CinCin’s mushroom and truffle festival spotlights the autumn harvest; O’Doul’s pays tribute to the ‘Incredible Jazz Guitar’ of Wes Montgomery; Morton’s has many excellent holiday offerings; Executive Chef Ned Bell joins Cornucopia to present a luxurious harvest luncheon; Weekly news from Firefly Fine Wines and Ales.
Details after the leap…
FESTA DEL FUNGO
CinCin’s mushroom and truffle festival spotlights the autumn harvest
François Gagnon Vancouver, B.C. – “Nobody knows the truffles I’ve seen,” says CinCin executive chef François Gagnon. “Until November, that is.”
Gagnon was signalling CinCin’s fourth annual Festa del Fungo, the celebration of truffles and wild mushrooms that heralds the lusty flavours of autumn throughout the month of November.
Gagnon has been busy with his suppliers, staking a claim to the best native examples. He and his brigade will feature plates starring the flavours of the forest, including golden and bluefoot chanterelles, and lobster, oyster and maitake mushrooms – aka ‘hen of the woods’ – to name a few.
Throughout the month, guests can choose from aromatic dishes designed either to be shared around the table, or as individual mezzo courses, including:
• Wood-fire grilled king oyster mushrooms with preserved lemon ($9.50)
• Parchment-steamed cinnamon cap mushrooms with preserved heirloom tomato ($13.50)
• Porcini mushrooms with caramelized onion and bacon in puff pastry ($12.50)
• Black trumpet mushrooms with warm baby spinach salad, poached egg pancetta vinaigrette ($11.50)
The communications to his truffle brokers have been extensive. “We buy only the best, hand selected by experts we trust,” says Gagnon. A highlight of the festival will be French (Black Burgundy) tartufi nero and Italian Alba tartufi bianchi. Shaved over plates of gnocchi and risotto bianco, the truffles range in price from $3.50 to $16 per gram.
“The trick with truffles,” says Gagnon, “is not to clean them too early. They are truly living ingredients, and their cloak of earth should be washed just before use.”
Chef Gagnon trained with famed Roger Verger at the acclaimed Relais & Château property Le Moulin de Mougins, and Joel Garault at Monte Carlo’s Hotel l’Hermitage before moving to Vancouver to work at Lumière and then at CinCin’s sister restaurant, Blue Water Cafe as executive sous chef with Chef Frank Pabst.
“Working in the South of France, especially with Chef Verger, inspired much of the way I cook today,” says Gagnon. “Simplicity is the hallmark of genius. Fresh ingredients should speak for themselves in order to allow natural flavours to stand out on the plate.”
Enhancing the mushroom and truffle dining experience, Wine Director Michael Mameli will draw from CinCin’s deep cellar to recommend Barolo, Barbaresco, Barbera d’Asti, Barbera d’Alba, and Dolcetto d’Alba. According to Mameli, “The wild, earthy depth of these wines echo the aromas and flavours of the mushrooms and truffles – they make for a classic regional pairing”. Throughout the Festa, Mameli will also feature a card of these wines by the glass and carafe.
Chef Patissier Thierry Busset concludes the meal with a retinue of masterfully crafted desserts, such as Tart Bourdaloue with poached pear and almond cream, lemon sorbetto and pear coulis. Hailing from three-star Michelin establishments such as Marco Pierre White’s The Restaurant and the Roux Brothers’ Le Gavroche in London, Busset delivers a dolci denouement to this autumn celebration.
Located in the heart of Robson’s fashionable shopping district, CinCin presents inspired dishes from the heritage wood-fired kitchen. Dinner served nightly from 5pm until 11pm and late menu until midnight. For reservations call 604.688.7338 or visit www.cincin.net. Valet nightly.
Media contact:
Shelley McArthur
Communications Director
TopTable Group: Araxi | Blue Water Cafe | CinCin | West
604 836 8005 |
www.toptable.ca
A Giant of Jazz – Part 2
O’Doul’s pays tribute to the ‘Incredible Jazz Guitar’ of Wes Montgomery
ROBSON STREET: Wes Montgomery (1925-1968) is considered the greatest of modern jazz guitarists. To many, Montgomery’s playing defines jazz guitar and his is the sound that many try to emulate. He was a virtuoso renowned for his technically incredible feats, but what really made you stop and listen was the fire and deep soul with which he performed.
Although he passed away 40 years ago this year, his influence is still heard in the music of jazz luminaries and this coming month O’Doul’s Restaurant & Bar is celebrating the music of this Jazz Giant with the help of two of his biggest fans and finest interpreters – fellow jazz guitarists – Darren Radtke (Thursday, November 6) and Oliver Gannon (Friday, November 7 and Saturday, November 8).
Both guitarists will be accompanied by bass player Russ Botten and his trio.
WHERE: O’Doul’s Restaurant & Bar
1300 Robson Street (@ Jervis)
Call 604.661.1400 for reservations/information
www.odoulsrestaurant.com
WHEN: Thursday, November 6 to Saturday, November 8
First set at 9:00 pm. No cover charge.
