Big Guns + Bubbles at Araxi; The Italians are coming to Blue Water Cafe; Hamilton Street Grill’s Monthly Wine Tasting Series; 5th Annual Taste of Yaletown Event in Support of the Greater Vancouver Food Bank.
Casting Long Shadows . . .
Exclusive winemaker’s dinner at Araxi celebrates a unique collection of wines
Big Guns Winemaker’s dinner at Araxi
Cornucopia, Whistler
Friday, November 13th @ 6:30 pm
$195, all inclusive
Whistler, B.C. – On Friday, November 13th, Whistler’s acclaimed Araxi restaurant will celebrate one of the wine world’s most compelling stories, Long Shadows Vintners, in an exclusive winemaker’s dinner during Cornucopia: Whistler’s Celebration of Wine and Food.
Long Shadows Vintners (LSV) is an elite cadre of some of the world’s most accomplished winemakers who continue to shape the wine industry with their benchmark wines. Exporting their expertise to Washington State’s dramatic Columbia Valley, the convivium of internationally-acclaimed vintners have collaborated with wine pioneer and LSV owner Allen Shoup, and LSV winemaker Gilles Nicault, to create seven ‘best of’ varietals.
Araxi Executive Chef James Walt has created a distinctive five course menu that highlights the excellence of the Pemberton Valley autumn harvest–alongside globally-sourced ingredients–with each plate married to the internationally-influenced styles of LSV wines drawn mostly from the 2006 vintage, considered Long Shadows’ finest to date:
Poet’s Leap Riesling 2008 by Armin Diel
94 Points Wine Enthusiast
Chester-Kidder 2006 by Allen Shoup and Gilles Nicault
2006 not yet rated. 2004: 93 Points Robert Parker
Sequel Syrah 2006 by John Duval
92 Points Wine Spectator
Pedestal Merlot 2006 by Michel Rolland
96 Points Connoisseurs Guide
Feather Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 by Randy Dunn
2006 not yet rated. 2005: 92 Points Robert Parker
Poet’s Leap Botrytis Riesling 2005 by Armin Diel
Only 56 cases produced and available exclusively at the winery
LSV’s Allen Shoup will introduce the wines for each course, providing provocative commentary about this unique collection, as well as the terroir of the Columbia Valley.
For tickets, visit whistlercornucopia.com. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Children’s Hospital Foundation.
BUBBLES + OCEANS AFTERPARTY
Cornucopia, Whistler
Saturday, November 14th @ 10:30 pm
$150, all inclusive
After Crush! complete your evening at Araxi’s BUBBLES + OCEANS, a chance to let your hair down in the heart of Whistler Village. A DJ will set the stage for an unforgettable night of sensational music, seductive seafood and luxe bubbles from 20 of the world’s top Champagne and sparkling wine houses. Executive Chef James Walt will showcase an impressive selection of finely-crafted canapés and his fabled seafood platters offering the finest fresh shucked oysters, sushi and Tofino Dungeness crab. This not-to-be-missed party at Whistler’s premier restaurant is one of the festival’s hottest tickets!
For tickets, visit whistlercornucopia.com.
The culinary cornerstone in the heart of Whistler Village, Araxi enjoys a long-held international reputation for excellence in food, wine and hospitality. Executive Chef James Walt celebrates carefully sourced local ingredients from nearby Pemberton Valley farms, where he collaborates frequently with local growers. 4222 Village Square, Whistler, British Columbia, Canada. 604 932 4540, www.araxi.com.
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The Italians are Coming
Blue Water Cafe welcomes two of Italy’s elite wineries
Vancouver, B.C. – Blue Water Cafe will soon host two of Italy’s premier wineries in two exclusive winemaker’s dinners this Autumn: the illustrious Tenuta Luce della Vite from Montalcino in Tuscany and Piedmont’s revolutionary La Spinetta.
“Our team is very honoured to host these two world-renowned marques,” says Wine Director Andrea Vescovi. “Luce is one of the most innovative projects in the Montalcino wine region and La Spinetta represents the forward edge of Italian wine-making. Both producers are favourites of mine, and will always have a special place on our wine list.”
