Two really good reasons to visit the Okanagan, dinner and drinks with Sandra Oldfield:
Dinner with Sandra Oldfield. Five courses by Miradoro’s exec chef Jeff Van Geest, each paired with Tinhorn Creek wines, such as the limited Oldfield Series 2Bench Red and Syrah. Winemaker Dinner at Miradoro Thursday October 6, 6:30pm, $110 plus tax. Drinks with Sandra Oldfield. Sandra digs deep into the library to explore the effects of aging, how to cellar wine and why and how to pair food and wine with dishes created by chef Jeff Van Geest. Limited seating. Cellaring and Food Pairing Seminar, Saturday, October 8, 11am, $150 plus tax. Call 250-498-3743 to book.
Java Jive Coffee Factory
(9929 77 Avenue) has something new called the espro press. It’s patent pending micro filter makes precision press coffee, without the grit. The double-walled stainless steel construction and durability (it’s dishwasher safe) guarantee it’ll get used — every morning. Try the new Mavea Elimaris water filter pitchers: for great tasting drinking water, coffee and tea in two sizes and four colors.
corso 32 reopens September 27 YAAY!
Corso (10345 Jasper Avenue,780-421-4622) was closed September 12 to September 27while kitchen crew Daniel, Ben, Phil, Christopher and Megan was in Italy expanding their collective food and wine knowledge — aka eating and drinking their way through Campania, Tuscany and Emilia Romagna.
Love wine? Take a wine course!
Highly practical and exciting professional wine education programs by the London-based Wine Spirit Education Trust (WSET) are designed to satisfy both novice enthusiasts and experts. The courses, administered by the Art Institute of Vancouver, are lively, stimulating, and concentrate on developing the wine palate. Level One, Foundation in Wine & Wine Service has begun; another class will run in 2012. Level Two, Intermediate Studies in Wines & Spirits, which focuses on principle grape varieties by examining their regions of production in depth, begins winter 2012. The French Wine Society’s French Wine Scholar programs begin winter 2012. For more info, or to register for any of the above, visit winecollege.ca or call 1-800-667-7288.
Our recommendations for wine with turkey
Lammershoek Chenin Blanc 2008 pleases unrepentant lovers of oak, with full-on vanilla aromas and flavours, coupled with the luscious marmalade honey citrus that Chenin is known for, balanced by a steely minerality and lively acidity. Full-bodied, creamy-textured, call it a white wine for red wine lovers — just the thing for an elegant turkey dinner. $23
New chef at Moriarty’s
Cory Welsch, former Hardware Grill sous, is now behind the stoves as exec chef at Moriarty’s Bistro Wine Bar (10154 100 Street, 780-757-2005). Expect good things: a new menu with a larger and more authentic small plate offerings; a chef’s mussels and wine pairing; and a diverse happy hour menu 3pm-6pm. Perfect for after work drinks and a nosh. Coming soon: a new wine list and the Citadel Theatre Dine and Play dinner package promotion.
Don’t miss Taco Hour
At the Blue Chair Café (9624 76 Avenue, 780-989-2861) from 3-6 pm, Wednesday to Saturday. Harold says: “The tortillas are made in Edmonton, and Rosalba, who has been with us for three years, is Mexican. We will exploit her talents to provide some real authentic tacos.”
The next Farm to Fork Dinner
at Madison’s Grill (10053 Jasper Avenue 780-401-2222), is on Wednesday, October 12, 6:30pm. $75 per person plus tax. Reservations: unionbankinn.com.
Two really good reasons to visit the Okanagan, dinner and drinks with Sandra Oldfield:
Dinner with Sandra Oldfield. Five courses by Miradoro’s exec chef Jeff Van Geest, each paired with Tinhorn Creek wines, such as the limited Oldfield Series 2Bench Red and Syrah. Winemaker Dinner at Miradoro Thursday October 6, 6:30pm, $110 plus tax. Drinks with Sandra Oldfield. Sandra digs deep into the library to explore the effects of aging, how to cellar wine and why and how to pair food and wine with dishes created by chef Jeff Van Geest. Limited seating. Cellaring and Food Pairing Seminar, Saturday, October 8, 11am, $150 plus tax. Call 250-498-3743 to book.
When London Calls, Canada will answer.
See Edmonton’s best chefs compete for a spot at Canadian Culinary Championships. Gold Medal Plates, the professional chefs competition to raise money for our best amateur athletes, is set to roll Thursday, November 3 at the Shaw Conference Centre. Chefs competing for the chance to represent Edmonton at the Canadian Culinary competition in Kelowna include: Tim Barath, Red Piano; Paul Campbell, Café de Ville; Shane Chartrand, L2; Andrew Ihasz, Fairmont Hotel Macdonald; David Omar, Zinc; Deependar Singh, Guru; Robert Simpson, Madison’s; Jan Trittenbach, Packrat Louie; Jason Durling, D’lish. Don’t delay; it’s always a sellout. Call 780-448-5957, or email edmonton@goldmedalplates.com for tickets.
Enjoy a Taste of Ecuador at the Eco Café
Saturday, October 1. Enjoy five courses inspired by the South American flavours of Ecuador, $42/person, call 780 586-2627 to reserve. www.ecocafepigeonlake.ca
Kevin Judd
the maker of spectacular Kiwi Sauvignon Blanc, first at Cloudy Bay and now at his own Greywacke Vineyards, is visiting Vines Wine Merchants, Tuesday, October 4 at 7:00pm, $29.95/person. Call 780-434-9444 to book a spot.
Discover BC VQA: The Wines of British Columbia Trade and Media tasting, Tuesday October 11
Over 20 VQA wineries will be pouring 100 wines, including new releases.
Taste Chateaunuef du Pape at bin 104
October 12, 7:00p.m., $50.00/person. Reserve by phone 436-8850 or online bin104.com
The Bothy presents Autumn in Italy, October 19
6:30pm, $139.99/person. Enjoy four courses expertly paired with six wines from Banfi, Frescobaldi and Zenato. Call 780-761-1761 to book.