Amuse Bouche
Defn: to tickle your palate, whet your appetite, make your mouth happy
Amuse Bouche is where we share with you the things that make our mouths happy. From recipes to wine reviews, from producer profiles to our culinary journeys - this is sightseeing for your tastebuds.
There are so many amazing food and wine events across this province. We recommend visiting Wine & Dine BC News - an excellent resource for keeping track of these events so you can plan your calendar and don't miss out. And Cityfood Magazine is a terrific site for keeping track of Vancouver's food & beverage related press releases, restaurant news, promotions and more.
Visit often - we'll be tasting, travelling and posting for you.
Cheers,
Treve Ring
Amuse Bouche Editor
Driving & Eating – an Okanagan Weekend. By Stefan Posthuma
For most, a trip to Kelowna involved the Coquihalla highway followed by the Okanagan connector. These are highways that will get you to your destination in the quickest, most efficient way possible. For some, the drive is what matters and this is where it gets very interesting. The BC interior has some superb roads to offer providing everything from twisty mountain road driving fun to stunning views and scenery. I belong to the latter category and am fortunate enough to have a little convertible sports car that I take out on adventures like these. I also like to eat well, something that can be done in the Okanagan aplenty.
I like to leave early (before 7am) to get through the Lower Mainland while the traffic is still light and to get to Hope and beyond as soon as possible. Once past Hope I usually go through Manning Park, this is where the road immediately becomes much more interesting and scenic. A breakfast stop can be had in Hope or last time I chose the Manning Park Lodge. The food here is sustenance, a large breakfast of toast, sausage, hash browns and eggs to sustain the driver for the day to come. The first town past Manning Park is Princeton, here I usually fill up the car and have a quick break before heading north on the old highway 5a towards Merritt. This one is beautiful, it snakes past lakes and meadows, providing some great driving fun until you get to Merritt where I usually take another quick break. At this point you can either head east on the connector (97c), straight to Okanagan lake or, time permitting, you can go further north on the 5a past Nicola lake towards Kamloops. The scenery only gets more beautiful as you head inland, the road will be very light with traffic and the driving will be exhilarating.
I planned for a full day of driving so I headed north on the 5a. I have a friend who lives in Westwold, which is a tiny little town between Kamloops and Vernon on highway 97. He knows a back road that leads from the 5a to the 97, Campbell Creek road to Barnhartvale road. This was the best part of the drive for me, a completely deserted middle of nowhere twisty ribbon of road through some amazing scenery, lush meadows bursting with yellow flowers and views around every bend. It was 28 degrees Celsius, the air was heavily fragrant with the flowers and grass and I truly felt like this road could go on forever. I had a break for a cold drink at my friend’s place in Westwold after which I continued on to Vernon where I took Commonage road, a windy little road past a golf resort and some prime waterfront properties that leads down to Kelowna. I plunked down my bag in a hotel room there around 4pm, ready for a shower and the eating part of this trip!
Kelowna on a sunny summer afternoon is a great place to go for a walk along the waterfront and people watch. This is exactly what I did before I found a patio where I had a pint of cold Hoegaarden to wash away the thirst of a day’s drive. I then made my way out to Sunset Drive where the Water Front Wine Bar can be found. This place has received a lot of good press so I was eager to try it out, somehow I had never made it there during my many Kelowna visits (it is technically a bar so they don’t allow minors). It lived up to its reputation, the food was delicious. I was hungry after a long day so I ordered a full meal, starting with a dish that featured chunks of pork belly braised in Backhand of God stout from Crannóg Ales. I am a huge fan of pork belly so this was a great start. This was followed by the evening’s entree special, a piece of sablefish on herbed gnocchi with fresh peas and a lemon artichoke sauce. The dessert was a combination of chocolate creations far too heavenly to fully remember, paired with a glass of Optima. I took a long walk back along the windswept lake front before heading back to the hotel.
