Dinah Sarah

By the time I was old enough to have sex fantasies - I decided that food fantasies were better! "I vonder vy they never married?"

Top Ten based on his (Geoff Lasts') favorites of the year....

Just beginning to get involved in understanding wine - Recently saw a list of Geoff Lasts' (The Wine Shop) in Calgary - Top Ten Ragtag List - I thought it might be an interesting way to start tasting some nice wines Anyone tried any of these or have any thoughts/comments on the list (CDN Prices) 1) Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2001 $74.00 2) Ridge Santa Cruz Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 $43.00 3) Altos Las Hormigas Malbec 2004 $18.00 4) Tenuta Sette Ponti Crognolo 2003 $48.00 5) Marcel Deiss Alsace $24.00 6) Bodegas y Vinedos Alion 2001 $86.00 7) Waterstone Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 $38.00 8) Bodegas Muga Rioja Reserva 2000 $29.00 9) Brocard Chablis 2004 $25.00 10) Cignale 2001 $69.00

Merlin, funny how you mentioned Sequentia - that's the only Black Hills they have so far from my search - The Cellar on Stephens Ave. has it - a dessert wine which I don't mind myself - love the "stickies" comment - how true! I'll check out the Black Hills Website - a case might be a little out of the budget for me, might possible to get someone to share? will find out more info...

Sounds like a terrific time was had. Nice that they served BC wines - that would have gotten big points from me also. Have heard fab things about Black Hills Nota Bene, however same experience as you - no go in (3) trips! Wonder if we can do something over the internet? (interested) does anyone in Calgary carry that baby... How was the Mt Boucherie Riesling Ice wine - I adore ice wines with dessert - it's so decadent - the strawberry shortcake in a champagne glass - was it a poundcake or spongecake? sounds like a nice presentation. I will have to make it up to Emerald Lodge and Truffle Pigs sometime soon - have checked out their website and I could easily eat every meal there myself. Thanks for the update - no worries on the pen, if it were me I would not have been able to read my own damn writing after the first bellini! Cheers and here's to a New Year of discovering wonderful eats in Calgary.

Seems the old Stromboli location in Kensington is going to be a pizza parlour called Pulcinella - should be opening in February sometime -

Thanks Mooshmouse , just what I was lookin for !

Decided to have a dinner party - was planning to make a fab chicken dish by James Beard - Mushroom Mustard Chicken ; with a side of buttered noodles One of my guests annouced upon invitation that she was on a diet and that my menu for the evening would have way too much fat in it - could we have stirfry - WTH ? Ok fine - I made stirfry - which sucked - to make it worse this so called person on a diet - brought chips and dip as an appetizer and proceeded to eat everything in sight - I have never forgiven her for that - she's still overweight due to her flavor of the week diet plan - maybe she was afraid I was a better cook than her who knows - man her behavior made me mad PS> sorry I messed had to re-post -

I was having a discussion about nautical terms becoming common day language - got me thinking how many food terms/words were used to describe people or their behavior - thought it would be fun - (no sexism intended - could work for either) Example: She's not the crispiest crouton He's not the sharpest knife in the drawer The bubbles went out of her champagne a long time ago He thinks he's meat but he's only mashed potatoes

French Fry Sandwhich 2 slices of white bread - 2 slices of cold butter - super hot french fries lined up perfectly on buttered bread - plenty of salt and a sprinkle of vinegar - warms you up and keeps you fortified while you making the second sandwhich

Pretty much of what I heard also, they seem to be taking quite sometime in fixing up the place - it became somewhat rundown - Strombolis had a rosemary and potato pizza that was carb heaven... I like Il Chianti (20th & Edmonton Trail ) (not in the hood unfortunately ) beside the Italian Supermarket - family run and fair pricing - if your looking for affordable Italian (pastas) - They have an anchoivy black olive bruschetta - that's a perfect starter with a glass of white wine - (be aware their pastas are served just el-dente) might want to check if you like yours less so Speaking of the Kensington area - anyone tried the Merle's Deli place that opened up in the Charlie's Bakery, Janice Beaton Fine Cheese - Kensington Wine corner ? I was by there today and it was packed. Cheers,

Planning NYE traditional fondue - gruyere, swiss, ementhal - cubes of bread looking for match wine and champagne any suggestions? Happy New Year to all...

