Friday, December 16, 2011

Chris & Robin Oliveira of Solara Mediterranean resto discuss their new restaurant. @fnbrobin @viewpointewines @thewinebaron

Chris Oliveira and Robin Oliveira of Solara Mediterranean restaurant in the Toronto area discuss their new restaurant. They source local, natural, fresh foods, & try to make virtually everything in-house (like their pastas). They were asked recently why they're not stressed in these early days running a new restaurant. It's because they love what they do, and they're having fun.

I visited with them this afternoon and was extremely impressed with the wine list and fine culinary creations of chef Chris Oliveira. I enjoyed calamari in a medley of black olives, capers, cilantro and olive oil followed by sumptuous scallops seared to perfection. The calamari paired perfectly with Viewpointe Chardonnay 2010, the scallops were paired to perfection with Viewpointe Auxerrois 2008.

I heartily recommend you visit them for a meal and glass of wine!

WB

1731 Lakeshore Road West, Mississauga, ON

T 905-916-2334

 

Steppin in 2 Allen's restaurant to have lunch. Delightful resto w a commitment 2 locally farmed food, local wines, & welcoming atmosphere of good cheer.

Allen's is my place in Toronto. The good times start at the door.

Video: 

Always good food & wine at Spoke Club, King & Portland, Toronto. @sommclad brings in finest wines, most r exclusive

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Always good food & wine at Spoke Club, King & Portland, Toronto. @sommclad brings in finest wines, most r exclusive

Friday, December 2, 2011

Star wines at the Maggiano's tasting tonite in San Antonio, deep in the heart of Texas:

Les Launes Crozes Hermitage '10, a big Northern Rhone Syrah with deep satisfaction. Helfrich Pinot Gris, Vin d'Alsace, sweet and rich. And the food was home-style excellence.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

You were perfect hosts. & I luv goofy @ElizabethLouter: @thewinebaron Thx 4 visitin @MuskokaBrewery Happy 2 have ...

You were perfect hosts. & I luv goofy @ElizabethLouter: @thewinebaron Thx 4 visitin @MuskokaBrewery Happy 2 have you. I mighta ruined your photos by bein goofy!

More on visit to Muskoka Brewery. Venture off the beaten path with me as I talk to the brewers & taste the beers of this exciting company.

I drove up to Bracebridge a couple of days ago to visit Muskoka Brewery. One thing that's immediately evident is the laid-back style of the people. Founder Gary McMullen and his team were sitting at a big oak table walking through their business plan. They immediately jumped up and greeted me warmly and offered to taste beer. It was quickly evident that these fine folks are focused, business savvy, fun-loving, and passionate about their products...

The Beers

Muskoka Craft Lager
 A clean and crisp lager. Gold medal winner. Approachable and drinkable.

 

Cream Ale
 Their first beer, and the flagship product. Brewed with cascade hops. Amber colour, floral notes. Smooth and laid-back in the English pub style.

Dark Ale

  This southern English style brown ale is at the light end of the Porter spectrum. It's a bronze medal winner and has lots of personality.
Mad Tom IPA
 A 6.4 % beer made with dry hops. Born this year! Nice citrus notes but not too bitter, excellent balance of aroma, bitterness and malt body. Silver medal winner.

Harvest Ale
 750 ml. A British style pale ale, 6.4%, dry hopped to allow aromas to come out. Seasonal, so get it now, or wait til next harvest.

Double Chocolate Cranberry Stout
 This 8% beauty is also in a 750 ml bottle. Featuring ingredients from the cranberry marsh nearby and cocoa nibs. It's a very nice dessert beer.

About 1/3 of their beer is sold to restaurants in kegs, 2/3 in bottles and cans to the public.

James Brewer

Angel Nero d'Avola organic red wine from Sicily. Excellent value in LCBO at 9.95.

