LCBO Food & Drink Holiday 2018

CONVERSAT ION STARTERS

Quizzes and a prepared list of amusing conversation starters can really keep a lengthy party moving along. In honour of New Year’s Eve, the host could devise a quiz based on events of the year gone by, with plenty of in-jokes about the guests. If the party is mostly family, include lots of family history and lore.

WHAT BETTER WAY TO START THE EVENING —or end it—than with an impeccable, utterly reli- able Champagne? Equal parts Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, Pol Roger Brut Reserve ( LCBO 217158, $67.65) has a med- ium weight and a certain rich- ness, showing yeasty, biscuity notes among apple and pear fla­ vours. A precise balance makes it the ideal bubbly for both an aperitif and toasting the New Year at midnight.     Move to an off-dry Riesling for the first course of roasted pear salad—perhaps Vineland Estates Elevation St. Urban Vineyard VQA ( VINTAGES ESSENTIALS 38117, $19.95). As with so many sal- ads, the dressing influences the match. This classic wine from Niagara’s oldest Riesling vine­ yard has the acidity to cut through the egg-yolk flavour of Cambozola while its juicy citrus and peach notes echo the sweet perfume of the pears.

150  FOOD & DRI NK HOLIDAY 2018