Valerie van der Gracht 
My first introduction to beer drinking (okay other than sneaking a sip from dad’s long neck bottle) would have been in what was a typical beer parlour via the “ladies and escorts” door into a dingy, large space with hard chairs, small round tables covered with terry cloth and cheap beer. I remember only on tap beer … Read more
This morning I was reading my Facebook page and came across an interesting article titled “How to Enjoy a Wine Festival to the Last Drop” originally published in The Californian (part of the USA Today network) That got me thinking about what makes a great Wine Festival. As a novice #winelover I have been fortunate … Read more
The Champagne Tour 2016! Yesterday was an opportunity to taste exceptional wines selected by APVSA. Champagne was the featured wine but there were many more varietals to taste and savour. France Champagne Loire Valley Provence South West Languedoc-Roussillon Rhône Valley Bordeaux Auvergne Spain Tierra De Castilla Priorat, Cava, Conca de Barberà Italy Piedmont Trentino … Read more
Kaya Malay Bistro Last evening I had the opportunity to join 6 other Bloggers at Kaya Malay Bistro to sample, taste and review their Malaysian fare. Our host, and owner, Scott greeted and welcomed us to his restaurant. After almost twenty years of managing other restaurants such as Banana Leaf and Tamarind it was … Read more
The Taste of Tulalip is a culinary festival of food and wine not to be missed and I was thrilled to be there for the coveted event just last month. This is one of my favourites because along with the best wines on offer it’s the food pairings that make it so special. I … Read more
Whether you’re a life long fan or have never been to Pinot country you will love 3rd Street Flats in Historic McMinnville. From wine touring to fine dining you will find everything for the perfect #WineLover experience in the Yamhill Valley, Oregon. I’ve stayed more than once in the 3rd Street Flats and it is delightful. … Read more
“The culinary festival of the year. A food and wine experience filled with extraordinary epicurean treats…Savour an abundant array of spectacular fare from Tulalip’s top notch culinary team lead by Executive Chef Perry Mascitti and sample hand selected pours by award winning Sommelier Tommy Thompson, showcasing wineries from Washington, Oregon, California and around the globe.” … Read more
This winter, Prohibition invites Vancouverites and visitors to wind down, cozy up and indulge in Cinq à Sept – a new cocktail hour unlike any other in Vancouver. During the time-honoured social gathering – resurrected at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia’s debonair bar – visitors are encouraged to leave their cares at the door and catch … Read more
If you have never been to Taste of Tulalip you are missing out on one fantastic wine tasting experience. I am a #winelover of Washington State wines and at Taste of Tulalp you will have an opportunity to taste the very best that Washington has to offer. “Washington State’s coveted culinary festival of the year. A … Read more
