July 2006
Wine
Diva is blissfully relieved! Apparently each morning when I stumble out
of bed, park my (nearly) lily-white booty on the sofa, java in hand I'm protecting my liver
from the indulgences that will certainly follow later in the day.
Truth?
According to a study released in early June in the Archives of Internal
Medicine (of 125,580 subjects) those who consumed coffee each day were up to
22% less likely to develop cirrhosis of the liver!
Cheers to that!
This Month:40+ new reviews!
Best of BC & new
releases
Best of BC & new releases
Wine Diva's-July Question
-What
do you pay for your poison?
International sips
-Two visits from Chile
-One from Alsace
Taste-Bites
-Mistral,
Sanafir
-How
Cheesy-This months selections
-Giffard-First
Annual Mocktail Challenge
-Edible
British Columbia-In the 'hood'
Wine Diva-isms
-what happens on girls night out?
-wine diva-necessary objects
Icons
 Patio Wine |
 Wine
List Sure Bet |
 Good
With Food |
 Girls'
Night Out |
 Unique |
 Crowd
Pleaser |
 Good
for Romance |
 Cellar
Keeper |
Eat Here |
BC New Releases... And a few Wine Diva favorites
Saturna Island
Winery recently launched their new look! New packaging, new
labels and all new screw-cap toppers. The outcome is positive
for this Gulf Islands winery. The wine is now made from all estate
grown island fruit and the resulting wines may surprise you!
White-
Breezy Bay, Gulf Islands BC, 2005- From Saturna Island winery
the Breezy Bay blend (say that five times fast) is an easy summer
quaffer, light, fun and fresh. Aromas of chalky mineral and candied
'rockets'-honeyed pear and melon topped with sweet spices. Off-dry
style with an oily-mouth-feel.
$9.95 Private wine stores
Wine Diva tasted-June 8 2006
White-
Saturna Island Pinot Gris, Gulf Islands BC, 2004-Baked apples
and orchard fruits, spiked with nuts and creamy vanilla. Leesy-rich
mouth-feel with sweet citrus crispness on the finish.
$13.95 Private and VQA wine stores
Wine Diva tasted-June 8 2006
Rosé-
Saturna Island
Rosé,
Gulf Islands BC, 2004-
This brilliant ruby
rosé
is a blanc de noirs style blend of chardonnay and pinot noir.
This was Wine Diva's favorite
wine at the recent Saturna Island new product launch. Ripe berries,
cherries, earth and sweet spices, bright acidity with a light silky
body and just a hint of sweetness.
$9.95
Private wine stores
Wine Diva tasted-June 8 2006
White
Dirty Laundry Vineyard 'Thread Bare Vines' Gewurztraminer, Okanagan BC,
2005-
WD stumbled across this little gem at
another little gem-Mistral Bistro in Vancouver when I ordered it to
go with a gorgeous onion tart. Talk about your perfect pairings!
Apparently its very hard to get (which is why there aren't many
samples around I suppose). Mistral co-owner Minna Benoit told me
that only a couple of Vancouver restaurants and one licensee in
Richmond got allocation of this wine.
Unlike the WooWoo Gewurztraminer from Dirty Laundry (Wine
Diva was the first to write this wine up last year)
which is quite sweet, the Thread Bare is a dryer style
but still full of all the necessary elements-orange blossoms,
citrus blossoms and rosewater with orchard fruit, glycerin and
spice.
$15.90+ (sold out-only in restaurants)
Wine Diva tasted-June 20 2006
White
Dirty Laundry Vineyard 'Woo Woo Vines' Gewurztraminer, Okanagan BC,
2005- Knock-your-socks-off aromatics of rosewater, Turkish
delight and sweet 5-spice. If you could smell sweet (which you
really can't, only make the correlation between certain aromas and
sweetness) you would think this was going to be dessert
wine-esque. But it's not.
Off-dry yes with an oily mouth-feel and
hot-spiced finale. My neighbor was making fresh Indian poori (small
super-thin discs made from-in this case-wheat flour) deep fried
until filled with steam, they puff up into lava-hot little balloons.
She studded them with crushed chili peppers and when she brought
them over we tried them with the Woo Woo...perfect!
$16.90
Wine Diva tasted-June 30 2006
White
Pentage Pinot Gris, Okanagan BC, 2005-Although
Wine Diva has had a few
fly-by samplings of the Pentage wines over the past
they are a bit under-the-radar for many BC'ers. Joie uses their
facilities to produce their cultish wines so you know there must be
some correlation between quality! Located on Skaha Lake just south
of Penticton perhaps they are far enough off the Naramata route for
most people to find? Either way, savvy restaurateurs know what
Pentage is all about and many of their wines are scooped up quickly
upon release.
