LCBO Food & Drink Autumn 2024

AUTUMN 2024

COMPLIMENTS OF

Let’s ch rs

to that!

Unexpected treats are the best gifts. And now, you can surprise your friends at the next birthday bash with Baileys Birthday Cake Original Irish Cream Liqueur. But why wait for a birthday? Baileys Birthday Cake Original Irish Cream Liqueur is a tasty complement for any celebration. Have your cake and drink it too! n g

SCAN FOR RECIPES

BEST SERVED

Celebrate with a yummy Birthday shot

Whisk into your favourite Birthday cake mix

Simply savour over ice

Or get creative and shake up a Baileys Birthday Cake Cocktail for you and your friends. Let’s cheers to that!

RAVISHING In Spain’s finest wine region, a passion for quality and history are the not-so-secret keys to success. Bold in structure and elegant on the palate, Rioja delivers rare delight in every glass. Add these bottles to your collection or enjoy immediately— Rioja is meant to be both admired and savoured.

Campo Viejo Tempranillo

Castillo de Logrono Crianza

Muga Reserva

Beronia Reserva

This lively, Tempranillo-based blend is a versatile companion for a wide range of delicious foods, from crowd-pleas ing rotisserie chicken to duck con fit. Along with classic Rioja notes of black plum and dark fruit, Muga Res erva’s standout flavours include the unexpected rye bread and portobello mushrooms. LCBO #177345 | $27.95

Adhering to the distinct “Beronia Style” of aging (18 months in French and American oak, followed by 18 months in bottle), this rich yet balanced red pours a deep plum colour. A ripe fruit palate with hints of roasted almonds and white pepper leads to a delectably smooth finish. LCBO #50203 | $23.95

From the ruby-colored pour to the welcoming aromas of dark fruit, warm spices, fresh rye bread and mush room, this extra-dry, medium-bodied red offers exceptional value at an in viting price. Once sipped, the lively red reveals its ripe flavors—think dark berries, sweet spices, and comforting vanilla. LCBO #342006 | $16.05

Logroño is the capital of Rioja, and this expressive wine proudly highlights its origins with hand-harvested grapes and enticing aromas of licorice, black fruit, and chocolate. Its slightly spicy taste makes it a natural partner for a variety of dishes from pasta and grilled meats, to tapas and cheeses. LCBO #36044 | $14.95

For more information visit riojawine.com

@riojawine

Faustino I Gran Reserva

Marqués de Riscal Reserva

LAN Crianza

Montecillo Crianza

An easy-drinking wine with a fresh palate, LAN Crianza is made from 100% Tempranillo grapes. When the bottle’s first uncorked, intense flo ral aromas emerge. But as the wine opens up, notes of berries, vanilla, cin namon, and licorice take over, allowing the bright acidity and silky tannins to be savoured. LCBO #166538 | $18.95

This distinguished Rioja—one of the region’s most recognizable—promises impeccable balance, highlighting the harmony of terroir, fruit, and oak. Its layers of complexity are best revealed alongside hearty dishes that can stand up to its notes of sandalwood, straw berry preserve, and black olive notes. LCBO #976662 | $31.95

This special-occasion wine is as in tense as it is polished. A velvety black cherry colour gives way to expressive aromas of licorice, cinnamon, and black pepper as a long, persistent finish leaves a slight suggestion of balsamic vinegar. Serve to treasured guests for an elevated experience. LCBO #32656 | $29.60

Bright cherry-coloured in the glass, this red-fruit forward wine also en tices with sweet notes of toffee and caramel. Montecillo Rioja DOCa Cri anza is smooth on the palate, dancing between ripe, round fruit and crisp acidity. Pair this long, elegant-finishing wine with charcuterie or Mediterra nean dishes. LCBO #144493 | $16.95

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MADE BY HEART .

CRAFTED BY

INSPIRATION.

Photographer: Christopher Anderson Subject: The Balvenie DoubleWood

HANDCRAFTED TO BE ENJOYED RESPONSIBLY. THE BALVENIE DISTILLERY COMPANY LIMITED. REGISTERED IN SCOTLAND. COMPANY NUMBER: SC138003. REGISTERED OFFICE:THE BALVENIE MALTINGS, DUFFTOWN, BANFFSHIRE, AB55 4BB Represented by PMA Canada Ltd. | www.pmacanada.com

Contents

80

Features 72 BACK TO BASICS How to put the fun back into wine appreciation. By Jessica Huras 80 BETWEEN FRIENDS A casual “Friendsgiving” feast to celebrate the season. By Lindsay Guscott 88 FLAVOUR OF THE SEASON A pinch of pumpkin spice elevates all sorts of dishes and drinks. By Christina Frantzis & Charlene Rooke 94 MEET YOUR MATCH Our province’s star grapes—with recipes and product recommendations. By Eric Vellend

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Pumpkin Spice Colada P. 130 Photography by Maya Visnyei

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AUTUMN 2024

MUST-TRY

Pumpkin Spice Colada

COMPLIMENTS OF

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES TSE

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CONTENTS

Departments

In Every Issue

33

101

12

Editor’s Notes

ENTERTAINING

TWISTS

On Board Charcuterie boards and whisky were made for each other. By Charlene Rooke

Shaking Up Cocktail Hour Seasonal changes to the classic Bellini—snacks included! By Christine Sismondo & Lindsay Guscott

17

Inside Scoop

The latest bits, bites and sips to keep you in the know. By Eric Vellend

43

109

BASICS

SEASONAL

Hot Potatoes Your spud primer—tips, hacks, facts and recipes. By Eric Vellend

Talkin’ Turkey Three modern takes on the seasonal bird—for Thanksgiving, or whenever. By Christopher St. Onge

143

Recipe Index

144

CHEF’S DAY OFF

Playing Favourites Austin Ratcliffe shares his top picks for exceptional eating and drinking destinations around Kitchener-Waterloo. By Jessica Huras

