This is how they celebrate their third anniversary at The Marc (9940 106 Street, 780-429-2828): by offering a bottle of Champagne Mailly along with a bowl of the Marc’s delicious truffled frites, for $55. Mon dieu! That’s for a bottle of Grand Cru Champagne, not a glass (less than the retail price for the bubs). Only until Saturday October 12.
Join Roberto D’Onofrio of Piedmont’s Tenuta Carretta Estate for a six- course dinner at Massimo’s (5012 104 street, 780 439-4869) on Tuesday, October 15. Taste elegant and delicious Arneis, Vermentino, Barbera and Nebbiolo with Massimo’s classic Tuscan cooking, $110/pp not incl tax or tip.
There be dragons! Alley Kat’s new release in the dragon series, Maroon Dragon Double India Pale Ale can be found in better beer shops this week. Made with the Centennial variety of hops which gives this IPA its citrusy, bitter flavours — heaven for hop heads. We can’t think of anything more suitable to drink while watching Game of Thrones.
Don’t miss the Co-Op World of Whiskey and Cognac Gala, November 2 at Northlands, a spectacular tasting featuring a dazzling array of cognac, whiskies and a gourmet dinner. Tickets are $100/person for general admission. The VIP ticket ($150/person) includes a guided tasting, exclusive products and early entry, 4-9pm. Call 780-432-2258 ext. 460, or email wsevents@calgarycoop.com.
Asian cuisine can be amazingly wine-friendly. Join Dennis Miller at a dinner pairing superb Chardonnay, Verdejo, Riesling and Falanghina; Pinot Noir Rose, Tempranillo and Sangiovese at East Restaurant 16049-97 Street, Tuesday, October 22, 7pm. $70/pp all inclusive. For reservations email: info@eastedmonton.ca  East logo attached
Massimo’s Kitchen exec chef Keoma Franceschi presents a Tuscan Christmas November 1-4, the first weekend of Jasper Park Lodge’s 25th Anniversary Christmas in November (CIN). Don’t miss it! To book visit the Christmas in November website.
Upcoming tastings at Unwined Fine Wine, Spirits and Ales (#2 512 St. Albert Trail, St. Albert, 780-458-4777, unwined.ca): October 22, Accidental Sommelier Series: Tapas & Tempranillo; November 5, Scotch Tasting. Tastings begin at 7:30pm, $25 unless otherwise noted.
Wines from the Paul Hobbs estate near Sebastopol in northern California can be hard to find, highly sought after by collectors worldwide — which makes the appearance of the Russian River Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in stores here such a treat. Patiently made using native yeasts, French oak, unfined and unfiltered; both would be ideal with holiday turkey or squirreled away for a year or two. The Pinot Noir is appealingly juicy with sweet red raspberry flavours underscored by a subtle tangerine back beat, understated oak and smooth ripe tannins with tangy spice in the finish. The Chard’s combination of nutty buttered popcorn and ripe fruit flavours and lemon cream texture has enough ooomph to pull together the mishmash of turkey, Brussels, roasted squash, potatoes and gravy of a typical Thanksgiving dinner into something resembling harmony. bottle pics from maven
Sweet Lollapalooza’s www.sweetlollapalooza.com Brett Roy moves on to the International Chocolate Awards in London later this month after placing in two categories (his Pure Nacional took a silver in the Unflavoured Dark – Ganaches and Truffle; and the Raspberry Noir bonbon was nominated in the Flavoured dark – Ganaches and truffles) at the Canadian Awards held in Vancouver recently. Jacek Chocolate Couture earned a nomination for the Black Diamond (Salted Burnt Caramel) truffle in the Milk Ganaches and Truffles category at the same competition. Look for something new in Sweet Lollpalooza’s offerings this holiday season. Brett was on a course in New York presented by Spain’s Oriol Balaguer, who rocketed into prominence as E Bulli’s pastry chef.