The Pinot Gris is all about tropical fruit, white flowers, soft
mineral and white peaches. Quite lush in the mouth, round and creamy
almost boozy with fresh citrus and a long zesty finish.
$17.50+ (sold out but available on restaurant wine lists)
Wine Diva tasted-June 25 2006
White
La Frenz Viognier, Naramata BC, 2005- White flowers, orange
blossoms, peach puree, melon and pear nectar. Not overtly ripe like
some viogniers rather the La Frenz is crisp, and clean with
mineral, grapefruit and lime oil topped off with a hint of sweet
spice.
$19.00+ (sold out but available on restaurant wine lists)
Wine Diva tasted-May 2006
White
Fork in the Road 'Oliver Block 212 White', Okanagan BC-Creamed
corn, apple, pear, peach and melon with a hint of orange blossom.
Round leesy mouth-feel finishing with buttery spiced vanilla.
Screw Cap-(62% Chardonnay, 22% semillon, 11%pinot
gris, 5% viognier)
$24.99
Private wine stores
Wine Diva tasted-May 2006
Red
Fork in the Road 'Oliver Block 249 Red', Okanagan, BC-Bright red
berry fruit, cherry, smoke, mocha, pepper and meat aromas. Good
acidity, fresh and intriguing with just a hint of greenery. Soft
tannins, easy drinking. Screw cap -(50%merlot,
35% syrah, 15% cabernet)
$24.99 Private Wine stores
Wine Diva tasted-May 2006
On Wednesday, June 7th
Mission Hill Family Estate
released it's SLC (Select Lot Collection) to a small
group of trade and media at Downtown Vancouver's Fairmont Hotel. As
always the event was presented with class, reflecting the pride in
and quality of the SLC products.
Here are Wine Diva's
notes on all the wines tasted.
White
Mission Hill SLC Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon, Okanagan BC, 2004-Fragrant
with tropical fruits, melon, pineapple, creamy vanilla and spices.
Rich in the mouth, lemon-oil and licorice with a long, silky, spiced
finish. A gorgeous wine!(85% sauvignon blanc,
15% semillon)
$29.99
Wine Diva tasted-June 7 2006
White
Mission Hill SLC Chardonnay, Okanagan BC, 2004-Sweet ripe pears
drizzled with vanilla caramel and spice. Apple and nutty aromas,
slightly hot on the palate, rounded
out with soft citrus and a hint of minerals.
$29.99
Wine Diva tasted-June 7 2006
Red
Mission Hill SLC Merlot, Okanagan BC, 2003- WD
loved this merlot. Rich black cherry, black plums and mint
chocolate. In the mouth she's sweetly spiced with a velvety texture,
creamy vanilla and finished with soft dusty tannins.
$39.99
Wine Diva tasted-June 7 2006
Red
Mission Hill SLC Syrah, Okanagan BC, 2003-Black and red berries,
smoke, earth, sweet oaky vanilla and chocolate. Rich and sweet in
the mouth with just a hint of greenery, mocha and tobacco.
WD tried this wine a month earlier
and was even better this time!
$39.99
Wine Diva tasted-June
7 2006
Red
Mission Hill 'Oculus', Okanagan BC, 2003-
Wow. Serious wine ahead. No wonder Mission Hill is planning a
second winery (within the existing winery) solely for the
seriousness that is Oculus.
Is it primed to be the
next Opus One?
Bright red berry fruit, cassis and plums, chocolate, green bell pepper and
spice. Intense grip in the mouth, a bit boozy with dusty
tannins. The wine is still a baby and will improve even more with
some cellar time.(47%merlot, 25% cabernet sauvignon,
20%cab franc 8%petit verdot)
$50.00
(pre-release) $60.00
upon general release Sept.1
(6btl max)
Wine Diva tasted-June 7 2006
Dessert Wine-
Mission Hill SLC Riesling Icewine, Okanagan BC, 2004-Simply lovely! I was
tasting this icewine with Tim Keller from Rare one restaurant in
Vancouver. Both of us had the same silly smile on our face as we tasted and
agreed that we always forget how good icewine can be until we taste it again.
The SLC is rich with baked apples, honey, peach/apricot and sweet tea.
Sensational!
