In case you haven’t noticed we’re in the post-gourmet era. We have graduated from Haute Cuisine/French Cuisine/Californian Cuisine, Nouvelle Cuisine/Fusion Cuisine, etc, and now we’re ready to embrace the Europeans love of Rustic. Good ingredients simply prepared and enjoyed in everyday surroundings. We’re ready for a little roughness, quirkyness and other stuff that satisfies the [...]
In our rush to produce world class whites and reds no one has noticed that we already have a champion in dry Rosé. Light, low alcohol wines with great refreshment and flavour. Wines that hot climate countries simply cannot produce.
I just had lunch with a few glasses of Cattail Serendipity – a perfect blend of [...]
Also posted in Wine Picks |
Many readers are heading off on holidays soon, which made me think about traveling tips. Here’s my 3 holiday rules.
1. Go big on the first day.
Buy some treats and book a fancy restaurant. Forget the budget – celebrate your holiday.
2. Be patient.
While things may not be going according to plan, it might just mean [...]
Also posted in Billy's World |
No, I’m not slamming Canadian whiskey, but helping you with the pronunciation of a tiny and very good Niagara winery called Nyarai. It’s a South African word meaning humble.
Nyarai is not only good, the wines are also reasonably priced. Proprietor Steve Byfield works out of the Calamus winery in Beamsville (also value-priced) so we’re not [...]
Also posted in Wine Picks | Tagged Nyarai, VQA |
Good Hotel Food in Downtown Toronto
Bb33 bistro and brasserie at the Delta Chelsea (33 Gerard Street West) is much overlooked. Every meal I’ve had there has been outstanding – for food and service. And I love the gigantic ‘countryside’ murals. I know that a lot of out-of-town visitors stay here, so check it out. Clearly [...]
London, England is one of the trendsetting cities for wine. A good place to launch a brand, or region. A few decades ago, London’s wine critics fell in love with New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and the world followed.
Bill Redelmeir, owner of Southbrook Winery in Niagara, has a plan to sell Ontario Chardonnay to the Brits. [...]
Move over Walmart. This store in Consecon (Prince Edward County) sells worms, firewood, groceries, wine AND beer (and that’s just the beginning).
Also posted in Billy's World |
Recently Kato and I were fortunate to experience an Ontario resort with a niche market. Elmhirst’s Resort on Rice Lake (south of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes region) delivers excellent food, wine and genuine hospitality in a family orientated, cottage-style resort. Each private cottage (2 to 5 bedroom) is located right on the lake and is equipped [...]
If you enjoy the tangy dryness of Euro lagers check out the newly arrived Estrella from Spain. A shade earthier than my favourite Germans, but equally refreshing after a hard day on your blackberry.
Estrella Lager, Spain 113183 500ml/$2.25
Estrella is brewed in Barcelona where I took this photo of my hand while having fun at the [...]
Here’s a terrific $30 red. But it’s not for everyone. Strewn 07 Cabernet Franc is crafted in a very dry style of traditional Bordeaux or Chianti. Rustic and gutsy, as opposed to rich and smooth. A classic food partner for roasted or grilled meats – working harder to flatter food more than you. Suggests a [...]
