On August 27, Paddle Royale not only exceeded their goal of making a significant impact on the lives of many children and youth who are waiting for a mentor but also exceeded the expectations of many by throwing a summer party to remember at the Steam Whistle Brewery.
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Mark your calendars for Monday, September 14 as ViaVai Pizzeria and Wine Bar hosts the Piedmont Wine Dinner – an elevated dining experience with a four-course menu by Executive Chef Joe Friday with wine pairings from Demarie Winery, located in the prestigious wine region of Piedmont, Italy . On September 9th, we visited ViaVai to get an exclusive preview.
The first course was a truffle beef tartare. Chef Friday said that their ingredients are locally sourced, and it was evident from the freshness of the produce and meats. The tartare was delicious, with the pickled fennel providing tartness, the egg yolk providing creaminess, and the perfectly toasted crostini as the vessels for the tartare.
The duck tortellini came next. The pasta was cooked to just the right firmness, with a punch of flavour from the Chanterelle mushrooms inside. The duck itself was melt-in-your mouth tender and seasoned well, and the charred tomato sauce tied the whole dish together beautifully. This was my favourite course of the night.
For the entree, we had the wild boar risotto. The risotto also had mushrooms, as well as shallots, goat cheese, and a drizzle of truffle oil. This dish was delicious and rich. The first of the two Demarie wines for our preview was served with this course, and it was a Barolo. Barolos are dry and full-bodied, matching well with the game meat and cheese of the risotto.
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- Demarie Barolo wine
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- Wild boar risotto | barbecue boar, shallots, goat cheese, leeks, mushrooms, truffle oil
Finally, there was the dessert course, and it was a melted chocolate cake. Sousvide watermelon with mint and pop rock candy on the plate provided nice refreshing bursts of flavour and sensation, and the raspberries complemented the moist chocolate cake. Our second Demarie wine was the Moscato D’Asti. The Moscato’s sweetness worked well with the dessert, which itself was not overly sweet, and had a tart flavour component coming from the raspberries.
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- Demarie Moscato D’Asti
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- Melted chocolate raspberry cake | sousvide watermelon, pop rocks candy
We had a thoroughly enjoyable and satisfying dinner at ViaVai. We only sampled two of the Demarie wines, and were delighted with the thoughtful food pairings. At the actual dinner, you will sample five wines – one before dinner starts, and then a different wine paired with each of the four courses. These wines will be presented by none other than winemaker and owner of the Demarie Winery, Paolo DeMarie.
The Piedmont Wine Dinner is this Monday, September 14 at 7 pm. The cost is $125 per person + taxes and gratuities. To book your reservation:
Online: http://viavai.ca/reservations/
Phone: 416.362.0123
Email: eat@viavai.ca
ViaVai is located at 832 Bay St. where Bay St. meets Grosvenor St.
Photos by John Tan
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- Truffle beef tartar | pickled fennel, brown mustard seed, egg yolk , capers, balsamic vinegar, olive oil
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- Truffle beef tartar | pickled fennel, brown mustard seed, egg yolk , capers, balsamic vinegar, olive oil
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- Duck tortellini | Chanterelle mushrooms, tea smoked duck breast, charred tomato sauce
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- Duck tortellini | Chanterelle mushrooms, tea smoked duck breast, charred tomato sauce
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- Duck tortellini | Chanterelle mushrooms, tea smoked duck breast, charred tomato sauce
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- Demarie Barolo wine
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- Demarie Barolo
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- Wild boar risotto | barbecue boar, shallots, goat cheese, leeks, mushrooms, truffle oil
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- Wild boar risotto | barbecue boar, shallots, goat cheese, leeks, mushrooms, truffle oil
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- Demarie Moscato D’Asti
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- Melted chocolate raspberry cake | sousvide watermelon, pop rocks candy
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- Melted chocolate raspberry cake | sousvide watermelon, mint, pop rocks candy
More good news! We’re giving away a pair of VIP tickets to Eligible Magazine’s Bachelor Party next week!
VIP Passes include exclusive access during VIP hour, two complimentary cocktails each, hors d’oeuvres and photo opportunities with the handsome Bachelor in Paradise stars Mikey Tenerelli, Tenley Molzhan, Jared Haibon and Chris Bukowski. The red carpet is hosted by Bachelor and Bachelor Pad star Michael Stagliano.
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Celebrating the finer things in life that will “encompass the true modern gentlemen and gentlewoman”, The Gentlemen’s Expo is back from Sept 25th to 27th at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Guests can try their luck at the casino and sample fine alcohol, cocktails, cigars and much more.
There will also be special attractions and guests including DMC of the group RUN DMC.
And here’s the good news: we’re giving away a bunch of VIP “Man-Up” tickets!
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Frank Sinatra once crooned “Come Fly with Me” — crafting visions of luxury in the skies. And in addition to comfort, what’s more alluring than a memorable meal to go with it?
Enter Air Canada, whose partnership with revered Chef David Hawksworth of Vancouver’s Hawksworth Restaurant, sought to create a quintessentially Canadian menu for its International Business Class and Maple Leaf Lounges.
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