LCBO Food and Drink Holiday 2015

DRINK  GIFTING

G O I N G W I T H CHOCOLATE

BY STEPHEN BEAUMONT PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK OLSON

Giving someone a gift of boxed chocolates is a sure thing, but adding in a bottle that complements

the sweet nibbles elevates the present from fine to sublime.

Regardless of your feelings about the holi- day season, whether you delight in its revelry or tut-tut at its commercialism, chances are that at some point over the course of the cele- brations you will find yourself happily facing down a box of chocolates. When that does happen, having the right drink in hand can make the difference between a ho-hum hit of sugar and a true gastronomic experience.    While the common view may be that boxed chocolates are not worthy of being paired with wine, beer or spirits, the reality is that even the humblest assortment can be improved, even made sophisticated, through a partnership with the right kind of beverage. The key, as ever, lies in finding just the right drink for the type of chocolate.

PHOTO BY JAMES TSE

FOOD & DRI NK HOLIDAY 2015 99