51

115

FLAVOURS

SEASONAL

Sandwich Generation The heartier the sandwich, the better it pairs with beer—or cider. By Victoria Walsh

Pressed to Impress Sweet apple cider! Everything you need

to know—and more. By Michele Sponagle

PHOTOGRAPHY BY STACEY BRANDFORD (LEFT); DARREN KEMPER (CENTRE); JAMES TSE (RIGHT)

57

121

BAKING

TRADITIONS

Life of Pie Sweet or savoury, we’ll help you master

Comfort Zones Three local chefs share their favourite homey foods for fall. By Jessica Huras

the art of the pie. By Victoria Walsh

63

DINNER FOR ONE

Solo Suppers Simple, seasonal and delicious single-serve meals. By Monda Rosenberg

101

57

63

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MP L

MP

There is a wine that transports you to the Italian Alps with just one taste. It’s Mezzacorona Pinot Grigio. An elegant epression of our beautiful land.

AUTUMN 2024

WINTER JEWELS Holiday desserts that pop with colour

Chief Marketing and Digital Officer, LCBO Vanda Provato

EDITORIAL Editor Jody Dunn Drinks Editor Charlene Rooke Food Editor Eric Vellend Content Editors Jessica Huras, Victoria Walsh

Publication Coordinator Jessie O’Donnell Publication Assistant Piper MacFadyen ART Creative Director Cathy Cicchini Contributing Art Director David Taylor

Senior Designers Emilie Simpson, Rose Pereira Graphic Production Pat Turbach

CONTRIBUTORS Stacey Brandford, James Chatto, Catherine Doherty, Christina Frantzis, David Grenier, Lindsay Guscott, Katie Hayden, Darren Kemper, Michelle Lucas-Larving, Catherine MacFadyen, Andrea McCrindle, Megan Powell, Monda Rosenberg, Shelly Shnier, Christine Sismondo, Stacey Smithers, Michele Sponagle, Christopher St. Onge, James Tse, Maya Visnyei PRODUCTION Senior Manager Andrew Lawson Production Assistant Everton Smith Image Editing & Prepress Levon Gosdanian, Enhanced Pixels

SALES Publisher Leslie Bolter

Kirby Miller, Beaches Media Services kirby@beachesmediaservices.com

AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 6

Coming Next Issue

Look for the products featured in this issue in LCBO stores and online at LCBO.com.

For general inquiries about Food & Drink magazine or information about LCBO products and policy, please visit lcbocustomercare.com, or call toll-free 1.800.668.5226 or 416.365.5900. TTY Only: 416.864.6898 or 1.800.361.3291. All advertiser applications are subject to the terms and conditions of the LCBO’s advertising agreement. Food & Drink is published five times a year by the Liquor Control Board of Ontario. Volume 32, Number 1. Food & Drink is printed on paper that contains 10 per cent post‑consumer fibre. Food & Drink is recyclable in communities participating in magazine recycling programs. Publication Mail Agreement No. 40064521 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Food & Drink , 100 Queens Quay East, 9th Floor, Toronto, ON, M5E 0C7 ISSN 1195-5988

Not all of the wines, spirits and beers mentioned in Food & Drink will be available at all LCBO stores. Prices are subject to change without notice. Cette publication est également disponible en français.

HOME COMFORTS A welcome home menu everybody will love

SPRUCE UP YOUR COCKTAILS Evergreen flavours are so in season!

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NEW

DISTILLERS COLA

NO ARTIFICIAL FLAVOURS

NO ARTIFICIAL COLOURS

CARIBBEAN KOLA NUT

MADAGASCAN VANILLA

NON GMO

LIME WEDGE

DISTILLERS COLA

DARK SPIRIT

www.fever-tree.com | @fevertreecanada | #mixwiththebest

LCBO NOTES

From our President & CEO

date on the ways in which we’re working to create a more sus tainable and equitable future for our business, our partners and the communities we serve. One example is our long-standing partnership with United Way, an organization that supports the basic needs of our communities while creating lasting change. Thanks to the generosity of our customers and our dedicated employees, to date the LCBO has provided over $53 million to United Way. Our annual fundrais ing campaign will run across all our stores from September 18 to October 6. The LCBO will be recogniz ing the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day on Monday, September 30. I’m delighted that we are part nering once again with artist Lynn Taylor, a member of the Oneida Nation of the Thames (Turtle Clan), Mississauga, to honour this day with special creative content that will be showcased across our digital channels and in our stores. Lastly, we’d like to offer our heartfelt congratulations to Bill and Janet Stewart, winners of our Taste & Travel contest; courtesy of Aeroplan, they will be fulfilling a lifelong ambition to travel to Italy. Back home, we are reviving our VQA Spend & Get initiative: spend $25 or more on VQA wines and get 25 bonus Aeroplan points; spend $50 or more and get 75 bonus points—another win-win opportunity for Ontario’s wine producers and for you, our valued customers. Wishing you a safe and boun tiful autumn,

Dear Friends,

Autumn is almost here, the season of change—it is for tuitous then that this marks a shift in how customers can shop for beverage alcohol. As the exclusive wholesaler for grocery and convenience stores, we have been supporting thousands of Ontario businesses to become responsible retailers. Partici pating convenience stores are now selling eligible products; on October 31, more grocery and big-box stores will join them. Meanwhile, as part of our vision to deliver remarkable experi ences as the trusted destination for the world’s wines, beers and spirits, customers can now pick up 12, 24, or 30 packs of beer at over 250 LCBO stores or on lcbo.com for delivery. We’re pleased to provide everything you need, all in one place. As loyal Food & Drink read ers will know, autumn is also the season when we shine the spotlight on local Ontario VQA wine producers, not just in the magazine but online and in all our stores. Keep an eye out for this year’s campaign called ‘Bring Home Ontario.’ To help make sure we have the knowl edge and expertise to help you find the perfect choice, we’ve sent more than 500 LCBO Ontario wine ambassadors and Store Managers to wine country in Niagara, Lake Erie North Shore and Prince Edward County to experience the world-class wines available in the province. They’ll be ready to share their expertise with you, offering great advice on value, variety, and food pairings for all your fall celebrations, enhancing the occasion and simultaneously supporting our local wine industry. Talking of support, our fifth annual Spirit of Sustainability (SoS) Impact Report is now up online. It will keep you up to

GEORGE SOLEAS President & CEO, LCBO

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AUTUMN 2024

Shop LCBO.com and enjoy FREE Same-Day Pickup Get your favourite fall products when and where you want them!

