LCBO Food & Drink Early Summer 2020

INSIDE SCOOP

Coming out of the shadow of their Iberian neighbour’s offerings, Portugal’s table wines are finally getting their due. Julie Garton, beverage director of Four Seasons Hotel Toronto, has travelled Portugal extensively and has picked four bottles that showcase wines of “great value and consistent quality.” Port of authority BAR SNOOP

LoiosWhite LCBO 92114, $9.40

“Made in Alentejo from a blend of indigenous grapes, Loios is a drier white with body. It has flavours of apricot and baked apple with a nice saline note on the finish. It’s wonderful with white-fleshed fish or grilled calamari.”

Vicente Faria Animus Douro DO LCBO 535641, $11.95

“Produced in the Douro Valley, which is fa- mous for port, this complex red blend offers rich black fruit with notes of grilled fennel and leather. It’s round and fleshy with the structure that will pair well with barbecued meats like chicken, ribs and flank steak.”

Aveleda Vinho Verde LCBO 5322, $11.95

“Translating to ‘green wine,’ vinho verde refers to the lush region in the north known for fresh, lively whites. This one has aromas of green apple, mandarin flavours and a light spritz. Enjoy with shellfish or entirely on its own.”

Alandra Red LCBO 89961, $8.00

“This innovative estate in the south of Alentejo works its vineyards both sustainably and or- ganically. Alandra, the estate’s workhorse red, is loaded with red berry flavours with some roasted herb notes and dusty tannins on the finish. Try with a heartier fish stew or pasta in tomato sauce.”

“With diverse climates and indigenous grapes, Portugal is an amazing wine destination.”

PORTRAIT COURTESY OF FOUR SEASONS HOTEL TORONTO

Dicey situation If there is a baking/cooling rack in your cupboard, then you’ve got a makeshift dicer on your hands. Set it over a bowl, and push hardboiled eggs through for egg salad. Pitted avocados are diced right out of their skins for chunky guacamole. Or dice cooked Yukon Gold potatoes for hash browns. In each case, this hack performs best when the item is halved lengthwise and fridge-cold. Kitchen Hack

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EARLY SUMMER 2020 FOOD & DRINK