Summer is here! It has been since June 21st and continues until September 22nd in the Northern Hemisphere. Of course in the Southern Hemisphere it follows the December solstice not starting till around the 21st/22nd. The finer warmer weather in Summer provides a great emphasis on outdoor dining. Every year The Vancouver Branch of the International Wine & Food Society makes remarkable use of this idea. On Sunday July 9th was the outstanding “Cracklin’ Pig Feast” outside on the large rooftop open patio of members Karen & Larry with organizational help from Milena & Jim plus others. The weather was clear and sunny at 23C (felt warmer) with such delightful fresh air. This time the main menu was well catered by Gauthier plus fresh corn on the cob etc. grilled on the BBQ by members. Like how the wines were limited but of such good value and all improved with a chill. To start a lovely true variety Terre Brulee Chenin Blanc 2021 from Swartland in South Africa by Tania & Vincent Careme. Two reds: Baltos 2018 from Bierzo Spain by Dominio De Tares with 40 year old bush vine popular Mencia grapes handpicked fermented with native yeasts aged 6 months in French & American oak at 13.5 abv showing wonderful “buckets of spicy fruit”; and the warm vintage 2019 helping the simpler Bourgogne AC Pinot Noir from Justin Girardin to shine. To finish up 2009 Passito DamaRosa IGT Toscana Italy 15 abv in 50 cl bottles by La Querce using 100% Canaiolo ripe grapes aged 1 year in wood. The Menu included Ahi Tuna Poke in cones, Burrata, asparagus & walnut on crostini, two welcome salads of quinoa and panzanella. Even a special IWFS design chocolate cake augmented by a cornucopia of fresh local fruits! The piece de resistance of the meal was the amazing roasted cracklin’ baby piglet cut up ready to go with a separate pork belly service as well. All so crisp and tasty. Savoured slowly even better in the fresh outdoors! Recommend to everyone to take advantage of Summer dining in the open air outside scenario. Makes for a delightful event.
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