Co-Chef Daniel Hadida at Pearl Morissette

“There’s almost a meditative quality to roasting a chicken,” says chef Daniel Hadida of one of his favourite meals. He says it’s a dish that’s implicitly made to be shared. “There’s a celebration about it: the prep work, the anticipation while drying it so it’ll be crispy-skinned.” Then, as you prepare your side dishes as it’s roasting away, there’s that nostalgic aroma. “You’re aware of it through all of your senses,” he says. “It’s almost like putting on some jazz your parents used to listen to; it’s playing in the background.”

Whether it’s from Burgundy or Ontario, cool-climate Pinot Noir is a fail-safe red with roast chicken. Hidden Bench Estate Organic Pinot Noir VQA VINTAGES ESSENTIALS 274753, $34.95