Sips, Sights, & Spices

Margarita, anyone? The perfect warm-up before we dive into the real star of the night: succulent duck breast lacquered in a glossy Cointreau glaze, its bright citrus cutting through all that glorious richness. With that, a trio of caramelized winter veggies! Together? A cold-weather symphony of zingy citrus, cozy textures, and deep seasonal comfort… best enjoyed with a drink in hand and zero restraint.

Swiss meringues with Gruyère double cream are pure indulgence: crisp, airy sugar clouds meeting rich, velvety cream and bright berries. This dessert is so Swiss it practically yodels, effortlessly turning simple ingredients into something magical. Pair it with Champagne or a sweet late-harvest wine, and suddenly you’ve got a tiny, glorious celebration on a plate. Sugar, cream, berries… wine. Repeat. Happiness guaranteed.

Vacherin Mont-d’Or is Switzerland’s fleeting winter treasure: a rich, woodsy, irresistibly molten cheese from the Vaud Alps. Appearing only in the cold months, it arrives in its signature spruce box like a miniature seasonal festival. Its classic partner is Chasselas, Switzerland’s crisp, quietly elegant white wine, whose freshness lifts every decadent, spoonable bite.

Pantelleria is a tiny volcanic speck between Sicily and Africa, a place where wind, sun, and sea shape everything, including its vibrant Zibibbo wines. Floral, citrusy, and touched with salt, they taste like the island’s own heartbeat. Paired with delicate sole and the island’s legendary capers, the flavours form a bright, aromatic trio that turns a simple dish into a sun-soaked Mediterranean escape.

Unicum is Hungary’s most iconic herbal liqueur. For this recipe, I’ll be using Unicum Szilva, the plum-kissed jewel of the Unicum family, whose dark, velvety sweetness brings a quiet depth to winter dishes. With it, I’ll be making Roasted Duck Legs with Red Wine Unicum Jus, Plum Compote & Parsnip Purée - a plate where richness, fruit, and earth meet so gracefully it almost feels like a little opera unfolding in the kitchen.

This sweet Italian liqueur is like a cozy hug in a glass, with its delightful almond flavor that makes it perfect for sipping solo or jazzing up your favorite cocktails and desserts. Now, before you start imagining orchards of almond trees, let me spill the beans: many brands craft their amaretto from apricot pits, peach stones, or other stone fruit kernels. Yes, it's a nutty little riddle wrapped in a sweet package!

One of our favourite holiday recipes is the rich and decadent Port Poached Pear Chocolate Cake with Blue Cheese. The combination may sound unusual to some, but trust me—it’s a match made in holiday heaven. It is also easy to make and so impressive!

Tokaji is Hungary’s magical wine region where grapes get politely zapped by “noble rot” and somehow turn into liquid dessert with subtle acidity. From the renowned Aszú to the quietly brilliant Fordítás, these wines balance sweetness and brightness with effortless poise. When paired with rich duck rillettes or pâtés, their layered flavours seem to greet one another with a refined, joyful flourish.

Pálinka, Hungary's cherished fruit brandy, is more than just a drink—it's a delightful experience! This flavorful spirit, made from fermented fruit, embodies the warmth of Hungarian culture and hospitality, enriching daily life with its vibrant essence.

The Clos de la Coulée de Serrant is a historic and highly regarded French wine estate that holds its own exclusive appellation (AOC) within the Loire Valley. This little gem is a “monopole”, fancy word to say it is a single-producer appellation, entirely owned and operated by a single family, the Jolys.

The Reynolds Grande Reserva 2012 is an excellent wine with deep flavors and enjoyable fruit notes. It pairs well with miso-glazed pork belly, lion's mane mushrooms, and braised red cabbage. The dish’s umami elements work well with the wine’s earthy tones, creating a pleasing mix of flavours.

Chartreuse is a legendary French liqueur dreamed up by Carthusian monks who somehow wrangle 130 mysterious plants into one bottle. Only two monks know the recipe (probably sworn to magical secrecy). From drying herbs in a medieval-looking room to aging the liquid in giant oak casks, everything feels delightfully dramatic. Chartreuse isn’t just a drink- it’s a full-on herbal epic. Then add this to an already dramatic Italian tiramisu, and the drama multiplies!

Exploring the wines of the enchanting Savoie region, nestled in the majestic French Alps, has been a delightful experience. This picturesque area is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity, both of which contribute to the unique character of its wines. Throughout this journey, I have enjoyed personal experiences and local encounters that have further enriched my exploration.

A glass of Sicilian Nero d'Avola, a rich and full-bodied red wine sourced from the picturesque Baroque town of Noto. This exquisite wine pairs beautifully with a savoury dish of Eggplant Parmigiana, featuring layers of tender, sautéed eggplant, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, all baked to perfection in a comforting tomato sauce.

Visiting the East side of Sicily: Syracuse, Taormina, Noto, Ragusa, Modica, Mount Etna

Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, is a treasure waiting to be explored! To truly immerse ourselves, we picked two wonderful base towns: vibrant Palermo on the west side for the first week and charming Syracuse on the east for the second week.

Sicily is Italy’s largest wine region and boasts a diverse array of exquisite wines that reflect its rich terroir and cultural heritage. While there are numerous options to explore, I will highlight just a few exceptional selections that you can readily find in local stores here in Alberta, Canada.

From the Dolomites’ crisp mountain air to the smoky depth of Speck and the dark-berry richness of Lagrein, Alto Adige is a region where every flavour tells a story. This post brings together its food, wine, and Alpine spirit - along with a simple, delicious pork tenderloin recipe inspired by the landscape itself.

Spanish Godello from Bierzo shines with bright minerality, orchard fruit, and a clean, elegant texture shaped by high-altitude vineyards and gentle oak aging. César Márquez crafts expressive wines that reflect their landscape, making this Godello a natural match for dishes like baked salmon, fennel, and butter beans, where citrus, herbs, and richness meet its fresh, saline finish.

Aromatic white wines are a shortcut to impressing even the pickiest wine snob. Think bottles bursting with terpenes: floral Muscat, dramatic Zibibbo, bold Gewürztraminer, sharp Riesling, or flirtatious Torrontés. These grapes glow with citrus, flowers, and herbs, whether dry or sweet. When lost in a wine shop, just whisper “terpenes” and follow the aromas, your most fragrant allies.

Péter Wetzer’s Kékfrankos from Sopron tells a story of wind-swept vineyards, organic farming, and a cellar rich with its own wild yeast culture. His Spern Steiner Kékfrankos—crafted from 60-year-old vines on slate and quartzite—bursts with dark berries, spice, and deep minerality. Paired with a hearty Hungarian lamb stew, it becomes a vibrant expression of West Hungary’s winemaking legacy.

From the first moment I lifted La Oveja to my nose, I was spellbound. Its bright aromas felt instantly warm and familiar, much like the spirit of Santa Julia winery itself, a true family affair led by Julia Zuccardi in Mendoza. Made from organic Torrontés, La Oveja bursts with peach, pear, lychee, and orange blossom, balanced by fresh minerality. We paired it with a Thai coconut-poached fish, and the match was simply heavenly.

Discovering the enchanting Beaujolais region, renowned for its vibrant vineyards and picturesque villages.

Exploring the charm and significance of Cluny in the beautiful region of Burgundy.