Caviar takes centre stage
Ancora Waterfront Dining and Patio spotlights caviar from around the globe at its fourth annual Caviar Festival until Nov. 27.
Executive chef Ricardo Valverde adds six indulgentyet-approachable a la carte items to the dinner menu to give guests an opportunity to sample an array of exotic caviar-driven dishes using his signature Peruvianmeets-Japanese cuisine.
In addition to dishes featuring tobiko, herring and trout caviar, Valverde will offer a cauliflower panna cotta (toasted brioche, mountain caviar) and Peruvian waffle (chi-chi morada caviar, rice pudding mousse, pineapple). Each dish can be enjoyed with optional B.C. wine pairings, including Culmina Family Estate Unicus Gruner Veltliner 2017, Fitzpatrick Family Vineyards’ Fitz Brut, as well as Marie Demets Tradition Brut Champagne.
Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made online at ancoradining. com or by calling the restaurant at 604-681-1164.
The Emilia Romagna Region in Italy is home to some of Italy’ s greatest cuisine, from prosciutto di Parma, Parmigiano Reggiano and bolognese to tortellini and balsamic vinegar.
You can experience all of these, along with premium Italian wines, at a sevencourse dinner on Nov. 21 at the Westin Bayshore in Vancouver. The menu is inspired by DOP and IGP authentic Italian products from the Emilia Romagna region, and will feature three buffet appetizers, two entrees, a main course and gelato.
Tickets are $195 and available by calling 604-682-1410, or go to eventbrite.ca
B.C. WINE OF THE WEEK
CedarCreek Platinum Block 3 Riesling 2017, Okanagan Valley
$22.99 | 91/100
UPC: 778913800306
Historically, the Platinum Block Riesling gets two picks. In 2017 there were three in a “platinum” attempt to create a complexity of flavours and acidities in the wine. The style is tighter and leaner than the regular Riesling, with a pronounced peach, orange, ginger nose and a delicious, floral, mouth-watering finish. Everything in balance here with a clean, mineral undercurrent to add a dash of complexity. Drink or hold.
WINE FOR THE CELLAR
Hester Creek Garland 2015, Okanagan Valley
$60 | 91/100
UPC: 626990222118
This estate red was named after Hester Creek owner Curt Garland, and celebrates the 50-year anniversary of the original planting of vinifera vines in 1968. The limited-edition Bordeauxstyle blend is a mix of oldvine Cabernet Franc Block 3 (54 per cent) and old-vine Merlot Block 2 (32 per cent), with lesser amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Malbec. The 2015 growing season was one of the warmest on record, but at only 13.9 per cent alcohol, the Garland has taken a much drier, firmer path toward a balanced course. Look for spicy, black cherry with an undercurrent of cloves, cedar and dried herbs. The tannins are rounded, and the finish dry and spicy. Lamb would be a perfect match at this point, or hold another five years in the cellar. A rare bottle that will attract collectors.