Angel

Angel Nero d'Avola is a lovely red organic that delivers a charming and interesting wine experience. Excellent with red sauce pasta.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Porter & Stout r grt 4 Winter! Warming. RT @BlackCreekBeer: Black Creek Pale Ale finished 4 the season, but fear ...

Porter & Stout r grt 4 Winter! Warming. RT @BlackCreekBeer: Black Creek Pale Ale finished 4 the season, but fear not! ...Porter & Stout will keep you warm this winter!

Monday, November 21, 2011

Visitin @muskokabrewery tastin range of amazing lagers & ales. Gary McMullen & team r growin a world class brewery!

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Visitin @muskokabrewery tastin range of amazing lagers & ales. Gary McMullen & team r growin a world class brewery!

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Enjoyed my visit to Dora Keogh's Art Exhibition. Lively, colourful, expressive...

DORA ART

It was a great weekend. Not only the birthday party of my dearest, but also a chance to visit the Art Exhibition of Dora Keogh.

 

When I first saw Dora's paintings about a year ago, I admired the lively colour and vitality. Now, a year later, I'm enjoying how much she's grown as an artist. The new works exude a view of her environment with even more aplomb.

 

She's got an additional technique happening too: ink and watercolour wash. These smaller works have a picasso-esque style that is quite endearing. They possess life. They're joyous.

 

Thanks to Dora and John for a lovely afternoon! Keep on creating!

http://www.dorakeogh.com

Friday, November 4, 2011

Tenuta Moraia IL Pacchia Maremma Toscana, best wine I tasted at Italian wine show

P91

Admittedly, I managed to get to only about 10% of the wines at Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto on Monday. But within those parameters, this is one of the 2 best wines I sampled at the show. The other was a Barolo. This one is a Toscana superstar...

Tenuta Moraia IL Pacchia Maremma Toscana 2009

A blend of Sangiovese and Merlot, the wine is an enticingly dark beauty in a premium bottle and sporting an attractive label. Her sensuality exudes aromas and flavours of currants, berries, dark chocolate, coffee and spice, enveloped in a silky smooth body. The firm tannins proclaim this is a serious wine, and that certainly bears out in the big and lingering finish.

This wine will be available from Wine Lovers agency.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Picked up hand rolled Nicaraguan cigars @ Smokers Choice, Six Nations of the Grand at 3.75 ea. Now gas for $1.10 p L

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Picked up hand rolled Nicaraguan #cigars @ Smokers Choice, Six Nations of the Grand at 3.75 ea. Now gas for $1.10 p L

Friday, September 30, 2011

How To Think Big. By Michael Hyatt... I picked up Positive article ☛ The Magic of Thinking Big by David Schwartz, Ph.D. This book was originally published

How To Think Big. By Michael Hyatt... I picked up The Magic of Thinking Big by David Schwartz, Ph.D. This book was originally published in 1959. I read it for the first time in the late 80s. It forever changed my approach to life and work.

Since that time, I have become convinced that thinking big is not a gift, but a skill—one that anyone can develop. It starts by understanding the process and then consistently practicing it.

Here are seven steps to thinking big:

Imagine the possibilities. Give yourself permission to dream. I remember doing this when I was writing my first book. I imagined what it would be like to be a bestselling author. I thought about what it would be like to see my book on the New York Times best sellers list.

Write down your dream. This is the act that transforms a dream into a goal. Amazing things happen when you commit something to writing. I don’t fully understand how it works, but I have experienced it first-hand again and again. The phenomenon is explained in a very compelling book by Henriette Klauser called Write It Down, Make It Happen.

Connect with what is at stake. This is your rationale. Unfortunately, it is a crucial step that people often omit. Before you can find your way, you must discover your why. Why is this goal important to you? What will achieving it make possible? What is at stake if you don’t? What will you lose? Your rationale provides the intellectual and emotional power to keep going when the path becomes difficult (which it will).