Reserve the hottest fall products online or on the LCBO app with Same-Day Pickup, and we’ll have them ready for pickup in under 2 hours. Service available at 500+ stores.

39015

EDITOR’S NOTES

Fall Refresh

each season brings, whether it be an occasion, a mood, a flavour or an ingredient, and ensure that we are presenting what is most relevant to that time of year. After a summer spent outside, it’s time to come inside and gather around the table again. “Between Friends” on page 80 offers a menu that can easily be divided up amongst guests to celebrate Friendsgiving; if you’re in charge of sides or desserts at a traditional feast, you’ll find primers on potatoes (p. 43) and pies (p. 57) that provide plenty of inspiration. Or, if you’re not celebrating but still have a turkey craving,“Talkin’ Turkey” on page 109 has three unique ways to scratch that itch. With wine harvest in full swing, we tip our hats to winemakers around the world, but especially in our own backyard (p. 94). And what would fall be without a little pumpkin spice? Look for it in cocktails (including our cover star) and in food on page 88. And don’t forget about whisky! You’ll find an innovative way to serve and explore it starting on page 33—a great way to kick off any seasonal gathering. Whether you’re just flipping through or curling up for a read, we hope you enjoy this issue, our new look and the season!

By now you might have noticed that this issue of Food & Drink looks a little different—and you’re right, it is a little different! After celebrating our 30th anniversary last fall, we’ve been working on a design refresh to carry us into the next decade, and we’re launching it with this issue. You’ll find new and improved reader-friendly fonts and recipe layouts—with more recipes at the front of the book, alongside their pictures. We’ve revamped our masthead on the front cover, making it a bit more contemporary, and added splashes of colour here and there to help convey a fun and relaxed vibe that mirrors how we entertain today. Our photography also echoes this more informal style. You’ll find a little less lifestyle and décor (though we would never abandon either completely) and more of a graphic approach, knowing that we eat with our eyes first. What we haven’t changed is the same great formula that delivers best-in-class recipes and beverage alcohol pairings and recommen dations (highlighting local whenever possible) that we know you’ve come to rely on for both everyday and special occasions. We hope you agree these changes are an improvement, and we look forward to your feedback. On the content side, we plan to take a similar, more relaxed approach that suits the realities of modern tastes and lifestyles and that also reflects a variety of knowledge and skill levels. But we will always be mindful of what

JODY DUNN Editor, LCBO Food & Drink

@lcbofoodanddrink

lcbofoodanddrink

LCBO

PHOTOGRAPH BY JAMES TSE

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

When it comes to seasonal hosting, HomeSense has the right selection and value to make entertaining a snap! Fall in love with one (or all) of these three autumnal looks and visit your local store to stock up on stylish tableware and serving essentials.

Festive Fall Tables

LOOK 1

Rustic Elegance An earth-toned Åoral runner elevates the harvest table and highlights charming wood bowls (perfect for small bites) and seafoam tableware, which is made in Portugal and exclusive to HomeSense. Informal tables needn’t be too matchy—put out all your favourite pieces for an eclectic but memorable vibe.

Cotton Table Runner from $20 (comp. at $30) Ceramic Bowls (made in Portugal) from $8 (comp. at $12) Bamboo Snacking Bowls (set of 3) from $15 (comp. at $20)

ADVERTISING FEATURE

LOOK 2

Modern Simplicity Scandinavian-inspired restraint takes centre stage with a moody palette, matte Änishes, and dramatic shapes. Get the luxe look for less, thanks to inky blue-black plates and trendy dark cutlery from HomeSense. Decanters from $17 (comp. at $25) Wine Glasses (set of 4) from $13 (comp. at $25) Pedestal Trays from $25 (comp. at $40)

Dining Décor

1. Place real or

2. Switch up the

3. Add to the sense of

4. Create contrast by placing dark plates and serveware on an elegant, light tablecloth.

5. Incorporate

faux branches in a unique vase for the perfect centrepiece.

look by rotating in di erent candlesticks and coloured candles.

serving pieces with height to add dimension to your table.

occasion by serving wine

Make magic with fun and a ordable pieces from HomeSense .

in a glass decanter.

LOOK 3

Choose from a wide variety of neutral-toned HomeSense runners and tablecloths to set the scene and make the fall colours of Åowers and food stand out. Next, layer in accents of plum, rust, and copper for warmth. A mix of wood vessels and artisanal style ceramics tell guests that quality is on the menu. Harvest Bounty

Cotton Napkins (set of 4) from $15 (comp. at $20) Ceramic Bowls from $6 (comp. at $8) Cutlery (set of 12) from $30 (comp. at $60)

Entertaining Essentials, Perfectly Priced

Visit homesense.ca/findyourstore

Inside Scoop The latest bits, bites and sips to keep you in the know. BY ERIC VELLEND

Night Harvest Martini

DRINK OF THE SEASON

Beyond being one of the finest dessert wines on the planet, icewine is a brilliant cocktail in gredient. In our Night Harvest Martini (p. 142), its saccharine sweetness is balanced by vodka, but the neutral spirit also allows the wine’s autum nal flavours of honey and ripe pears to shine. Garnished with a pair of juicy grapes, it’s a won derful way to start any fall feast. So why the name? Since icewine grapes must be picked at -8ºC or lower, harvest generally happens at night, when temperatures are coldest.

