Rebecca Shoufany Amoury

On This Week’s Podcast, Marvels Of Mediterranean Cuisine Featuring Oakville’s NEW Montfort Mediterranean Cuisine.

Marvels Of Mediterranean Cuisine
Marvels of Mediterranean Cuisine

Montfort Mediterranean Cuisine

We’ve got the travel bug and no place to go!
And with so many folks out there having travel plans being foiled due to Covid 19, we thought well…for today’s show our topic is “if you can’t get to the Mediterranean, we’ll bring the Mediterranean to you!

And introduce you to some of the marvels of Mediterranean cuisine, from countries including the likes of the well traveled Spain and France, but also those less well known for their cuisine such as Israel, Egypt and Syria. Each celebrating a few of their very own and unique specialties.

We’ll also touch upon on some of the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet. Studies have shown folks that follow this style of eating are also more likely to enjoy a longer life than people in other regions.

So joining us today, we bring the Mediterranean to you via the journeys of our guests Rebecca Shoufany Amoury .Rebecca and her husband Jad are the proud owners of Montfort Mediterranean Cuisine, a fabulous restaurant, located in Oakville, Ontario that offers you, the diner a delectably diverse and mouth-watering menu.
Rebecca and Jad each have their own journey that began just north of Israel, knowing and living the traditions of Mediterranean culture first hand for many years. Their journeys eventually led them here to our beautiful country and our beautiful town of Oakville.
We will welcome Rebecca CEO of Montfort Mediterranean Cuisine first, she will fill us in on her story and learn more about the story behind Montfort.

Jad and Rebecca, Husband and wife team and owners of Montfort Mediterranean Cuisine.
Rebecca Shoufany Amoury and husband Dr. Jad Amoury
Raphael Pommier of Domaine Ogier
Raphael Pommier of Domaine Ogier

For our second perspective on rosés made in France we turn our attention to the Rhone Valley. Our focus is more specifically the appellation of Ventoux. The Ventoux vineyards actually developed and expanded during the Avignon papacy. This papacy was 1309 -1376. The kings of France drank these wines over the centuries.

Our producer Ogier founded in 1859 is situated in the southern Rhone in the famous Chateauneuf-du-Pape. This literally translates to “new castle of the Pope”. Ventoux is enjoying a positive affect of climate change now due to the warmer climes. They are producing wines of deeper colour and body.

Yvonne Robinson

And to close off the show, Yvonne Robinson will join us. Montfort just recently relocated and under the guidance of Yvonne, an Interior Design Consultant for over 25 years, with a love herself of the Mediterranean, Yvonne designed and decorated the new Montfort. Yvonne will share with us the nuances that speak to the Med in her design, truly a job beautifully done.

Georgia and Susanne enjoying dinner at Montfort Mediterranean Cuisine.

About The Wine Ladies Podcast

Our podcast “Taking Life One Sip at a Time” is an radio audio podcast on which we share with the audience our passion and sense of adventure for delectable and fascinating foods, wine, spirits and lifestyle discoveries. Our motto “everything in life somehow comes back to the vine and to live life large and with integrity is intertwined with a variety of guests from around the globe… Chatting with celebrity chefs, celebrity winemakers, exotic food purveyors, artists, musicians, sports personalities, lifestyle advocates and fashion icons be sure to tune in for an hour of lively topical and educational conversation.

Olives

Mesmerizing Marvels of Mediterranean Cuisine

Rebecca Amoury Rebecca sits above Montfort Castle in the high Galilee, Israel where the Montfort name came.

Mesmerizing Marvels of Mediterranean Cuisine

With so many folks out there having travel plans being foiled due to Covid 19, we thought well… if you can’t get to your planned destination maybe you can bring the destination to you! What do they say, when life gives you lemons make lemonade? For us… a hopeful visit to the Mediterranean was not to be, so since we couldn’t get to the Med, why not bring a little of the Med to us! Starting with one of the Mediterranean’s star features, food glorious Food! Here we’ll introduce you to a brand-new restaurant embracing the delectable, mouth-watering and healthy cuisine of the Mediterranean. We’ll touch upon the incredible diversity the region has to offer. With Twenty-three countries bordering the Med one can only imagine the possibilities for the foodie, from a country’s signature dish to a unique spice, indigenous herb and/or traditional recipes handed down over generations.

Montfort Mediterranean Cuisine, located in Oakville, ON, is a quintessential Mediterranean restaurant with some of the best authentic dishes you can imagine.

Olives
A staple of the Mediterranean, this mural of delectable olives hangs above the open kitchen OLIVES IN DISH The moment one enters, one is reminded of the primary staple of the Mediterranean diet. This mouthwatering flavour is infused into many of the middle eastern dishes prepared for the healthiest appetites! .

