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 [...]
More Expensive Local Wine
My recent recommendations have consisted of super-cheap and super-expensive wines, and this might confuse those who see me as the cheap ‘n cheerful wine guy. Wrong. I’ve always maintained that if there was merit in a pricey wine, I’d be delighted to recommend it. So here’s another one – the 07 Gamay [...]
Let me tell you a little bit about Tawse winery. Moray Tawse is a lover of Burgundy and a few years ago he started a Niagara winery (in the Beamsville area) to create exciting Pinot and Chardonnay. The Pinot side is doing well, but the Chardonnay is really hitting the high spots. Not everyday priced [...]
“Our job is to medicate them and make them have fun.”
Chef at Tempo Restaurant in Buffalo
Buffalo is a great city, and worth checking out for bars, music and art. And architecture! On a recent trip with my buddies, we stopped into Tempo for drinks, but were soon spotted as ‘new faces’ by the chef/owner. Within [...]
Waupoos is an old Indian word for ‘rabbit’ and the area is gorgeous! The Waupoos area actually lies between the head of Smith’s Bay and Cape Vesey or the ‘Rock’. This area is apple country, featuring an apple blossom festival in Mayand pick-your-own apples in the fall. In the summer, the road is loaded with [...]
The dope is this – it’s working. Prince Edward County (PEC) is over the baby years and there are a dozen or two wines that can hold their own on the world stage. Not bad for a region that is barely a decade old.
Before you hop into your helicopter or hummer you need to know [...]
Also posted in Billy's World |
TASTE the COUNTY: I haven’t talked about Prince Edward County (PEC) this year so let’s catch up. FYI: In my book, Billy’s Best Bottles Wines for 2009, read my recommendations about what to drink, where to stay and eat, and what to do in the County.
County red at the LCBO: SANDBANKS 08 Baco is a [...]
Also posted in Wine Picks | Tagged Books & Company, Buddha Dog, Casa-Dea, Harvest Restaurant, Huff winery, Picnic, Prince Edward County, red wine, restaurants, Sandbanks Winery, white wine |
A good central location hotel for Niagara winery touring is the White Oaks (QEW at the Niagara on the Lake exit). The brochure says comfortable and sexy, to which I’d add friendly and reasonably priced. Luxurious but not too expensive. All kinds of activities including swimming, golf and tennis. Friendly staff and a lovely bright [...]
