Top Table's partnership with Laughing Stock Vineyards produces two uniquely blended wines

The GOODS from CinCin, Araxi, West, & Blue Water Café

Vancouver & Whistler, BC | Top Table’s four wine directors—Araxi’s Samantha Rahn, Blue Water Cafe’s Andrea Vescovi, CinCin’s Sarah McCauley, and West’s Owen Knowlton—are excited to debut their inaugural wine label, Director’s Blend, a duo of personally blended wines produced by Laughing Stock Vineyards in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley.

Augmenting the extensive international wine cellars at each restaurant, the 2009 Director’s Blend Red and 2010 Director’s Blend White are now available exclusively at Top Table restaurants and represent the first vintages of an ongoing project. Learn more after the jump…

After researching, blending and tasting with Laughing Stock’s David and Cynthia Enns for more than a year, the wine directors have created food-friendly cuvées that deliver value far beyond their price points.

Owen Knowlton, Vancouver’s 2011 Sommelier of the Year, says, “We’re extremely proud of these first vintages. Our intention was to build approachable blends to complement the food offered in our restaurants, and we feel we’ve succeeded.”

“There were a number of trial blends and plenty of discussion,” adds Sarah McCauley. Blue Water Cafe’s Andrea Vescovi (2009 Sommelier of the Year) and Araxi’s Samantha Rahn agree, adding, “David’s familiarity with each varietal was a great boost – he was a vital part of our collaboration in what can only be described as a fascinating process.”

Tasting Notes

2010 Director’s Blend White
Comprised of grapes grown on the Naramata Bench and East Bench Osoyoos, the White consists of 50% pinot gris, 20% viognier, 15% pinot blanc, and 15% sauvignon blanc. Fresh and elegant with aromas of intense pink grapefruit, white peach and mineral. Refreshing acidity lends a vibrant structure built for food. Complex, harmonious finish leaves a lasting impression of candied citrus.

2009 Director’s Blend Red
Comprised of grapes grown on the Naramata Bench and East Bench Osoyoos, the Red consists of 40% cabernet sauvignon, 35% merlot, 15% syrah, and 10% cabernet franc. Intense, complex nose of wild berries, vanilla, mocha and plum. Velvety and round tannins balanced with vibrant acidity. Long, lingering finish of cocoa, bright fruit and spice box.

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We recently got away up to Pemberton to take in one of chef James Walt’s outdoor Araxi dinners at Jordan Sturdy’s stunning North Arm Farm. The weather was uncharacteristically cool and the sky more  dramatic than previous visits, but the food and drink (all wines from Mission Hill) stole the show.

RECEPTION

Garden Back to Eden Tomato Gazpacho
Yarrow Meadows Duck Liver Parfait with Rosemary
Tofino Dungeness Crab Roll with Cucumber Pearls
Mission Hill Martin’s Lane Riesling, 2010
Schramm Vodka Cocktails (Pemberton Valley)

MENU

North Arm Zucchini Flowers
stuffed with Okanagan goat cheese, heirloom tomatoes
Root Down organic greens with red pepper vinaigrette
Mission Hill Perpetua, 2008

Cherry Wood Hot Smoked Barkley Sound Sockeye Salmon
roasted North Arm beets, english pea and green tomato salsa
arugula flowers with beet caviar
Mission Hill Quatrain, 2007 (magnum format)

Pemberton Meadows Natural Beef
crispy slow cooked beef cheek fritter, pepper and rosemary roasted sirloin
North Arm rainbow chard and baby carrots
Mission Hill Oculus, 2004 (magnum format)

North Arm Strawberry Ice Cream Bar
strawberry ice cream dipped in dark chocolate with chocolate crust
Agassiz hazelnut financier with Okanagan apricots
Mission Hill Late Harvest Riesling, 2005

Altogether it was a stunner of an evening, and as per usual, we’re telling the story by way of photographs with captions as memory serves (short form: it was amazing). Should you want to enjoy one of these outstanding al fresco suppers, there are two more on the horizon taking place in the very same spot. August 27th will see Araxi pair up with Naramata’s Foxtrot Vineyards and Napa’s Trefethen Family Vineyards, and then September 11th will witness chef Walt plate alongside pours from sister wineries Le Vieux Pin of Oliver and LaStella of Osoyoos. Find out how to attend here.

