Taste BC 2009 Recap and Guest Post
byI was given media passes to the Taste BC event (as well as the contest tickets) although I was planning on staying in last night and preparing for the trip to WordCamp Whistler. I completely forgot that I had arranged to cover Ideas on Tap for Media2O Productions so I raced out for the liveblog. Fortunately, I was able to send two lovely ladies to Taste BC in my place to cover the event for Miss604.com.
The following was contributed by Keira-Anne Mellis:
The only thing better than enjoying fantastic wines, incredible cheeses and decadent chocolate is indulging in all of the above for charity. Last night the second annual Taste BC welcomed fine food lovers to the grand ballroom of the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Vancouver.
“Vancouver’s largest food and drink tasting featuring everything BC! From wineries to restaurants, cheese to cider and seafood to beer, Taste BC features the best food and drink BC has to offer.”
Attendees were quickly whisked inside, wine glass in hand, and greeted by a number of exhibitors offering everything from fruit-based liqueurs, delicate cheeses, red wine, white wine, oysters, mussels and chocolate truffles. Given that I had three hours to sample all the local fare, I took my time and had a chance to speak with each merchant about their products.
One of the first exhibitors that drew my eye was Forbidden Fruit Winery from Cawston. Their unique organic fruit wines are produced with some of the most beautiful flavours I’ve ever tasted – or smelled – from a glass. The 2007 Crushed Innocence white peach dessert wine was a favourite.
Being that I’m from Vancouver Island, in recent years I’ve watched vineyards start to dot the Island, almost all of which have been producing outstanding wines. I had a chance to talk with Andy Johnston, proprietor of Averill Creek Vineyard near Duncan. He explained to me one of his favourite traditions in winemaking, using the french oak method, which reduces the acidity and brings out fragrant flavour notes – particularly in their 2006 Pinot Gris.
In a room so full of varied and phenomenal vino, keeping the palate clear is important. In between sips, I treated myself to fresh Denman Island oysters courtesy of Rodney’s Oyster House, organic turkey sausage from Whole Foods Market, outstanding tonic water (brewed for over 100 years) from Fentimans and old world breads from Granville Island’s La Baguette.
Before I knew it, my evening was over and, much like Cinderella losing her glass slipper, I left my wine glass behind at the stroke of 7:30 and dashed out the door. My belly full, my point-of-view a little fuzzy from all the great wine but my conscience clear knowing how many children will be helped through the proceeds of this extraordinary evening.
Related posts contributed to Miss604.com by Keira-Anne in the past: Blogathon 2008 Guest Post, Metro Vancouver Park Series, Crab Park, Blogathon 2007 Guest Post, and another Blogathon 2007 Guest Post.
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Wine and cheese…two of my faves!
[…] Attendees of the event January 19th (from 4:30pm until 7:30pm) will be encouraged to sample creations from fine restaurants along with beers, wines, and artisan cheeses. You can read what my friend Keira had to say about last year’s event at the Hyatt Regency in this guest blog post. […]