This week was a bit of a "Treat Yo' self" kind of week.
1. Mac and Cheese grilled cheese (aka, The Cheesy MacShawn) for lunch on Thursday from Ottawa Streat Gourmet was one of the most delicious and decadent thing to happen to a Thursday lunch-time...ever.
2. The National Capital Sommelier Guild had their Holiday Fizz / Vintages Pre-release tasting this past Thursday. This was my first time attending the Holiday Fizz, and it did not disappoint. 14 tastings, including various sparklings from around the world (including a Sparkling Sake!) and Champagnes, and a lovely tasting plate filled with tasty treats to enjoy with the bubbly. These tastings are a lot of fun, everyone's laid back and enjoys wine. Wine knowledge around the room varies, but everyone is outgoing and participates in open discussions on each wine.
1. Mac and Cheese grilled cheese (aka, The Cheesy MacShawn) for lunch on Thursday from Ottawa Streat Gourmet was one of the most delicious and decadent thing to happen to a Thursday lunch-time...ever.
2. The National Capital Sommelier Guild had their Holiday Fizz / Vintages Pre-release tasting this past Thursday. This was my first time attending the Holiday Fizz, and it did not disappoint. 14 tastings, including various sparklings from around the world (including a Sparkling Sake!) and Champagnes, and a lovely tasting plate filled with tasty treats to enjoy with the bubbly. These tastings are a lot of fun, everyone's laid back and enjoys wine. Wine knowledge around the room varies, but everyone is outgoing and participates in open discussions on each wine.
Tasting plate from the Holiday Fizz/VPR. Popcorn, Brie, paté, dark chocolate, crackers, potato chips, strawberry and fig.
3. Which brings me to my third "Treat Yo' self" moment! Based on the tasting from Thursday night, I zeroed in on which bottles were available at an LCBO location within a 10 km radius (and that fits my self-appointed wine purchasing budget), and ended up bringing home these 3 beauties:
Mmm....bubbly goodness.
Starting from the left:
Until next time everyone, go forth and treat yo' self and enjoy your weekend!
M.
- Albert Bichot Brut Rosé Crémant de Bourgogne: Délicieux! Gorgeous salmon pink color, notes of strawberries, yeast and raspberry on the nose, repeated on the palate with residual sugar. Very smooth and OH so good with fresh strawberries. At $22, it's a great buy and would be lovely served with foie gras or with a delicious berry tart.
- Lallier Rosé Champagne 1er Cru: This was the most "treat yo'self" bottle to fill up my LCBO basket in a while, but thought it was well worth the $57 price tag given it's a 1er Cru. Orange-pink color, strawberry, yeasty notes with a hint of earthiness. Great structure, dry with a berry and yeast finish.
- 2011 Jackson Triggs Entourage Grand Reserve Brut: The Guild Director mentioned that all LCBO Reps he spoke to in preparation to this tasting raved about this sparkling. And with good reason. We tried a few high-end Champagnes, but honestly, this one was as tasty (more so in many cases) but at a fraction of the price. At 23$ this sparkling is a steal. Medium lemon yellow color, notes of green apple, dough, soft oak, pink grapefruit. Round, soft finish. Wonderful. Great on it's own, amazing with chips and popcorn :)
Until next time everyone, go forth and treat yo' self and enjoy your weekend!
M.
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