LCBO Food & Drink Spring 2023

INSIDE SCOOP

SUSTAINABLE BRINE AND DINE

WHAT ’ S NEW Grape Escape

Just in time for spring sipping, the LCBO has released a bunch of affordable Italian whites made from indigenous grape varietals. As a little primer, we’ve broken down the wines by grape with a recommendation for each.

PICKLE Pickle “juice” can be used for everything from brining or marinating meat or fish to steaming vegetables. Throw dill pickle brine in water for boiling potatoes, and pickled jalapeño “juice” into mayo to make it pop. FETA When used as a marinade, creamy feta brine will help meats like pork chops caramelize in the pan. It’s also terrific in a dressing for broccoli or eggplant, or added to water Whether you’re partial to pickles, olives or feta, don’t throw out the brine they’re packed in! The salty liquid has many delicious uses. Here’s how to make the most of it. BY CAROL DUDAR for cooking grains. And a splash will bring a unique twist to a Dirty Martini! OLIVE Olive brine can be deployed just like pickle “juice”. It is, however, strong stuff, so use it where the olive flavour works, such as for marinating lamb. Try it in our Roasted Olive Brined Broccolini with Lemons, Olives & Mint (page 108).

GRILLO Used in the production of Marsala, this Sicilian grape is built to handle the island’s extreme heat. It produces medium-bodied whites with citrusy notes, bright acidity and a touch of salinity. Gloria Grillo DOC Organic LCBO 31003, $14.95

VERMENTINO Grown primarily in

PECORINO Not to be confused with the cheese of the same name, Pecorino is an ancient grape making a comeback in central Italy. Expect fresh, fruity and floral wines with great minerality

Sardinia and northwest Italy, Vermentino yields light- to medium-bodied wines with citrusy and almond flavours and a pleasantly bitter finish. Villa Puccini Vermentino Toscana LCBO 30955, $14.40

and a rich mouth feel. With Love Pecorino LCBO 31487, $15.95

22 FOOD & DRINK SPRING 2023