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Archive for the 'Events' Category

What Are Your Favourite Summer Cocktails?

Friday, July 23rd, 2010

I’ve never been much of a cocktail guy but I tried a couple that Mike Everson, Groovy Grapes Cocktail Chef and owner of Shakerz Hospitality put together for a client event we had last week and I may well be converted. He designed a couple of drinks that really surprised me. I’ve got this warped perception that a lot of mixed drinks are sweet and boozey. Check out his recipes below these drinks were refreshing, dry(ish) and really unique.

Would you share what your favourite summer cocktails are by leaving a comment on this posting? We’ll pick 2 lucky winners to receive a spot in our Classic Cocktails Workshop August 3rd at the urban element cooking studio.

Here’s what Mike created for our event:

The Bitter End

Muddled Cuccumber

1/2 oz Fresh Lemon Juice

1 oz Gin

1 1/2 Elderflower Water

1/2 oz pressed pear juice.

Shake and Strain over ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with a cucumber slice

Bisson Grass lemon LongIsland

Fresh lemon Juice

1 oz Bisson Vodka

1/2 Rum

1/2 Gin

Chilled Tea

Shake and strain over ice in a Highball. Garnish with lemon Zest

Leave a comment below for a chance to win a spot in the workshop!

————————

If you are serious about your cocktails or want to be why not register for the Aug 3 workshop bookings@theurbanelement.ca ($75 + tax) or have us put on a private cocktail workshop for some friends or your team? sean at groovygrapes.com 613-691-0668 x 101.

Posted in Events | 4 Comments »

New Zealand Wine Picks and Cheese Pairings

Thursday, April 15th, 2010

We had a great tasting last weekend featuring some wines from New Zealand as well as some cheeses from Quebec. It was so much fun we thought we should share what we tried in the form of a Groovy Grapes Guide (pdf). Have a look at the wine and cheese notes (cheese notes are on page 2):

New Zealand Wine Picks and Cheese Pairings

Have a look at the groovy grapes guide you can download or share with friends. If you are looking for a chance to try up to 200 different wines from New Zealand you won’t want to miss the New Zealand Winegrowers fair Apr 27 at Westin Hotel.

Posted in Events, Red Wine, White Wine, Wine Tasting Notes | No Comments »

Wines of Ontario Winter WineFest Feb 17 2010 at NAC

Friday, February 5th, 2010

VQA Ontario The Wines of Ontario Winter WineFest is part of the Taste of Winterlude Fine Dining Experiences programming. It’s a casual cocktail style tasting with a serious list of wines and 23 confirmed Ontario wineries.

Hosted at the National Arts Centre in the Panorama room with views of the Rideau Canal it promises to be one of the highlights of the Taste of Winterlude Program.

Grab a ticket before they are gone by visiting http://ontario-wine-fair-2010-ggblog.eventbrite.com

** groovy grapes clients and friends we’ve arranged for a couple of special benefits for you. Email sean at groovygrapes.com and ask about Your Personal Restaurant Conceirge (we’ll recommend restaurants for you to check out during Taste of Winterlude) as well as a special rate on the Feb 17/10 Winter WineFest.

Posted in Events, Groovy Grapes News, Podcast, Taste of Winterlude, White Wine | No Comments »

Taste of Winterlude Jan 28 to Feb 21 2010

Tuesday, January 26th, 2010

Taste of Winterlude begins later this week featuring 50+ restaurants with 3 course prix fixe menus and a number of exclusive fine dining experiences. Visit winterlude.gc.ca/taste for all the info including details about the Feb 17th Ontario Winter WineFest featuring 23 wineries from Ontario at the NAC.

Posted in Events, Podcast, Web Links & Resources, Wine & Food Festivals | 1 Comment »

Guest Chef Mario Pingue joins us for La Vendemmia

Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009

If you haven’t already tried Niagara Food Specialties’ melt-in-your-mouth prosciutto, hand-made right here in Ontario, then you have to put it at the top of your must-taste list! Mario Pingue is chef and proprietor of Niagara Food Specialties, which makes artisan charcuterie products in Niagara. They’re available at a number of stores and restaurants across the province, and we’re thrilled to have him as our special guest for La Vendemmia. On Thursday, September 17th, join Chef Mario as he prepares a Roman-inspired menu at Divino Wine Studio, using many of his products throughout the menu. For more details and to make reservations, click here. Not available September 17th? No worries - check out Mario one day earlier on September 16th at the urban element, where he’ll be cooking up a storm for you to enjoy. Click here for details.