ARAXI SUPPER ON NORTH ARM FARM

MORE FIELD TRIPS

Araxi Restaurant is located at 4222 Village Square in Whistler, BC | 604-932-4540 | Araxi.com

The GOODS from Araxi

Whistler, BC | The menu and wines have just been confirmed for the araxi longtable @ north arm farm event on July 30th, the first in a trifecta of outdoor dining experiences taking place this summer at Pemberton’s picturesque North Arm Farm.

Araxi’s wine director, Samantha Rahn is thrilled to be showcasing a range of outstanding wines from Mission Hill Family Estate, which represent the very best of their current portfolio. Ingo Grady, Mission Hill’s Director of Wine Education and one of the province’s foremost wine authorities, will lead guests through the wine pairings that he has personally chosen to accompany Chef James Walt’s menu. Take a look after the jump…

RECEPTION

Garden Back to Eden Tomato Gazpacho
Yarrow Meadows Duck Liver Parfait with Rosemary
Tofino Dungeness Crab Roll with Cucumber Pearls
Mission Hill Martin’s Lane Riesling, 2010
Schramm Vodka Cocktails (Pemberton Valley)

MENU

North Arm Zucchini Flowers
stuffed with Okanagan goat cheese, heirloom tomatoes
Root Down organic greens with red pepper vinaigrette
Mission Hill Perpetua, 2008

Cherry Wood Hot Smoked Barkley Sound Sockeye Salmon
roasted North Arm beets, english pea and green tomato salsa
arugula flowers with beet caviar
Mission Hill Quatrain, 2007 (magnum format)

Pemberton Meadows Natural Beef
crispy slow cooked beef cheek fritter, pepper and rosemary roasted sirloin
North Arm rainbow chard and baby carrots
Mission Hill Oculus, 2004 (magnum format)

North Arm Strawberry Ice Cream Bar
strawberry ice cream dipped in dark chocolate with chocolate crust
Agassiz hazelnut financier with Okanagan apricots
Mission Hill Late Harvest Riesling, 2005

August + September Events

We are also pleased to announce the incredible winery partners for our other two events: August 27th will feature Naramata’s Foxtrot Vineyards and Napa’s Trefethen Family Vineyards, while September 11th will welcome sister wineries Le Vieux Pin of Oliver and LaStella of Osoyoos.

To Purchase

Tickets for each of the three events are $160.00 per person, all inclusive of reception, four-course menu, wine, tax and gratuity.

Return executive transportation from Whistler Village is available for an additional $35.00 per person, including tax.

ABOUT ARAXI

The culinary cornerstone in the heart of Whistler Village, Araxi enjoys a long-held international reputation for excellence in food, wine and hospitality. Executive Chef James Walt celebrates carefully sourced local ingredients from nearby Pemberton Valley farms, where he collaborates frequently with local growers. 4222 Village Square, Whistler, British Columbia, Canada. 604 932 4540, www.araxi.com.

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In addition to providing daily editorial, Scout is dedicated to supporting and promoting cool, interesting, and independent British Columbian businesses through the publication of their press releases and event info. To learn how to get your news up on our front page, check out our supporter details page here.

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To reserve your place at the table, email: farmdinner@araxi.com.

Veteran Top Table restaurant staff have been recognised for their contributions to the Vancouver restaurant scene...

The GOODS from CinCin, Araxi, West, & Blue Water Café

Vancouver & Whistler, BC | In British Columbia’s culinary industry, nothing salutes the advent of spring quite like the annual Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards. Unique in Canada, and now in its 22nd year, the awards were convened on Tuesday, April 12th at the Sheraton Wall Centre. A panel of 19 judges acknowledged industry excellence as Araxi, Blue Water Cafe, CinCin and West were honoured before a standing-room-only audience of leading restaurateurs, chefs and service professionals.