$79.99 (375 ml)
Wine Diva tasted-June 7 2006
Wine Diva's vital July Question
What's the price of your
poison?
How much on average do you spend when purchasing
a bottle of wine at the store?
The submissions are anonymous.
Here are the results of Wine Diva's June question:
How much wine do
you drink?
1 glass per day 22% of respondents
2-4 glasses per day 49% of
respondents
5-7 bottles per week 11% of
respondents
+7 bottles per week 18% of
respondents
Thank-you! Wine Diva feels
much better about her own personal consumption after seeing these results!
Chilean gems for Wine Diva's-
Not only does Chile have their first female president-Michelle
Bachelet but a new generation of female winemakers are taking the
Chilean wine industry by storm. Sounds like a good place for a
Wine Diva to visit doesn't it?
On June 22nd Viña Chilcaya was
introduced to Vancouver during a cozy luncheon at Nu in
Vancouver, smartly paired with Chef Robert Clark's sensational
dishes.
Viña Chilcaya, which from native
Mapuche translates to 'liquid gem', is located in the Colchagua
Valley. Colchagua is a region that you may have noticed is
popping up on a lot of fine Chilean wine labels these days. There's
no wonder, since most of the French varietals in the region were planted
over 130 years ago!
White
Viña
Chilcaya, Sauvignon Blanc, Colchagua Chile, 2005-Typical
grassy/gooseberry aromas, citrus rind flint and tropical fruit
aromas. Crisp but with a creamy mouth-feel. Great food wine, great
price!
$10.99+ Private wine stores
Wine Diva tasted-June 22 2006
White
Viña Chilcaya,
Chardonnay, Colchagua Chile, 2005- Buttery (yes, still some
oak-y aromas) but subtle . Fresh and minerally with tropical
fruit, peach and citrus. Clean and approachable easy drinking
Chardonnay!
$11.99
Wine Diva tasted-June 22 2006
Red
Viña
Chilcaya, Merlot, Colchagua Chile, 2005- Richly aromatic with plums,
black cherries, mint chocolate and coffee. Medium- bodied with fresh
fruit and menthol flavours. Soft dusty tannins, a very attractive merlot.
$10.99+ Private wine stores
Wine Diva
tasted-
June 22
2006
Red
Viña
Chilcaya, Cabernet Sauvignon, Colchagua Chile, 2005-Fresh red berries,
earth and bittersweet chocolate. Chewy and fresh in the mouth with bright
cassis flavours and dusty tannins. A drinkable cabernet for
$11.99...brilliant!
$11.99
Wine Diva
tasted-
June 22 2006
More Great Wines from Chile...
Casablanca...to romantics it
conjures up images of Bergman and Bogart in 1942. To wine geeks-the image of
Chilean vineyard and valley. Neither is wrong, both are romantic and
truthfully Wine Diva thinks they should
be absorbed in tandem!
On June 27th an intimate dinner for five at the quaint Senova
Restaurant was the backdrop for a sampling of wonderful wine paired with
wonderful food.
The young but very passionate winemaker, Andrés Cabellero from Viña
Casablanca joined us on his first trip to Vancouver. His love of wine
and enthusiasm is contagious.
Newly Available:
Viña Casablanca Coleccione Privada Sauvignon
Blanc, Valle de Casablanca Chile, 2005-Creamy lemon aromas, peaches and
tropical fruit, soft herbs and gooseberry. Vibrant and clean in the mouth
with good minerality and a zippy citrus. Fun and easy drinking,
WD kept sipping at this wine throughout the
evening.
*The barrel sample of the 2006 of this wine was also delicious and promises
to be a winner!
$13.99
Wine Diva tasted-June 27 2006
Viña Casablanca Coleccione Privada Syrah, Valle
de Casablanca Chile, 2005-
Sweet, earthy and fresh. Aromas of red berry, cherry and fresh mountain
stream. Lovely and simple, easy drinking and better than
similarly priced cola-wines.
$13.99
Wine Diva tasted-June 27 2006
Two more tiers of wines from Viña
Casablanca-El Bosque and Nimbus Estate encompass
another amazing range of wines (including a lovely Carmenère)
not yet available in BC stores.
But rumor has it Marquis Wine Cellars will be bringing in the
fabulous ...
Viña Casablanca Nimbus Cabernet
Sauvignon, Valle de Casablanca, Chile, 2004- Wow, wow, wow was pretty
much all that was coming out of Wine Diva's
mouth when trying this wine. "Perhaps, the 8% Petite Verdot", winemaker
Andrés Cabellero leaned over and (with a twinkle in his eye)
whispered was what was intriguing me. He said it took him "two weeks of
blending" and playing around with this wine to get exactly what he wanted.
