Cassini Cellars at db Bistro

On Monday March 8th, db bistro welcomes Cassini Cellars. Four course dinner with paired wines for $75 per person.

Chef Istel’s Inspired Menu

• Alsatian Tarte Flambee - Cassini Gewurztraminer 2007
• Dariole of King Fish Seviche, Avocado Mousse, Spot Prawn Tempura, Cucumber and Tomato Sauce Vierge - Cassini Reserve Chardonnay 2008
• Traditional Coq au Vin, Bacon, Wild Mushroom, Spaetzle - Cassini Maximum 2007
• Apple Tart Confit, Fromage Blanc Ice Cream - Blind Tasting from db Cellar

See the event page for winemaker’s tasting notes and additional details.  Tax, gratuities extra.

Credit card reservation at booking. Please inquire via email or call 604.739.7115  RESERVE NOW

Cru Winemaker’s Dinner Painted Rock

CRU Celebrates Success of Okanagan’s Painted Rock with Winemaker’s Dinner

On Sunday, March 7 2010, Vancouver’s CRU Restaurant will present an intimate winemaker’s dinner featuring BC’s Painted Rock winery. The four-course dinner will give guests a chance to discover why Painted Rock rose above tough competition to be named Best New Winery at this year’s Okanagan Fall Wine Festival.

Located on the eastern shore of Skaha Lake, Painted Rock is named for ancient pictographs (rock drawings) made by native Canadians on the property. Everything else about the winery, however, is brand new: the vines were planted in 2005 and 2006, the winery buildings just completed this autumn, and it’s furnished with the state-of-the art winemaking equipment and uses only 100% new oak barrels.

The dinner at CRU will give Vancouverites a chance to see what all the buzz is about. Painted Rock’s proprietor, John Skinner, will host the event, sharing his passion for wine and his insight into what makes his wines so special.

The Painted Rock wines will be paired with a four-course dinner that will show them to their best advantage.

Painted Rock Winemaker’s Dinner
Sunday, March 7 2010
6:30 pm
$85 per person (exclusive of taxes and gratuity)

CRU Restaurant
1459 West Broadway, Vancouver

Poplar Grove at dB Bistro

POPLAR GROVE DINNER HIGHLIGHTS NARAMATA

DECEMBER 14 – This very special Season Finale Wine Dinner showcases the talents of celebrated Poplar Grove Winemaker Ian Sutherland and our very own Chef de Cuisine Stephane Istel.

Chef Istel’s Four Course Alsatian Menu

• Alsatian Tarte Flambee Gratinee - Poplar Grove Pinot Gris, 2008
• Arctic Char ‘Escabeche’, Carrot, Onion, Celery, Arugula,White Balsamic – Poplar Grove Chardonnay, 2008
• Roast Venison Loin, Pomme Pont-Neuf, Red Cabbage Fondue, Glazed Chestnut, Venison Jus – Poplar Grove Legacy, 2005
• Lemon Tart – Blind Tasting from our cellar

See Tasting and Domaine Notes below

Hosted by Sommelier Kevin Van Hullebush with special guest Poplar Grove Winemaker Ian Sutherland

Due to popularity and/or the season, this special event may take place next door at our sister restaurant Lumiere (closed Mondays for private parties) but with no change in price or menu.  Please arrive to db Bistro at 2551 W. Broadway.

Space is limited and dinners sell out quickly, so BOOK NOW, inquire via email or call 604.739.7115

Starts at 7pm sharp $75 plus tax & gratuity

RESERVE A TABLE for the Dec 14 Poplar Grove Wine Dinner Now

WINEMAKER’S TASTING NOTES – POPLAR GROVE

Poplar Grove Pinot Gris 2008: Floral and quince on the nose. Honey, apple and lemon pie in the first sip with hints of mineral as it lingers in the mouth. A good crisp finish makes this a foodie wine, ready to take on the creations of the hidden chef in all of us.

Poplar Grove Chardonnay 2008: This classic Chardonnay has aromas of green apples, peaches, & a hint of cashew nuttiness. Nectarine, honey & pear flavours arrive on the palate. Mineral & citrus notes come through on the finish. 20% of the grapes were barrel aged, which adds a hint of toast & caramel while the stainless portion brings on solid fruit & clean acidity.

Poplar Grove Merlot 2008: Cherry & cocoa aromas come through on the nose. Rich, long-lasting tannins overlay full-bodied Italian plum & blackberry flavours. A touch of spice appears on the finish. This Merlot is complex, round & exhibits well-balanced fruit, tannins & acidity. Enjoy now & take note that it will continue to improve with cellar aging. (shown, but not served)

Poplar Grove The Legacy 2005: The strength of this signature blend begins with the elegance of Merlot. The power of Cabernet Franc and the richness of Cabernet Sauvignon bring out a medley of blackberry, plum & spice. Malbec picks up the backbeat in the mid-palate. Ripe tannins build length in the finish. As big and brooding as it is now, it will develop gracefully in the years to come.