On the menu, guests can expect robust, autumnal flavours. Executive Chef Frank Pabst will prepare two custom multi-course tasting menus designed to marry both the intensity and the nuances of each portfolio.
If their highly rated wine portfolios speak for themselves, equally engaging are the high profile presenters: Marchese Leonardo de’ Frescobaldi will speak to the wines of Luce, while La Spinetta’s Giorgio Rivetti will articulate his family’s commitment to naturally low-yields through bio-dynamic growing practices.
LUCE DELLA VITE
When: Monday, October 26th, 2009
Time: Reception begins at 6:30 PM
Price: $139 plus tax & gratuity
Special Guest: Marchese Leonardo de’ Frescobaldi
Founded in 1995 as a partnership of the Frescobaldi family, who have been in the wine business for more than 700 years, and America’s Mondavi family, Luce has taken its Super Tuscan wines to the apex of Italian winemaking. Their signature Luce is an almost opaque wine of velvet-textured weight that shows a dry, prolonged finish.
An impressive collection of Luce wines will be presented throughout the evening, including: Attems Pinot Grigio 2008, 2006 Lucente (91 points Wine Spectator, Gold Medal Winner, Sommelier Wine Awards, London May 2009), 2006 Luce (94 points WS), 2005 Luce (93 points WS), 2003 Luce (92 points WS), and 2001 Luce (92 points WS), and Luce Grappa.
LA SPINETTA
When: Wednesday, November 25th, 2009
Time: Reception begins at 6:30 PM
Price: $139 plus tax & gratuity
Special Guest: Giorgio Rivetti, Proprietor/Winemaker
La Spinetta, meaning “top of the hill”, is one of the greatest wine producers in Italy and Giorgio Rivetti is one of Italy’s most engaging and dynamic wine personalities. La Spinetta is a true modernist, producing age worthy wines, yet extremely approachable and explosively aromatic in their youth. Established only in 1977, La Spinetta has taken Piedmont by storm, from elite Moscato producer to creating what Robert Parker has called the best Barbera ever made to some of the most exotic Barbarescos and Barolos you will taste. In fact, La Spinetta is one of only two estates to receive 3 stars in the 20 year existence of Italy’s top wine journal, Gambero Rosso, signifying that they have achieved over 30 Tre Bicchieri awards, Italy’s top honour.
The evening will showcase a phenomenal selection of La Spinetta’s wines, including: Lidia Chardonnay 2006, Barbera Gallina 2004, Barbaresco Starderi Ris 2004, Barbaresco Starderi 1999, Barolo Campe 2004, and Moscato Bricco Quaglia 2008.
HOW TO PURCHASE
Call the restaurant at 604 688 8078 to reserve your seat at the dinners.
Blue Water Cafe + Raw Bar is Vancouver’s definitive seafood restaurant located in the heart of Yaletown at 1095 Hamilton Street. Dinner is served nightly from 5:00pm – 11:00pm with late menu until midnight. Valet Monday – Saturday. For reservations call 604 688 8078 or visit www.bluewatercafe.net.
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Hamilton Street Grill’s Monthly Wine Tasting Series
This month we present St Hallett Wines of the Barossa Valley, Australia. And we are giving away brunch for two each night to a lucky guest.
Monday, October 19th or Tuesday, October 20th
5:30 pm to 7:00 pm
In keeping with our popular format, try a sampling of three new wines and have three savoury, wine-inspired food tasters while learning from a wine expert as they take you through a sit down yet casual style tasting. At $25 per person, this tasting is a bargain.
This month we are pouring St Hallett wines from Australia’s Barossa Valley alongside Hamilton Street Grill’s Executive Chef Neil Wyles’ wine inspired appetizers. Neil makes excellent choices when pairing his appetizers with the wines and the tasting format is casual, informative and fun! Further info on the wine at www.sthallett.com.au
Brunch for Two
Do you wine drinkers know Hamilton Street Grill now serves a wonderful Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays! No? Well now you do and on each night of this wine tasting we will draw for a gift certificate for brunch for two for one of our guests attending the event.
