LCBO Food & Drink Holiday 2022

NO MATTER THE OCCASION

Taste of Ontario

Gift a bottle of something that represents the best of home.

Keep something special on hand to celebrate the lighting of the menorah— perhaps Bartenura Asti KPM (LCBO 890434, $21.70), a sweet Italian sparkler with notes of apricot, peach and citrus. Also, take along Teal Lake Shiraz KPM (LCBO 891283, $17.65), a food-friendly red from Australia that pairs well with traditional dishes like beef brisket and potato latkes. For beer lovers, serve the Belgian style ale Beer Snob (LCBO 528513, 473 mL, $3.80) from Ottawa’s Shillow Beer Company, Canada’s only certified kosher brewery. Stock up with a few kosher picks in preparation for Hanukkah. Or have a bottle or six-pack ready for gifting. Keep It Kosher

ERIC BOYAR Chef and owner, Sixthirtynine, Woodstock, Ont.

For inspiration, Boyar looks to the province’s winemakers

and distillers for pairings with seasonal dishes. “We have many talented producers who are true to their craft and create products that go well with food.” He suggests trying a Niagara icewine with roasted Ontario pork, or local cider with a holiday turkey dinner.

Inniskillin Vidal

Icewine VQA VINTAGES ESSENTIALS 388306, 375 mL, $49.95

Niagara icewines are coveted worldwide, including this one representing the craftsmanship that goes into them. Forty Creek Cream Liquor LCBO 281378, $29.95 At its base is award-winning Canadian whisky. It’s perfect alongside a local cheese like Brigid’s Brie from Gunn’s Hill Artisan Cheese Co. Puddicombe Family Tree Apple Cider LCBO 497719, 473 mL, $3.45 Twelve types of Ontario apples go into this light-bodied, balanced

To suit various guests’ tastes, hosts appreciate having an array of choices available, including lighter choices. Consider bringing these. LOW- AND NO-ALCOHOL CHOICES

Jacob’s Creek Moscato Rosé Lower Sugar LCBO 24080, $13.75 Rosés are still trending for the holidays. For a lighter option, try this one with peach, floral and honey notes.

Heineken 0.0 LCBO 589416, 6 pk, $12.35

Spiritliss Hibiscus Non-Alcoholic Gin & Tonic LCBO 17435, 355 mL, $2.75 Hibiscus and tart cranberry-like flavours give this cocktail with floral notes an appealing festive slant.

cider, produced near Hamilton. It’s a surprisingly good match with gingerbread and squash dishes.

Though just 70 calories a bottle, this all-natural,

zero-alcohol beer delivers nicely on taste and lightness. A halal option.

ILLUSTRATION BY DAVID SPARSHOTT

224 FOOD & DRINK HOLIDAY 2022