LCBO Food & Drink Summer 2020

NIAGARA BOUND

Two standouts inNOTL

Every winery has its own specialty, whether a key varietal (Riesling) or a style of winemaking (assemblage). Start your tastings with these two wines at two of the region’s boutique wine houses.

Stratus Wildass Rosé VQA VINTAGES 71712, $18.95

Assemblage is a celebrated style of winemaking at this winery, where multiple varieties are blended based on style and vintage. This medi- um-bodied wine brings a flowery bouquet and ripe fruit. It’s a robust, food-friendly wine that works with anything grilled from land or sea. Ravine Vineyard Patricia’s Block Riesling Winery Only, $35.00 The tasting room at this family-run winery is set in a 150-year-old heri­ tage building, where the standout is this vineyard-specific Riesling, raised by tartness and rounded with notes of honey.

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Wine country spots for foodies In recent years, Niagara has become home to a formidable roster of talented chefs and cooks who have helped sculpt the culinary scene in wine country. Whether you prefer to graze your way through or stop for that one memorable meal, these are three places you shouldn’t skip.

It’s About Thyme You’ll find this unassuming Lebanese restaurant located between Niagara-on-the-Lake and the Beamsville Bench. Locals frequent it for its punchy flavours and unadul- terated home-style cooking. Try the falafel or shawarma plate. Or ask for the secrete item—the “pocket”—which combines all the familiar flavours of Middle Eastern cooking in one sandwich. 95 Geneva St., St. Catharines

St. Catharines Farmers’ Market Niagara’s food scene is

Pho Xyclo Niagara has seen

burgeoning Vietnamese restaurants over the last decade. Tucked away from the main drag, this family-run restaurant offers unbridled traditional cooking with a focus on Southeast Asian noodle soups, stir-fry and seafood dishes. Try the laksa, the fiery cousin to pho. phoxyclo.ca, Niagara Falls

booming with food entrepre- neurs and the farmers’ market is where you will discover exciting new things to eat. Historically run twice weekly (Tuesdays and Saturdays), it’s home to a rotating set of food popups where you can find regional Mexican cooking and street food inspired by the

night markets of Taiwan. 91 King St., St. Catharines

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SUMMER 2020 FOOD & DRINK