Valentine’s Dinner wine Pairings

Our lovely and talented Robin has suggested a couple of wines that she believes will pair nicely with our 4 course Valentine’s day menu.

To accompany the Amuse and Soup course, Robin suggests:

Sibling Rivalry – White, Canada, Henry of Pelham Family Est. Winery
Item# 126144 $13.95

And to accompany the Main Course, Robin suggests:

Sebastiani, 2006 Sonoma County released Feb 6, 2010

Item# 640573 $19.95

Both wines are well stocked in almost all of Ottawa’s LCBO Locations.

Filed Under:  Entertaining

Valentines Day

Valentine’s Day is a time when we think about the people in our hearts.  It’s a time to remember how important it is to love, and be loved.  And if we are lucky, we will get to spend some time with the people we care about, whether it be our children, lovers, life partners, good friends, or parents.

Food & Love are connected in a way that is difficult to understand and sometimes more difficult to describe.  When we cook for people, we are showing them that we care enough about them to spend hours preparing something that might take minutes to consume.   We often cook using recipes that have been passed down through generations as a way to honour and remember people from our past.  By dining together, we are telling each other, “You are important to me. I want to break bread with you, to spend time with you.”

Having worked in a variety of industries, I can tell you that there is no business that speaks to people’s hearts the way the food business does.  Food is a means of celebrating joyous occasions, and a way to mourn together.  At the Red Apron, people often give food to celebrate the birth of a new baby, or to acknowledge the passing of someone dear.  Feeding people is our way of telling them that we care, that our thoughts are with them, and that if there is nothing else we can do to ease their pain or help them through a difficult time, then at least we can feed them.  Just last week a woman was in our store buying food for a family with a very sick child.  “I don’t know what else to do,” she cried.

Our memories are linked to food in ways that amaze us.  When we smell certain foods we can conjure memories of special people, places and occasions, as well as feelings of comfort, joy and satisfaction.

My father often made a simple dish of boiled pasta (usually macaroni), canned diced tomatoes, butter, salt & pepper.  As simple as this dish sounds, when I am feeling sad or tired, or in need of love and attention, there is nothing that makes me feel more comforted than enjoying a bowl of Dad’s pasta.

My grandfather loved Oreo Cookies and would eat two of them on a plate with a butter knife, which he used to separate the tops and scrape out the middle.  Each component had to be enjoyed slowly and separately.  As much as I generally despise processed food, I can’t think of Oreo cookies without smiling at the memory of my sweet grandfather.

In celebration of Valentine’s Day, we have created a menu to be enjoyed with those you love, in the comfort of your own home.  Our four-course menu features many local and organic ingredients, and I can assure you it will be made with love.  We feel privileged to be able to work in an industry we are passionate about – cooking good, healthy food for wonderful people to enjoy with their families.  It doesn’t get any better than this!

Here is the menu:

House Made Paté with Orange & Tarragon, Herbed Crostini

Butternut & Smoked Balderson Cheddar Bisque with Fresh Chive Pesto

Breast of Chicken stuffed with Walnuts & Caramelized Apple, Calvados Reduction
or
Slowly Braised Petite Nation Bison with Cranberry Port Sauce

Le Coprin Organic King Erynge Mushroom Risotto
Haricots Vert, Yellow Peppers & Heirloom Carrots

White Chocolate Cheesecake with Chocolate Crumb, Raspberry Coulis

Cocoa Camino Dark Chocolate Tangerine Truffle

Dinner is priced at $59 for 2 people and is available for pick-up on Friday February 12th, from 2-6pm and Saturday February 13th from 10am-2pm.  Quantities are limited so order in advance to guarantee availability.

Filed Under:  Entertaining