Chef In Residence CUISINE
Salad with Berries We have been very pleased with the salad greens we receive from one of the local farms here, dropped off by the farmer, and spoken of with love and passion. Many of you are familiar with the concept of ‘terroir’ in wine making – the effect that soil, air and water have on the final flavour of the crops. I’m convinced that the locality of the ingredients make recipes tastier, and healthier. In this case, the salad is paired with local berries (from one street over) and the combination of berries, greens and goat’s cheese is particularly compelling. In this instance, I used a dressing we make here, with tart cherry concentrate as a base. Awesome!
INGREDIENTS • ½ lb organic greens, washed • berries, (you decide – if it’s ripe, and in season, it will be delicious!) • 1 small log (180 gr) of fresh, soft goat’s cheese • garnishes, for colour • Salt & Pepper DIRECTIONS In season, and fresh from the garden, many ingredients are naturally tasty, don’t over-work or over-season them.
Toss the greens with a sprinkling of salt and pepper, and dress lightly. A vinaigrette is better at displaying the various colours than a creamy dressing. I used a cherry vinaigrette, but use your favorite. Artfully display on a plate, (or in a bowl for family-style) and place the goat’s cheese on the salad. Last, sprinkle the berries, then serve immediately. You can make this in advance, (a few hours, at the most) but then omit the S &P, and the dressing.
To Make Summer Special, Go West
JULY 2018 • Yoga in the Vineyards @ Westcott – July 5 from 7-9 pm. Join us in practicing yoga on the lawn at Westcott Vineyards with views of the sun setting over the vineyards. Every Thursday night from 7-8pm one of the Moksha Yoga St Catharines Instructors will lead us through a one-hour yoga sequence followed by a glass of wine of your choosing. Purchase a 10 pass (which you will find at the end of the tickets) and enjoy 10% off and drop in any Thursday between June and the end of September. Cost: $25 + HST, includes one hour yoga, a glass of wine & $5 credit towards a bottle of wine purchased the same evening. Please bring your own mat. A limited number of extra yoga mats will be available for rental. Westcott tends to have a breeze and can feel a bit chilly as the sun sets. Westcott Vineyards, 3180 Seventeenth St., Jordan. Phone 905-562-7517. • Muddy Paws Wine Festival – July 7-8, Noon-5 PM. This Festival presents a unique
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opportunity to celebrate excellent wine and food in Niagara – and bring along your best (four-legged) friend. On this weekend, Vineland Estates Winery and Featherstone Estate Winery will open their doors to well-behaved dogs on a leash who wish to accompany their owners. New and favourite wines will be available by the glass and renowned chefs will be serving delicious fare all afternoon. There will be a canine theme to the weekend, with special events at each winery and a portion of wine sales will support National Service Dogs. Tickets are $20.00 (+ HST) and include access to the Festival area at both wineries; one glass of wine and one commemorative glass. Please note: Your ticket will be valid for either Saturday or Sunday, please specify which day you would like to visit when you purchase your ticket. Tickets are available online at www. muddypawswine.com. Featherstone Estate Winery, 3678 Victoria Ave., Vineland. Phone 905-562-1949
• Rock At The Winery – July 14, 5pm – 10:30pm. Join the tribute party as we rock to all your favourite hits by AC/DC and KISS. General admission and assigned seating available. Tickets start at $49, plus taxes and fees. Want the full VIP treatment? You’ll enjoy the concert from our air conditioned Vineyard Pavilion, while savouring a 4-course dinner with wine pairings. $189 per person, plus taxes and fees. This event is 19+ only and will proceed rain or stars. Gates open at 6 pm and music plays from 6-10:30 pm. Please do not bring children, food, alcohol, pets, tents or chairs to the event as they are not permitted. This event is standing-room only unless booked with Trius Lounge assigned seating, Dinner & Concert VIP tickets, or Trius Winery Restaurant Patio Seating. Trius Winery, 1249 Niagara Stone Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake. Phone (905) 468-7123. • Good Girth Supper Club: Low Country