Outline what would have to be true. Rather than merely asking how to get from where you are to where you want to go (strategy), I like asking what would have to be true for my dream to become a reality. For example, when I set a goal of hitting the best sellers list, I realized that I would have to write a compelling book, become its chief spokesperson, get major media exposure, etc. I started with the dream and worked backwards.

Decide what you can do to affect the outcome. This is where you transition from the big picture to daily actions. This is where people often get derailed. They can’t see all the steps that will take them to their goal. So rather than doing something, they do nothing. You will never see the full path. The important thing is to do the next right thing. What can you do today to move you toward your dream?

Determine when this will happen. Someone once said that a goal is simply a dream with a deadline. A deadline is one way to make the dream more concrete—which is exactly what thinking big is about. A deadline also creates a sense of urgency that will motivate you to take action. Force yourself to assign a “why when” date to every goal. (If you get stuck, ask yourself, What’s the worst that can happen if I don’t hit this?)

Review your goals daily. When I was writing my first book, I reviewed my goals daily. I prayed over them. I determined what I needed to do today to make them a reality. It gave me a laser focus, especially when the dream looked impossible—when the publisher called to cancel the contract, when my publicist told me no one was interested in the book, when the publisher ran out of inventory right after the book hit the best sellers list.

Don’t listen to that mocking little voice that tells you to be more realistic. Ignore it. You can either accept reality as it is or create it as you wish it to be. This is the essence of dreaming—and thinking big.

http://michaelhyatt.com/how-to-become-a-big-thinker.html

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Enjoying happy hour at Good Earth winery, talking to winemaker @goodearthglass about their vineyards.

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Enjoying happy hour at Good Earth winery, talking to winemaker @goodearthglass about their vineyards.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Have a great tasting! --> RT @viewpointewines: If u r near, pls go2 LCBO 10 Summerhill 4 a tasting of Cab Merlot ...

Have a great tasting! --> RT @viewpointewines: If u r near, pls go2 LCBO #10 Summerhill 4 a tasting of Cab Merlot & Cab Franc. Say hi 2 @vidalblonde

Friday, September 9, 2011

Viewpointe '07 Cabernet Merlot preview. Due in selected LCBO stores early Dec. Barrel agedxdark beauty w earthy l...

Viewpointe '07 Cabernet Merlot preview. Due in selected LCBO stores early Dec. Barrel agedxdark beauty w earthy leather & blackberry nose. Flavors of blackberry, black cherry, dark chocolate, and hints of spice. Complex. A big food-pairing wine. Hook it up with peppercorn New York sirloin steak. A steal at $13.95.

Monday, September 5, 2011

Nat brought me a beautiful new Spanish wine for my birthday last week. Opened it just now. Planella by Cellers Joan d'Anguera...

Wine_planella

This wine is from the wine region of Montsant, which was created in 2001. Located in the northeast of Spain near Barcelona, the region produces wines similar to its neighbour, Priorat. Upon tasting it, I thought it was a tempranillo, but it's actually of Mazuello, Syrah, Grenache & Cabernet Sauvignon.

These varietals certainly contribute to its wonderful complexity. The wine tastes truly Spanish, even with its unique blend of International grapes. It was aged about 10 + months in French oak barrels. A sophisticated wine of violets, blackberries, chocolate and cherry with a spicy finish. Dark, full-bodied, and sexy. A gorgeous wine! It paired very well with our Grade A BBQ'd steak, new potatoes and salad of fresh greens.

Monday, August 29, 2011

Cooking up lobster & throwing hops into our ale at Trafalgar Ales & Meades. Lovin the Smoked Oatmeal Stout.

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Cooking up lobster & throwing hops into our ale at Trafalgar Ales & Meades. Lovin the Smoked Oatmeal Stout.

Friday, August 12, 2011

Amazing presentation, delicious food at 13 Mountain Street, Grimsby. Kudos to Chef Abbey Solomon!

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Amazing presentation, delicious food at 13 Mountain Street, Grimsby. Kudos to Chef Abbey Solomon!

