Category: Toronto

A Culinary Journey Through Basilicata by Chefs Davide Ciavattella and Ernesto Iaccarino at Michelin-starred Don Alfonso 1890

On Monday, June 17th, 2024, I had the profound pleasure of indulging in a meticulously curated menu by Chefs Davide Ciavattella and Ernesto Iaccarino at Michelin-starred Don Alfonso 1890, Toronto.

The restaurant’s design and ambiance were nothing short of exquisite, setting the stage for an unforgettable culinary experience for the invitation-only guests. The evening featured an eight-course dinner paired with exceptional Basilicata wines, all orchestrated by the talented Executive Chef Davide Ciavattella.

The dishes and wines highlighted products from the Basilicata (Vulture-Alto Bradano) region, highlighting exceptional olive oils, wines, cheeses, and the famous peperone crusco all introduced to Canada for the first time by the Local Action Group LUCUS and Citta Del’ Olio. These two esteemed associations, founded in 1994, are dedicated to uniting local producers who uphold the historical, cultural, and environmental values and traditional production methods of the region. The harmonious blend of flavors and the carefully selected wine pairings elevated the dining experience to new heights, celebrating the rich heritage and gastronomic excellence of Basilicata.

For further details: Città dell’Olio (Trmtv.it) (Associazione Nazionale Città dell’Olio) (Associazione Nazionale Città dell’Olio).

Exploring Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC Wines – Toronto

I spend this afternoon tasting and exploring Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC wines at the historic Carlu, Toronto.

Participating wineries included:

Cirelli – Azienda Tilli – Tenuta Micoli – Ausonia – Caprera – Castorani– Colle Moro – Nicodemi – Cantina Tollo – San Lorenzo – Stefania Pepe – Valle Martello

Did you know?
That Abruzzo has been dubbed Europe’s greenest region. Approximately half of this area has been being designated a national parkland and habitat for endangered species as part of a massive “rewilding” project.

Despite its natural beauty and bounty, as well as a 2,500-year-long history of winemaking, this region in Southern Italy is still under-the-radar.

Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants 2024 Just Revealed

Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants List 2024 paints a vibrant portrait of Canada’s culinary scene. This year marks the 10th anniversary of Canada’s 100 Best.

“The quality of our list and the publication we build around it is better than ever. The result is an asset to discriminating diners – locals and travellers alike,” said Jacob Richler. “It’s a great time to be dining out in Canada.”

How restaurants are selected?
A panel of 150 judges is assembled to vote for restaurants based on the complete dining experience: service, décor, the depth of the cellar — and, above all else, food quality. Each judge must vote for a minimum of three restaurants outside of their home region. The panel includes informed culinary enthusiasts, food writers and critics, chefs, restaurateurs and other food-service professionals.

Here are some of the winners:

THE 2024 TOP 10 BEST RESTAURANTS:

Mon Lapin (Montreal, QC)
Edulis (Toronto, ON)
Alo (Toronto, ON)
20 Victoria (Toronto, ON)
Langdon Hall (Cambridge, ON)
Restaurant Pearl Morissette (Jordan Station, ON)
Published on Main (Vancouver, BC)
Beba (Montreal, QC)
Bar Kismet (Halifax, NS)
Kissa Tanto (Vancouver, BC)

THE 2024 TOP 10 BEST NEW RESTAURANTS:

Marilena (Victoria, BC)
Casa Paco (Toronto, ON)
Sushi Yugen (Toronto, ON)
Bar Prima (Toronto, ON)
Sabayon (Montreal, QC)
Casavant (Montreal, QC)
Espace Old Mill (Stanbridge, QC)
Buvette Daphnée (Ottawa, ON)
Parapluie (Montreal, QC)
Magari by Oca (Vancouver, BC)

Other Awards go to:

Best New Restaurant (sponsored by Tourisme Montréal): Marilena Café + Raw Bar (Victoria, BC)

Best Restaurant (sponsored by Nespresso Professional): Mon Lapin (Montreal, QC)

Best Sommelier team (sponsored by Lingua Franca): Vanya Filipovic and Alex Landry at Mon Lapin (Montreal, QC)

Best Pastry Chef: Kenta Takahashi, Boulevard, Vancouver (3 TIME WINNER)

People’s Choice Award (sponsored by Uber Eats): Änkôr (Canmore, AB)

Best Destination Restaurant (sponsored by Champlain at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac): Langdon Hall (Cambridge, ON)

Best New Restaurant Design: Bar Prima (Toronto, ON)

The American Express Award for Community Leadership: Paul Toussaint at Kamúy (Montreal, QC)

BEST BARS

The 2024 issue also includes Canada’s 50 Best Bars – useful reviews on where to sip across the nation – including a focus on summer patios. 