Buy this glass online at LCBO.com. See p. 28.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DARREN KEMPER; FOOD STYLING BY CHRISTOPHER ST. ONGE; PROP STYLING BY CATHERINE MacFADYEN

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AUTUMN 2024 ————————

INSIDE SCOOP

WHAT’S FOR DINNER? Use Your Noodle

While most people think of Asian-style noodle soup as restaurant food, it’s also a fun way to eat at home—no recipe required. All you need is some broth, noodles and enough add-ins to give it some substance. To get your creative juices flowing, here are three easy ideas for a comforting meal-in-a-bowl.

Curd Mentality Having a package or two of Ying Ying Soy Food

Gourmet Tofu (200 g, $4.99, yingyingsoyfood.com) in the fridge means there will always be a tasty, plant-based protein at the ready. The Mississauga based company makes seven flavours—either black bean or miso would be excellent in a vegan noodle soup.

s eafood broth + rice noodles + cooked shrimp + thawed frozen corn + cilantro leaves, chili crisp

CHICKEN

VEGAN

mushroom broth + soba noodles + flavoured tofu + shiitakes, julienned carrots + sliced green onions

chicken broth + instant ramen noodles + sliced rotisserie chicken + chopped bok choy + shredded nori, toasted sesame seeds

SHRIMP

No Bones About It Even the best chefs find it

challenging to make vegetable broth with the same lip-smacking qualities of meat stock. Toronto based Siip came up with a magic formula in their Vegan Broth (4 single-serve packets, $8.99, siipbroth.com), a deeply flavoured, mushroom-heavy elixir that will take a vegan noodle soup to the next level.

FOR FALL TOASTING Mock Up BY MEGAN POWELL

Some traditional Indigenous ingredients—foods from the natural environment used for time honoured meals and celebrations—can also be used to great effect in non-alcoholic beverages. You could make a tea with chaga mushrooms and cinnamon, and use it as a base for a spritz with soda water and maple syrup. Or muddle blackberries and mint, then top with lemonade—this is a popular refresher at Powwows. This Squash & Sage Mocktail (p. 142) merges tradition with mixology. Sage is one of four sacred medicines (along with sweetgrass, tobacco and cedar), and squash is one of the three sisters (alongside corn and beans), which represent the symbiosis of companion planting. It’s the perfect drink to toast the autumn harvest.

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CELEBRATE DAILY WITH THE SOPHISTICATION OF ANSELMI WINE

REPRESENTED BY

CAMPAGNA FINANZIATA AI SENSI DEL REG. UE N.2021\2115 CAMPAIGN FINANCED ACCORDING TO REG. EU N. 2021\2115

LCBO #948158

PLEASE ENJOY OUR PRODUCTS RESPONSIBLY

INSIDE SCOOP

GIFTING Giving Thanks

“What should I bring to Thanksgiving dinner?” is one of the most common wine questions. Whether your host likes red, white, sparkling or rosé, we’ve got you covered. And for an easy wrap, check out the LCBO’s fall gift bags and boxes in a pretty purple and gold motif. To throw in something extra, grab a gift card, in the same pattern or choose a ghostly vibe for Halloween (see p. 22).

101: Japanese Whisky BY CHARLENE ROOKE You may have noticed more bottles from Japan on the whisky shelf. Known for beautiful packaging and premium price tags, Japanese whisky is similar to Scotch—it uses Scottish malted barley. Here’s the deal on this delicate, elegant whisky. How did whisky-making end up in Japan? More than a century ago, sake businessman Masataka Taketsuru ventured to Scotland and brought the art of whisky-making—and a Scottish wife—home, first to well-known Japanese beverage company Suntory and then by founding Nikka. What makes Japanese whisky unique? Golden honeyed flavours, orchard fruits like apple and pear plus nuanced floral aromas make these whiskies special. When you see mizunara oak on the label, the spirit has likely been matured in casks made from an East Asian tree that lends perfumed notes of incense and spice. What are some good bottles to start with? Taste the spirit’s history by pouring an ounce of Nikka Whisky Yoichi Single Malt ( LCBO 21082, $94.95 ), from Nikka’s original distillery, over a large chunk of ice for slow sipping. A light Japanese blended whisky, such as Toki ( LCBO 465484, $64.20 ), is versatile and smooth. Can I mix it into cocktails? Try 11/2 oz of lighter Japanese whisky blends in a highball with quality soda water and a lemon twist. Use single-malt Japanese whisky to replace bourbon in an Old Fashioned or brandy in a Sidecar, or make it the star of a whisky sour.

Moillard Bourgogne Pinot Noir LCBO 32566, $28.95 Smelling of raspberries and flowers, this medium bodied red delivers plenty of varietal character and sour cherry acidity. Best with dark meat drowned in mushroom gravy.

Miraval Rosé VINTAGES ESSENTIALS 342584, $25.95 Barely pink, this lovely Provençal rosé is fresh and fragrant with a juicy, tangy finish. It will shine alongside turkey breast slathered in cranberry sauce.

Bailly Lapierre Réserve Brut Crémant de Bourgogne VINTAGES ESSENTIALS 991562, $24.95 With a frothy mousse and lemony acid ity, this great-value French sparkler is a perfect pre-dinner pour with charcuterie, seafood appetizers and potato chips.

Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc VINTAGES ESSENTIALS

677450, $29.95 Consistently one of the best New Zealand

Sauvignon Blancs at the LCBO, this zesty, grassy wine is the right white when the sides are heavy on green vegetables.

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A BOLD FUSION OF CAMPFIRE SMOKINESS & TOFFEE SWEETNESS

GLENFIDDICH.CA | SKILFULLY CRAFTED. ENJOY RESPONSIBLY. Glenfiddich® Single M alt Sc ot chWhisky is a r egis ter ed t r ademark o f William G r ant & Sons Lt d

INSIDE SCOOP

ENTERTAINING Halloween Essentials It doesn’t take much to transform a regular Halloween party into a ghoulish spectacle. Here are some tips, tricks and drink recommendations to raise the spooky spirit.