Lifetime Achievement Award, Jack Evrensel

A great honour for the entire Top Table Group saw our proprietor Jack Evrensel acknowledged for his leadership and excellence in the culinary arts during his lengthy career with the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to just one British Columbian each year.

In his acceptance speech, Jack simply stated, “I would like to thank all the judges and Vancouver magazine. I would also like to thank everyone at Top Table—this is truly your recognition. It is my privilege and pleasure to work in an industry where people care for others and give of themselves.”

Araxi Restaurant + Bar

Best Whistler, Gold
Silver Wine List Award, Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival

For an unprecedented 11th year, Araxi was recognized once again with the Gold Award for Best Whistler restaurant, a testament to the hospitality of executive chef James Walt and restaurant director Neil Henderson.

“This splendid restaurant is one of the best things about Whistler,” one judge said of Araxi. “The commitment to local products and suppliers shines through the inventive dishes from chef James Walt’s kitchen.”

Blue Water Cafe + Raw Bar

Best Formal Restaurant, Gold
Best Seafood, Gold
Best Formal Japanese, Honourable Mention
Platinum Wine List Award, Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival

Chef Frank Pabst, the 2010 Chef of the Year, together with restaurant director Stephan Cachard, led Blue Water Cafe to win both the inaugural Best Formal award and its fourth annual award for Best Seafood, as well as an Honourable Mention for Best Formal Japanese for its Raw Bar.

According to Vancouver magazine: “Blue Water Cafe scored highest with its ‘commitment to every aspect of the dining experience, starting with a chef, Frank Pabst, at the top of his game.’ ‘Always busy without feeling crowded, and expertly run,’ offered another judge, ‘Blue Water Cafe is the room you’d take an out-of-town visitor who wanted to experience the embodiment of Vancouver’s culinary sensibility.’”

CinCin Ristorante + Bar

Best Formal Italian, Silver
Gold Wine List Award, Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival

Executive chef Todd Howard has recaptured the legacy of CinCin’s storied forno and its welcoming rooms with classically inspired dishes heightened with modern nuances.

Moving CinCin smartly to the forefront of contemporary Italian cooking, Chef Howard and restaurant director Ricardo Ferreira, along with their colleagues, certainly captured the attention of the restaurant awards jury, who said that, “CinCin offers ‘quality dishes (and especially unforgettable desserts) in a vivid, buzzy room that appeals to visitors and locals alike.’”

West Restaurant + Bar

Best Formal Restaurant, Silver
Sommelier of the Year, Owen Knowlton
Platinum Wine List Award, Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival

Chef David Gunawan and restaurant director Brian Hopkins placed West just behind sister restaurant Blue Water Cafe in this hotly contested category that signals the very best in British Columbia dining. According to the Vancouver magazine judges, “David Gunawan brings regional expressions of the season to the plate with imagination and flawless technique.”

West’s wine program was also recognized, capturing not only Sommelier of the Year in the form of the ever-articulate Owen Knowlton, but also the Platinum Wine List Award, again with sister restaurant Blue Water Cafe, the only two recipients of this highest award.

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In addition to providing daily editorial, Scout is dedicated to supporting and promoting cool, interesting, and independent British Columbian businesses through the publication of their press releases and event info. To learn how to get your news up on our front page, check out our supporter details page here.

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Veteran Top Table restaurant staff have been recognised for their contributions to the Vancouver restaurant scene...

The GOODS from CinCin, Araxi, West, & Blue Water Café

Vancouver & Whistler, BC | Top Table restaurants and our chefs will be leading a number of exciting upcoming events that speak to our involvement with local farmers, ranchers, purveyors, wineries and breweries. And through other events, such as Dining Out For Life and the Red Cross Red Carpet Soiree, we’re also deeply engaged in our community. We invite you to join with us as we celebrate where we live. Browse the exciting line-up of Spring events after the jump…

Dining Out For Life ~ Thursday, March 24th
CinCin and West are proud to participate in the 17th Annual Dining Out For Life benefitting A Loving Spoonful and Friends For Life by donating 25% of all food sales from this evening. To reserve your table in support of Dining Out For Life, visit CinCin or West.