The next morning I watched Germany eliminate England from the world cup tournament before heading out, back onto the open road. I wasn’t hungry enough for breakfast so I set my sights on lunch at Burrowing Owl Winery just outside of Osoyoos. I headed east out of Kelowna and down highway 33. I had never taken this road before and boy was I treated to a fabulous drive on a sunny morning through some spectacular scenery again. A couple of hours later I found myself sitting on the patio of the Sonora Room, overlooking the Okanagan hills and vineyards while enjoying a superb piece of duck confit with apple gnocchi, braised cabbage and bacon. After this lovely meal I headed north on Black Sage road to Oliver and back down to Osoyoos before heading west on the Crow’s Nest highway towards Princeton, Manning Park and Hope. I had one last stop in Keremeos where Dutch Mill, a roadside food stall run by a Dutch couple sells lovely boterkoek, a type of buttery almond shortbread that I had pegged for dessert. I also picked up some cherries and strawberries, the fruit season in the Okanagan just beginning. It started raining halfway down to Princeton and the last leg of the drive was very wet indeed and I was happy to get back home around 6pm.
BC is a perfect place for road trips, ranging from day drives to multi-day tours. The Okanagan is central to our province and provides weary drivers with the perfect place for some top quality food, there really isn’t a better place than a winery patio overlooking the vineyards on a beautiful summer’s day.
Wineries Step up for Oliver Mudslide Relief
I, like many of you, read in horror about the horrible mudslide that tore through Oliver last month. And I, like many of you, wondered what I could do to help. Acres of vineyards, homes, equipment, vehicles – all swept up and covered by mud. Thankfully, no one was injured in the slide – but now, people are trying to rebuild their lives and careers. As Oliver is the wine capital of BC, this has hit our industry very hard. This fundraising effort came across my inbox today, and I wanted to share it with EBC readers.
SOUTH OKANAGAN WINERY ASSOCIATION TO AID IN SLIDE RELIEF
Tug-o-war challenge to raise funds in landslide relief efforts
July 7, 2010
In Short:
This June a mudslide tore through the Southern Okanagan Valley, destroying the homes and livelihoods of many of our neighbours. In answer to the disaster, The South Okanagan Winery Association is proud to announce its participation in the Mudslide Crisis Relief Committee’s fundraiser during Oliver Township’s “Sunshine Days” on July 17. We invite everyone to come down to the Oliver Community Centre around noon to enjoy the festivities, including: A beer (and cider!) tent, water slides, live music, and a once-in-a-lifetime raffle for some of the best wines the Southern Okanagan has to offer. Come for the fun and stay to watch the wineries beat the pants off of anyone who dares to accept their Tug-O-War challenge!
Follow the trash talking on Twitter with hashtag #mudwar. Think you got what it takes? Sign up at Oliver Parks and Rec.
More Information:
The Mudslide that wreaked havoc on Southern Okanagan homes earlier this year left many lives in disarray. In response, the communities of Oliver and Osoyoos have come together to create the Mudslide Crisis Relief Committee to raise money for mudslide victims. The first major event is during the Sunshine Days festival in Oliver.
Saturday, July 17, join The Wineries of the Southern Okanagan at the Oliver Community Centre at 12:00pm where we will be part of a beer garden on the tennis courts. Cider, beer and food will be available with all proceeds going to the Mudslide Crisis Relief Fund. Other organised activities include: kids water slides, live music and a raffle for wine donated by wineries around the Southern Okanagan.
But what kind of mudslide charity would it be without a mud Tug-O-War? Road 13 has partnered with Stoneboat Vineyards and has challenged any local winery to dare face them and their mighty team of vineyard grunts; a call that has been answered by the powerhouses at Tinhorn Creek and others. The rules are simple: 10 person teams amalgamated from smaller wineries, or in-house from larger companies, going head-to-head over a pit of mud. $10 per person or $100 per team with all funds going to charity. Teams can register by picking up a form at Oliver Parks and Rec before July 15.