Wine Tasting
Monday, October 19th and Tuesday, October 20th
5:30 pm until 7 pm
Hamilton Street Grill
1009 Hamilton Street, Yaletown, Vancouver
Tickets $25 per person – Seating always sells out quickly.
Reserve by credit card at: 604-331-1511 or hamiltonstreetgrill@telus.net
“Wine is constant proof that God loves us and likes to see us happy.”
-Benjamin Franklin
Hours
Brunch served 10 am – 3 pm Saturday and Sunday
Dinner served 7 nights from week 5 pm
Lunch Tuesday – Friday – 11:30 am – 2:30 pm
Reservations available, large party’s welcome
Taste of Yaletown
Vancouver food and wine enthusiasts are invited to discover and enjoy the fantastic offerings of Yaletown’s premier restaurants during the 5th Annual Taste of Yaletown event happening October 15th – 31st, 2009. Taste of Yaletown 2009 will include over 20 of Yaletown’s fabulous restaurants offering special three-course tasting menus for set prices of $25, $35 and $45.
A portion of proceeds raised from each participating restaurant will be donated to The Greater Vancouver Food Bank. Further details about participating restaurants, their Taste of Yaletown menus, participating retailers and wine tasting events: click here
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Yaletown Business Improvement Association Announces 5th Annual Taste of Yaletown Event in Support of the Greater Vancouver Food Bank
VANCOUVER, BC, October 5, 2009 – The Yaletown Business Improvement Association announced today the 5th annual Taste of Yaletown event is confirmed to run October 15 – 31, 2009. The event invites Vancouver’s food and wine enthusiasts to discover and enjoy the fantastic offerings from Yaletown’s premier restaurants, who will offer guests a special three-course menu at set prices of $25, $35 or $45.
“Taste of Yaletown has become one of the top dining events in the city and we have no doubt that the 5th year will be no exception,” says Neil Wyles, President of the Yaletown Business Improvement Association. “It is a pleasure to be able to support our community through the Greater Vancouver Food Bank while showcasing the phenomenal diversity that exists for diner’s enjoyment in Yaletown.”
Since 2005, the 2-week Taste of Yaletown event has drawn crowds from all corners of the city to experience the best in dining and drink at an affordable price. 2008 and 2009 have especially seen the popularity of the event grow as Vancouverites battle an economic downturn and look to find special offers and events that will allow for adventure and enjoyment, without breaking the bank. Many well-known restaurants along with several new establishments have confirmed participation in the event this year.
2009 Participating Restaurants include:
1. Brix
2. Cactus Club
3. Capones
4. Charm Modern Thai
5. Elixir
6. Earls
7. Hamilton Street Grill
8. Hurricane Grill
9. Milestones
10. Fuse Pan Asian Express
11. George
12. Glowbal Grill
13. Goldfish Pacific Kitchen
14. The Keg
15. Provence Marinaside
16. Rodney’s Oyster House
17. r.TL
18. Section (3)
19. V
20. Yaletown Brew Pub
21. Urban Thai Bistro
22. Shakin’ Not Stirred
The entire Taste of Yaletown event is held in support of The Greater Vancouver Food Bank and a portion of proceed raised will be donated. Since 2005 over $110,000 has been raised for the important cause and is a true testament to the dedication of Yaletown businesses and patrons to the community. During the 2009 event, all participating restaurants will donate 10% of their evening sales from Wednesday October 21st to the food bank and the public will be encouraged to come out to dine in support of the cause.
“It is a constant struggle to keep up with the increasing demand at our Food Bank depots and external agencies we aid,” says Cheryl Prepchuk, CEO of the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society. “The generosity from events such as Taste of Yaletown is necessary to help us continue to provide assistance to those in need. With every dollar donated to the Food Bank, we are able to purchase three dollars worth of groceries and help more people put healthy food on their tables.”
Taste of Yaletown 2009 is presented by new title sponsor, CIBC. Dedicated to supporting local communities, CIBC, will not only be presenting the entire event in October, but will also extend the Taste of Yaletown brand out for a special private event in January 2010.
Please visit www.tasteofyaletown.com for menu details from each restaurant.