DEVILISHLY GOOD DRINKS From pumpkin beer to black vodka, these drinks will add drama to your bar this Halloween.

Hounds Black Vodka LCBO 24528, $36.95 Made in Ontario, this inky black vodka will cast its spell over cocktails like a witch’s wand. Try it in our tasty Haunted Screwdriver (find recipe online at LCBO.com/fdautumn24).

Apothic Dark Red LCBO 392654, $16.95 With notes of dark berries, cocoa and coffee, this six grape blend from California comes in a broody bottle tailor-made for Halloween.

Niagara Oast House Brewing Country Bumpkin Ale LCBO 28507, 473 mL, $4.45 Made with four kinds of squash from Fonthill’s Howells Farm, this nutty, malty spiced ale will bring jack-o’-lantern energy to your glass.

Crystal Head Bone Bottle

THE GIFT OF CHOICE

LCBO 36430, $61.95 The latest bottle for this iconic vodka is a bone-white skull. Once it’s empty, save it to use as a creepy candelabra for future Halloweens.

Not sure what to buy? Pick up a Halloween-themed LCBO gift card.

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TOIL AND TROUBLE

Seed Money BY VICTORIA WALSH

Roasting your own pumpkin seeds is simple and rewarding. Use an ice cream scoop to scrape the seeds from your pumpkin easily, then rinse in a colander, rubbing them until they’re pretty clean. (Save the stringy flesh in the freezer to add colour and sweetness to vegetable stock.) Lay out the seeds on paper towels to dry thoroughly. Toss the dry seeds with vegetable oil, salt and pepper and, if you like, your favourite spices—think chili powder, cumin and cayenne. Roast at 300°F (149°C) on a parchment-lined baking sheet until crispy and delightful!

Fun Guy To turn white mushrooms into scary skulls for pizza or a sauté, all you need is a paring knife and a straw. Halve the mushrooms (if you’re using them as a pizza topping), then poke out eye sockets with the straw. Cut two slits for the nose then scrape teeth in the stem with the knife’s tip.

You don’t need a recipe to make witches’ brew! Here’s how to conjure up your own enchanting Halloween punch. MIX MASTER: Use a combo of spirits plus juice or soda—dark coloured juices like grape or blackcurrant are best. Or make it glow with pop like Mountain Dew. VESSELS: For the full effect, whip up a big batch in a “cauldron” punch bowl and float “eyeballs” made from canned lychees stuffed with blueberries. –VW

Ghastly Garnishes Whether you’re making witches’ brew or just pouring a beer, a simple garnish can give it a frightful edge. Here are a few fun ideas:

ORANGE ZEST COINS CUT INTO JACK-O’-LANTERNS

GUMMY WORMS PIERCING APPLE SLICES

RED GEL ICING AND BLACK SALT RIMMING A GLASS

PLASTIC SPIDER ON AN ORANGE WHEEL

BLACK LICO RICE STIRRING STICKS

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INSIDE SCOOP

SHOP & EARN AUTUMN DEALS

ROAD TRIPPING Suite Eats BY JESSICA HURAS

While shopping at the LCBO, you can earn Aeroplan ® bonus points on every purchase (one point for every $4) plus extra on limited time promotions. To help rack up some points this autumn, we’ve got a trio of unique beverages. They’ll bring fall flavours to your glass, table and bar, and the offer is good from September 15 to October 12. For more information, including other offers and how to sign up, visit LCBO.com/aeroplan.

TRADITIONS Mid-Autumn Festival

A season for scenic drives, cozy sweaters and invigorating hikes, fall is the best time to pack your bags, hit the road and treat yourself to a few nights at one of these food‑focused hotels.

WHEN September 17

WHAT An important, millennia-old Chinese holiday to celebrate the fullest, brightest moon, which coincides with the autumn harvest. It’s also known as the Moon Festival or Mooncake Festival. FOOD Mooncakes are round pastries usually stuffed with lotus seed paste or sweet bean paste. Sometimes, they contain nuts or the yolk from a salted duck egg. The outer pastry is stamped with a mould creating a beautiful, intricate design.

Brock Street Milk Chocolate Stout LCBO 28535, 473 mL, $3.65 20

THE JUNE MOTEL, Sauble Beach Seasonal restaurant Heydays serves unfussy, coastal inspired dishes that match The June Motel’s retro, beachy aesthetic. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, enjoying frosé and oysters under the autumn sun, or cozying up in the pastel-hued interior with lobster mac and cheese, the easy bites and ’70s vibes capture the carefree spirit of summer’s end. thejunemotel.com FAIRMONT ROYAL YORK , Toronto From elegant afternoon tea towers to Martinis mixed tableside, the Royal York’s culinary offerings are as majestic as its Art Deco decor. Award-winning mixolo gist James Grant has curated a cocktail program that beautifully echoes the hotel’s old-world charm, while partnerships with Ontario farmers underpin the home grown fare served at its three restaurants. fairmont.com/royal-york-toronto LANGDON HALL, Cambridge A dreamy countryside estate provides the backdrop for one of Ontario’s most acclaimed restaurants. Executive Chef Jason Bangerter sources many ingredients from the picturesque gardens and Carolinian forest surrounding the hotel, while sommelier Faye MacLachlan and her team guide diners, choosing wines from a vast cellar with more than 1,400 labels. langdonhall.ca SOMEWHERE INN, Collingwood At this historic residence-turned-boutique hotel, the culinary ethos revolves around spotlighting Collingwood’s top-notch producers. With food and drink menus devel oped by the team behind Gibson & Company, a café and bar around the corner, alongside coffee sourced from Thornbury roaster Good Grief, guests are treated to a true taste of the region. somewhereinn.ca/collingwood

Glenfiddich Orchard Experiment LCBO 27467, $114.95 400

Muskoka Lakes Blueberry Wine LCBO 457341, $17.95 100

Aeroplan ® is a registered trademark of Aeroplan Inc., used under license. The Air Canada maple leaf logo ® is a registered trademark of Air Canada, used under license.

