Thai-style Shrimp and Cheddar Spring Rolls A refreshing and delicious idea for a picnic What is it about eating outdoors that is so appealing? Is it simply the fact that we are trapped inside for most of the year and we need to get out come summertime? Maybe the increased amount of oxygen makes the food and wine taste better. Or maybe natural light soothes a primal part of our psyches, making the meal experience that much better. Whatever the reason, I just love eating outdoors, and I’m always on the lookout for new, easy and tasty picnic recipes. Thai-style […]
Restaurant Wine Service: the Good, the Bad and the Gross
In part two of our video chat below, Scott shares his most memorable wine experiences in restaurants, including a hilarious story about the worst one (watch him in the small screen with the bottle when he explains what the waiter did) The International Culinary Center Bastianich Adriactico Friulano A floral white with mouth-watering acidity and a pleasantly dry, bitter and refreshing finish. Drink 2012 – 2014 277467 13% XD 750 ml $18.95 Score: 87/100 You may also enjoy these video chats: Master Sommelier Video: What it Takes to be a Restaurant Wine Expert […]
Ontario VQA Wine and Canadian Cheese Twitter Tasting
What an amazing tasting last night! on Twitter with Canadian cheeses. A terrific group of wine tasters shared thoughts on the pairings and lots of laughs in a live tweet-up that everyone could join. (They had a whey with curds.) Most amazingly, our discussion trended #1 on Twitter: it was the most discussed topic on Twitter worldwide, more popular than Jay-Z, Mitt Romney’s wife and pop culture icons. Smokin! Join us this Wednesday at 8 pm as we get together again for a live Google + video group wine tasting. How do you participate in the next wine and cheese […]
Martin Codax Albarino, Folie a Deux Rose, Mike Weir Sparkling: Top LCBO Wines Vintages Release July 21
Here are my top picks from the July 21 Vintages Release. You can also get all 83 of my Best Value Wines and Top Rated Wines for red, white, rose, sparkling and dessert wines that encompass many price points, styles and regions. I’ve also posted my picks for the August 4 Vintages Release. You can add my wine picks to your shopping list by clicking on the little shopping cart icon. You can also create a custom list just for this release that will be saved in your account. Print a text-only version of the reviews. 2010 […]
Master Sommelier Video: What it Takes to be a Restaurant Wine Expert
In the video below, Scott Carney, Director of Wine Education at the International Culinary Center, shares his insights on the education and training required to become a Master Sommelier. As well: How is the Master Sommelier different from the Master of Wine? What makes your approach to teaching wine different from other schools? Why is it important for chefs to know about wine if they’re not going to be sommeliers? What are the three most important traits of an excellent sommelier? What trends and changes are you seeing in the sommelier field? We’ll post part two of our conversation in […]
Summers Cabernet Sauvignon, Fantino Barolo, Buller Victoria Tawny: Best Cellar Wines in LCBO Vintages Release July 21
By Gaby Israel Here’s my best cellar wines list for this release as a shopping list that you can print. Wines for up to $20: France – Midi – Le Cirque Carignan/Mourvedre/Syrah 2010 – $14.95 With such review by RP (90) and for such a beautiful blend and for only $15, that’s one of the wines at the top of the buying list from this release. This is a great example that demonstrates that treasures can be found in the Vin-de-Pays “entry level” classification. France – Loire – Domaine Des Ouches Igoranda Cabernet Franc Bourgueil 2009 – $15.95 Cab Franc […]
Video Part 2: Santa Margherita Walks the Talk with HIV/AIDS Community
In part two of our video chat below, Bruno talks about why Santa Margherita selected the AIDS Walk for Life among many charities to support and how the winery contributes beyond simply writing a cheque. You can also watch part one of our conversation. Santa Margherita Impronta del Fondatore Pinot Grigio Santa Margherita Brut Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Find Santa Margherita Wines here on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram. You may also enjoy these video chats: Tasting Pinot Noir, Tips for Writers […]
Good Earth, Food and Wine in Niagara
By: Susan Desjardins A recent trip to Niagara included yet another fabulous lunch at Nicolette Novak’s Good Earth Food and Wine Companybistro, located on Lincoln Avenue in Beamsville. In this case, it was the Thai Shrimp & Lobster Burger with a tangy Asian slaw and tasty sweet potato fries served, of course, with the fruity medium-dry Riesling. As we sat sipping and sampling, admiring the gardens and vineyards, Nicolette dropped by in her gardening hat, gloves and trowel in hand, to see how we were enjoying the experience. That’s what it’s like here—it feels like visiting a good friend who […]
Twitter Wine and Cheese Tasting July 19: Join Us!
Join us for a all-Canadian wine and cheesing tasting on Twitter Thursday July 19 at 8 pm. This tweet-up tasting will bring together some enthusiastic and knowledgeable wine reviewers below who will share the tips and favourite pairings that evening. Here are two more articles on pairing wine and cheese from the Ottawa Citizen and The Ledger. We want to hear from you too. Here’s a sneak peak at the wines and cheeses we’ll be tasting if you’d like to indulge yourself. See you (and tweet with you) soon! Natalie PS The hashtag for our conversion is #CdnCheese. 2010 Inniskillin […]
Recipe: Cedar Planked Salmon, Beet Quinoa Salad with Jackson Triggs Chardonnay
Cedar Planked Salmon With Beet & Quinoa Salad, Chardonnay Vinaigrette Salmon and Chardonnay are long-time comrades, and the use of chardonnay in this vinaigrette adds another dimension to the dish. Meet Chef Mackiddie at the i4c Kick-Off Party July 20th, featuring The Arkells at Jackson Triggs. Tickets on sale at www.coolchardonnay.org. Ingredients: 2 Cups Dry Quinoa 4 Cups Water 1 Tsp Salt 2 Medium Beets Cooked and Sliced 1 Tsp Chopped Thyme 1 Tbsp Chopped Parsley Method: Add Quinoa, Water & Salt into a saucepan, bring to a boil. Cover and simmer until water is fully absorbed (about 15 minutes). […]
