WINESPEAK: PENTAGE WINERY GEWURZTRAMINER 2008
Who – Pentâge Winery
What – Gewurztraminer 2008
Where – Penticton, Okanagan Valley
Why – This Gew is from their first vineyard plantings back in 1997 – and what lovely wines are being handcrafted from these 10+ year old vines. The perfumed aromas skyrocket out of the glass – lush lychee and grapefruit notes lead to a palate of ripe sweet apricot, green apple, citrus and mineral, a full, rounded mouthfeel and a lengthy finish. Though there is a lot of fruit sweetness here, the wine finishes dry and crisp – delish.
When – A match made in heaven for Asian spiced seafood – sablefish Mumbai or Qualicum Beach scallops with shiso and lemon oil. Mmm…
How (Much) – $18.00
Winespeak of the Week – Paul Gardner and Julie Rennie’s boutique winery rests on 35 acres along Penticton’s Skaha Lake. Production is limited to only 5000 cases a year, and their small-lot releases sell out quickly. Their newest vineyard, monikered ‘The Dirty Dozen’ was planted three years ago – and wine watchers (me!) are eagerly awaiting the first wines from the Roussanne, Marsanne, Viognier, Petite Syrah, Zinfandel, Malbec, Mourvedre, Grenache and Tempranillo planted there.
BEARFOOT AT BLACK HILLS
One of Whistler’s – and Canada’s — best chefs is taking her champion culinary skills to one of BC’s best wineries during this week’s Okanagan Fall Wine Festival.
On October 3, Melissa Craig, executive chef at Whistler’s Bearfoot Bistro, will display her culinary skills and passion for local cuisine at Black Hills Estate Winery for the ‘Bearfoot at Black Hills’ Harvest Dinner. Craig, the 2008 winner of the cross-Canada Gold Medal Plates culinary competition, has not cooked in the Okanagan before.
“I am thrilled to be coming to the Okanagan during the fall crush, when you can feel so much energy in the vineyards and the wineries,” says Craig. “I have never cooked before in this region, and I am looking forward to drawing inspiration from the Okanagan’s beautiful surroundings for this harvest dinner. It is particularly exciting to be pairing my dishes with the wines of Black Hills Estate Winery, which I know very well and which deserve the many accolades they receive.”
Diners at the Bearfoot at Black Hills dinner will enjoy an intimate vineyard experience, with the harvest dinner prepared and served in a plush tent right in the Black Hills vineyard. Four courses will be served and paired with Black Hills wines, which will include the famed Nota Bene, Alibi, Carmenere and Chardonnay. Along with chef Craig, Black Hills winemaker Graham Pierce will provide commentary and insight into the food and wine pairings and characteristics.
Tickets are $199.00 each and include dinner and wine with each course. Tickets are available on Ticketweb.
Bearfoot in the Vineyard Harvest Dinner at Black Hills Estate Winery
Saturday, October 3, 2009
6:30 pm to 10 pm
Black Hills Estate Winery, 30880 Black Sage Road, Oliver
RIPE – AN EVENING OF LOCAL FOOD AND LIBATIONS
RIPE is Vancouver Farmers Markets 1st Annual Evening of Local Food and Libations held October 1st at Performance Works on Granville Island.
For this one evening enjoy a cocktail-style night of mingling, local food, drink and live entertainment with Vancouver foodie and farm friends.
If you’re currently a Vancouver Farmers Market member, your ticket to RIPE includes:
- one drink ticket for a glass of local beer or wine from the bar
- all food from local farmers including Empire Valley Beef, Glorious Organics, Jane’s Honey Bees and Kootenay Alpine Cheese among many others
- local food will then be prepared by Chefs Quang Dang and Robert Clark of C Restaurant into a delicious array of canapes served while you mingle
- live musical entertainment from Fiddlestix and Grist To The Mill
- tasting and sampling tables from vendor/farmers including Viennas Treasures
- a silent auction with items from local businesses including Millennium Water, It’s All Good Gift Co, and Movement Pilates Studio
- local food door prizes
- last but certainly not least, Jamie Maw will be the event MC!
Not a Vancouver Farmers Market member? No problem! Your ticket includes a one year membership to the organization plus everything above!
For ticket prices and where to purchase please visit the ticket page here.
HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY MONBELLA BISTORIA!
It’s no secret that opening restaurant in Vancouver is a highly difficult venture – especially in this economy. So it’s great to see that MonBella Bistoria is celebrating their 1st birthday next month!
From October 1st until October 15th, go celebrate with them and their special Italian EatBC Anniversary Menu.
Antipasto Plate for the Table to Share
Insalata di Spinaci e Raclette
spinach, beets, Van Island Raclette, Italian truffle
Panzanella
heirloom tomato, cucumbers, olives, crostini
Primavera
eggplant, roasted peppers, goat cheese
~~~
Agnollotti
veal, woodland mushrooms, chili & lemon olive oil
~~~
Petto di Pollo
roasted Mt Lehman chicken, prosciutto, parmesan, porcini mushroom, cipollini onions
OR
Baccalà Mantecato
sablefish, olive oil, parsley, creamy polenta
$29 per person
And if you really want a special MonBella experience, join one of Edible BC’s Chef for a Day classes - where you shop Granville Island Market with MonBella Chef Brian Fowke, and then return to his restaurant for a hands-on class in the preparation of your multi-course meal. There are still seats available for our October Chef for a Day class – Saturday, October 10th. You can book your space online here.
Mon Bella Restaurant
1809 West 1st Ave (Kitsilano), Vancouver
604.569.2741
EAT & DRINK BC! LAUNCHES OCTOBER 1ST
The fourth annual Eat & Drink BC! program launches October 1, and promises to deliver some of BC’s best dishes. With over 150 establishments across the Province serving up BC’s best bounty, there is certain to be something for everyone.
This year’s program encompasses a wide spectrum of restaurants at a variety of price points throughout the Province. Restaurants will be providing either a 3 course menu at varying price points (under $20, under $30, under $40 or $40) or a BC Bundle – consisting of one or two uniquely BC items.
Eat & Drink BC! program now is in its fourth year, found itself in the unique position of having to decide to continue this program or not. Funding that had been provided by the government in past years was no longer available. When asked why the BCRFA felt it was crucial to continue this program despite the lack of support, Ian Tostenson, President and CEO had this to say ” The buy local initiiative behind this program has multiple effects for the Province’s economy. Dining programs with consumer value drives much needed restaurant sales, chefs and restarauterus support our local growers when they buy their product, and marketing encourages consumers to buy local whenever and wherever they can.” to not continue the program was not really an option.
You can view menus and restaurants online.
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