For more information on Sunshine Days and the Mudslide Crisis Relief contact: Deb at Oliver Parks & Rec: 250.498.4985 ordeb@oliverrecreation.ca
For more information on the South Okanagan Winery Association contact: Tim Martiniuk: 250.498.2226 ortmartiniuk@gmail.com
About South Okanagan Winery Association (SOWA)
The wineries of SOWA formed their association based on a unified vision of promoting the unique emerging identity of the region south of McIntyre Bluff. For all of them, this terroir is the source of the premium wine growing region in Canada.
The area is geographically bounded and sculpted by two north-south mountain ranges and hallmarked in the northern extremity by the dramatic cliffs of McIntyre Bluff. These wineries and vineyards express the namesakes of the land: the sage, the creeks, lakes, the historic and aboriginal influences, all decidedly regional.
You are invited to enjoy the unique experience that each winery of the South Okanagan Association offers, from the welcoming wine shops to patios restaurants and unique accommodations. Stretching from the landmark McIntyre Bluff to the Osoyoos border, the land is unparalleled in scenic adventure and award winning wines.
The South Okanagan Winery Association is rooted in a passionate and unified vision of nurturing our unique and emerging identity; our pride in our craft; our characters; and our terroir.
SOWA Members
-Burrowing Owl -Jackson-Triggs
-Cassini Cellars -Nk’Mip Cellars
-Desert Hills -Oliver Twist
-Dunham & Froese -Quinta Ferreira
-Fairview Cellars -Road 13
-Gehringer Brothers -Rustico
-Golden Beaver -Silver Sage
-Hester Creek -Stoneboat
-Inniskillin -Tinhorn Creek
1.6 Mile Dinner – Version 2010
Last year Eric was fortunate enough to participate in Orofino Vineyards’ 1.6 Mile Dinner (read here to remind yourself of the amazing evening). We’ve just heard from John at Orofino that this year’s version is planned for Sunday, August 1. If you find yourself in the Okanagan this August (and if you’re not planning to, WHY NOT?), we urge you to take part in this amazing locavore feast. The details below are from John ~~
1.6 MILE DINNER
*AND – NEW OPTION THIS YEAR*
FARM TOUR
(Farm to Plate )
1.6 MILE DINNER
A unique celebration of the beauty of the Similkameen Valley in all her forms. The evening will consist of a six course meal consisting of only the best foods provided by artisan producers from within a 1.6 mile radius of Orofino Winery. Each course will be expertly crafted by chef Darin Patterson, chef and owner of Bogner’s of Penticton (recently named the top chef in the South Okanagan region by Okanagan Life Magazine!). Delectable surprises, unique produce and world-class flavours will be paired with Orofino`s best wines.
Please join us in our beautiful winery courtyard for an enchanted evening of fine dining, remarkable wine, and good company!
Dates: Saturday, July 31st and Saturday, August 1st
Time: Welcoming wine and canapé`s at 5:30. Dinner to follow.
Tickets: $125 per person. Contact Orofino at (250)499-0068 or Orofino@nethop.net for reservations
This is a fundraising event for Cawston’s Kobau Community Park.
FARM TOUR
The connection between food production and food consumption will be clearly illustrated in this unique opportunity for those looking for a true localvore experience. Tour the farms of Cawston, the official “organic capital of Canada” and meet the farmers that grow the world-class produce being used in the 1.6 Mile Dinner that evening. Join John Weber, proprietor and winemaker of Orofino Winery as he takes you on a tour of some of his unique neighbourhood producers. Chef Darin Patterson will prepare a tasty bite at each property visited using the farm’s produce in a special way. Listen to the stories of the farmers and gain intimate knowledge of food production in the Similkameen Valley.
This is an excellent opportunity for those staying in Penticton for the weekend who want to participate in the 1.6 Mile Dinner at Orofino without worrying about transportation to and from the event.
ITINERARY
NOON: Meet at Bogner’s of Penticton restaurant in Penticton for a gourmet lunch prepared by Darin and his staff. Darin will talk of his commitment to using locql food in his restaurant. Tour his restaurant property to see his gardens that supply the produce for his menu offerings.