Rebecca, or Rabab as she is affectionately known, grew up in the North Galilee Israel, in a town that overlooks Lebanon which we learned is located just a half hour from where the Last Supper was held. Now that is pretty cool! Rebecca’s roots go back many generations in the area with her grandparents and parents having a passionate connection with the land, harvesting grape leaves, lemon and olives trees, growing a variety of vegetables, different herbs and more. Rabab tells us this is where she has many fond memories of harvesting the trees, grinding falafel, and learning to prepare traditional recipes of the Mediterranean which are still being used today at Montfort. She recalls that everything was always so fresh, so delicious, and prepared with so much love and attention.

Jad and Rebecca, Husband and wife team and owners of Montfort Mediterranean Cuisine.
Rebecca Shoufany Amoury and husband Dr. Jad Amoury

“Growing up, I had the opportunity to be a part of the most incredible experience of what the true meaning of traditional Mediterranean cuisine is! Every October olive harvesting and pressing our own olives at the olive press which was in our village”

We learn that the family time together was most often spent sitting at a large harvest table, enjoying one another’s company over food and drink. This she tells us has a lot to do with her philosophy today.

“The Shoufany Amoury family represents the true foundation of Montfort and we stand behind the belief that “food, family and friends“ are a shared richness that is not only a part of our culture, but a way of life that we have been privileged enough to share here in Canada at our restaurants.

Georgia and Susanne enjoying dinner at Montfort Mediterranean Cuisine.
The Wine Ladies enjoying a Montfort Mediterranean Cuisine spread representing multiple regional specialties.

We had the opportunity to sit down with the Founder Rebecca Shoufany Amoury and, over a glass of wine and a variety of mouth-watering dishes, she began to share her story.

Rebecca founded Montfort Mediterranean Cuisine over 25 years ago with “the grateful assistance of my parents Melad and Georgette”. The name Montfort she says was chosen “because it represents a big part of who my family are; “strong mountain ”She recalls on many occasions sitting far above the Montfort Castle from where the name Montfort came, in Galilee, Israel.

After 25 years in one location, they recently relocated reopening in a space where the atmosphere and environment of Montfort bellow out “welcome to the Mediterranean”! And welcome to our place for friends and family to gather and enjoy fresh, delicious, home-made traditional dishes of the Mediterranean.

In 2013, the Montfort family grew after Rebecca met Dr. Jad Amoury in Israel. Jad had been practicing dentistry for 15 years and since coming to Canada has joined the family business at Montfort.

An astute businessman, Jad runs the business and oversees the kitchen, whilston off hours spending time with two young babies, ages 2 and 8 months. How do they do it all?“It’s about passion” Rebecca tells us. Passion for family, for tradition, for the wonderful flavours and dishes of the Med!

What is the Mediterranean diet?

Twenty-three countries across 3 continents border the Mediterranean Sea. Although all of the Mediterranean diets share common characteristics there are slight variations depending on the region.A typical Mediterranean diet consists of plenty of vegetables, grains, nuts, legumes and fruits. Olive oil is the predominant fat and thank goodness…wine and homemade Arak often accompanies meals!

To our own experience on this day at Montfort Mediterranean Cuisine Although the countries of France, Spain and Italy have garnered much of the “Mediterranean “attention, today as you may have surmised Rebecca and Jad are eager to explore several of the eastern countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. Israel, Lebanon, Palestine and Egypt to name a few are represented on a beautiful spread Executive Chef Fouad sets down before us.“Chef Fouad,”Jad informs us “hails from Egypt, studied in France and in Holland. 

Palm Trees
Mediterranean Palm Trees PALM TREES evoke warm climate, calm breezes and relaxing moments...

Let the tasting begin! We begin with an appetizer plate “Maza” which is a selection of four appetizers, (you are free to choose your own) baba ghanoush, humous, kibbeh and falafel. Each of these represent a different birth place including Israel, Lebanon, Greece and Egypt, although all are a key staple around the Mediterranean with slight variations. A delicious starter to be sure. After a plate of delicate, delicious fried calamari, seasoned withMontfort Mediterranean spices and drizzled with a reduced balsamic vinaigrette, the main course, a Mixed Grill featuring their signature dish, Montfort Chicken, Chicken Shawarma, Pork Souvlaki and Kafta arrived. All juicy, flavorful, tender and with fragrant and flavourful herbs and spices… where am I? Could it be the eastern part of the Med? No… alas, we are not permitted to travel, but this is definitely the next best thing! 

Woman picking lemons off the tree Rebecca harvesting lemons in her parent's garden located in the High Galilee, Holy Land

Let the tasting begin! We begin with an appetizer plate “Maza” which is a selection of four appetizers, (you are free to choose your own) baba ghanoush, humous, kibbeh and falafel. Each of these represent a different birth place including Israel, Lebanon, Greece and Egypt, although all are a key staple around the Mediterranean with slight variations. A delicious starter to be sure. After a plate of delicate, delicious fried calamari, seasoned withMontfort Mediterranean spices and drizzled with a reduced balsamic vinaigrette, the main course, a Mixed Grill featuring their signature dish, Montfort Chicken, Chicken Shawarma, Pork Souvlaki and Kafta arrived. All juicy, flavorful, tender and with fragrant and flavourful herbs and spices… where am I? Could it be the eastern part of the Med? No… alas, we are not permitted to travel, but this is definitely the next best thing! 