Time well spent!
Ripe and lush, chock-full of black cherry and rich chocolate, velvety smooth
and earthy with beautifully integrated tannins.
$ undertermined
Wine
Diva wine of the month!
White
Flagstone Noon Gun, South Africa, 2005-The temperatures have been soaring so
Wine Diva is
sticking to her guns...her
warm-weather wine-guns that is.
Its patio time in July (and if we are lucky August thru October) so
a refreshing blend
of bright, clean flavours is what
this gal wants. The Noon Gun is a blend of seven
varietals Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat, Pinot Blanc, Chenin
Blanc, Chardonnay and Semillon. Tropical fruit and ripe orchard
fruit, zippy citrus and floral aromas. Fresh!
$12.99
Wine Diva tasted-June 2006
White
Signatures du Sud, Picpoul de Pinet, Languedoc
France, 2005-
Grape in glass here is Picpoul, not oft seen in these parts but if you
happen to stumble across this little beauty grab it! Clean minerally
flavours, sweet and chalky with ripe tropical and orchard fruit. Great
little quaffing wine for the summer!
$14.99+ Private wine stores
Wine Diva tasted-June 27 2006
White
Terre de Molines, Sauvignon-Viognier, Vin de Pays du Gard France, 2004-One
of the labels of the family Michel Gassier. Terroir driven wines made
with pride and tradition. Wine Diva
isn't sure how much tradition is involved with this particular blend but is
intrigued nonetheless! A blend of 85% sauvignon blanc and 15% viognier.
The sauvignon blanc lifts the wine giving it lightness and crispness
with citrus, mineral and grass. The viognier gives the wine body and weight
with floral notes. Would be lovely with a picnic basket full of cheese,
baguette and crudité.
$14.99+ Private wine stores
Wine Diva tasted-June 27 2006
White
Lulu B. Chardonnay, Languedoc France, 2004-
An up-and-coming French Wine Diva
perhaps? In relief of crittters, Louis Bernard used his daughter Lulu as a
muse for this adorable label.
Simple and fresh with crisp citrus, floral and
medium body .This wine will be a favorite with the gals with it's petite
beret-topped jolie fille perched upon a bistro chair, verre
du vin in hand! (Don't call the language police, it's been 15 years
since I lived in Paris)!
$15.90
Red
Lulu B. Syrah, Languedoc France, 2004- Simple, earthy syrah with sour
cherry and berry, spice and leather. A wine to go with your dinner.
$16.40
Wine Diva tasted-June 27 2006
White
Balthasar Ress Rheingau Riesling, Germany, 2004-
Ress is solid
(and always yummy) German product. The 2004 orange label Rheingau
Riesling is white peaches, lemon zest, citrus blossoms, smoke and
flint. Bright, crisp acidity and sweet Meyer lemons on the palate
resulting in a bold and refreshing riesling. Luuuverly!
$15.99
Wine Diva tasted-June 2006
White
Bajoz Ovacion, Rueda Spain, 2004- Now for something completely different
(60%Verdejo, 40%Viura)! Clean and crisp, this wine would be perfect with
seafood or fresh summer salads. Tropical fruit, gooseberry/grassy aromas
with soft soapy and citrus flavours. Intriguing wine to add to your lexicon
of wine experiences.
$15.99
Wine Diva tasted-June 27 2006
Château
De Nages Réserve, Costières de Nîmes France, 2002-
Primarily Grenache with about 30%Syrah. Sweetly smoked plum
aromas, earthy, forest floor aromas, game, leather and spice. Rustic dusty
tannins and a bit of soft acidity on the finish. Great value in this old
world charmer!
$16.95
Wine Diva
tasted-June
30 2006
White
Loimer Lois Gruner Veltliner, Austria, 2005-A
perfect crisp wine for food pairing, some nice soft cheese or creamy
sauces...fondue anyone? Sweet peach and apricot, chalky minerals
fresh and refreshing with clean, dry flavours.
$17.99
Wine Diva
tasted-
June 2006
Red
Laura Hartwig Cabernet Sauvignon, Chile, 1999- Sounds like an old bottle already but it has just arrived in BC via
Chilean wine importer Ron Bergstrom at AnaRona Wines. Ron only sells Chilean
wines and they are all small producers making exceptional wines.