JUNE MOTEL PHOTO: LAUREN MILLER; MOONCAKE PHOTO: ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/TWOMEOWS_IS

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Please enjoy our wines responsibly . © 2024 The Prisoner Wine Compan y, Oakville, CA

INSIDE SCOOP

THE BLUEPRINT 50/50 Aperitifs

If you’re looking for the complexity and sophistication of a vintage cocktail, but don’t want too much of a buzz, then consider the family of equal-parts aperitifs. The bittersweet Milano-Torino (4) is just a Negroni minus the gin, and it’s just as satisfying. A Duplex (1) balances dry and sweet vermouth, while the Alfonso XIII (3) is a beguiling blend of fruity Dubonnet Rouge and nutty fino sherry. Inspired by these classic drinks, Food Editor Eric Vellend created Blonde on Blonde (2), a yin-yang of Lillet Blanc and dry vermouth he named after a favourite Bob Dylan album. Find these recipes on page 142.

SEASONAL SIPS Staple Whiskey

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The latest celebrity spirit is a collab between country music star Chris Stapleton and Buffalo Trace Distillery master distiller Harlen Wheatley. The dynamic duo tasted over 50 American whiskey blends before settling on the winning Traveller Blend No. 40 ( LCBO 39111, $49.45 ). Expect aromas of shortbread and vanilla, a touch of sweetness on the palate, and a spicy finish. If you’re buying it as a gift, tack on a pair of fine whiskey glasses, available at LCBO.com. For a classic, go with Liiton Everest Crystal ( LCBO 39175, 2 pk, $39.95 ), and for something different, try break-resistant Liiton Grand Canyon Crystal ( LCBO 39177, 2 pk, $39.95 ) featuring a unique design to help aeration.

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SEASONAL SIPS FALL INTO BEER As summer transitions into fall, light lagers and session ales give way to eagerly anticipated autumnal brews. Here are three we’re most excited about.

Muskoka Brewery Stein‑Sized Fest Bier LCBO 32808, 568 mL, $3.95 With a few more ounces than a traditional large 473‑mL can, this smooth, pale German-style lager is best enjoyed in a 20-ounce stein to toast Oktoberfest.

Left Field Brewery Squeeze Play Concord Grape Sour LCBO 40095, 355 mL, $3.95 Concord grape concentrate gives this sour beer a fruity backbone and purple hue. Sweet, tart and tangy, it goes down like grape soda.

Beau’s Crème Brew-Lée Stout LCBO 38966, 473 mL, $3.95 Smooth and creamy with flavours of burnt sugar and vanilla, this stout really is like crème brûlée in a glass. Pour after Thanks giving dinner.

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INSIDE SCOOP

Trendspotting A roundup of what we’re into this season.

BAR HACK In the Mix

TRY IN TEA!

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Mixologists have a number of tricks to give cocktails a little some thing extra. Here are three flavour enhancers to throw into the mixing glass or shaker, just remember to fine-strain the drink. RICE A trio of New York–based bartenders discovered the benefits of adding one to two tablespoons of rice to the mixing glass of stirred drinks. Not only does the starch bring a silkier texture to the drink, it softens the harsher edges of bitter ingre dients. Try it in a Negroni or Toronto Cocktail. COFFEE BEANS Parisian bartender Nico de Soto pioneered the technique of stirring coffee beans in cocktails to give the drink a hint of café . This works best with brown spirits and sweet vermouth. Give it a spin in your next Old Fashioned or Manhattan. Oily, dark roast beans are ideal; use up to 1 tablespoon per drink. CITRUS PEELS Citrus peels are a com mon cocktail garnish, but when you squeeze and drop one into the shaker for sours, it brings a fuller flavour and a hint of bitterness. Sommelier Theo Lieberman came up with the idea in 2010 and dubbed it the “regal shake.” Try a grapefruit twist in your next Daiquiri or an orange peel in a Sidecar.

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SUSTAINABLE Peel of Fortune The next time you’re baking an apple pie or crisp, don’t throw out the peels and cores! Consider whipping up a batch of Spiced Apple Peel Syrup (recipe p. 142), which wrings out the flavour from these trimmings. You can make a lighter syrup (above) to sweeten herbal tea or cocktail sours, or make a darker, thicker syrup (see Rich Spiced Apple Peel Syrup on p. 142) for pan cakes or drinks with brown spirits.

SHOULD I BUY Glass of ’24

Since the right glass makes all the difference, the LCBO now carries a range of fine glassware from Viski. 1. With a gold-plated base, the Gatsby Tumbler ( LCBO 40853, 2 pk, $29.95 ) will make your next Negroni shine. 2. The elegant faceted shape of Seneca Martini glasses ( LCBO 40855, 2 pk, $29.95 ) makes clear cocktails glitter like diamonds. 3. Featuring the same handsome design as the tumbler, the Gatsby Highball ( LCBO 40854, 2 pk, $29.95 ) will dress up a Tom Collins. 4. Beau Coupes ( LCBO 40851, 2 pk, $29.95 ) bring Art Deco flair to a Manhattan. Look for all these glasses online at LCBO.com.

SEASONAL SIPS Scotch-Tails

Not so long ago, Scotch fans would have looked askance at using their favourite spirit in cocktails, but today scotch-tails are right on-trend. Use peated Scotch, like smoky Bowmore 12-Year-Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (LCBO 330803, $76.20), as you might mezcal. It’s smolderingly good in our Peat’s Cure with lemon, honey and ginger. Monkey Shoulder Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (LCBO 414334, $59.55) makes great highballs mixed with ginger ale or club soda and a lemon twist. Manhattan and Negroni fans can try it in similar classics like a Blood and Sand or Rusty Nail . Find recipes online at LCBO.com/fdautumn24. –CR

SYRUP PHOTO: ROB FIOCCA

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CORPORATE GIFTS FOR THE HOLIDAYS Get the most coveted gifts of the season when you shop from LCBO’s thoughtfully curated corporate holiday gift list. From memorable gift ideas to gift cards that suit any budget, you’ll find unique options for staff, clients and customers.