Marvels Of Mediterranean Cuisine
Marvels of Mediterranean Cuisine

In closing we have to applaud Rebecca and Jad for having the courageto push forward with the launching of the new Montfort Mediterranean Cuisine during these challenging times. Jad, as the operations Manager took a bold and savvy step, by being an early adopter in creating their own apps for Montfort for takeout and delivery. This allows their local customers to order online, earn loyalty points and receive an automatic credit of $5.00 with each download.This has helped the restaurant immeasurably, allowing for greater sales, and pickup and delivery costs to be minimized during Covid 19.Before we part ways Rebecca wants to make it clear that she credits the continued success of Montfort to her loyal customers, many of which have become good friends and are like family.As she maintained throughout our chat “I’ve learned that fresh quality food is just as important as the service, atmosphere and presentation but most importantly Pleasing my guests just like they are family is the key to a successful restaurant.”If you would like to experience the delectable and diverse foods of Montfort MediterraneanCuisine, please visit their website.www.montfortrestaurats.com

Bravo Rebecca and Jad!

Montfort App
Montfort App
Greg and Candy, Co-owners and Managers Justino's Wood Oven Pizza

Discover the secret ingredient that makes Justino’s Wood Oven Pizza one of the TOP 3 Pizzas in all of Oakville!

Greg Durkiewicz

We top off the show with one of the world’s most loved dishes to be sure, who doesn’t love a fabulous pizza? Or a delish homemade lasagna?

In our final segment we’ll chat with Greg Durkiewicz, Proprietor of Justino’s Wood Oven Pizza, consistently rating 5 STARS, its got a lot to do with location says Chef Mama Rosa, who hails from Rome herself, from where the flour is flown in directly! Roman flour makes all the difference, it’s in the texture, the flavour, and how of course Chef Rosa treats it once in her most capable hands.

It’s all fresh, homemade and delectable. Owners Greg and co-owner and wife Candy are the consummate hosts, you feel right at home when dining at Justino’s! Greg to fill us in on his story, Justino’s and Mama Rosa’s too.

Listen to Greg’s interview at 26:55 minutes in the show.

Top 3 Pizza Places in Oakville
Top 3 Pizza Places in Oakville
National Lobster Day

Celebrate National Lobster Day, June 15th, 2020

Today’s Lobster facts:

  1. Lobsters aren’t all red. They can be many different colors, including bright blue, white and brilliant gold tones.
  2. They can be right-handed, left-handed, or ambidextrous.
  3. Many species can live to be over 100 years old.
  4. Most travel over 100 miles a year and have migratory patterns.

What type of wine goes with lobster?

The number one wine to pair with them is hands-down Chardonnay. Consider the palate profile of most international Chardonnay wines whether they are from Burgundy or California, Chile or Australia—Chardonnay often highlights its own innate citrus nuances both in the aromatic components and in flavor

What kind of red wine goes with lobster?

In general, look to lighter styles of wines, such as a crisp dry rosé wine from any variey (typically Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault in France) and the lighter styles of Pinot Noir to pair with more delicately cooked white fish, poached salmon, and seafood such as oysters, crab, lobster, and mussels.

Pier53 Restaurant National Lobster Day

How do you boil the perfect lobster?

Bring water to a rolling boil over high heat. Place lobsters in the pot (head first), cover tightly, return to a boil as quickly as possible and start counting the time. Steam a lobster for 7 minutes per pound, for the first pound. Add 3 minutes per pound for each additional pound thereafter.

What is lobsters favorite food?

Lobsters usually move around and hunt for food at night. It was once thought that lobsters were scavengers and ate primarily dead things. However, researchers have discovered that lobsters catch mainly fresh food (except for bait), which includes fish, crabs, mussels, sea urchins, and sometimes even other lobsters!

Cove Bar and Restaurant in Bronte, Oakville

Bonterra Chardonnay 2017, Susanne’s Wine Pick. 

Sexy, seductive chocolate wine pairing party for two! Good for the heart in love and health. Ask The Wine Ladies

Chocolate Wine Pairing
Chocolate Wine Pairing with Champagne.

Dear Wine Ladies,

I’ve heard you talk about enjoying wines with chocolate many times and have dabbled in finding appropriate pairings. I’d love to throw a small party featuring the two but am not really sure where to begin. Could you offer me a couple of suggestions as to how many wines and how many types of chocolate I should offer, as well as the format the evening might take?

April, Oakville, Ontario

Read more

Click here to listen to the audio podcast

On this week’s audio podcast. Chocolate and wine! The ideal couple. Start a love affair this Valentine’s Day!