RESERVE the Dec 14 Poplar Grove Dinner Now

DOMAINE NOTES

Poplar Grove Winery is located on the slopes of the Naramata Bench about 10 minutes from downtown Penticton. In 1993, Poplar Grove began as the quintessential garage winery and has recently entered an era of reinvention.

Poplar Grove is planning a new showcase winery on Munson Mountain, situated at the gateway to the Naramata Bench.The new estate will welcome visitors with breathtaking views overlooking Lake Okanagan. Wine lovers will be able to tour the barrel caves, enjoy a picnic on the viewing deck and sample Poplar Grove’s signature wines. As they move into their 16th year, their continuing goal is to produce world-class wines from family-owned estate grown fruit.

RESERVE the Dec 14 Poplar Grove Dinner Now

BACIO preview lunch at Mangia e Bevi

West Vancouver’s Mangia e Bevi Ristorante will host BACIO (Because a Cure is Obtainable) in  January 2010.  A three-course dinner menu featured throughout the month for just $40. Stop in each week as they will be featuring the cuisine of a different region of Italy every seven days.

January 2-8:  NORTH – Piemonte and Veneto

January 9-15:  WEST – Toscana and Lazio

January 16-22:  EAST – Abruzzo and Marche

January 23-30:  SOUTH – Campania and Sicilia

On November 25, a few media types were privy to a preview of some menu items when owners Antonio Sauro, Robert Parrott and Doug Grisdale hosted a luncheon to showcase the upcoming dinners.

To whet the appetite we began with Bruschetta and Crostini topped with Bacala.

The Kitchen then prepared a delightfully dense swordfish, Peshce Spada, topped with olives, capers, anchovies and fresh tomato sauce.

Truffle fans cravings were soothed with the Risotto Ai Funghi with porcini mushrooms and truffle oil.

Chef Robert Parrott topped the dish with some shaved white truffles over Doug Grisdale’s plate.  Dana Lee Harris volunteered her time to do the PR for the fundraiser.

Next up were the Guanciale Di Maiale.  Braised pork cheeks with lentils and pork succo.  A bowl stocked full of flavour.  Perfect for a rainy Vancouver day.

We finished with Chestnut Fritters with ice cream and mint sprigs.

Owners Antonio Sauro, Robert Parrott, and Doug Grisdale- fabulous hosts.

On January 31^st, the month will wrap up with a dinner, called “Mangere, Bere, Vivere” (to eat, to drink, to live) which will consist of four courses paired with complementary wines, plus a silent auction, for a truly fitting finale to a month of incomparable Mediterranean flavours.  Coast for wine and meal is just $95.

Mangia e Bevi Ristorante

2222 Marine Drive, West Vancouver

604-922-8333

www.mangiaebevi.ca

Two Chefs Poplar Grove Wine Drinker Dinner set for December 2nd

Two Chefs and a Table is pleased to announce the next in its series of Wine Drinker Dinners to be held December 2nd in partnership with the award-winning Poplar Grove Winery.

Located on the slopes of the Naramata Bench, just outside Penticton, Poplar Grove Winery began as a quintessential garage winery in 1993. Over the last two years, Poplar Grove has entered an era of re-invention, moving from an artisan winery to a world-class winery with 150 acres of new vineyards under cultivation.

Paired with signature selections from Poplar Grove Winery and their second label Monster Vineyards, December’s menu will not only focus on fall flavours and local ingredients, such as Polderside Duck, but will include course which feature Poplar Grove Blue Cheese.

For this dinner in the Vancouver’s darkest, stormiest season, chefs Karl Gregg and Allan Bosomworth have created dishes that perfectly combine robust textures and traditional winter ingredients with subtle flavours and classic preparations to satisfy the soul and please the palate.

The Wine Drinker Dinner is $65 per person (tax and gratuity not included). As always, reservations are recommended. Email info@twochefsandatable.com or call 778-233-1303 to secure your table.

Menu

Amuse Bouche
Cold cured wild salmon w/radish, cucumber and micro greens, beet crème fraiche
Wine: Monster Vineyards Rose 08

First Course
Leek and Potato Soup: hand made with Yukon Gold potato, braised leeks, crisp prosciutto, chive oil
Wine: Monster Vineyards 08 Sauvignon Blanc

Second Course
Fall risotto w/caramelized onions, fresh sage, chickpeas
Wine: Poplar Grove Pinot Gris 08

Third Course
Poplar Blue Cheese Croquettes made w/Poplar blue cheese, basil aioli, fresh mustard micro greens
Wine: Poplar Grove Merlot 06

Entrée
Polderside duck breast:  pan seared, orange and bay leaf reduction, seasonal fall vegetables
or/
Double Braised Short Ribs: long braised with fire-roasted tomato, rosemary, shallots, accompanied by yam puree, heirloom carrots
Wine: Poplar Grove Cab Franc