Visit LCBO.com to shop now.

Featured products available while supplies last. Vintage years in images may differ from products available in store and online.

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

Brand sippin’ new under $25. Bring home Ontario.

The LCBO offers some of the very best in Ontario VQA. Shop everything from buttery Prince Edward County Chardonnay to a cheers-ready Niagara Escarpment Sparkling to a plummy Merlot from Niagara-on-the-Lake. Whatever the occasion, rest assured we’ve got the best in new and on-trend local wines for you this fall.

Learn more about Ontario VQA.

Ramblers Schmoozer Cabernet Merlot VQA 37962 l 750 mL l XD – 6 g/L Reg. $15.95 Now $13.95 l Save $2.00 This bold, balanced blend features ripe cherry and currant flavours with hints of vanilla and herb. Try it with meaty fare or fragrant blue cheese.

Pondview Vidal Icewine VQA 390351 l 200 mL l S – 231 g/L Reg. $19.95 Now $18.95 l Save $1.00 This rich, complex Icewine is a great example of this trending wine style. Features dried apricot, spice and honey flavours. A great match to vanilla ice cream or chocolate mousse.

Bella Terra Vineyards Pinot Grigio VQA 37953 l 750 mL l XD – 2 g/L Reg. $15.95 Now $13.95 l Save $2.00 White peach, pear, green apple and citrus notes define this bright and lively, crowd–pleasing sipper. Try it with antipasto, seafood or chicken.

Ramblers The Chiller Unoaked Chardonnay VQA 37961 l 750 mL l D – 8 g/L Reg. $14.95 Now $12.95 l Save $2.00 Expect bright and zesty flavours of apple and citrus in this light, crisp offering. Makes an ideal partner to fresh salads, Spicy Thai or artisanal cheeses.

Bella Terra Vineyards Cabernet Merlot VQA 37954 l 750 mL l XD – 2 g/L Reg. $15.95 Now $13.95 l Save $2.00 A refined red blend that delivers rich plum and berry notes. Try it with roasted duck.

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Featured products are available at select LCBO stores. Prices subject to change without notice. Price offers in effect from September 15 to October 13, 2024.

Closson Chase The Brock Chardonnay VQA 20899 l 750 mL l XD – 3 g/L Reg. $24.95 Now $22.95 l Save $2.00 Taste zesty peach, crisp apple and luscious pear notes in this buttery Niagara River gem. Try with roast pork or creamy risotto.

Magnotta Equus Series Home Stretch White Blend VQA 37967 l 750 mL l D – 12 g/L Reg. $12.95 Now $11.70 l Save $1.25 This white blend is zesty and fresh with citrus flavours, pleasing nuttiness and herbal notes. A delightful aperitif or partner to spicy fare.

Magnotta Equus Series Double Cab VQA 37966 l 750 mL l XD – 5 g/L Reg. $12.95 Now $11.70 l Save $1.25 A flavourful blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc that brims with ripe blackberry flavours. The perfect steak- night wine.

Vieni Momenti Sparkling Wine VQA 435784 l 750 mL l D – 17 g/L Reg. $15.95 Now $14.95 l Save $1.00 This sparkling is crafted using the Charmat method, a process that preserves the freshness and vibrance of the most delicate flavours. Serve alongside spicy seafood.

Fresh Sauvignon Blanc VQA 34064 l 750 mL l XD – 3 g/L Reg. $14.95 Now $12.95 l Save $2.00 This fresh white’s peach, citrus and kiwi flavours pair beautifully with leafy market–fresh salads and grilled vegetables.

Sandbanks Sauvignon Blanc VQA 355974 l 750 mL l D – 8 g/L Reg. $15.95 Now $13.95 l Save $2.00 A bright, citrusy sipper that delivers pleasing hints of tropical tang. Pair with seafood pastas and goat cheese salads.

Unique balanced

taste for that

first sip.

Must be legal drinking age.

ENTERTAINING

On Board At your next gathering, introduce guests to a new pairing—whisky and charcuterie—that pairs smoky notes and complex flavours.

BY CHARLENE ROOKE ————— PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES TSE

Buy these glasses at LCBO.com.

This happy synchronicity between meat and cheese boards and whisky, and the range of fresh local and preserved autumn ingredients available, makes this the ideal time to try whisky pairings across the board. A great selection of Scotch, bour bon, Canadian whisky and Irish whiskey—including affordable 375-mL bottles—makes exploring pairings and entertaining with whisky easy and fun.

of char, which come from the toasted layer inside oak barrels. And like olives or cheese rinds, whisky can even taste minerally or briny. Great whisky gains fruity and floral notes from the fermented grains that form its base, and sometimes from casks that previously held wine or sherry. Dried, fresh and preserved fruits on a snack board can bring out those flavours. Whisky can taste golden as a dripper of honey, and as nutty as a handful of seeds or kernels.

“Wine and cheese” rolls off the tongue as elegantly as those pairings caress the palate. With Italian anti pasti platters of cured meat, cheese, olives and more, wine is practically necessario . But the next time you snack on those foods or entertain with a full-blown charcuterie and cheese board, consider how the flavours beautifully complement the layered notes in fine whisky instead. Like many cured and smoked meats, whisky sometimes has wisps

FOOD STYLING BY CHRISTOPHER ST. ONGE; PROP STYLING BY STACEY SMITHERS

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ON BOARD

Reifel Rye LCBO 27605, $49.95 Buttery toffee on the nose plus a ginger and white-pepper palate make this rye both smooth and spicy.

