Tag: Toronto Event

Pre-screening of “Widow Clicquot”

🎬✨ Exciting news! I had the privilege of attending an exclusive pre-screening of “Widow Clicquot,” followed by a delightful post-screening champagne toast 🍾 with Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label. The Yellow Label is Veuve Clicquot’s emblematic cuvĂ©e, the House’s signature champagne – balancing four dimensions: freshness, strength, aromatic richness & silkiness.

The film chronicles the remarkable journey of Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin Clicquot, which commences with the untimely death of her husband, she boldly defies societal expectations by taking over the nascent wine business they had built together. Navigating through tumultuous political and financial challenges, Barbe-Nicole silences her critics and transforms the champagne industry, ultimately establishing herself as one of the world’s pioneering businesswomen. Don’t miss this inspiring tale of resilience and innovation!

Mark your calendars for the official release date: July 19, 2024

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: CittĂ  dell’Olio (Trmtv.it) (Associazione Nazionale CittĂ  dell’Olio) (Associazione Nazionale CittĂ  dell’Olio).

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/

The British Consulate General [Toronto] Announces U.K. Government’s new “Women and Girls Strategy” on International Women’s Day

In honor of International Women’s Day Greg Quinn, the British Consulate General [Toronto] officially launched the U.K. Government’s new “Women and Girls Strategy” at a reception at the National Club.

Here is the outline of the policy that The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office will use, along with the details and strategy that was outlined in Consul Greg Quinn’s speech:

The scale of the Strategy’s ambition reflects the increase in threats to gender equality and women and girls. Climate change, crises, and conflict disproportionately affect women and girls.

Attempts to hold back women’s and girls’ rights have gained momentum and are amplified online. Hard-won gains are threatened, and there is escalating instability.

The Strategy will be guided by 5 principles. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) will:

* stand up and speak out for women’s and girls’ rights and freedoms on the global stage and in bilateral relationships;

* embolden and amplify the work and voices of diverse grassroots women’s organizations and movements, championing their role as important agents for change;

* target investment towards the main life stages for women and girls to maximize our effectiveness and secure life-long and intergenerational impact;

* act for and with women and girls impacted by crises and shocks, including conflict, global health, climate change, violence, food insecurity and malnutrition, and the resulting humanitarian crises; and

* strengthen political, economic and social systems that play an important role in protecting and empowering women and girls, embracing innovative financing models and technology use to secure long-term development.

The FCDO will focus on the 3 thematic priorities:

* educating girls;

* empowering women and girls, championing their health and rights;  and

* ending gender-based violence

To achieve FCDO’s ambitions, the Strategy sets out 3 goals: to enable the conversation, lead by example and lead through knowledge.

The “Women and Girls Strategy paper can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/international-women-and-girls-strategy-2023-to-2030

In attendance were other Consulate representatives and a number of local women’s organizations.

What a moving and wonderful way to come together and celebrate International Women’s Day!

 

Fontanafredda Wine Tasting – Barolo Week (Toronto) by Sergii Daragan

It’s “Barolo Week” I attended, along with a group of industry specialists, a wine and food pairing lunch at Eataly, Toronto to celebrate Barolo.  We tasted six amazing vintage Barolos which paired beautifully with Eataly’s specialty dishes [listed below] while listening all about Fontanafredda’s “King of the Wine” and “Wine of Kings.”

It was a great experience to taste Barolo different styles and vintages, and at the same time compare new-school and old-school styles.

For me, “the wine of the day” became Barolo Proprieta in Fontanafredda 2018 for its fresh, and rich, with notes of licorice and pink pepper on the palate with distinct floral and red fruit notes on the nose.

Wines Tasted:

– Barolo Serralunga Organic, 2018

– Barolo Proprieta in Fontanafredda, 2018

– Barolo Vigna La Rosa, 2018

– Barolo Vigna La Rosa, 2016

– Barolo Vigna La Rosa, 1996

– Barolo Riserva, 2010

Eataly’s Dishes:

Mushroom Arancini
Fresh-made Mozzarella
Gnocchi with Red-wine-braised Ragu
Mushroom Pizza
Chocolate Cannoli

@fontanafreddawines @eatalytoronto

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