Posted in Events | No Comments »

La Vendemmia - Ottawa’s Annual Celebration of Italian Wine and Food

Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009

Coming up September 14-20, 2009 is La Vendemmia, a week’s worth of wine and food programming all taking place in Ottawa’s Little Italy in celebration of the harvest. With more than 15 events to choose from, plus special feature menus and plenty more going on, there’s no reason to not spend your September on Preston Street. Our Corso Italia is home to one of the most vibrant neighbourhoods in the region, bursting with top-end restaurants, cozy pubs, cool lounges, traditional trattorias, and family-owned and operated businesses. Yes, the street is under construction, but there’s plenty of parking and everyone’s still open for business, eager to celebrate La Vendemmia with you! Check out the exciting line-up of events and book your tickets now at www.prestonstreet.com/lavendemmia - there really is something for everyone this year! Plus to make your visit to Corso Italia even easier, we’re offering an Insider’s Guide to Preston Street, featuring tips on the best places to go, recipes from some of our favourite restaurants on the street, and highlights of the La Vendemmia festival. Click here to download yours today! And don’t forget to sign up your team for the Charity Grape Stomp Relay in support of the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation.

Posted in Events | No Comments »

La Vendemmia on Preston Street Sep 14-20 2009 Events Released

Tuesday, August 11th, 2009

La Vendemmia Italian Wine and Food Event Preston Street Ottawa La Vendemmia is Ottawa’s annual celebration of Italian wine and food. We’re thrilled to be working on this series of events once again this year and we’ve just released the 2009 calendar which you can view online here. Here are some of this year’s highlights:

Guest Chef Mario Pingue joins us for our headlining event, a cooking demonstration and dinner. Known best for his artisan charcuterie products, including melt-in-your-mouth prosciutto produced right here in Ontario, we think it rivals some of the best we’ve tasted from Italy and we invite you to taste for yourself. Mario is also a talented chef, who will be preparing a delectable menu using some of his Niagara Specialties products on Thursday September 17th at Divino Wine Studio.

Atelier Restaurant, one of Ottawa’s most talked-about and our only “tasting menu only” restaurants, is hosting a special tasting menu inspired by classic Italian Flavours. To make things even more interesting, each of the 12 courses will be paired with a variety of Italian sparkling wines. Join us for this tasty Vendemmia kick-off on Monday September 14th.

The Signature Grape Stomp relay is your chance to stomp grapes and raise money for the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation 11am-2pm Sunday September 20th. Round up a team of 4 people and enter online.

Taste Little Italy is our signature closing event and offers your best opportunity to taste the wide range of delicious treats available on Preston Street. Set up wine and food show style, we can’t imagine a better way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Taste Little Italy takes place on Sunday September 20th at Sala San Marco and features restaurants from Preston Street, Italian wine samples, and your ticket also includes admission to the Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar Showcase that takes place simultaneously next door at Divino Wine Studio.

For more information visit www.prestonstreet.com/lavendemmia/, email lavendemmia at prestonstreet.com or call 613-715-9399 x 101.

Posted in Events, Groovy Grapes News, Web Links & Resources, Wine & Food Festivals | No Comments »

BBQ Wines Summer 2009

Tuesday, July 7th, 2009

BBQ Wine Party As Canadians, I think we all feel the same way when it comes to our fleeting summers - take advantage of the nice weather while we can! So in my family, that means outdoor cooking whenever possible. At Groovy Headquarters, we love our barbeque for grilling, smoking, slow-cooking, and we cook anything we can on it, from fresh produce to seafood to meat. The question is though, what are the best wines for barbeque? I know the answer!

There are a few important things to consider.

First, I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again - seasonings, sauces, and cooking method are more important than the protein itself. Because cooking on the bbq adds its own smoky flavour to food, I find that most seasonings and sauces used are bolder and spicier to stand up to the cooking method so that’s really important to consider when choosing your wines. Delicate, light-bodied wines are generally not what you’re looking for. But at the same time, bbq usually also means that it’s hot outside, so you want something refreshing to the palate as well. In most cases, the answer is juicy, fruity wines that are medium to full in body, whether they’re white, red, or rosé.