PREMIUM PICK Lot No. 40 Dark Oak Canadian Whisky LCBO 19563, $63.95 Mocha and peppery spice fade to a warm, cedary glow on the finish of this deeply flavoured rye.

Canadian Club 100% Rye LCBO 390583, $33.45 Loads of creamy vanilla balance herbs and dried fruits in this whisky, with just a hint of smoke and toasty nuts.

Rye Whisky Board Play up rye’s spicy, peppery character with peppercorn salami. Balance that with a wedge of mild, nutty-tasting Swiss cheese like Emmenthal, which picks up on the toasted-flax note in great rye whisky. A moist, seedy slice of cocktail pumpernickel bread amplifies rye’s grain notes, and a slather of fig or quince preserves brings bright, tangy character. A soft-baked pretzel with spicy mustard is another tasty food pairing for this combo! SIDE SNACKS Toasted pumpkin and sunflower seeds, or sesame-seed wafers, are a great way to accent the toasty, toffeed notes of barrel-aged rye. Although it might sound strange, after a sip of whisky, try a shard of dark chocolate (with 80 per cent or more cacao) with the cheese and bread: the deep mocha notes make the pairing pop.

HOMEMADE HACK

BUTTER CANDLE Centre a food-safe wick (from craft stores) in a 12-oz paper cup. In a small pot over low, melt 1 cup (250 mL) butter. Stir in 1 tbsp (15 mL) dried or fine-chopped fresh herbs. Pour melted butter into cup and refrigerate until solid. Peel or cut away paper. Light wick and dip food into melted butter.

VALUE PICK Alberta Premium Whisky LCBO 3871, 375 mL, $17.50 Banana, caramel and a kick of red-hot cinnamon give this vivacious rye plenty of pairing potential.

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ON BOARD

Irish Whiskey Board Evoke the comforts of a corned beef dinner by pairing Irish whiskey with bresaola (Italian dried, salted beef), with kettle-cooked potato chips on the side. The ideal cheese is a mature white cheddar, as smooth as Irish whiskey but with delightful, crunchy crystals that form while it ages. Seedy or fruit-and-nut crisps (such as Mary’s or Raincoast Crisps) are the ideal cracker, picking up toasty and nutty notes in the whiskey. SIDE SNACKS Apple butter, jam or sauce will amplify the golden, orchard-fruit flavours common to Irish whiskey blends. Slices of dried mango or apricot, and toasted hazelnuts or walnuts, complete the board and round out the fruity, toasty and savoury nuances you’ll find in these spirits.

VALUE PICK

Jameson Irish Whiskey LCBO 230987, 375 mL, $23.10 Soft ginger and vanilla on the nose and a silky-smooth texture make this light, golden blend a favourite.

HOMEMADE HACK

MELTED ONIONS Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Peel and cut three small onions in half crosswise (through their equator) and place halves in 6 small ramekins. Generously season with salt and pepper, and bake for 20 to 30 minutes, until soft. Melt 1 tbsp (15 mL) butter and brush over onion tops. Bake until deeply golden, up to 40 minutes.

Glendalough Double Barrel Irish Whiskey LCBO 516096, $49.95 One of Ireland’s first craft dis tilleries creates a lightly spicy, caramelly whiskey with cooked pear accents.

PREMIUM PICK Green Spot Irish Whiskey LCBO 667071, $90.20 Made in the robust pot-still style, this leathery, spicy and dry dram has clove and fresh apple notes.

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Save $ 1 & earn 30 Aeroplan ® points Harrow, Ontario – where our winery is located – was once known as Hopetown, a settlement surveyed in 1824. The name embraces the promise of new beginnings, an enduring pursuit for happiness, and a bright future.

Craft Red Reg. $ 12 .95 Now $ 11 .95

Sauvignon Blanc Reg. $ 13 .95 Now $ 12 .95

Sept. 16 th - Oct 13 th , 2024

® Aeroplan is a registered trademark of Aeroplan ® Inc., used under license.

Please enjoy responsibly.

ON BOARD

Angel’s Envy Bourbon LCBO 21465, $79.95 Aging in port barrels brings fruity, berry and nutty notes to this unusually smooth and fruity bourbon.

PREMIUM PICK

Maker’s Mark 46 LCBO 225565, $62.45

Michter’s US1 Small Batch

The elegance of French oak gives this bourbon buttery tarte tatin and salted caramel elements to savour.

Kentucky Bourbon LCBO 618991, $90.20 An endlessly long fin ish is the payoff of this opulent, caramelly bourbon, with hints of orange and spice.

HOMEMADE HACK

Bourbon Whiskey Board America’s signature whiskey, bourbon, is made from a corn-dominant blend of grains and has a slight sharpness on the palate to balance rich, caramelly notes. That makes it perfect fodder for unctuous cured meats like mortadella and prosciutto, paired with a creamy, mild cheese like Gouda. Make buttered, salted crostini toasts from a crisp-crusted baguette and/or our Butter-Fried Saltines as an accompaniment, and include a pot of sweet honey mustard to tie each bite together. SIDE SNACKS On the side, peach or apricot jam will pick up the baked tree-fruit notes common to bourbon, as will slices of fresh or dried apple or pear, or fresh cherries. Honeyed peanuts or a caramel nuts-and corn mix are other well-chosen side snacks.

BUTTER-FRIED SALTINES A Southern delicacy common to the region

VALUE PICK

Jim Beam White Label Bourbon LCBO 521294, 375 mL, $18.10 The legacy of the Jim Beam brand starts here: an initial spicy and floral whiff turns to pure molten caramel.

where bourbon, barbecue and soul food are made and beloved, this decadent spin on ordinary crackers brings out bourbon’s palate-coating, creamy notes. Once you try them, you’ll never go back to eating ordinary saltines! Find the recipe at LCBO.com/fdautumn24.

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