O’Doul’s Restaurant & Bar has featured the finest performers on the vibrant local jazz scene for over 10 years (7 nights a week since July 2001). For the last six year’s O’Doul’s has played host to the official late night jam sessions of the TD/Canada Trust Vancouver International Jazz Festival, hosted by Mike Allen, where jazz legends like Wynton Marsalis and his legendary Lincoln Centre Jazz Orchestra have been known to sit in.
O’Doul’s has been a cornerstone of the Vancouver restaurant business since it came on the scene in the 1970’s. In its most recent incarnation the focus is on Chef Chris Whittaker’s fresh and sustainable new classics menu and an extensive and user-friendly wine list (Wine Spectator Award of Excellence since 1997) all paired with the frequently sultry, often heartbreakingly beautiful, always irresistible, best of Vancouver jazz.
O’Doul’s is an active member of the Ocean Wise sustainable seafood program and the Green Table Network.
For additional information on O’Doul’s Restaurant & Bar, please view the website at odoulsrestaurant.com. For reservations or consumer information please call 604.661.1400.
MEDIA OUTLETS
For additional information on the performers or O’Doul’s, please contact
Lise Magee, Director of Public Relations
The Listel Hotel and O’Doul’s Restaurant & Bar
1300 Robson Street (@Jervis)
Vancouver, BC V6E 1C5
t.604.690.1852 f. 604.684.7092 e. lise@thelistelhotel.com
odoulsrestaurant.com/thelistelhotel.com
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Make Merry at Morton’s The Steakhouse by Enjoying a ‘Rare’ Holiday Lunch
Morton’s Opens for Lunch on Six Select Days in December
Morton’s Also Offers Great Gifts for Giving
VANCOUVER, BC (October 23, 2008) – Morton’s The Steakhouse in Vancouver will be serving something rare this holiday season in addition to their Prime steaks; the restaurant is opening for lunch on six select days in December. Whether you’re working, shopping or simply celebrating the season with family, friends or business colleagues, Morton’s will add a dash of holiday spirit by serving a sensational à la carte lunch menu on Wednesdays, December 10 and 17, Thursdays, December 11 and 18, and Fridays, December 12 and 19, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The holiday lunch menu features Morton’s renowned USDA prime steaks, fresh seafood, lobster and chicken, bountiful salads, savory side dishes and tempting desserts, including Morton’s Legendary Hot Chocolate Cake. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 604.915.5105.
“Morton’s expects to make many people merrier by serving a memorable midday meal during this holiday season,” said Joshua Snyder, general manager of Morton’s The Steakhouse in Vancouver. “This rare chance to enjoy Morton’s legendary great food, great service and warm hospitality at lunchtime comes only once a year, so you’ll want to put lunch at Morton’s at the top of your holiday wish list.”
Morton’s is located at 750 West Cordova Street in Vancouver. Call 604.915.5105 or visit www.mortons.com for reservations. Morton’s The Steakhouse in Vancouver usually opens only for dinner, which will continue to be served nightly from Regular dinner hours are Sunday to Thursday 5pm to 10pm; Friday and Saturday, 5pm to 11pm. Morton’s is closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
In addition to the special holiday lunch schedule, Morton’s will offer a complete pre-set holiday lunch every weekday in December to groups, companies and organizations that book the restaurant’s private boardrooms for special functions or seasonal celebrations. For details and pricing, call 604.915.5145, Morton’s catering and marketing manager, at Vancouver.
About Morton’s
Morton’s Restaurant Group, Inc. is the world’s largest operator of company-owned upscale steakhouses. Morton’s steakhouses have remained true to its founders’ original vision of combining generous portions of high quality food prepared to exacting standards with exceptional service in an enjoyable dining environment.
The Company owns and operates 80 Morton’s steakhouses located in 68 cities in 28 states and Puerto Rico and five international locations (Toronto, Vancouver, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Macau), as well as three Italian restaurants.
2008 marks Morton’s 30th anniversary, and the company will celebrate throughout all of its U.S. locations by partnering with the Make-A-Wish Foundation in its “30 Wishes for 30 Years” campaign.
Media contact:
Tanis Tsisserev
T2 Communications for Morton’s The Steakhouse
604.841.8095 / tanis@t2communications.ca
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CABANA BAR AND GRILLE TAKES THEIR SHOW ON THE ROAD TO CORNUCOPIA
Executive Chef Ned Bell Joins Whistler’s Food and Wine Celebration to Present a Luxurious Harvest Luncheon
Kelowna, BC. Can’t make it to the Okanagan? Let Cabana Bar and Grille and Executive Chef Ned Bell bring the Okanagan to you. Hot on the heels of their successful opening this summer, the Cabana team is thrilled to share their fresh local flavours at Whistler’s annual food and wine extravaganza.