BUS TO CAWSTON (40 minutes)
TOUR AND TASTE: Visit Cawston’s unique producers and explore the beautiful Similkameen Valley with Orofino owner/winemaker John Weber. Get first-hand experience on the farm. Chef Darin will host a special tasting at each stop. We promise a few surprises!
1.6 MILE DINNER: Orofino’s signature event. Enjoy world-class scenery with an amazing 6 course dinner using only food that is produced within 1.6 miles of the Orofino property. It is an amazing evening of celebrating the Similkameen and its producers.
RETURN TO PENTICTON BY BUS (approximately 11pm)
DATE: Sunday, August 1st, 2010. Farm tour option is only offered on this day!
TICKETS: $275 per person all inclusive
CONTACT: (250)499-0068 or Orofino@nethop.net
NOTE: Seating is limited for the farm tour. It is an all-inclusive event. Let us take care of everything from noon until late that night!
A silent auction will be held both evenings of the 1.6 Mile Dinner with proceeds going to Cawston Community Kobau Park. Details will be forthcoming!
Winespeak: Poplar Grove Cabernet Franc 2006
Who – Poplar Grove Winery
What – Cabernet Franc 2006
Where – Naramata, Okanagan Valley
Why – This has always been a pleaser – and the 2006 vintage is the most impressive yet. I love the aroma of this wine. Huge warming wafts of spice, cedar, plum and cassis are carried through to the palate, with flavours of dark cherry, smoked plum, cocoa and savory earth. This is at the luxuriant end of the Cab Franc spectrum – and one that will continue to evolve over time. I’m looking forward to revisiting this one in a few years.
When – With roasted steak or lamb – try with a cocoa or herbed pepper rub for extra oomph.
How (much) – $35.00
Winespeak of the Week – Poplar Grove isn’t just known in the wine world – cheese lovers and chefs line up for their handmade artisan cheeses. When I visited the tasting room last a woman was nearly in tears because the intense Tiger Blue was sold out. Now that is love.
Tinhorn Creek Tasting with a Social Twist – by Sheila Whittaker
Tinhorn Creek winemaker Sandra Oldfield warmly welcomed guests to the CBC Audience Lounge in Vancouver with a glass of … white wine. That was all she would tell us.
After the first drink, the DJ played the sound of a glass smashing ó the cue for tasters to move to the next station. At Station 1, we were given… white wine. Winemakers will usually go on and on about each wine, how the grapes were grown, what the weather was like, the vinification process… what was going on?
The concept for the night was a staggered blind tasting. The wine bottles were hidden in brown paper bags. All guests were given cards to guess which was which, with a list of choices at the bottom. Of course, a few red herrings were included to throw us all off!
It was a fun concept and well-received by a great crowd; the challenge got people talking and tweeting. Participants were encouraged to take part in an online discussion during the tasting through Twitter, with the hashtag #socialtwist. A television screen in the room showed the updates live.
After hustling through nine samples, we turned in our cards and hoped for the best! Cards were quickly marked and five people in the room got all the answers correct. Fabulous prizes were given out, including a magnum of 2006 Oldfield Series Merlot (served at Station 7 during the blind tasting).
I was not among the gold star tasters of the evening, having reversed the final two wines (2006 Oldfield Series Merlot and 2006 Oldfield Series Syrah). I give partial blame to my Aussie tasting partner …I thought I could trust her to sniff out the Syrah!
In order, we tried Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Oldfield Series 2Bench White (a blend of 33% Semillon, 31% Chardonnay, 20% Sauvignon Blanc, 13% Viognier, and 3% Muscat), Gewurztraminer, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc (my favourite), Merlot, 2006 Oldfield Series Merlot and 2006 Oldfield Series Syrah.
I managed to guess the first seven wines correctly. What did that tell me? Tinhorn Creek makes varietal wines with good typicity… each one shows the signature characteristics of a wine made from that grape. (Or that I am a good guesser whoís luck ran out after seven samples of wine…)
Experience Intoxicating Adventures with Sheila Whittaker
Professional Freelance Journalist
Wine, travel & more
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