In the white category - and for these I’m thinking grilled or smoked seafood and fish - some of my go-to choices are Viognier, Grüner Veltliner from Austria, Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon blends, and Spanish Albariño. When it comes to reds, I adore Grenache (and Grenache-based blends), Spanish reds, California Zinfandel, and fruit-forward New World style Pinot Noir. Notice a trend? These are all wines that are medium to full in body, are fruit-forward, have some soft but well-balanced acidity, and for the reds, have medium to low tannins, meaning that they are smooth in the mouth. All these characteristics are important for pairing foods with lots of spice, and with sauces that are sweet, tangy, and/or spicy. These fruity, juicy wines are also a great contrast to the smoky, charred flavour of bbq food.

Of course, I’d be amiss if I neglected to sing the virtues of rosé when it comes to bbq. If you read our newsletter on a regular basis or have attended our tastings, you already know that we try to convert all you non-rosé-drinkers any chance we get, and summer is the perfect time to try once again. If you think that all rosés are made in the same style as White Zinfandel, think again! Most pink wines on the market are dry, crisp, refreshing, and filled with berry fruit flavour - the absolute perfect wine pairing for grilled or smoked food. Like red wine in white wine’s clothing, rosé offers the aromas and flavours of a red wine, in a lighter, more refreshing format that is served chilled to make it even more friendly for al fresco dining. Trust me, if you haven’t tried a rosé yet with your summertime cooking, please do, your taste buds will thank you!

One more piece of advice for you - tasting is better than reading! Join us on July 14th at the Urban Element for a tasting of 8 different bbq-friendly wines, along with some appropriate fare to match. Wine has gone casual for the summer season at the Urban Element, and that means that this tasting will be hosted in a relaxed, cocktail-style format, with food stations set up for grazing, and an Urban Element chef out at the bbq with tips for grilling. Special summertime pricing is also in effect … we hope to see you there!

Posted in Events, Groovy Grapes Articles, This Food That Wine News, Wine Articles | No Comments »

Thinking Pink…

Friday, June 5th, 2009

As a summer of outdoor entertaining, lounging in the backyard, and fresh, seasonal produce looms ahead, I just can’t help it - my mental image of this season features a frosty-cold bottle of rosé resting in an ice bucket, ready to be enjoyed. For those of you who know me, you already know that I’m a die-hard rosé-lover and I try to convert anyone who isn’t. To me, rosé is simply the quintessential summertime wine. It has the berry-ripeness of red wine with the cool, refreshing lightness of a white wine, and for some reason, rows of rosy-hued bottles in my wine fridge just screams “summertime” to me and puts a big ol’ smile on my face.

Next week at The Urban Element, we are celebrating rosé with a special wine-paired dinner that features a variety of rosés from various regions around Ontario. It’s going to be a fabulous summertime feast, featuring dishes to inspire your cooking in the coming months and wines that will quench your thirst and intrigue your palate. Read on for complete event information including menu and wine pairings.

Think Pink! Rosé Dinner
Featuring Chef Candice Butler and Groovy Grapes Sommelier Ilike Csaba
Date: Wednesday June 10, 2009
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: The Urban Element, 424 Parkdale Avenue
Cost: $125pp
Reservations: call the Urban Element at 613-722-0885 or email bookings@theurbanelement.ca

It’s time to think pink and appreciate Spring & Summer with a toast to rosé! Join Groovy Grapes sommelier Ilike Csaba to sample and learn about the various styles of rosé and the regions in Ontario that specialize in this popular warm-weather wine. We’ll take you on a gastronomical journey as we explore the incredible food-friendliness of pink wines! This 5-course meal has been created specifically by the Urban Element’s Chef Candice Butler to compliment an impressive selection of VQA rosé wines; bubbly, light, full and sweet. If you’re not already a fully converted rosé-lover, you will be by the end of this experience!

