four wines for the rest of the summer
The Domaine de Sancet Cotes de Gascogne is destined to become your number one fridge door white; crisp and dry, easy drinking (only 11.5 per cent) with a delicious, slightly salty minerality — perfect for that glass you have while prepping dinner. A blend of Colombard, Gros Manseng and Sauv Blanc, from southwest France, $16ish.
La Gioiosa Rosea Brut bubbles and pink at the same time? We are in. This delightful sparkler from northeastern Italy has lively bubbles along with fresh cherry and strawberry flavours with an intriguing and subtle bitter counterpoint, completely fun and delicious. Start the evening with this, $17ish.
Both the Buena Vista North Coast Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are for lovers of old school, cooler-climate northern California wines—lean as opposed to lush, somewhat lower alcohol too. The Pinot is a refreshing sip, with attractive red fruit and earth flavours and ripe tannins. Put in the fridge for 10 minutes to chill slightly if having this weekend with grilled salmon. Or, do like Jacques Pepin and add an ice cube. The Chard is also elegant, with understated oak and fresh pear and apple flavours rather than sweet butterscotch tart. Drink with pork tenderloin or grilled chicken and fresh corn. Both 2015 vintage, $27ish retail.
coming soon, the rooster café
Charlie Rothman and Rahim Jaffer are opening Rooster Café & Kitchen at 10732 82 Avenue, the former home of the Artisan Resto-Café. Their vision is a community-focused cafe and breakfast joint serving local farm ingredients and locally prepared goods, open seven days a week. “We want to show that supporting local producers and farmers is highly applicable to the breakfast market,” says Charles. They plan to be open sometime this fall. Yaay! The Ave needs a good modern breakfast spot. More on this when we see a menu.
tomato season: spaghetti with raw tomatoes, basil and pecorino
We love this fresh tomato pasta from Daniel Costa, corso 32. So simple, you know it needs the freshest, just picked ingredients.
