Spent part of this long weekend perusing through the Summer 2011 edition of LCBO’s FOOD & DRINK magazine, enjoying the shade of a black oak in High Park, and thought I would share with you a few of my fav’s!
White Owl Whisky
pg. 20 LCBO 194878 $39.95
In the glass it’s hard to believe it’s Canadian whisky, but this crystal-clear 10-year-old spirit distilled from wheat and rye is filtered after blending to remove impurities– and colour, too. With citrus and floral notes and a touch of vanilla, it shines in your favourite cocktails, or served straight up, it goes beautifully with caviar.
Paul Delane Crémant de Bourgogne Réserve Brut
pg. 22 LCBO 214981 $17.50
Whatever you’re celebrating this summer, make sure to pop the cork on this new listing. An outstanding bubbly at such a good price makes luxury affordable. Produced primarily from Chardonnay, it’s dry and fruity with delicious bubbles and toasty notes. The ideal warm-weather aperitif, it also teams well with sushi.
Beefeater London Dry Gin Summer Edition
pg. 28 LCBO 242735 $24.95
Crafted by master distiller Desmond Payne to celebrate the season, Beefeater London Dry Gin Summer Edition captures the essence of summer by blending the original Beefeater recipe with elderflower, black-currant and hibiscus flower. A decidely mellow version of a classic, the Summer Edition has floral notes and is surprisingly less juniper-forward than traditional gins, says The Martini Club’s Michelle Hunt– making it lovely for sipping in the sun. For backyard entertaining or garden parties, Michelle recommends serving it either with pink lemonade and a fresh mint garnish or with sparkling grapefruit and a few chives.
I am definitely getting the Beefeater, and don’t you think it would make a most charming summer gift hamper with this book and some cute glassware? Sigh.
There’s a great-looking recipe for veal tenderloin in the F&D too; I can’t find a link to it online, so click here or scroll down to the next post for my adapted version.
I also think this wine is worth stocking up on now for some winter dinner parties, because it’s so kitschy! It seems to be your basic table Riesling. But check out the label:
And on that note… Happy Canada Day weekend!
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