: 30- Wednesday, April 14, 1999 — North Shore News From page 29 Marlborough wine region at the northern tip of New Zealand’s South Island. Cape Mentelle was found- ed in 1970 by David Hohnen. It was one of the first vineyards in the Margaret River region and remains onc of a select num- ber of wine producers in the Western Australia area, which produces a scant 2% of Australia’s wine. But a quality 2% it is: Leap a few lines, for exam- ple, to the oyster course and sample the 1998 Cape Mentelle Sauvignon Blanc- Semillon. Cloudy Bay, a reference to the bay’s water not the over- head sky cover North Shore residents are used to, was established in 1985 by Hohnen and Cape Mentelle. Both wineries are now run as a partnership between Hohnen and champagne house Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin. And both are committed to cultivating varietal and regional! viticultural character. Bur to the table, diners, te sample and celebrate the blessed union. Feasting notes: Oysters to open. Chef Chow presents them wrapped in crepzs with chervil sabayon, creme fraiche and a sprinkling of Sevruga caviar. Elegance from the outset, Cloudy Bay's renowned Sauvignon Blane (bright and jazzy on the palate ... layers of quince, passion fruit and grapetruit, opines the Wine Spectator) and the aforemen- tioned Cape Mentelle Sauvignon Blane-Semillon (uplitting acidity, reminiscent of some quality’ dry white Bordeaux wines, according to Wine UK's Top of the Tasting) provide crisp {according to Table Hopping) accompaniment. There follows amidst the hubbub of gastronomic enjoyment: @ Delicate Dungeness crab lasagna ringed with basil oil and a fine savoury tomato coulis (well balanced and responsibly oaked chardon- nays from both wineries accompanying); @ Chow’s wonderii! duck and pistachio sausage scuffed on the premises (once in the kitchen by Chow and crew and again into yawning maws by dinner guests) and pre- sented atop a serving of French lentils dressed with a sprig of lemon thyme; the lentils are an inspired touch; restaurants need to provide diners with more from the great family of lentils, beans and grains as respite from the potato and rice monopoly; from Mr. Berry, meanwhile: a 1997 Cape Mentelle Shiraz that, in the wine trade, would best be described as “big.” For mere Table Hopping dabblers “cruiser- Gift Certificate Valid when two or more dinner entrees ave purchased. Limit coupon per couple & 2 coupons per table. Offer valid 7 days a week 5-11:30 pm sisi April 30/99 BAROLO ristorante fistorante italiano : | 1560 marine drive, west van. reservations 926-4228 Purchase any 2 entrees at $7.95 or more and receive the 2nd entree of equal or lesser north shore news DINING Food and wine celebrated weight” comes to mind. The Cape Shiraz requires sone serious company on the plate. Not the type of red to sip solo on the tront porch. But what’s thar Mr. Heffilfinger? a touch jammy? Too soft around the edges? More tannin needed, you say. Egad! Eyebrows arch. Throats are cleared. Assorted cutlery hits the linen. Quick, next course please: @ Roasted lamb chop topped in a gossamer mushroom duxelle (butter saute of mushrooms, onions and shal- lots) and served with a finely chopped vegetable ragout; in the glass: 1997 Cape Mentelle Cabernet/Merlot Trinders Vineyard. Anticipation hangs heavy over the table. Lower lips clenched berween tecth. Deep breaths drawn. Mr. Heffilfinger? Tannin, we have. Thank Bacchus! B That leaves us with dessert: a simple berry bread pudding made with bread, banana bread, fresh blueber- ries and mined with almond pralire. Perfect company for a glass of chilled Cloudy Bay botrytis affected riesling. A fabulous finish, it was. Throughout the blessed event the full house was treated to the Beach Side’s impeccable service and the informed viticultural knowl- edge of sommelier Davidson. who moved with graceful energy between tables. And the happy couple danced the night away. The Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival, meanwhile, continues through to April 18. Event highlights include the April 15 to 17 International Festival Tastings at the Vancouver Trade and Convention Centre (tickets: 280-4444). The Beach Side will also be hosting another winemak- ers dinner. This one will be part of the festival's April 18 finale and will feature BLR Hardy winemaker Bill Hardy. Tickets are $85. Another sterling union. Bur then food and wine marriages are a Beach Side speciality every night of the week. If you haven’t been for a waile invest in some romance; it will pay hand- some dividends "til death do you part. Tasty Morsels: The owners of the Ariston Greek restaurant in West Vancouver (1425 Marine Dr., 925-0070) are celebrat- ing the restaurant's first anniversary this month by offering diners a chance to win a trip for two to Greece. Enter the draw when you ! Serving 5 World Famous Fish & Chips# @ Dine-in only © Not valid with ether promotional offers 38" om Pit © Monday to Friday only, 2 p.m. to closing © Horseshoe Bay location only BAY since 1946 § Valid until 6408 Bay Sheet )} West Vancouver 921-77 7733 wt — Ge Valid 7 days a week ~ 4:00- midnight Expizes April 30/99 (Not valid in conjunction with a is) With this coupon, buy the first entree, and receive tree of equal or lesser value - value for 1/2 price ight & Day Kn en eee ar eae ere irre ae arn RESTAURANT Ce Me ee ee any other offer. North Shore location only.) 2601 Westview Drive, North Vancouver fn Wewiew Centeat | QO 33 O83) Wastview and Hwy. No. 1} NEWS photo ide Wakefield BEACH Side Cafe owner Janet McGuire played host to the recent Cape Mentelle winemakers dinner. TRUEUS OTE UCR AUN Pe pasta- steak seafood a We'll do the Stmply call ws for a rceervation, We'll cond (9 cor gaywbere io North DRIVING! == vif ‘= alas “Zac you back when youre done, @ It's that Simpic! ‘Valid Sua - Thurs anty. Not valhd with any otter offers of coupans. SAS IRTIPRCRTRTT IES SOR aR TINER CR URTIOEGUTIT TI + SUNDAY $:00pm of 1 3331 } Plus taxes. Present coupon = wal ty ai Park Roe! tbe Api 15799. eee oe eee 1157 Davie St, Vancouver Park Royal South Food Court§. 331 -0051 925-2463 1734 Marine Drive, West Vancouver RESTAURANT You Said tt Winner © “¥2K an hits West {taverns reste Restrictions: Not valid with other promotions. . To ensure proper billing please present coupon before ordering.