The Laura Hartwig is no exception with amazing concentration both
ripe and juicy. Fresh red berry fruit, sweet spice, pepper vanilla and earth.
$19.99+
Private wine stores
Wine Diva
tasted-
June 27
2006
White
Folie a Duex, Menage a Trois White, Napa Valley Calif., 2005-Sweet
tropical aromas and earthy floral/honey. Fresh and zippy with good clean
citrus.
The cheeky name on the label alone should inspire you!
$19.99
Red
(shown left)
Folie a Duex, Menage a
Trois Red, Napa Valley Calif., 2004-If you're feeling a bit red, or
heading to a barbeque then move from the
Menage a Trois White
to the Menage a Trois Red.
Because if there's a threesome goin' on you may as well stay with the
status quo. Plum, cassis, blackberry and chocolate in a velvety
smooth package.
$19.99+ Private wine stores and restaurants
Both Wine Diva
tasted-
June 27
2006
White
Coppola
Bianco Pinot Grigio, 2005- The premier release of this wine (Yes you read it here first) from well-known
Cali-producer, Coppola.
A gorgeous wine, fresh and clean with pear, melon and tropical hints,
mineral, white floral aromas and a crisp grapefruit-y flavour.
Aaaah sweet summer in a glass! Should arrive mid-July
$19.99+ Private wine stores and restaurants
Wine Diva
tasted-
June 27
2006
Red
Parker Station Syrah, Santa Barbara
County California, 2003-Pay attention here peeps! A limited amount of this came
into the country and was to be put onto the shelves on Thursday July 29th.
Lush aromas...brambleberry and black cherry topped with chocolate
shavings, deep but still amazingly fresh and bright. In the battle of
quality and price...this is a winner!
$19.99+ Private Wine Stores and restaurants
Wine Diva
tasted-
June 27
2006
Red
Sobon Estate 'Old Vines' Zinfandel, Amador County Calif., 2004-Scrumptious!
Wine Diva
loves her 'zin-usually in the cooler fall months (but I will make an
exception in this case!).
Besides, a big fruity zinfandel is a perfect BBQ wine.
Dried fruit aromas, sweet ripe cherries and a hint of blueberry, tobacco
and rich chocolate.
Velvety smooth and sweet in the mouth with the bonus of being organic!
$25.00
Wine Diva
tasted-
June 27 2006
Red
Michel Gassier
Château
De Nages, Costières de Nîmes
Rhone France, 2001-
Earthy and sexy! Some things make a
Wine Diva's
toes curl and this is one. This southern Rhone producer never fails to
impress WD and this vintage (95% syrah,
5% mourvedre)
is no exception.
Subtle, restrained power
with blackberry, cherry, sweaty leather and earth aromas.
Vaguely ripasso (dried fruit)
with a gorgeous texture and fine tannins.
$28.95
Wine Diva
tasted-
June 27
2006
Red
Sheridan Vineyard 'L'Orage' Washington, 2003-The
Sheridan estate wines are always intense, extracted and utterly decadent. The 2003
'L'Orage' is rich black cherry, blueberry chocolate, coffee, sweet
spices, vanilla and tobacco-elegant
and ultra velvety in the mouth. Ripe and lush with smooth tannins.(72%
Cabernet, 25% Cabernet Franc, 3% merlot)
$67.95+ Private wine stores and restaurants
Wine Diva
tasted-
June 27
2006
Domaine Albert Mann
On June 6th Marquis Wine Cellars hosted
Albert Mann’s Jacky Barthélemé from Alsace France. Domain Albert Mann is
easily one of the top producers in Alsace and the wines were spectacular!
Better yet was the pairing with a selection of Tojo's Sushi.
Here are Wine Diva's
favorites:
Bubbles
Domain Albert Mann Cremant
d'Alsace- Champagne has Champagne, Spain has Cava, Germany has Sekt,
Alsace has Cremant (as do other French regions). The Albert Mann
Cremant is made in the traditional style (méthod
champenoise) as is Champagne.
This luscious bubbly is fresh and creamy with pineapple, green apples,
citrus, anise and caramel nuts.
It's not only scrumptious but is also cheaper than classic Champers!
$27.90
Marquis Wine Cellars
Wine Diva tasted-June
6 2006
White
Domain Albert Mann, Riesling Cuvée Tradition,
2004-Orange pekoe tea, mineral, petrol, lemon rind and white flower
aromas. Crisp and more reserved in sweetness than the other two rieslings
(as follow) with plenty of refreshing citrus on the palate.