Paris, in Love Gala at The Cultch ~ Monday, April 4th
West’s Pastry Chef Rhonda Viani will be providing desserts in support of The Cultch’s fundraising gala event: Paris, in Love. The Cultch is one of Vancouver’s most diverse and innovative arts and cultural institutions. For tickets, visit thecultch.com.

Naramata Bench Spring Release ~ Thursday, April 21st
CinCin’s Chef Todd Howard and Wine Director Sarah McCauley are excited to partner with Laughing Stock Vineyards in this annual event at The Westin Bayshore, showcasing barrel tastings from the wineries of the Okanagan’s Naramata Bench. For tickets, call 1-800-663-1900 or visit naramatabench.com.

Guest Chef Dinner at Mission Hill ~ Friday, May 6th
Chefs Frank Pabst (Blue Water Cafe) and Todd Howard (CinCin) join Mission Hill Family Estate Winery Chef Matt Batey during the Spring Okanagan Wine Festival to present an exclusive multi-course menu expertly paired with a compelling selection of wines drawn from the Mission Hill Family Estate portfolio. For tickets, call 250-768-6483 or book online.

Driftwood Brewery Dinner ~ Wednesday, May 11th
CinCin and Victoria’s Driftwood Brewery are collaborating to present a multi-course dinner and beer pairing during the Vancouver Craft Beer Week. Tickets and further details will be released on April 8th. For information about VCBW, visit vancouvercraftbeerweek.com.

Red Cross Red Carpet Soiree ~ Thursday, May 12th
Blue Water Cafe is proud to continue its role as the Presenting Sponsor of the fourth annual Red Cross Red Carpet Soiree, which raises funds for the Red Cross of the Lower Mainland and promotes awareness of the countless Red Cross programs benefitting local, national and international communities. For tickets, visit rcsoiree.com.

Night at the Aquarium ~ Friday, June 10th
As long-time Ocean Wise members, our three Vancouver restaurants—Blue Water Cafe, CinCin, and West—are proud to participate in this signature gala fundraiser of the Vancouver Aquarium, with all proceeds directed to the Aquarium’s education and conservation activities. For further information, visit vanaqua.org/nightattheaquarium.

Top Chefs for Mental Health ~ Wednesday, June 15th
Our four executive chefs—James Walt (Araxi), Frank Pabst (Blue Water Cafe), Todd Howard (CinCin) and David Gunawan (West)—are proud to participate in this important event benefitting the BC Mental Health Foundation. For further information, visit bcmhf.ca/top-chefs-for-mental-health.

Chefs Across the Water ~ Monday, June 27th
Blue Water Cafe’s Chef Frank Pabst joins other returning chefs from the 2010 Chefs Across The Water Series to present a collaborative seven-course dinner in the Hastings House Dining Room incorporating the best of Salt Spring Island seafood and livestock, as well as the freshest fruits and vegetables from Hastings House’s own country gardens. For further information, visit hastingshouse.com.

Outstanding in the Field ~ Saturday, July 9th + Sunday, July 10th
Outstanding in the Field is the wildly successful roving culinary adventure that travels across North America during the harvest season, celebrating food at the source. Our restaurants will be hosting both of British Columbia’s only events, with tickets just released on Sunday, March 20th.

Saturday, July 9th
Araxi – Chef James Walt @ North Arm Farm, Pemberton, BC
For tickets, visit outstandinginthefield.com (Araxi)

Sunday, July 10th
West – Chef David Gunawan @ Glorious Organics, Aldergrove, BC
For tickets, visit outstandinginthefield.com (West)

For a full calendar of upcoming Top Table events, please visit toptable.ca/events.

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In addition to providing daily editorial, Scout is dedicated to supporting and promoting cool, interesting, and independent British Columbian businesses through the publication of their press releases and event info. To learn how to get your news up on our front page, check out our supporter details page here.

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