José Bautista with the Grapes for Humanity Board
Wednesday, August 13th: Following a dental appointment (for an implant), I took the VIA train from Aldershot to Toronto with Cathy Martin to attend the Grapes for Humanity Board of Directors’ dinner at Barberian’s – which coincided with a dinner for José Bautista for the successful bidders of the item in our April Fine Wine Auction. We arrived early at Union Station so we went for a glass of champagne (Daubanton Blanc de Blancs) in the Clockwork Bar of the Royal York Hotel.
Bernard Stramwasser’s champagne
At Barberian’s, Director Bernard Stramwasser, the owner of the Le Sommelier Wine Agency, brought along a bottle of his Leclerc Briant Rosé Extra Brut Champagne. I ordered six oysters and steak done Pittsburgh style (flared and rare) followed by a cheese plate. The accompanying wines: Sottimano Currá Barbaresco 2008 and Scarpa Casascarpa Barbera d’Asti 2022. The steak was so big I had to ask for a doggie bag (to bring back for Rosie).
I spent the night in the condo of my sister-in-law, Suzanne, near Dundas Square. Suzanne is currently in Paris, which meant that both my daughter Annabel and I had a place to stay. Annabel was in Toronto from Vancouver for an Event Planners’ conference.
Thursday, August 14th: Had to get up early, as I had to be at the CP24 TV studio for 9 am in Scarborough for an interview along with George Tedford, the head of Grapes for Humanity’s Youth Council, whose members are hosting tonight an event to raise money to build a school in Nepal.
Liz Gallery dropped me downtown at First Canadian Place to have lunch with my kids, Guy and Annabel.
Annabel, Guy and Tony (from left to right)
This evening, over to the University Club for the Youth Council Event, Pour with Purpose.
Event sponsors
Me with the Grapes for Humanity Youth Council
A late train back to Burlington and a GO bus to St. Catharines Downsview Mall, where Deborah picked me up.
Friday, August 15th: Deborah and I took the GO train into Toronto to have lunch with my sister Shirley (to celebrate her 91st birthday) at Aloette restaurant in the CIBC building. Deborah and I both the same prix fixe menu: tuna tartare and grilled sea bream with glasses of Les Vendanges de F. Chidaine Touraine Sauvignon 2023.
Dinner at our friends’ Sherri and Stephen in their garden with vegetables they grew themselves. The main course was barbecued chicken wraps. I brought along a bottle of Château d’Aqueria Tavel Rosé 2024. Other wines we enjoyed: Castello di Ama Purple Rose Rosé 2024, Quadrus Douro 2023 and Malivoire Demo Series Cabernet Franc/Gamay 2023.
Chicken wraps
Saturday, August 16th: Attended an outdoor concert at Port Dalhousie’s Lock featuring Danny Boy Phelan (guitar/banjo), Juliet Dunn Trio and the Brant Parker Band.
Danny Boy Phelan
Juliet Dunn Trio
Brant Parker Band
Sunday, August 17th: Today is our anniversary, so Deborah and I dined at Solaia restaurant in St. Catharines.
Our wedding photo – 28 years ago
We shared a starter of seared foie gras and braised pork cheek; Deborah’s main – a pappardelle pasta with vegetables; mine – grilled tuna. The restaurant comped us with dessert.
My seared tuna
Deborah’s pasta
Dessert
The wines: Adamo Pinot Noir Lowrey Vineyard 2019 and Ridgepoint Wines Cabernet Merlot Reserve 2022.
Other wines tasted this week: Thirty Bench Small Lot Riesling Steel Post Vineyard 2023.