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Matt Dusk sings last nite in Elora. Next performance is Aug 12: http://www.mattdusk.com/tour.php

From his upbeat "Back in Town" to "My way" by Sinatra, the crooner was in great form last nite. He told me after the show, "I just wanted to have fun." That was clear. We were delighted to share in the fun!

100_0976

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Cam & Hailey serve Gin & The Giant Peach Martini at upbeat Turtle Jack's. Deliciously different

P82

Cam, Hailey and Tami (not pictured) are looking after me with stellar service at Turtle Jack's. Martini Ingredients: Gordon's Gin, Peach Schnapps, white peach tea, shaken with fresh lime juice, splashed with Agave syrup. Served with a peach slice. Goes down nice with the world's best ribs. Trust me. Turtle Jack's Mapleview (Burlington) is one of several locations.

Spencer's (Burlington) photo album of visit by The Wine Baron & Zoltan Szabo. From foie gras & stuffed zuccini flower to battered Lk Erie Perch...

Five courses later, the Transylvanian and Austrian agreed, this coulda been New York, Tokyo or Paris. The dazzling creations of Chef Haworth and Chef Bill were world class. TOP of the world. Enjoy the photo album of 5 dishes. Each masterfully paired with a Viewpointe wine, from their Pinot Grigio to their Reserve Syrah.

The Spencer's location is also one of its drawing cards. It's right on Lake Ontario. We sat on the patio and enjoyed the view while we dined in splendor. Thanks, Spencer's!

http://www.wineandleisure.com/spencers

 

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Agreed. Grt visit! RT @zoltanszabo: great visit w/ Marisa & Len Crispino of A Foreign Affair, tasted the '08 & mo...

Agreed. Grt visit! RT @zoltanszabo: great visit w/ Marisa & Len Crispino of A Foreign Affair, tasted the '08 & more, Niagara meets Veneto, some excellent vini

Friday, July 15, 2011

Duck/foie/chicken terrine, savoy cabbage sask berries, pumpk sds. Perfect paired w Viewpointe 07 Syrah reserve Both r delicate elegance!

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Duck/foie/chicken terrine, savoy cabbage sask berries, pumpk sds. Perfect paired w Viewpointe 07 Syrah reserve Both r delicate elegance!

Duck/foie/chicken terrine, savoy cabbage sask berries, pumpk sds. Perfect paired w Viewpointe 07 Syrah reserve Both r delicate elegance!

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Duck/foie/chicken terrine, savoy cabbage sask berries, pumpk sds. Perfect paired w Viewpointe 07 Syrah reserve Both r delicate elegance!

@zoltanszabo & I luvin battered Lk Erie Perch w Yuzu Hollandaise, coriander cress, paired w Viewpointe Pinot Grigio.

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@zoltanszabo & I luvin battered Lk Erie Perch w Yuzu Hollandaise, coriander cress, paired w Viewpointe Pinot Grigio.

Chef Bill's foie gras medley at Spencer's Burlington pairs perfectly with Viewpointe 2010 Pinot Grigio. Sweet, so...

Chef Bill's foie gras medley at Spencer's Burlington pairs perfectly with Viewpointe 2010 Pinot Grigio. Sweet, sour, savoury of the food gd w the forward fruit of the PG.

Chef Bill's foie gras medley at Spencer's Burlington pairs perfectly with Viewpointe 2010 Pinot Grigio. Sweet, so...

Chef Bill's foie gras medley at Spencer's Burlington pairs perfectly with Viewpointe 2010 Pinot Grigio. Sweet, sour, savoury of the food gd w the forward fruit of the PG.

3 types of foie gras & stuffed zuccini flower at Spencer's. Zoltan & I are duly impressed.

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3 types of foie gras & stuffed zuccini flower at Spencer's. Zoltan & I are duly impressed.

3 types of foie gras & stuffed zuccini flower at Spencer's. Zoltan & I are duly impressed.