We have a terrific  show lined up for you today. It may be a little chilly out there but guess what? We’re going to heat things up a little here today and warm our hearts talking about  passion, and romance and wine and chocolate! Why? Because Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Today we pay homage to February 14th, the most romantic day of the year. 

We have all the bases covered with our esteemed guests, from a special bottle of wine, to delectable truffles, a unique and delicious chocolate “spirit” and to love and loving relationships.

Listen to EPISODE 79 here.

And that is where we’re going to start, with amour, with our first guest. 
She is an international speaker, television personality, an educator and entertainer and she has a PHD in Sexual Health Education. Plus she is a relationship expert, she is Jessica O’Reilly, Dr. Jess, The Sex Doctor. Dr. Jess is here to fill us in on some do’s and don’ts for your Valentine. Some tips on keeping your relationship real and connected!

Oh and if you don’t have a Valentine this year, tips on enjoying this special day anyways! Love Dr. Jess’s approach. We watched a few of her videos. Definitely some awesome advice, for the new relationships yes, but also for the ones that have stood the test of time! 

Listen to Dr. Jess on the audio podcast here. (5:26 minutes in the show)

Research shows the top 5 craved things across the board is…

CHOCOALATE!!!
Proprietor Ingrid Laderach Steven joins us from Swiss-Master Chocolatier

Our second guest will know that better than anyone. She is Ingrid Laderach Steven, Swiss Master Chocolatier extraordinaire. Ingrid founded her store the Swiss Master Chocolate Boutique, 33 years ago and has been pleasing chocolate lovers with her stunning authentic Swiss chocolates ever since.

Fans include the likes of NASA astronauts and President Clinton! Ingrid to fill us in the different kinds of chocolate. Why is Swiss chocolate considered the best? Is it really an aphrodisiac? 

 That is the the $64,000 dollar question! 

Listen to Ingrid Laderach on the audio podcast here. (18.55 minutes in the show)

Georgia's Wine Pick. Viticcio Morellino di Scansano 2015
Georgia’s Wine Pick. Viticcio Morellino di Scansano 2015

We’d now like to welcome from the glorious romantic region of Tuscany,  Senore Duccio Dogi, Senore Duccio is the Sales manager for the producer Fattorio Viticcio. They have been producing wine for over 45 years among the rolling green hills of Tuscan wine country in Greve in Chianti between the historic and enchanting cities of Florence and Siena

Duccio Dogi
Senore Duccio Dogi, Export Manager Fattorio Viticcio.

Today Fattorio Viticcioboasts 120 hectares of estate owned vineyards among the hills in Chianti Classico and Maremma. Senore Duccio is here to tell us more about this stunning region, and the beautiful wines Viticcio produces  including a very special release for Valentines Day!

Listen to Duccio Dogi on the audio podcast here. (38.00 minted in the show)

Just released in Vintages Feb 2, 2018. $19.95 per bottle.
Just released in Vintages Feb 2, 2018. $19.95 per bottle.

New Vintages Release… Feb 2, 2019…Viticcio Morellino di Scansano – Georgia’s Wine Pick

Patrick Fee, Vice President Marketing, McCormick Distilling.

And in our final segment we’ll turn our attention to still on a chocolate note, but in an absolutely decadent spirit. It is the 360 Double Chocolate Vodka!!!  And it is so delish. It is produced by McCormick Distilling, which is the planets first eco-friendly vodka.

To tell us all about it we’ll chat with Vice President of Marketing McCormick Distilling Patrick Fee.  

Listen to Patrick Fee here on the audio podcast here. (54.55 minutes in the show)

Cocktail Recipes Inspired with 360 Chocolate Vodka and Tequila Rose Strawberry Cream 

TEQUILA ROSE CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRY
Click here to listen to the audio podcast.
Click here to listen to the audio podcast.

Cocktail Recipes Inspired with 360 Chocolate Vodka and Tequila Rose Strawberry Cream

New Vintages Release… Feb 2, 2019…Viticcio Morellino di Scansano – Georgia’s Wine Pick

Meet Swiss Master Chocolatier Ingrid Laderach a true leading lady.

The Wine Ladies and Swiss Master Chocolatier Ingrid Laderach

Meet Swiss Master Chocolatier Ingrid Laderach a true leading lady.

Owner and Operator of Swiss-Master Chocolatier, Ingrid Laederach Steven, founded her upscale chocolate shop in Toronto in 1985. Considered a very active owner who is very much hands-on, it has been the secret to her success for all these years. For her, it’s just as much about the people as it is about the product and community to her is everything. Selling some of the finest in Swiss chocolates, she’s worked many, many years to develop a strong relationship with her suppliers in Switzerland, where she can then present the best products possible to her loyal customers.

We’d  like to welcome to the show a very special lady. Our show today is all about Valentine’s Day, about love, passion and of course chocolate. Our next guest is definitely passionate about her business, as the founder of  Swiss Master Chocolatier Boutique, now celebrating its 34th year anniversary.

