Between the Vines: One woman's wine-soaked musings

West Coast Christmas Show at Tradex in Abbotsford features Food Network's Anthony Sedlak on stage

November 26-28 brings the third annual West Coast Christmas Show at Tradex Exhibition Centre in Abbotsford. 

The West Coast Christmas Show at Tradex Exhibition Centre in Abbotsford is Western Canada's leading holiday-season show and brings together under one roof holiday décor, gifts, food, personal services, and festive seminars.

Also presented for your enjoyment are holiday cooking demonstrations by Chef Anthony Sedlak, host of Food Network's The Main and author Troy Townsin, who will pair Christmas appetizers with B.C. wines. 

Here are some of the other people and activities you'll find on stage:

• Norman Strim, chef and founder of Nonna Pias Gourmet Sauces, demonstrates seasonal menu ideas for his line of gourmet sauces;
• Wayne Louie from Orchistra Floral Works shows you how to care for your fresh seasonal greenery and create stunning centerpieces for your festive holiday dinners; and
• 99 Nursery & Florist will once again be present, with an even larger display and selection than last year.

Don't miss the chance to view and judge fully decorated Christmas trees set up by local charities in the Festival of Trees Hall. Musician Doug Towle plays New World flamenco-style holiday music tunes.  
 
If you want to go home with something that is truly one-of-a-kind, then seek out the new Select Artisan logo in exhibit booths. This logo identifies local artisans with unique hand-made gift items.

Complimentary cheese seminars are presented by the Dairy Farmers of Canada, just in time for you to learn how to host the perfect wine-and-cheese party. Cheers!

Show hours:

Friday, November 26        10 am - 9 pm
Saturday, November 27    10 am - 7 pm
Sunday, November 28      10 am - 4 pm

Tradex Exhibition Centre, Abbotsford, BC. Click here for maps and directions. 

 
 
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Whistler's Cornucopia: Friday found us in Argentina, so to speak

After a very busy arrival at Whistler on Thursday with Cornucopia's House Party, Friday proved even busier...

We started with a lovely lunch and tasting that ran from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and featured Argentine wines at the Four Seasons Whistler's Sidecut.

Barbara Philip, MW and Iain Philip, AIWS (principals at Barbariain Wine Consulting) led the session, while Ariel Menniti from Wines of Argentina added his perspective at just the right moments.

We sipped our way through the regions of Argentina and dined on the fine food that was expertly prepared by Sidecut staff.

To the right, PR pro Dana Lee Harris and Four Seasons Whistler's wine director David Foran, stand behind some of the many interesting and value-priced wines that were poured.

And below, Ariel Menniti from Wines of Argentina shares some of his knowledge.

Salut!

Copyright © 2010 Kathleen Rake. All rights reserved. 

Join 1 Fish 2 Fish Fresh Seafood Market and Well Seasoned as they celebrate Ocean Wise™ Month with the first annual Sip & Slurp

1 Fish 2 Fish Fresh Seafood Market and Well Seasoned, A Gourmet Food Store are pleased to celebrate Ocean Wise Month as they present the first annual Sip & Slurp on Thursday, November 25 from 6:30–9:00 p.m. 

Your ticket includes oyster shucking demonstration, Ocean Wise-inspired hors d’oeuvres created by Mizuna Culinary, and B.C. wine pairings.

Click here to get to a full-size poster with live links and contact information.

Date: Thurs., Nov. 25
Time: 6:30–9:00 p.m.
Where: 20534 Fraser Highway, Langley (map)
What: Wine, hors d’oeuvres, demonstrations
Ticket price: $15.00 each
Call or click to reserve: 604.532.5226 / www.1fish2fish.ca

I hope to see you there...

Salut!

Copyright © 2010 Kathleen Rake. All rights reserved. 

Food, wine and lots of familiar faces at Whistler's Cornucopia 2010

Well, we're here! And the fun has already begun.

After we stopped by the Whistler Conference Centre to pick up our tickets, we made way to our room at the Delta Whistler Village Suites and settled in, so to speak. Within the hour, we were headed out to Cornucopia's first event of the weekend, House Party—Best of B.C.

This sold-out night of food, fun, and wine (which at a ticket price of just $35 is a real bargain) featured a barbeque buffet from Sidecut at the Four Seasons Whistler, yummies from Windset Farms, B.C. wine and beer galore, and even an organic vodka.

There were many familiar faces there, too. Here are just a few of them...

At right, Lindsey White from Tinhorn Creek Vineyards in Oliver, B.C. talks up the wines. Her favourite red is the Cab Franc and her favourite white is the 2Bench blend, a delicious coming together of five different grapes.

Below, wine maker Michael Ferreira and Nicole Ferreira of Quinta Ferreira Estate Winery in Oliver share some news about their wines. And, in the picture directly below them, you'll see the Ferreiras like to really take advantage of social media. They have a poster of a smart-phone barcode you can scan and all the ways you can contact them, including Twitter and Facebook.

By the way, if you're interested in reading about what we and others have to say live, we'll be tweeting using the search term, #CornucopiaTaste.

 

Crystal Froese (below) of Dunham & Froese Estate Winery and her huge, warm smile invite us to taste from a bottle of her Amicitia Red Blend.
 

We've lots more planned for the rest of the weekend. Here's our schedule for just tomorrow:

1. Wines of Argentina Lunch and Tasting, 10:00-1:00 p.m.
2. Trade Tasting, 1:00-3:30 p.m.
3. Top 25 Celebratory Reception, 5:00-7:00 p.m.
4. CRUSH Gala Grand Tasting, 8:30-11:00 p.m.

Salut!

Copyright © 2010 Kathleen Rake. All rights reserved.