Welcome
Henry of Pelham Cuvée Catharine Rosé Brut (VQA Niagara Peninsula)

Chilled Gazpacho with a Cilantro-Lime Yoghurt
Domaine Perrault Rosé (Navan, Ontario)

Beet Tomato Salad with Feta Cheese, Toasted Walnuts and a Balsamic Vinaigrette
Huff Estates South Bay Rosé (VQA Prince Edward County)

Leg of Lamb atop a Spring Herb Risotto
Southbrook Biodynamic Cabernet Rosé (VQA Niagara Peninsula)

Wild Sockeye Salmon, Warm French Potato Salad, Cucumber Slaw with a Beet & Dill Vinaigrette
Megalomaniac Pink Slip Pinot Noir Rosé 2006 (VQA Niagara Peninsula)

Rhubarb Crumble with a Candied Ginger Ice-Cream and a Caramelized Apple Compote
Cave Spring Select Late Harvest Cabernet Franc (VQA Niagara Peninsula)

Reservations: call the Urban Element at 613-722-0885 or email bookings@theurbanelement.ca

Here’s an excerpt from my book This Food That Wine that talks about what rosé is and why I love
it so much.

Rosé is my absolute favourite summertime, patio-sipping wine. It’s like red wine in white wine’s clothing, with the berry and spice flavours of red wine but drunk chilled down like white wine. It’s crisp, refreshing, fruity, and easy-drinking - perfect for picnics, barbeque, and just about all summertime foods. Not to say that you can’t drink it in the winter too – I certainly do! Rosé is food friendly because of all the things it isn’t – it’s not as heavy as reds, and it’s not as light as many whites – it’s a happy medium, delicious, and affordable to boot.

Rosés, however, tend to be overlooked as a respectable wine style. A lot of people automatically think of the sweet and simple White Zinfandel (although a little White Zin paired with spicy food can be amazing) but the rosés I’m talking about are the dry yet fruity, refreshing yet interesting pink wines made around the world, especially those of Mediterranean regions like southern France and Spain. Canada and Italy make some fine rosé as well.

There are two ways that wine becomes pink. First, you can make a white wine and add a splash of red. Or you can make it only from red grapes. Let me explain … red grapes are actually just red on the outside – the flesh and juice inside is white. When red wine is made, the grapes are crushed and the skins left in with the juice, usually at least for a couple of weeks. This is called maceration. During this time, the skins add colour, flavour, and texture to the wine. So to make rosé, the skins are left in with the juice for only a short period of time to extract just a bit of colour and flavour, leaving the wine a rosy pink hue with ripe berry flavours.

My favourite regions for rosé are Spain and the southern part of the Rhône Valley in France. Spanish rosé is called Rosado, and the French name theirs after the region in which it’s made (including Tavel and Côtes-du-Rhône). Both countries use Grenache as the main grape in the blend, also throwing in some Syrah and Cinsault (in France) or Tempranillo (in Spain). The wines are quite full in body with ripe strawberry and raspberry flavours, and crisp, refreshing acidity. In Canada, you often see grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, or Gamay used in their rosés. They are still fruity, but slightly lighter and tarter in style then the Mediterranean versions. Italy’s rosés (sometimes called “rosato”) are made from a wide range of grapes, but my favourite style is “Chiaretto” which is made in the Bardolino region of Italy using the same three grapes used to make the well-known Valpolicella (Molinara, Corvina, and Rondinella). Chiaretto di Bardolino has a vivid salmon colour, bright berry fruit flavours, and a characteristic bitter tang on the finish.

Posted in Events, Groovy Grapes News, Rose Wine, This Food That Wine News, White Wine | No Comments »

CBC Radio Interview with Stacey Metulynsky for the Wellington Walkabout

Wednesday, May 13th, 2009

Here’s the radio interview Stacey had with CBC radio. It’s a great overview of what the Walkabout Feast concept is all about.

We documented the 5 restaurant dining tour last night. Stay tuned for updates.

Standard Podcast: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Posted in Events, Groovy Grapes News, Podcast | No Comments »

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Archive for the 'Events' Category

What Are Your Favourite Summer Cocktails?

New Zealand Wine Picks and Cheese Pairings

Wines of Ontario Winter WineFest Feb 17 2010 at NAC

Taste of Winterlude Jan 28 to Feb 21 2010

Guest Chef Mario Pingue joins us for La Vendemmia

La Vendemmia - Ottawa’s Annual Celebration of Italian Wine and Food

La Vendemmia on Preston Street Sep 14-20 2009 Events Released

BBQ Wines Summer 2009

Thinking Pink…

CBC Radio Interview with Stacey Metulynsky for the Wellington Walkabout

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