Having served her delectable stunning array of Swiss chocolates to many a celebrity as well as the likes of NASA astronauts and Bill Clinton. She is Ingrid Laderach- Steven. She is here to share with us a little about her store, her story and will fill us in on, Why is Swiss Chocolate considered the best in the world? Is it actually an aphrodisiac? How heart healthy is a daily dose?

Ingrid is originally from Switzerland, and the Swiss know their chocolate. Swiss Master Chocolatier imports high-quality Swiss truffles, pralines, and many other products directly from Switzerland almost every day. And unlike most chocolate, which is filled with preservatives to give it an unnaturally long shelf life, Swiss Masters’ chocolate is made with fresh ingredients. “Our products are made in Switzerland for the domestic market, which means our products use fresh cream and fresh butter,” says Ingrid.

“Each person who walks through our door gets a chocolate so that they feel better when they walk out,” says Ingrid. “If everybody had a piece of chocolate and thought of all the wonderful things in life, this world would be a better place.”

Ingrid has been applauded over the years with many honors including a feature on the cover of the New York based Women of Distinction Magazine. She is also this month being featured in the recently published America’s Leading Ladies Who Positively Impact our World… Stories of Courage, Challenge and Triumph.

 America's Leading Ladies Who Positively Impact our World... Stories of Courage, Challenge and Triumph.

The Wine Ladies visited Ingrid in her Swiss Master Chocolatier Boutique at 2538 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, Canada for a day of chocolate and wine tasting. Our wine of choice that day the recently release the Viticcio Morellino di Scansano 2015 available at VINTAGES # 574186, 750 mL bottle, $19.95 per bottle. Our truffles as recommended by Ingrid a milk mousse truffle, vanilla cream and hazelnut.

Ingrid's sense of humour and joy for life shines through
Ingrid’s sense of humour and joy for life shines through.
“My products are always consistent when it comes to taste and quality,” Steven said, who imports high-quality Swiss truffles, pralines, and other products from the country. “But my clients are the real treat, because without them I wouldn’t still be in business today. That is why customer service is so important to me; making each of them feel comfortable when shopping in my store is a priority.”
Valentine’s Day is to express how you feel. They see written on a truffle, I love you, thank you. A little more personal they know what your thinking an extra personal touch. Happy Valentine’s Day!
On this week’s audio podcast. Chocolate and wine! The ideal couple. Start a love affair this Valentine’s Day!

The Wine Ladies visited Ingrid in her Swiss Master Chocolatier Boutique at 2538 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, Canada for a day of chocolate and wine tasting.

The Wine Ladies meet Celebrity Chef Clodagh McKenna at Dish Cooking School

On this week’s audio podcast…Holiday Entertaining with Celebrity Chef Clodagh McKenna, Guinness, Chase Vodka and Writers’ Tears Irish Whiskey

Coming up on today’s show, we are talking about glorious food and drink from “across the  pond” as they say. We’ll  be covering  from Ireland a feisty celebrity chef and an award winning whiskey. And from the UK a taste of England in a spirit you will covet. We promise!

EPISODE 76

Holiday Entertaining Audio Podcast Clodagh McKenna

We’ll start off with an Irish segment and an internationally known Celebrity Chef, visiting here in Toronto. She is Clodagh McKenna. You may have seen her on Rachel Ray ,on The Today Show or maybe even Marilyn Dennis. She is a TV Host, Cookbook author and restauranteur. How does she do it all?

She is absolutely divine and you are going to love her!!

Listen to Chef Clodagh McKenna at 3:39 minutes into the audio podcast.

Chef Clodagh McKenna make a turkey with Guinness

Roast Pancetta Wrapped Turkey with Guinness and chestnut gravy

So with the holiday season fast approaching  Clodagh was recently here in Toronto to host an intimate and interactive holiday entertaining event.
The Wine Ladies were guests at the event and witnessed her Irish charm and fabulous cooking talents first hand! Clodagh shared not only her entertaining tips but also a few Guinness based holiday season recipes.CLICK HERE for recipes.

Chase Vodka

And then to our second segment  we turn our focus to England and to the recently crowned “World’s Best Vodka” Chase Vodka, awarded in San Francisco. Chase Vodka is the first and sole British potato vodka on the market. Unique to Chase, it is truly a field to bottle spirit, with the full pedigree potatoes, grown, mashed, fermented and distilled on the Chase family farm deep in middle England.

We welcome head ambassador James Chase to the show. We learn a little about the company, what makes Chase so special, so smooth and so delicious! Perfect for the holidays too with beautiful packaging.

Listen to James Chase at 15:28 minutes in the show. 

Copper-Pot-Moodshot-Landscape

And to close off the show we are back to the Irish. Here’s one of the favorites of the boys in Susanne’s household, and that is Walsh’s Writers’ Tears Irish whiskey!

Our final guest today is the founder of Walsh Whiskey Distillery, Bernard Walsh. Joining us to share the story of Irish whiskey, from its earliest days, to now, how its made, how best to enjoy and what makes Writers’ Tears so unique and special. Bernard Walsh.