$25.90 Marquis Wine Cellars
Wine Diva tasted-June
6 2006
White
Domain Albert Mann, Riesling Schlossberg Grand Cru, 2002- Ripe mango,
apricots and peach pit, licorice lemon peel, petrol. Zippy sweet and fresh!
$41.90 Marquis Wine Cellars
Wine Diva
tasted-June 6 2006
White
Domain Albert Mann, Riesling Rosenberg 2002-Orange peels, honey apples,
minerals, petrol and tea leaves. Off-dry, clean and crisp!
$43.90 Marquis Wine Cellars
Wine Diva tasted-June
6 2006
White
Domain Albert Mann, Pinot Gris Furstentum Grand Cru, 2004-Sweet aromas
of chalk candy (think cello-wrapped rockets at Hallowe'en), minerals,
orchard fruit and flowers. Slightly off-dry with a creamy yet crisp
mouth-feel.
$41.90 Marquis Wine Cellars
Wine Diva tasted-June
6 2006
White
Domain Albert Mann, Gewurztraminer Furstentum, Vieilles Vignes Grand Cru,
2004- Aromas of grandma's rose perfume, cold cream, tropical fruit and
star anise. Pretty and sweetly lush in the mouth not cloying and just a hint
of spice on the finish.
$41.90 Marquis Wine Cellars
Wine Diva tasted-June
6 2006
Mistral- Opened nearly a year ago in the old Portabello location (which is re-opening across from the new Joey's on
Broadway btw) by Feenie's on West Broadway this under-the-radar
French Bistro is a quaint jewel.
A small 12-seat street front patio lures you but its the warm interior with it's
goldenrod sponged walls, warm wood, claret accents and terra tiled
floors, that charm you.
The prices are exceptional and 3 course prix-fixe lunch menus (four options)
start at $18 for the Menu Provence and work their way up to the Menu
French Tradition for $22
I started with the perfect Wine Diva
aperitif while I waited for my dining companion to arrive, a flute of the
Mistral Kir Royal (made with cherry liqueur) ($7.95)
When she arrived we had quite a time deciding what we were in the mood for-everything looked so good. So, after much deliberation I started with the Warm
Chevre Salad on Olive Paste Toast with Mixed Greens ($8.50). Next the
Traditional Niçoise-pancake thin-Onion
Tart with Glazed Onions and Niçoise Olives ($9)
which was perfectly paired with a glass of the immensely hard to find
Dirty Laundry 'Thread Bare' Gewurztraminer,2005 ($11) from the Okanagan.
My dining companion had raved about her French Onion Soup($6.50)-she
loved it's pale, delicate broth and chewy bread croutons topped with
stringy cheese and parmesan . She also appreciated (she was feeling a little
under the weather) her Mistral Beef Stew in Red Wine ($15) although she
was so full she was unable to eat her side of home-made chickpea cakes (they
look like fat frites).
Never too full for desert we shared a slice of Lemon Tart with drizzled
raspberry sauce and topped with delicate, pink raspberry infused whipping
cream-dreamy.
A lovely lunch experience.
A well-thought wine list, cozy bistro ambience and exceptional service make this
a must return!
2585 West Broadway
604-733-0046
www.mistralbistro.ca
Sanafir- What you haven't been to check it out yet? You must be one of
the few.
Can I make a suggestion? Make a reso or be prepared to come early and sit at the
bar. Not a bad idea actually, which is what Wine Diva
did on a recent warm June Saturday evening.
What can I say about Sanafir? Possibly the sexiest room to hit Vancouver
yet, with mile high ceilings, exotic decor and chandeliers (that would look
great in WD's ears). It would be remiss not
to mention the, communal tables marble, the gilt painting and sheer drapery that
bring to mind Arabian Nights
Order your tapas trio from an intriguing rolled papyrus menu.
You choose your sample platter by genus (chicken, lamb, scallop, tuna, beef,
prawn, pork, vegetarian) and your species of choice comes cooked three ways,
imaginatively delivered in three individual fist sized dishes set into a
designed wooden plank ($14.ea).
Interesting wine list-although I did mention (in a conversation prompted by
hunky bar guy J.W) that three Chardonnay's and not a rosé in sight of by the
glass offerings was bordering upon blasphemy.
But saying that Sanafir allows you to byow (bring your own wine) and charges a
corkage fee of $?
