Life is short. Enjoy it! Part 2

Some people collect fine wine. I can certainly appreciate cellaring certain bottles of wine for special occasions – but not everything.     Some wines are made with the intent of them continuing to mature and gain complexity while being cellared.  Most are not!  Most wine is ready to consume as soon as it is bottled.    If you want to try cellaring to see how it changes a wines’ complexity – then I suggest you purchase several bottles (or a case) of the same wine.    Before you do this, consult with the staff at your local wine store, or do […]

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Bubbly & Bruschetta with Soft Eggs and Lobster

For all that she’s done, the mother in your household or in your life deserves a bit of luxury on Sunday morning. A brunch featuring Bruschetta with Eggs and Lobster should fit the bill nicely. It’s a celebratory riff on scrambled eggs on toast, with rich cream cheese, regal lobster, and, if you have it handy, a drizzle of truffle oil on top. (Lobsterphobes could substitute another seafood preference — smoked salmon, shrimp, crab or white fish — or opt for none at all, given that the cream cheese is decadent in itself. ) The Wine: Sumac Ridge Tribute Sparkling […]

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New Wine Reviews

Number of Wines Recommended: 36 Review date: May 1, 2010 The highlights in this Vintages release include:   – 16 wines under $20 – Best value white: A zesty Australian white for salads, chicken $14.95 – Favourite white: A rich, buttery Prince Edward County Chardonnay for roast chicken and corn dishes 90/100 – Best value red: A black plum-rich French Syrah for lamb, sausage, hamburgers $13.95 – Favourite value red (tied): A Spanish Tempranillo for roast leg of lamb $13.95 – Favourite red (tied): A top-notch Rhone Valley red for steak, brisket, lamb 92/100 – Best Value Rosé: Bone-dry French […]

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Life is short. Enjoy it!

While I am sure that some people would consider it enjoyable to admire a beautiful display case full of the best crystal – wouldn’t it be more enjoyable to experience a beautiful wine out of one of those wonderful crystal glasses?  Have you ever heard anyone say, “Oh no, not those wine glasses, those are for special occasions only"?  Don’t do it!  Use that fine crystal, enjoy that fine bottle of wine, celebrate everyday. There is something about swirling wine in a beautiful glass – which is designed to bring out the best of the bouquet – the way it […]

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Austrian Wine Fairs in Toronto and Calgary

Don’t miss the Austrian Wine Fair in Toronto April 28 and Calgary April 29. More than 200 wines will be poured providing an excellent overview of the country’s offerings.   Details: Austrian Annual Wine Trade Fair Toronto, April 28 Rosehill Venue Lounge, 12 to 4 p.m. Click here for your invitation. For more information and to register, please call the Austrian Trade Commission at 416-967-3348 or e-mail [email protected]. Featured Producers: Weingut Andert Weingut Angerer Kurt Weingut Gerald und AndreaDiem Weingut Meinhard Forstreiter Weingut Stift Göttweig Weingut Stadt Krems Weingut Gernot und Heike Heinrich Winzer Krems eG Weingut Huber Weingut Huber […]

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Asian-style Spaghetti & Chicken Salad in Baked Wonton Cups

Serves: 6 2 cups (500 mL) cooked chicken ½ lb (200 g) whole wheat spaghetti 2 Tbsp (30 mL) low-sodium soy sauce 2 Tbsp (30 mL) unseasoned rice vinegar 2 Tbsp (30 mL) ketchup 1 Tbsp (15 mL) honey 1 Tbsp (15 mL) toasted sesame oil 1 Tbsp (15 mL) vegetable oil 2 Tbsp (30 mL) fresh ginger, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tsp (5 mL) chili pepper flakes, hot 2 cups (500 mL) carrots, peeled, grated 2 cups (500 mL) sweet yellow peppers, cut in strips 1 cup (250 mL) green onions, finely sliced ½ cup (125 mL) […]

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Visit Tinhorn Creek Winery this spring or summer

Spring is always an exciting time of year around a winery and this year is no exception. Pruning is completed and buds are starting to form on vines. Bottling is well underway and anticipation of new releases. The official start to wine season, the South Okanagan Winery Association (SOWA) Banee, was this past weekend in Osoyoos and Vancouver Playhouse starts this week, followed by the Okanagan Spring Wine Festival. There are some great events at all of these festivals so be sure to attend some of them.      On May 1st the first of the 2009 Varietal Series white […]

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New Wine Reviews

Number of Wines Recommended: 47 Review date: April 17, 2010 The highlights in this Vintages release include:   – 16 wines under $20 – Best value white: Herbal-fresh New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc for shellfish and vegetarian dishes $14.95 – Favourite white: California delivers bottled sunshine in this voluptuous Chardonnay 92/100 – Best value red: Chilean Cabernet-Syrah offers tasty dark berry aromas for hamburgers, meat lovers’ pizza $13.95 – Favourite red: A seductive California Cabernet that won’t quit for filet mignon 92/100 – Best Value Rosé: Classic rosé from sunny Provence for salmon and grilled Portabello mushroom $14.95 – Best Value […]

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Exposé Portfolio Tasting Toronto April 26

More than 100 wines will be showcased as part of the Expose Portfolio Tasting on Monday, April 26 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Art Gallery of Ontario. Meet the winemakers and samples wines from more than 30 wineries, including:   Jackson-Triggs Robert Mondavi Woodbridge Mondavi Open Toasted Head Hardys Kim Crawford Clos du Bois Banrock Station Inniskillin Growers Cider Le Clos Jordanne Hogue Monkey Bay Ravenswood Svedka Strut Fish Hook Nk ‘Mip Arbor Mist Marcus James Naked Grape Red Guitar See Ya Later Ranch Mezzamondo Blackstone Barossa Valley Wines         Wines will be paired […]

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Delicious Curry Rice with Cheddar Recipe

  Spring Eating: Satisfying meals with Canadian cheese With summer on the way, fresh eating is on a lot of people’s minds. There’s nothing like a dish filled with crisp, delicious produce to really put a spring in your step. A big salad with a helping of your favourite Canadian cheese can be a delicious way to get your veggies, but there are lots of great alternatives for satisfying, delicious entrees with an emphasis on freshness. This recipe is the perfect example of how to put together a light, satisfying meal. It’s all about rich flavour without too many rich […]

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