Listen to Bernard Walsh Chase at 27:35 minutes in the show. 

Writer’s Tears Copper Pot Irish Gift Pk with 2 Glasses. Available at the LCBO for $49.95

Enjoying our first Christmas Dinner of the Season with Celebrity Chef Clodagh McKenna and Guinness!

Award winning Chase Vodka the first and sole British potato vodka on the market.

Spirited Holiday Giveaway from The Wine Ladies – Chase Vodka, Writers’ Tears Irish Whiskey

Chef Clodagh McKenna make a turkey with Guinness

Enjoying our first Christmas Dinner of the Season with Celebrity Chef Clodagh McKenna and Guinness!

What better way to spend a Wednesday night in Toronto than meeting Ireland’s most lovely Celebrity Chef Clodagh McKenna, enjoying  a beautiful Irish Christmas dinner complete with a glass of Guinness! Doesn’t get much better than this!

We were invited to  Dish Cooking Studio for an intimate and interactive holiday entertaining event on November 28, 2018. Chef Clodagh McKenna shared her own personal holiday entertaining tips and tricks as well as providing a cooking demo of three holiday-inspired Guinness-based dishes perfect for the upcoming holiday season.  

Holiday Entertaining Audio Podcast Clodagh McKenna

Check out exclusive interview with Chef Clodagh on our audio podcast.

The Wine Ladies meet Celebrity Chef Clodagh McKenna at Dish Cooking School

Susanne, Chef Clodagh and Georgia. A toast of Guinness to bring in the holidays!

 

Check out all the recipes here below.

Guinness Prawn Tempura

Guinness Prawn Tempura

Guinness Prawn Tempura

Guinness Prawn Tempura Ingredients

METHOD
1. For the batter, sift the flour and soda together into a medium bowl. Make a well in the centre and add the egg and Guinness. Whisk from the centre outwards until just combined. Allow the batter to stand for a few minutes in a cool place.
2. Heat the canal oil in a deep heavy-bottomed pan until a breadcrumb sizzle and turn brown when dropped into it.

Dip the prawns into the batter

3. Dip the prawns into the batter and carefully add to the hot oil to deep-fry in batches for 2-3 minutes or until crisp and golden. Carefully remove with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper.
4. To make the chilli aioli crack the egg yolks into a bowl along with a teaspoon of dijon mustard and lightly whisk. Whisk the oils into the egg yolks slowly. The agile will begin to get thick and creamy. Stir in the white wine vinegar, garlic and chilli flakes. Season with sea salt and freshly ground pepper.
5. Serve the chilli aioli with the Guinness prawn tempura log its the rosemary salt.

Roast Pancetta Wrapped Turkey with Guinness and Chestnut Gravy

Chef Clodagh McKenna make a turkey with Guinness

Roast Pancetta Wrapped Turkey with Guinness and Chestnut Gravy

Chef Clodagh McKenna Turkey Ingredients

METHOD
1.Pre-heat the oven to 4ooF/gas mark 6
2. If you are using a frozen turkey its best to thaw the bird in the fridge. A turkey will need about 24 hours to thaw for every 4 lbs. Take the turkey out of the fridge one hour before roasting to allow the meat to relax and come to room temperature,  which will make the meat more tender. Next remove the giblets from the inside the bird’s cavity because these cannot be cooked with the turkey. Wash the cavity and dry completely with kitchen paper, then season with sea salt and freshly ground pepper.

Fill the cavity of the turkey

3. Fill the cavity of the turkey with sprigs of fresh thyme, the cavity should only be filled half way to allow hot air to circulate and the turkey to to cook more evenly. Line the roasting tray first with the shallots, carrots, garlic and thyme. Place the turkey on top. This will flavour the turkey even whilst cooking.
4. Next stretch the strips of pancetta by rolling them with a rolling pin. Then arrange about three -quarters of the pancetta over the breast, overlapping the slices and wrap the legs and thighs with the remaining pancetta. Tuck the slices of orange around the turkey.
5. Lastly, place the turkey in the pre-heated oven. Then reduce the heat to 250F. After 45 minutes take the turkey out of the oven and baste the juices from the pan over the turkey. Cover loosely with tin foil and return to the oven and cook for three and a half hours. Continue to baste the turkey every 45 minutes.

Check to see if the turkey is cooked

6.Check to see if the turkey is cooked by inserting a skewer into the thickest part of the thigh. The juices should run clear. When you have taken the turkey out of the oven leave it to rest for 30 minutes with a loose tent of tin foil to keep it warm. This will allow the juices to redistribute themselves giving tastier meat.

7. Once the turkey has cooked and is resting on a board then make the gravy. Carefully pour 4 tbsp of the juices from the roasting tin into a saucepan and place over a medium heat. Whisk in the flour, followed by the Guinness chicken stock, thyme and bay leaf. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 min, then whisk in the chestnut  puree and season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Strain the gravy into a jug, discard the herbs.