On Saturday, November 8, Cabana Bar and Grille will join forces with Ganton & Larsen’s Prospect Winery to present a ‘Chef’s Table Luncheon’. Join us for an afternoon in the kitchen of a glamourous Whistler mansion with charismatic chef Ned Bell. Bell will present a indulgent three-course fall harvest luncheon inspired by the seasonal bounty of the Okanagan. Expertly paired with the wines of Ganton & Larson the lunch will feature a luscious Okanagan apple Tarte Tatin that is sure to spark your own harvest getaway.
Tickets are going quickly. Click here for menu details and to make your reservation.
Date: Saturday, November 8
Time: 12:30pm – 3:30pm
Cost: $125
On the Radar:
Keep an eye out for Chef Ned Bell as he competes against 11 of Vancouver’s top chefs in the invitation-only Gold Medal Plates cooking competition and Olympic fundraiser on Wednesday, November 5 in Vancouver.
With a premier position on Lakeshore Road just steps from stunning Okanagan Lake, Cabana Grille is a globally inspired, locally created upscale eatery owned and operated by three local restaurateurs. The restaurant blends a casual, relaxed atmosphere with exceptional food and drink led by Executive Chef Ned Bell who honed his culinary prowess at renowned restaurants across Canada. Bell was a regular on Food Network Canada’s “Cook Like a Chef” and is currently filming “It’s Just Food” for CTV. Focusing on fresh, local produce cooked in innovative ways for a wide range of tastes and budgets, Cabana Bar and Grille is well on its way to becoming a local favourite and buzz-worthy hot spot.
Cabana Bar and Grille
3799 Lakeshore Road
Kelowna BC, V1W 3K5
P: 250.763.1955
E: info@cabanagrille.com
www.cabanagrille.com
Media Contact:
Kate Colley
Kate Colley Communications
T: 604.644.7976
E: kate@katecolley.com
Restaurant Contact:
Kristin Deblot
Cabana Bar and Grille
T: 250.655.9773
E: kristin@cabanagrille.com
www.cabanagrille.com
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WEEKLY NEWS FROM FIREFLY FINE WINES AND ALES
Free Weekly Tasting Friday October 24th from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm @ Firefly Fine Wines and Ales
Enrique Foster, IQUE Malbec 2007 – Argentina
100% Malbec from a vineyard located in Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza, 900 meters above sea level. Ique is a wine without oak, fresh, young and with fruity characteristics. Intense ruby-red with violet hints in color, it possesses fruity aromas which remind of fresh red fruits and white pepper. Firm structure, soft lush tannins and satisfying end. Pairs well whit meat, pasta and cheese.
bl8 Borlocho – Spain
Bronze Medal – Decanter Awards UK 2007
Silver Medal – International Wine & Spirit Competition UK 2007
Produced from 60 years old Verdejo and Viura vines from Rueda, Spain. Light straw colour with strokes of green,typical of the Verdejo variety. Tropical fruit aromas, citrus and hints of fennel. It is light, fresh and lively with good acidity and a pleasant finish.
Truchard Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 – Napa, US
San Francisco Chronicle: “Highest Rated Cabernet in tasting …” April 11th, 2008
Blended with 12% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot
Intense aromas of ripe plum, black cherry, and cassis; accented with cedar and vanilla. The mouth is jammy, with bright flavors of raspberry, cherry, red currant, and a touch of cracked black pepper. Fine-grained tannins fill the palate and provide a long finish of spice and red fruit.
Cambie Village Halloween Hunt ~ Saturday October 25th from 10:30 am to 3:00 pm
Come join the Cambie Village Association and Cambie Businesses in celebrating Halloween with a day of family fun along Cambie Street. Festivities will start with a free viewing of Kung Fu Panda movie at the Park Theatre at 10:30am, at noon children will pick up “Halloween Hunt” treasure maps at an outdoor party festival setting on Cambie at West 18th.
Firefly will be giving candies to the kids and we will have some wine and beer for tasting for the parents from 12 noon to 3:00 pm!
Wine On The Mountain
Firefly Fine Wines and Ales and FigMint Restaurant & Lounge are pleased to be part for the second year of this amazing fundraising event for Adoptive Families Association of BC at the peak of Vancouver!
Come and join us to celebrate “Red and White and All That Sparkles” a unique Wine and Food Tasting Adventure Party at Grouse Mountain, Saturday November 1st. For more information and to buy your tickets, click here.
New Beer
He’Brew Bittersweet Lennys RIPA-Kosher – USA
Samuel Smith India Ale – England
Granville Island Oktoberfest – BC
Granville Island Lions Winter Ale – BC
Howe Sound Father John’s Winter Ale – BC
Phillips Crooked Tooth Pumpkin Ale – BC
New Wine
Banyuls Rouge Chapoutier – France
Oculus 2005 – Mission Hill – BC
Takara Plum Wine – USA
Visit our website at: www.fireflyfinewinesandales.com
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