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3 types of foie gras & stuffed zuccini flower at Spencer's. Zoltan & I are duly impressed.

Monday, June 27, 2011

At 13th St. Winery: Jean-Pierre Colas, Stefano Pizzolo of Enoitalia, Wine Baroness, Wine Baron. Just tasted Ratafia.

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At 13th St. Winery: Jean-Pierre Colas, Stefano Pizzolo of Enoitalia, Wine Baroness, Wine Baron. Just tasted Ratafia.

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Sauvignon Blanc blind shoot out w our tasting panel: K Crawford (NZ) vs Viewpointe (ON). 87 pts for NZ, 88 pts for ON

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Sauvignon Blanc blind shoot out w our tasting panel: K Crawford (NZ) vs Viewpointe (ON). 87 pts for NZ, 88 pts for ON

Friday, June 24, 2011

Tasting Henry of Pelham Baco & Viewpointe Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah Rsv w Konrad Ejbich. Trading wine stories @winezone

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Tasting Henry of Pelham Baco & Viewpointe Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah Rsv w Konrad Ejbich. Trading wine stories @winezone

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

The mystery wine was indeed a Tempranillo. It's called Vizana fr Extremadura Spain. Notes ...

Vizana Tempranillo 2007: Ribera del Guadiano, Spain (in Extemadura). Blockbuster affordable tempranillo crianza.

A blockbuster red. Inky dark. Huge blackberry, minerality, cloves and spices, liqueur cherries, liquorice, dark cocoa and hint of vanilla with dusty undertones. Firm tannins, full body, long finish. A delightfully big red wine.

Vizana

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Can u guess the wine? I'm havin a blockbuster red. Ink dark, huge bkackberry, cocoa, currant, clove, spice, hint ...

Can u guess the wine? I'm havin a blockbuster red. Ink dark, huge bkackberry, cocoa, currant, clove, spice, hint o vanilla w dusty undertones.

Friday, June 17, 2011

Yes, Chef was just mentioning it. It was good. Worth a visit. RT @RhondaLawrie: @thewinebaron saw that place on a...

Yes, Chef was just mentioning it. It was good. Worth a visit. RT @RhondaLawrie: @thewinebaron saw that place on a restaurant makeover show...can't wait to hear how the experience was.

Agreed--> RT @sommclad: '07 Viewpointe High Pointe Syrah (LENS). Very tasty after 60 mins in glass. Rhone notes...

Agreed--> RT @sommclad: '07 Viewpointe High Pointe Syrah (LENS). Very tasty after 60 mins in glass. Rhone notes with the Ontario thumbprint. Nice.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Thx for the tip, Simone. Yup, wines r 2 basic here! RT @scoucill_PR: @thewinebaron I bet it's terrible wine 2! U ...

Thx for the tip, Simone. Yup, wines r 2 basic here! RT @scoucill_PR: @thewinebaron I bet it's terrible wine 2! U should go 2 Dimi just round the corner. Better wine at least. Yorkville & reasonable? Never.

Friday, June 10, 2011

Viewpointe 2010 Pinot Grigio. Just out. More Alsace than ever, with toasty fruity tones of apricot, fresh ripe...

Viewpointe 2010 Pinot Grigio. Just out. More Alsace than ever, with toasty fruity tones of apricot, fresh ripe honeydew melon, smoky pear and a hint of apple on a crisp finish.

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Linguini w seas scallops, tiger shrimp, local fresh asparagus, sherry cream sauce drizzled with white truffel oil. Baroness says "best she's ever had." paired very well with Viewpointe Sauvignon Blanc.

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Linguini w seas scallops, tiger shrimp, local fresh asparagus, sherry cream sauce drizzled with white truffel oil. Baroness says "best she's ever had." paired very well with Viewpointe Sauvignon Blanc.

Chicken penne with snow peas at the Whistle Stop. Clara, Steve & Mamma delight us with a delicious meal & engaging conversation. Viewpointe Sauvignon Blanc pairs perfect.