Guinness Maple and Ginger Pudding with Crystallized Ginger Caramel Sauce

Guinness Maple and Ginger Pudding with Crystallized Ginger Carmel Sauce

Guinness Maple and Ginger Pudding with Crystallized Ginger Caramel Sauce

Guinness Maple and Ginger Pudding with Crystallized Ginger Caramel Sauce

METHOD

1. Sift the flour and soda into a bowl with the ground ginger. In a separate bowl, beat the butter with the sugar and maple syrup until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the Guinness. Fold the dry ingredients into the creamed butter and egg mixture adding the milk to give a soft dropping consistency. Stir in nuts and raisins.
2. Spoon the mixture into a glass bowl, then cover with greased grease proof paper and foil, ,making a pleat in the centre of both. Tie securely with string. Suspend the bowl over a saucepan half filled with water over a medium heat. When the water comes to a boil reduce the heat and reduce to simmer. Steam the pudding for 1 1/2 hours, checking regularly to make sure that the pan doesn’t boil dry.

Next make the crystallized ginger caramel sauce.

3. Next make the crystallized ginger caramel sauce. Place the butter, cream and maple syrup together in a small pan and stir over a low heat until well mixed. Bring to a boil, simmer for three minutes, then stir in the finely chopped crystallized ginger.
4. Carefully tip the pudding on to a serving plate or cake stand and pour the crystallized ginger caramel sauce on top.

The Wine Ladies enjoy a change of pace with a beautiful glass of Guinness. Ireland's no 1 export! Cheers!

The Wine Ladies enjoy a change of pace with a beautiful glass of Guinness. Ireland’s no 1 export! Cheers!

Holiday Entertaining with Celebrity Chef Clodagh McKenna, Guinness, Chase Vodka and Irish Tears’ Whiskey

Amazing structured tasting and luncheon at George Restaurant, Toronto. The women in Wine. Left to right: Megan Schofield, Robert Mondavi Winery, Vitalie Taittinger, Champagne Taittinger, , Louise Engel, Featherstone Estate Winery and Susana Balboa, Susana Balboa Wines.

Women in Wine…Megan Schofield, Vitalie Taittinger, Louise Engel and Susana Balbo all connected by the vine.

Amazing structured tasting and luncheon at George Restaurant, Toronto. The women in Wine. Left to right: Megan Schofield, Robert Mondavi Winery, Vitalie Taittinger, Champagne Taittinger, Georgia, Jennifer Huether, Master Sommelier, Susanne, Louise Engel, Featherstone Estate Winery and Susana Balboa, Susana Balboa Wines.

Amazing structured tasting and luncheon at George Restaurant, Toronto. The Women in Wine. Left to right: Megan Schofield, Robert Mondavi Winery, Vitalie Taittinger, Champagne Taittinger, Georgia, Jennifer Huether, Master Sommelier, Susanne, Louise Engel, Featherstone Estate Winery and Susana Balbo, Susana Balbo Wines.

Happy Mother’s Day

We spent a beautiful Saturday afternoon in May just before Mother’s Day at George Restaurant in Toronto. What an amazing treat!

A pre Mother’s Day event celebrating mothers and some super wines made and marketed by some very accomplished Women in Wine from around the world. The afternoon consisted of a formal structured tasting moderated by Jennifer Huether, Canada’s first Master Sommelier who did an outstanding job! Followed by a 4 course luncheon created by Executive Chef Lorenzo Loseto, GEORGE Restaurant

Structured Tasting

First up one of The Wine Ladies favourites, Champagne. And this was no ordinary Champagne. The Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs Champagne 2006 VINTAGES#: 55277  $229.00 per bottle. A stunning Champagne, with fine integration of the wonderful bight acidity, rich mineral character and creamy palate of glazed apricot, biscuit and passion fruit flavours. Superb.

Birds of a feather to flock together! The Featherstone Black Sheep Riesling 2017 VINTAGES#: 80234   $16.95 per bottle from Niagara. Lovely bright notes of lime blossom, lemon zest and flint. Considered by many critics among the best Riesling made in Ontario. Loved it!

Just coming off of Malbec World Day, April 17th, we were delighted to see another beautiful Malbec to enjoy. This one did not disappoint. The Susana Balbo Signature La Delfina Altamira 2013 VINTAGES#: 127514 $75.00 per bottle. Exploding aromas of blackberry, black cherry, and violets framed by hints of oak. This is a rich and ripe style of wine, reigning in the fruit and focusing it into a long finish. Salud!

Last but definitely not least the Robert Mondavi Winery Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 VINTAGES#: 670463 $149.00 per bottle From Napa, California this Cabernet showcases beautifully with its concentration of dark cherries and blackberries. Long and lingering luscious finish. Excellent!

