We love good food and drink here at Gibbons Life, but most of all we love passion. We recognize that passion is what sets people and businesses apart, and we want to support those who strive for excellence in their field. Our friends at the FireRock Lounge told us about a summer dinner series that piqued our interest and so we checked in with Grill and Vine Whistler to find out more.
On Saturday, July 19 the Grill and Vine Whistler is hosting the first dinner of their new summer series wine @ the vine cutely entitled Toro vs. The Owl.
The menu has a Spanish twist, perfect for the currently high temperatures in our mountain town. Here’s what they’ll be dishing up this weekend – we’re salivating already:
- White Anchovy Escabeche with Segura Vidas Cava
- Serrano Jamon & Grilled Peaches with Burrowing Owl Chardonnay
- Haida Gwaii Ling Cod with Burrowing Owl Pinot Noir
- Manchego Gnocchi with Burrowing Owl Merlot
- Okanagan Cherry Tasting with Burrowing Owl Coruja
“Burrowing Owl has been a staple on my wine lists for years. It was a pleasure designing a menu especially for the winery’s exceptionally well-balanced selections. The summer heat inspired me to create recipes with a decidedly Spanish flare. Traditional favourites are given a twist, then expertly paired with wines that take the tantalizing flavours to a new level” – Executive Chef Brad Cumming.
The Toro
Cumming is originally from Vancouver but started his culinary career here in Whistler at the tender age of fourteen when he worked at Myrtles Restaurant in the village. Cumming worked his way up the kitchen chain working at Quattro, Monks, and The Fairmont Chateau Whistler, before being appointed Executive Sous Chef at The Westin Resort & Spa in 2007. Three years later he was promoted to Executive Chef and now leads the Westin’s culinary team. His approach to food is one of simplicity, believing that fresh, good food expresses itself. Inspired by his travels with his wife Cumming has brought a touch of the Mediterranean to Whistler this summer.
The Owl
The Burrowing Owl Estate Winery in an award-winning winery located within one of Canada’s most unique and fragile ecosystems in the south Okanagan. The owners chose the name “Burrowing Owl” after learning that the little owl may have lived in the area at one time, but had since become an endangered species. Sadly, it is rarely found in the region today. The winery raises close to $50,000 each year for the Conservation Society of BC for their captive release program for Burrowing Owls and to SORCO (South Okanagan Rehabilitation Centre for Owls). Burrowing Owl Estate Winery produced its first vintage in 1997, concentrating on four grape varieties from the 16 varieties grown at Burrowing Owl Vineyards – Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot for red wines; Chardonnay and Pinot Gris for white. Cabernet Franc was added in 1998, Pinot Noir in 1999 and Syrah in 2000. With five paired courses being planned for this weekend’s event it’s an ideal time to see what Burrowing Owl has to offer.
If you’re interested in finding out more about this event or the Grill and Vine Whistler, visit their website.