Thanks for the info on Truffle Pigs - will have to check it out sometime soon - sounds perfect for a weekend trip..I'm sure you will have a great time.. Please fill us in with the details of the menu/evening when you get back. champagne with cheese fondue.. yum! might be a good idea for my NYE (at home)

I read that Glen Manzer is now at Wildwood - ( I have only been there for weekend brunch) IMHO best brunch in the city (although becoming more popular and crowded - service isn't as good - but still worth the visit)

← Vanderb - Please do tell more about Truffle Pigs! - i'm very curious now.... Field is about 3 hours drive? -

Tried Tribune the 1st week they opened - was impressed with the service from front desk/coat check and server - the room has brick walls/leather booths warm and classy - enjoyed the wine list - the kitchen hadn't hit their stride yet so would like to give them another chance before commenting on the food

vanderb - nice to hear you enjoy the Italian Supermarket, I have purchased many grocery items from there but haven't tried their pizza will give it a go, I believe they had an anchoivy pizza - that's my speed!.... Have you tried the Italian Store at McKnight - behind Westjet.... their prices are much better being in the east - although their dinning area is hit and miss..Lina's and Mercato on 4th are way off on pricing WTH is that... have you been? Let me know about your NYE menu - we like to get away for a weekend - nice to hear more about the place...

Thanks Daddy A for asking re: Jason's place - wasn't sure if I should being new to the posts and all - can't wait to find out! Visited Alexis Bistro new spot in the suburbs of Altadore strangely located in a strip mall on first impression I wasn’t so sure. However, once through the doors I could tell I was in for a treat – it was purring nicely - plenty full and good jazz playing. Behind the bar was owner/manager Brett Johnson (formerly of Muse). Our waiter was Lon Parker. Starter was a salad – warmed mix greens – toasted pine nuts and roasted red peppers – served with bread basket and selection of both sun dried-tomato and pesto butter. Enjoyed with a Pinot Gris - VERY generous pour Main course for myself was grouper – with a basil crust - served on a bed of sundried tomato risotto and topped off with warm greens – surrounding the plate was a fabulous selection of grilled baby eggplant – shallots – baby carrots – again outstanding – fish was “just cooked “ still moist – each fillet broke away with a breeze of my fork. Overall a plentiful plate which left me quite full – Another glass of Pinot Gris accompanied it. – Once again generous. My better half had the salmon – served on a bed of pesto mashed potatoes along with the same vegetables as described above he didn’t say much of anything – beyond “umm nice” which means he really enjoyed it – (not the prolific type).... I had such a generous serving I couldn’t try his. I frequently dine alone and am extra delighted when I find a place that I would feel comfortable doing so in. Alexis has sincere well-executed service, generous portion/pour – and sexy presentation – it’s a hit – just get there. Alexis Bistro & Lounge 4824 16 St. SWCalgary Ph: 403.214.3616

Oh, there's liability. This is why pours are so controlled. I've worked one of these tastings years ago, and I pissed someone off by refusing to pour. The sponsor of such tastings usually takes out a one-day liability rider policy. ← Good on ya ' for refusing a pour - said company that I worked with didn't have such a thing - better if we did - laws must be different here in the wild west of Alberta... however on the upside - we have a privatized liquor system (only province in Canada - ) therefore marvelous pricing and choice - LOVE that part.. my favorite store being Kensington Wines - go in with your menu come out with a good white and red choice - some added knowledge -and all without feeling fleeced...

I have worked these wine tastings - nothing glammy I'm talking schelp, schelp.. many attend so that they can drink (not taste) as much wine as possible for the price of entrance. By the middle of the evening "it ain't pretty" by the end - it's worse than ugly - these people get in their car and DRIVE. IMHO they should have wine tastings with fewer and finer wines - charge more per entrance and limit the number of pours per person - serve some appropriate food that fits the wine and give a discount to those who purchase that evening. Does anyone know if the liability on the establishment to not have guests drive home is different for a wine tasting than for a restaurant or private home?

I re-located to Calgary 4 years ago. (born and raised Vancouverite) - I enjoy this site as it helps me keep in touch with what is happening and when I go home I can almost convince friends left behind that I am not THAT much out of touch! However, for being a Western Canada group I don't see much representation of Calgary/Edmonton etc. Anyone else out there who would like to do "due dilegence" on goings on in Calgary/Edmonton...and area?

I tend to be uncomfortable in these situations - thanks for the interesting and useful guidelines - Interesting point and thanks for the heads up Brad - Re: the host actually wanting to make it some sort of test - politics of play so to speak.. especially in a business to business relationship -

During a business trip you are invited out for fine dinning, (by a colleague/peer) It's their town and their tab. Your host graciously asked you to pick the wine. Is there an appropriate price point you should adhere to? If there is something special on the wine list that you have been wanting to try or you think would go wonderful with the meal, let your host know - your pick your tab Or let er rip... after all it's their tab and you get a chance to show 'em what you know :