One of my favourite lines to restaurant owners is “Get the wine from the cellar and put it on the bar where customers can see it!”
And Susan Dunfield, owner extraordinaire of my favourite Stratford bar, DOWN THE STREET, just sent me this photo. Seeing is believing!
“I thought you would get a kick out of our “wine rack roll back” display ! You always said people should just come up to the bar and look at and talk about wine so, I’ve done it. Time to clear out all the ends… Also we are selling”good cheap” white and red by the glass for under 5 bucks.” Susan Dunfield
I used to be a big fan of drinking out of small glass tumblers, but my head was turned around when I participated in a tasting conducted by Maximilian Riedel – who was as brilliant as the glassware. (I still think tumblers are a good choice for summer sloshing or bistro meals….but I have been converted!)
Here’s a video of my Welsh buddy and neighbour Graham Davies (fantastic photgrapher – www.baldphotographer.com) who mocked my ‘change of heart’.
More videos are coming, but this is the first. The sound might not be quite in sync, but have a few glasses and you won’t notice. Hope you enjoy.
CHECK THIS OUT!
RIEDEL TASTING with Maximilliam Riedel!
WEDNESDAY MAY 18 at The Church Restaurant, Stratford, Ontario
Taste 4 different wines, each in their ‘own glass’, and sample some delicious canapes.
Each guest will take home 4 Vinum XL tasting glasses valued at $150.
Tickets $125
CALL 519 271 6283 BRADSHAWS or 519 271 5140 TOURISM STRATFORD www.bradshawscanada.com
There’s no shortage of great places to eat and drink in Stratford, Ontario. Sputnik’s espresso shop offers the edgy, sexy styling you’d expect in a major European city. Super cool or what. And my favourite coffee machine – an Electra. Balzac’s presents the lovely balance of old world comfort with friendly, urban service.
Also on the main drag, is my most favourite place to be: Down the Street Bar & Restaurant. Owner Susan Dunfield (shown here) is the mastermind behind the magic – generous, professional service, good food, clever design, and the right balance between special and everyday. If you can’t have fun here stay home. Short wine list of Billy’s Best Bottles favourites at very reasonable prices.