Structured Tasting included: Taittinger Comtes de Champagne 2006, Featherstone Blck Sheep Riesling 2017, Susana Balbo Signature La Delfina Altamira 2013 and Robert Mondavi Winery Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

Structured Tasting included: Taittinger Comtes de Champagne 2006, Featherstone Black Sheep Riesling 2017, Susana Balbo Signature La Delfina Altamira 2013 and Robert Mondavi Winery Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

Jennifer Huether Canada's first Master Sommelier moderates the structure tasting with the Women In Wine. Jennifer represents California's Jackson Family Wines in Canada.

Jennifer Huether Canada’s first Master Sommelier moderates the structure tasting with the Women In Wine. Jennifer represents California’s Jackson Family Wines in Canada.

Reception after the structured tasting featured the Featherstone Rose 2017

Reception after the structured tasting featured the Featherstone Rose 2017

Louise Engel

Co-owner, Featherstone Estate Winery

Before entering the wine game in 1999, Louise and her partner, David Johnson, ran a gourmet specialty shop in Guelph. Louise and David have consistently taken an eco-friendly approach to farming. In 2003, Louise became a licensed falconer, working with birds of prey to deter nuisance birds in the vineyard. In 2007, Louise and David pioneered the use of lambs in vineyards in Canada; their top -selling signature wine, Black Sheep Riesling, is named for this natural vineyard practise.

Reception after the structured tasting featured the Taittinger Brut Reserve Champagne

Reception after the structured tasting featured the Taittinger Brut Reserve Champagne

Vitalie Taittinger

Communication and Marketing Director, Champagne Taittinger

Vitalie graduated from the Emile Cohl School of Art, in Lyon, in 2001. In 2004, with Gilles Bernard, she published a monograph on the surrealist painter Alfred Courmes. Since 2015, she has been working as the head of Taittinger communication and marketing department and is responsible for ensuring that the Taittinger name remains front and centre, the world over, in any discussion of Champagne. As though life were not busy enough, Vitalie is also the mother of four children.

1st Course: AHI TUNA with curry and zucchini. Prepared by Executive Chef Lorenzo Loseto, Executive Chef, GEORGE Restaurant. The dish was paid with the Taittinger Prestige Brut Rose Champagne.

1st Course: AHI TUNA with curry and zucchini. Prepared by Executive Chef Lorenzo Loseto, Executive Chef, GEORGE Restaurant. The dish was paid with the Taittinger Prestige Brut Rose Champagne.

Susane Balbo

Owner and Chief Winemaker, Susana Balbo Wines

The first female winemaker in Argentina, Susana graduated cum laude with a degree in oenology in 198. In 2012, she was the only Argentinian named among the “50  Most Powerful Women in the Wine World” by the British magazine The Drinks Business. In 2015, she was awarded Women the Year 2015 by the same magazine. Susana is also a national congresswoman and in 2017 was elected by the president of Argentina to be part of the W20.

2nd Course: Salmon with avocado cream and cucumber.Prepared by Executive Chef Lorenzo Loseto, Executive Chef, GEORGE Restaurant. The food was paired with 2 choices... Robert Monday Winery Reserve Fume Blanc 2014 and the Susana Balboa Signature Rose 2017.

2nd Course: Salmon with avocado cream and cucumber.Prepared by Executive Chef Lorenzo Loseto, Executive Chef, GEORGE Restaurant. The food was paired with 2 choices… Robert Mondavi Winery Reserve Fume Blanc 2014 and the Susana Balbo Signature Rose 2017.

Megan Schofield

Winemaker, Robert Mondavi Winery

Megan grew up in St. Catherines, Ontario surrounded by grapes, but paid little not. She enrolled in Brock University in Ontario as a biotechnology student but was soon intrigued by the excitement around a new program being offered in oenology and viticulture. Her interest piqued, she applied, and was one of only 10 students accepted into the program. Before becoming a winemaker at Robert Mondavi Winery in 2015, Megan worked for Beringer and Buena Vista.

3rd Course: Cornish Hen with sweet potato and aged cheddar. Prepared by Executive Chef Lorenzo Loseto, Executive Chef, GEORGE Restaurant. We had two wines with this course. The Featherstone Cabernet Franc 2016 and the Susana Balbo Signature Malbec 2015.

3rd Course: Cornish Hen with sweet potato and aged cheddar. Prepared by Executive Chef Lorenzo Loseto, Executive Chef, GEORGE Restaurant. We had two wines with this course. The Featherstone Cabernet Franc 2016 and the Susana Balbo Signature Malbec 2015.

Heartbroken! We missed dessert!  It was a Lemon Tart with Italian meringue and pine nuts paired with the Robert Mondavi Winery

Moscato D’Oro 2015.

Darn it!

Selfie time with Megan Schofield, winemaker Robert Monday Winery! We had a blast! Adieu until we meet again!

Selfie time with Megan Schofield, winemaker Robert Mondavi Winery! We had a blast! Adieu until we meet again!

Robert Mondavi,the man, the winery, Napa Valley.. On this week’s audio podcast.