(Sponsored post) I’m always intrigued by what people consider to be ‘food friendly’ wines. Often their choice is guided by little more than personal preference or regular buying habits. All well and good. But, as a rule, there’s no better guide than to turn to the wines of a given country or region from which [...]
The words “cocktail crawl’ alone might well have been enough to strike fear into my heart. But an evening with Marriott International Cocktail Crawl happily proved otherwise. This was a fun opportunity to check out contrasting programs at The Westin Bayshore, Marriott Pinnacle Downtown and Parq Douglas, with an array of ten cocktails over the [...]
I'm pretty sure that Judgment of BC 2019 was one of the largest tastings of its kind ever held in Canada. On October 29th 34 judges sat down at the Penticton Lakeside Resort. We concluded what’s been a worthy exercise for BC wines since the first ‘Judgment’ took place in 2015. It was an impressive [...]
Just a few steps from Lonsdale Quay, the remarkable evolution of Lower Lonsdale continues at a rapid pace. It seems this new community has blossomed almost overnight (well, in a few short years). However, it's surprising so many Vancouverites don’t realize just how close to downtown this bustling North Shore mecca is. Yet one more [...]
BC Bubble is on a roll. There's nothing really surprising about that in itself. But what is curious is why it's taken so long. I've been thinking about (and tasting) a lot of BC sparklers recently. Often as not with a toast to Harry McWatters—the godfather of BC Bubble. The 21 bottle ‘sabre salute’ at Harry's [...]
Toptable Group has announced that award-winning West Restaurant + Bar will close at year end. It will not be renewing its lease. It's by no means official. But I'll hazard a pretty good guess that the cost of the new lease didn't make sense to continue. The building is also possibly slated for development. The closing [...]
This year’s British Columbia Lieutenant Governor’s Wine Award winners were announced last night in Kelowna. The winners were unveiled at Okanagan Wine Festival’s signature tasting and reception at the Packing House. The event kicked off the 39th Annual Fall Okanagan Wine Festival. Wine of the year is: Deep Roots Syrah 2017 (Naramata Bench) $29.48—which edged [...]
Bordeaux’s biggest BC sales day of the year is fast approaching. Saturday, September 28th, marks BC Liquor Stores 2016 Bordeaux release. For serious wine collectors it’s beyond keenly anticipated. This vintage is one of the best in many years. And even better, there is, truly, something for everyone. Bordeaux boxes awaiting September 28th [...]
Row Fourteen is the newest addition to Similkameen's already blossoming scene. And it's a worthy one at that.
The Tasting Menu is back. Although, truth be told, at West Restaurant it never went away. Earlier this summer I had the opportunity to witness the artistry of West Chef Bobby Milheron in two contrasting settings. The first was at the BC Seafood Festival in Comox. The second was at the South Granville restaurant itself. [...]
