year as national sponsor. This year is no different, but we wanted to bring you in on the action as well even if you can’t make it to Ottawa for the big party. So, we’re holding a little contest with a bit of a BBQ theme. To enter, all you need to do is head to our website on this […]