Sanafir means 'meeting place' in Arabic and that it is in a very upscale,
chic and impossibly hip way. The decadent upstairs bed-rooms are
separated by boldly hued silk drapes and tossed with matching cushions. Laying
on a bed in a restaurant has never appealed to me especially at a minimum
nominal fee of $500 but it must to some as Wine Diva
has been hearing about it-lot's!
I really enjoyed my evening at Sanafir. The room, the food, the libations and
the wonderful service was sweet.
One wonders though what happens when a room is far prettier than it's guests?
Sanafir
1026 Granville Street
open 5pm-1am seven days
www.sanafir.ca
Brebille Papillon, Aveyron France-Goats cheese-An
adorable 100g short barrel of medium consistency and lovely strong aged goat
aroma/flavour. Very earthy with herbs and pasture grassiness. The dense weight
and flavour translate into smooth chalkiness. Let it sit on your tongue and melt
to really appreciate it's wild goat-y flavour.
Appox. $6.00 each (Les Amis du Fromage)
Stink Factor-low
Wine Options-Sancerre or a crisp new world sauvignon blanc
Wine Diva tasted-June 2006
Sevre & Belle, Chevre du Poitou, Celles-sur-Belle France- Goats
cheese-As opposed to the firm chalkiness of the previous posted cheese, the
Poitou is fresh and runny. This individually cardboard encased 125g puck has a
creamy white shell with herbaceous, mushroom-y and fruity ooey-gooey goodness.
Perfect for spreading on a baguette. Carries well for a picnic and all you need
is a bottle of wine with a screw cap!
$6.95 (Les Amis du Fromage)
Stink Factor-low
Wine Options-Off-dry riesling or fruity rosé
Wine Diva tasted- June 2006
Toma Piemontese, Piedmont Italy-Cows milk-Medium soft and
supple with a bloomy rind (edible when young) but gets mottled and thick as it
ages (I suggest you don't eat the aged rind). Earthy and barnyard-ish with
sweet fruity and truffle flavours. Mild but inspiring. If you like good quality
Camembert and Brie-try this...you'll love it.
Comes in a larger disk/drum-have them cut you a piece.
$4.50 for 100 gr
Stink Factor-low
Wine options-Barolo, Barbera, Barbaresco
Wine Diva tasted- June 2006
Or....
Spread a small amount of Urbani Tartufi-Truffled Porcini Crema on a cracker and top with a slice of the Toma.
Sniff, bite, savour and swallow!
Repeat as needed.
Urbani Tartufi-Truffled Porcini Crema purchased from the Ponderosa Mushrooms booth at EAT! Vancouver. This creamy
concoction of porcini, white truffles, bianchetti truffles and spices is
heavenly.
It's not cheap $20 for a tiny 80g jar but like truffle oil-you don't need
much!
www.ponderosamushrooms.com
Products can be purchased at Urban Fare
and...
My favorite Olive spread comes in a glass jar and is called,
Aiello Bruschetta-Chunky Olive Spread. What makes this
one so special? It's the addition of the walnuts to the usual green
olives, lemon, olive oil and capers concoction. Also great with a cheese
platter!
$7.95 (249gr) at Les Amis du Fromage
Giffard-1st
Annual Mocktail Challenge on Granville Island
On Fathers Day, June 18th Loire based Giffard-Flavour
Creator since 1885 and
Giffard syrups and Nons-drinks
to go inc. hosted some of BC's top bartenders in a booze free zone-the
Granville Island Market Courtyard for an all afternoon bar-battle.
The 15 contestants were challenged to create an original alcohol-free
cocktail (aka mocktail) for a panel of judges, including media, bartenders and
yours truly Wine Diva!
Giffard,
being the sponsor, provided the
Giffard Non cane sugar syrup, but
all other flavours were up to the individual contestants. Also on site
were the lovely ladies from
The Garnish Girls
with their electri-vivacious blue Curaçao
infused cherries (think blue Maraschinos) and sugar cane sticks in syrup
developed especially for cocktail creators.
The judges made their decisions based on appearance, aroma and taste (not unlike
wine) and trust me it wasn't easy!
Left...Winner Derek Canton from Bluewater
Cafe in Yaletown. Aptly named the Kingston Crown it's
delicious combination of Mango, lime, Giffard Cane Syrup, roasted
whole allspice and Jamaican ginger beer. Topped with a intricate pineapple crown
it was punchy and refreshing!
Second place went to Scott Duncan from the Bacchus
Lounge-Wedgewood Hotel for his mocktail fusion, an elegant combination of
spice (cardamom, star anise, ginger) infused orange juice, white peach puree,
Giffard Cane Syrup and rhubarb compote. Scott's mocktail was exotically
garnished with peach round, star anise and rhubarb slice.