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Chicken penne with snow peas at the Whistle Stop. Clara, Steve & Mamma delight us with a delicious meal & engaging conversation. Viewpointe Sauvignon Blanc pairs perfect.

Friday, June 3, 2011

Ca' De Riva Valpolicella Ripasso 2007. Comes across far more more mature & costly than it really is;

P73

a dark beauty that comes on strong with a robust bouquet & flavours of black cherry, spices, vanilla, dark chocolate & dried fruit. Additional nuances of smoke, leather & red fruit. Long lingering finish. I enjoyed it immensely after organic burgers, salad and asparagus. Great with the food, stellar as a sipper. A big affordable wine from Veneto. In your favourite LCBO.

Your palate IS hard working, young man! RT @zoltanszabo: Warsteiner refreshes my hard working palate @monkstable ...

Your palate IS hard working, young man! RT @zoltanszabo: Warsteiner refreshes my hard working palate @monkstable Mandy's reco, after a 50 + wines tasting, off to Muskoka later

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Wine 101 - Introducing wine. Learn about wine, the culture, the enjoyment, the fun...



WINE 101

Do you want to master
the whole wine thing?


Let's have some fun
and take it one step
at a time!

Step 1.

Wine Regions:

Click on a region.

Note:
Each link takes you to my website page,
use browser "back" button to return here.



Bordeaux

Burgundy

Rhone



Step 2
How to find wines you'll enjoy

Step 3
How wine is made

More Info:
Enjoy wine further at:



WineAndLeisure.com

Monday, May 30, 2011

Chateau Desmirail Margaux 2009 - Grand Cru Classe (3rd Growth): The dark color and very mature dark fruit bouquet...

... revealed a lot in the first few seconds! Being 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot, the distinct cassis was the first aroma and flavor to hit the palate, followed by raspberry, plum jam, chocolate and cedar. As the layers slowly unfolded, a dusty earthy quality and other fruity, floral nuances developed. The wine is big and amazingly balanced. The tannins are firm and silky.Denis Lurton took over the management of the Chateau in 1992 from his father, Lucien. Father and son have put a considerable stamp of competent winemaking in this property. The terrior is of well-drained gravel with some clay. The Gironde Estuary provides moderation to the climate. This chateau produces beautiful and affordable wines.


- Posted using Mobypicture.com

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Le Clos Jordanne Chardonnay Village Reserve 2008 Deep golden colour. Comes on strong and gets more subtle with passing moments. Quince, toast, vanilla, toffee, intense fruit aromas; layered and complex. Driftwood nuances. Bouquet follows through in the f

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Le Clos Jordanne Chardonnay Village Reserve 2008 Deep golden colour. Comes on strong and gets more subtle with passing moments. Quince, toast, vanilla, toffee, intense fruit aromas; layered and complex. Driftwood nuances. Bouquet follows through in the flavours with additional notes of orange peel. Hint of lemon on the satisfying and lingering finish. Enjoying the wine over late lunch with nature painter Chris Bacon.

Friday, May 27, 2011

Visited Viewpointe winery in Lake Erie North Shore. An amazing and wonderful winery. Fine wines. Pics ...

Photos: The winery from several angles, Vidal Blonde looking out on the Lake, LCBO buyers tasting wines of interest to them. Some may wind up in Vintages and LCBO General List. Last photo: Astrid Brummer of LCBO and Vidal Blonde discussing Viewpointe wines that are already in selected LCBO stores.

Lake Erie North Shore, LENS for short, is Canada's first wine region. The first winery opened here in the late 1800's. Today the wine region is experiencing exciting new growth with the addition of several wineries.

Viewpointe is the most exciting newer winery to call this area home. It's one of the most significant facilities in North America and is beautiful to look at.  It's also a wonderful place to visit.  Proprietor John Fancsy has crafted a location, winery facility and wines that are second to none.