October 19 2006

Cover Story (Garnishing Wine Diva's World, Wine Diva asks...)
BC Wine Reviews (Sipping BC)
International Sips (Down the Hatch with Oz, Vogue-ing with Voga)
Taste Bites (How Cheesy, Wine Dinners@Ocean 617 & Cru, olé)
Wine Diva-isms (Corked Wine-the agony and the attitude, Pink Girls)

Taste Bites

How Cheesy

Le Puits d'Astler- Don't let the look of this sheep's milk cheese deter you. It's funky looking with an uneven, gray/molded looking exterior. The rind is not only visually challenging but tough and really needs to be removed (I dare you). Inside is a soft, almost rubbery texture and barnyard, horsy aromas. The mouth-feel is smooth with herbal, earthy and mushroom flavours and a subtle bite on the finish. Comes in plate sized flat discs and is probably suited to the more adventurous cheese palate.
$5.95 per 100g
Stink Factor: Medium+
Wine Diva tasted-October 6 2006

Chevre Fermier-This cheese only comes into Les Amis every few months so try it while you can. As the name states this is a goat's milk cheese with subtle aromas of sweet cream and buttery corn-on-the-cob. It has a medium cheddar texture and sweet fruity and herbal flavours with grassy finish.
$5.95 per 100g
Stink Factor: Low
Wine Diva tasted-October 6 2006

The cheeses can be purchased at Les Amis du Fromage 1752 w 2nd and 518 Park Royal South www.buycheese.com

Producers Dinner at Ocean 6 Seventeen

This wonderful dinner prepared by Chef Sean Cousins showcased the bounty of our local BC products (wine and food) and featured:
-Organic produce from Kim Frederiksen of Biovia Organic Link
-Beef from Don Millard of Pemberton Meadows Beef
-Seafood from Ian Angus of Finest at Sea

Here are just a few highlights from the dinner...

Look at these beautiful organic watermelon radishes
Wine-Mionetto Il Prosecco

Curry squash veloute
Creme fraiche, toasted pumpkin seeds
Wine- Golden Cellars No Wood Chardonnay 2005

Organic roasted beet salad, artisan cheese, mustard noir
Wine-Joie ‘A Noble Blend’ 2005

And More...

Third
Roasted Sablefish
Buckwheat blinis, chard, port foie gras emulsion
Wine-Golden-Mile Cellars Pinot Noir 2005
Palate cleanser
Frozen vodka heirloom tomato Caesar, poached side stripe prawn
Fifth
Braised Pemberton Meadow striploin
Ragu of chanterelles and Fraser Valley vegetables
Wine-Laughing Stock Vineyards ‘Portfolio’ 2004
Cheese
assorted local artisan cheeses, house crackers
Wines- Kettle Valley Chardonnay 2003/Pentage Gamay 2004

Ocean 6 Seventeen
617 Stamps Landing
604-879-6178
www.ocean617.com

Pinot Noir is Grand at Cru

Sunday October 15th Wine Diva sat down at a Pinot Noir tasting with fellow sommelier Mark Taylor who entertained us while featuring wines from Blue Mountain, Twin Islands, Bouchard Pere & Fils, Domaine Drouhin and La Crema.
It was followed by a wonderful wine paired dinner by Chef Dana Reinhardt.

Here are some of the highlights...

A yummy Chick Pea Fritter with chevre and baby tomatoes
Paired with Quails' Gate Estate Pinot Noir, 2004

A delicate finale of Oven Roasted Summerland Pears, spiced Pumpkin Bavarois, Pecan Praline and Orange Creme Anglaise paired with Quady Essensia Orange Muscat from California.

Cru
1459 West Broadway
604-677-4111
www.cru.ca

Noticed-A Mexican Hat-Trick

Within 3 blocks on the south side of West Broadway there are now three take-out Mexican food joints. Mex Burrito (formerly Red Burrito for a couple of months), Taco del Mar just a block west at 680 West Broadway and now Cilantro and Jalapeno at 738 West Broadway-A Mexican grocery and take-out that opened just last week. Owner Liz tells me a website is in the works but for now you can go in and visit her (and business partner Annie) to check out their goods-bulk and dried products like beans and rice, candies, bottled sauces and canned products as well as home made tortillas, sauces and take out.
Wine Diva is happy to see them in the neighborhood. After living so close to Que Pasa's 5th avenue location for years before they moved, and then living right in Toronto's Kensington Market with all the Spanish and Mexican grocer's I'd given up finding some of my favorite products.
Watch for more on Cilantro and Jalapeno
783 West Broadway
604-872-7161
Mon-Friday 11-5:30
Saturday 12-5:30

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October 19 2006

October 19 2006