Right..the visually stunning 3rd prize winner from (soon-to-be-open) Beyond in
Century Plaza-Christopher Brown's Havana Nights is a glorious
mocktail concoction of fresh pureed raspberries, pomegranate, lime, soda and
Giffard Cane Syrup and a glorious garnish of lime, pineapple and carioca.
A drinkable feast!
Although Christopher didn't win a trip to France his
mocktail was the
most visually stunning of the bunch.
Giffard,
an internationally available product is a mixologists
best friend with it's yummy alcohol infused liqueurs, Crème
de Fruits and dizzying array of flavoured syrups.
Nons Drinks to go-Granville Island is a sexy
little booth in the back corner inside Granville Island Market where you can
sidle up to the bar and order a refreshing
Giffard based Nons-cocktail
or purchase your own bottles from the awesome selection (from banana to violet
or green apple to white chocolate) of syrups.
Nons drinks to go-1669 Johnston Street
www.nonsdrinkstogo.com
604-647-6669
Edible British Columbia
Last month it was the new Liberty store across from the market on Granville
Island...A perfect segue to this month's new kid on the block Edible British
Columbia (aka EBC).
Eric Pateman has turned his BC-centric website into reality. Can you hear it?
That's the sound of proud, supporting hands rubbing together in delight.
So simple, yet so brilliant.
Eric (and his new partner Cecilia Yong) have gone out of their way to source an immense variety of (edible) artisan BC
products to showcase and sell in one well-designed location.
Imagine if you will , Salt Spring Island Goat Cheese, Juicy Jam, Vij's
take home, Mission Hill Oculus Cherries and Vista D'Oro jams just to name a few.
The shop is smartly arranged by region-Okanagan, Greater Vancouver, etc. and has
a tasting station for daily sampling. Eric plans to have guest speakers and
chefs visit each weekend to demonstrate product use and cooking techniques.
Can't be on hand to see your favorite chef in action? Watch for EBC's
webcam-coming soon!
Wine Diva was in on opening day and was
awestruck by the selection of wonderful products (and I thought I was really BC
savvy).
My mouth was watering...what to try first?
Fortunately EBC is so close to home and part of my usual shopping
route that I can take my time and try everything.
ChocoWine-
Some of the EBC offerings...A Wine Diva's dream-chocolate and
wine together from Vancouver's daring dessert duo DC Duby.
Edible British Columbia
Granville Island Public Market
1689 Johnston Street (beside South China Seas)
www.edible-britishcolumbia.com
What happens on girl's night out?
Just before I was ready to launch this July newsletter a
girlfriend sent me a very funny email describing in horrifying detail
what happens when we gals head out and forget to: a) eat enough b) drink enough
water c) take reason and sense with us!
Edited due to it's graphic nature...
-We have absolutely no idea where our purse is.
-We take off our shoes because it's their fault we can't walk
straight (or our feet are too puffed up due to alcohol consumption and
purchasing
shoes that are far to tight)!
-We start crying and telling our friends we love them soooo much!
-We get excited every time a new song comes on and we jump up and down yelling
"I love this song"!
-We truly believe that dancing with our hands in the air, shaking our booty and
yelling whoo-hoo is the sexiest dance move around.
-We form a deep spiritual friendship with the stranger sitting beside us.
We've all done it, a few too many glasses (or bottles) and it all goes to heck!
Ouch!
Wine Diva-Necessary Objects
Greens +-New Flavours! Even with the aforementioned morning cuppa joe
saving my liver a gal has gotta look after herself. Vitamins, onerous yet
necessary are easier when mixed in water and drunk. Now. the actually
grassy/greens flavour doesn't bother me (I'm a wheatgrass fan-seriously) but
even a wheatgrass lover appreciates a little excitement in her early morning
routine.
The natural watermelon flavour tastes real enough and will make all those
'pinch-my-nose-and-swallow' types happy.
Greens+
‘Not Your
Typical Wine Tasting Group”
Juiced
Wine Group
Juiced Wine Group is relaxing for the summer and putting
their feet up. Not to fear, they will be back to start the fall season (with all
the bells and whistles) in September when they will host their scheduled
fall/winter line-up of tastings.
For details go to
www.Juicedwine.com
August Newsletter
The Wine Diva's
road show!
Wine Diva is
heading to wine country in the BC interior to see what's hot, taste what's new and
give you the inside scoop to some of the best of British Columbia!