THE 2024 TOP 10 BEST BARS ACROSS THE COUNTRY ARE:

Bar Pompette (Toronto, ON)
Civil Liberties (Toronto, ON)
Cloakroom Bar (Montreal, QC)
Atwater Cocktail Club (Montreal, QC)
Bar Mordecai (Toronto, ON)
Library Bar at The Fairmont Royal York (Toronto, ON)
Dear Friend Bar (Dartmouth, NS)
The Keefer Bar (Vancouver, BC)
Cocktail Bar (Toronto, ON)
Proof (Calgary, AB)

Here is the link to all the winners:
https://canadas100best.com/

Opening of the 19th ed of EU Film Festival – Toronto

The opening of the EU Film Festival (EUFF) was held last night at Alliance Française, 24 Spadina Rd., Toronto. The well-heeled crowd included the 27 consuls, VIPs, sponsors and special guests. The wines served were a great selection from the EU membered states.

This year is 19th edition which runs from November 15 to December 1. There is a curated selection of 27 award-winning movies and hidden gems of all genres. The festival will showcase the rich diversity and creativity of European filmmaking, with post-film Q&As with directors, producers, and actors!

Here is the schedule for your viewing: https://euffto.com/schedule/

Press Release: TORONTO, November 30, 2021 /CNW/ – Les Dames d’Escoffier Ontario and Crafting For A Cure partner once again to bring Ontario Residents “Uncorked – Holiday Auction”

“Uncorked Holiday Auction” invites Ontario residents, 19 years of age and older to bid on a wide variety of amazing items, including Air Canada tickets, wines, spirits, product packages, vacation stays, experiences and so much more! Wine enthusiasts, craft-lovers or those who embrace the opportunity to give back to the community will find items to bid on. Uncorked – Holiday Auction is completely online, allowing participants to bid for items from the comfort of their own homes. Values range from $100 up to $5,000.

Auction Dates: November 25th to December 5th, 2021

Registration: https://www.32auctions.com/CC-LD

“We are thrilled to partner with Crafting For a Cure once again and to contribute to the success of “Uncorked: Holiday Auction”” said Liz Palmer, President, Les Dames d’Escoffier, (Ontario).

All proceeds raised will help support two critically important causes – “Crafting for a Cure” in delivering Craft Kits to over 100 hospitals in 7 countries and contributing to “Les Dames d’Escoffier’s Ontario” Scholarship and Bursary Program for 2022.

Our sponsors include:

A special thank you to the Air Canada Foundation for your tremendous support helping to make this event possible!

Air Canada@aircanada
Air Canada Foundation@aircanada_foundation
Les Dames d’Escoffier@lesdamesontario
Heather Zordel

Virginia Hutton

 

@virginiaannhutton

Liz Palmer@Lizpalmer_
Doris Bradley@lacontessa89
Wine Plush@wineplush
Académie du Vin Library@academieduvinlibrary
Meukow Cognac@meukowcognac
Bottega@bottegagold

@bottegasparkling

Andrea Kaiser@andreakaiser
Drea’s Wine Co.@dreawine
Grand Marnier@grandmarnierofficiel
Villa Maria Estate (New Zealand)@villamariawines
Frankie Solarik@frankiesolarik
BarChef@barchef
Arterra Canada@arterrawinescanada
Le Dolci@ledolci
Giffard@giffardcanada

@giffard_liqueurs_syrups

Nike MPG Sports Camp / Sports Camps Canada@nikesportscampcanada
Kanvas Chefs@kanvaschefs
Janet Dorozynski, DipWSET, PhD Trade Commissioner for Canadian wine, beer, and spirits at Global Affairs Canada@winetrackmind
Mel Umali
Sergii Daragan		@miss.lissa.u
@serjinio_daragan
Inniskillin@inniskilllinwines
Dymon Wine Cellar + Club Membership@dymonwinecellar

“We have an opportunity to make things better for children in unimaginable circumstances,” said Pamela Bielak, President, Crafting For a Cure. “Uncorked will support our mission to ensure that every child has a positive experience when a hospital visit is necessary.”

Pamela continues, “We are excited to collaborate with Les Dames d’Escoffier Ontario (LDE), and renowned wine expert, the wonderful Liz Palmer on this incredible fundraiser. Uncorked will contribute to both helping make hospital stays more manageable for children and supporting LDE Ontario’s Scholarship and Bursary program.”

About Les Dames d’Escoffier Ontario

As an incorporated, not-for-profit organization, LDE is a collective of forward-thinking women who aim to advance and support aspiring professional women in food, beverage, and hospitality as well as to champion critical industry issues. With a focus on philanthropy and education, their Scholarship and Bursary Program is one of their proudest achievements, providing aspiring students in the world of food, beverage, and hospitality with financial assistance and other industry opportunities.

Contact Information: Virginia Hutton, Communications, virginiahutton@gmail.com, Tel: 416-579-3788, www.lesdamesontario.org, @lesdamesontario – Instagram, Lesdamesontario – Facebook, lesdamesdescoffier-ontario

About Crafting For a Cure

Crafting For a Cure is a registered charity that collaborates with over 100 hospitals worldwide that looks to ensure all children have a positive experience whenever a hospital visit is necessary. Our “Committed to Crafting” program, provides craft kits and other distractions to children in hospitals, and our “Creating Breathing Space” program enables us to support teens in mental health wards with distraction and self-esteem items.

Contact Information: Pamela Bielak, President, pamela.bielak@craftingforacure.net, Tel: 416-995-0635, www.craftingforacure.ca