To Begin

Oyster Boy Oyster Trio

Cave Spring “Dolomite” Sparkling Brut 2006 Niagara Peninsula

Or

Serrano Ham Salad

Arugula, Blood Oranges, Marcona Almonds, Zamarano Cheese & Sherry Vinaigrette

Thirty Bench Small Lot Riesling 2008 Beamsville Bench

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The Romance

Braised Beef Short Ribs

Creamed Swiss Chard & Roast Garlic Whipped Potatoes

Clos La Coutale Malbec 2008 Cahors, France

Or

Roast Guinea Hen & Seared Foie Gras

Squash Purée, Toasted Walnuts, Brussel Sprouts & Truffle Jus

Lailey Counterpoint 2008 Niagara Peninsula

Or

½ Butter Poached Lobster

Fennel Ravioli, Curried Endive & Lobster Reduction

Mission Hill Perpetua Chardonnay 2008 Okanagan Valley

Or

Wild Mushroom Farroto

Kale, Leeks, & Chestnuts

Lailey Pinot Noir 2008 Niagara Peninsula

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The Finale

Selection of Artisanal Cheeses

Grahams LBV 2003 Portugal

Or

Dessert Trio

Inniskillin Vidal Icewine 2007, Niagara

$75.00 per person exclusive of taxes and gratuities

125$ per person with eclectic wine pairings, exclusive of taxes and gratuities

In the second seating, Crush  is pleased to present Corduroy Road on New Years Eve.  Join us for our second seating at 9 PM to be entertained by these East coast Musicians.  Our Second Seating is a Six Course tasting menu, which will be concluded with a complimentary glass of 1998 Vintage Palm D’or Champagne.  We will also be conducting a Champagne Sabering at midnight, in an attempt to establish a new record.

This is a night not to be missed, great food, great wine, and great entertainment.  Ring in the New Year in Style!!!

RING IN 2011 AT TORONTO’S DOWNTOWN WINE DESTINATION - CRUSH WINE BAR TWO SEATINGS AVAILABLE, SECOND FEATURING JUNO NOMINATED ‘CORDUROY ROAD’

Richie Roberts of Fielding Estates Winery

Friday June 4^th, 2010

Oysters Three Ways

Fielding Estates Pinot Gris 2008

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Seared Wellington Beef Carpaccio

Maserated Black Berries, Hazel Nuts, Pickled Shallots

Fielding Estates Red Conception 2008

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Roasted Willogrove Hill Pork Loin

Spring Vegetable Fricasée, Rhubarb Compôte, Cider Agrodolce

Fielding Estates “Rockpile” Pinot Gris 2009

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Roasted Rack of Lamb

Eggplant Purée, Braised Fennel, Natural Jus

Fielding Estates Merlot 2007

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A Selection of Cheese

$100 per person exclusive of applicable taxes and gratuities

6:30 PM Cocktails

7:00 PM Dinner

The downfall of the weekend was certainly the Ottawa Marriott and their revolving rooftop restaurant, Merlot.   While I understand that most revolving restaurants are tourist traps, offering great panoramic views and not much else, I held out hope that Marriott hotels would seize the opportunity and make this restaurant great.  I was wrong.

I would love to highlight the positives of the experience, unfortunately I do not have a single one to reference.  Beginning with my initial call from my room to the restaurant to have a menu brought down to me for perusal, and being informed “we cannot do that”.  Great start!  I made my way to the 29th floor to get a menu, to see an empty restaurant, and not a single server or host in sight.  I guess they were expecting a slow night.  I eventually received a menu, and decided this must be an anomoly in service, and proceeded to make a reservation.

Once seated, we were presented a wine list, which I was excited to read, as the entire vestibule proudly displays its Wine Spectator Awards of Excellence.  Another disappointment.  The majority of the list was LCBO general list, which shows how little thought went into its creation, and more than a third of it was out of stock.  I decided to support local, as I am want to do, and ordered the Cave Spring Riesling.  Upon hearing my order, the server took the menu, flipped through it and said ” Riesling, thats the white wine, correct”  I almost fell off my chair.  Sitting on the top floor of the Mariott, surrounded by scenic Ottawa, preparing to spend $250 on dinner, looking at wine awards, and there server is not aware that Riesling is a white wine.  Not a great start to this portion of the meal.   I would have asked for a manager, but none appeared to be working.

Regardless, we placed our order, surely the food would make up for the folleys to date.  Wrong again.  I ordered the Cioppino Pot, the apparent signature dish.  It reads as a Selection of Fresh Seafood, Garden Vegetables and Grilled Chorizo, Spiced Tomato Broth for $12.00  I received it, and it came in a small cup reminiscent of a creme brulee dish.  The fresh seafood component were shrimp ( very very baby shrimp, frozen and plentiful) the garden veg was a baby cherry tomato, there was a mussel that was cooked to the shell, clearly under the heat lamp too long, and two thin slices of chorizo.  There was nothing Fresh about this dish.  As my appetizers were cleared away, the server did his best to let me know he wore deodarant by proceeding to clear and reset my cutlery by reaching across my face.  Was I transported to a Lonestar? 

My main course arrived, which was the Pork duo.  The pork was cooked very well, but again lacked any creativity or wow factor that I would expect from such a restaurant.    The potato fondant was nice, but it did not need the braised red cabbage that also accompanied it.  Too many flavours on the plate.

The meal mercifully came to an end, and I was forced to reflect on it.  It was then that it hit me.  Our server never attempted to sell us any dishes, never described a single one as it went down, and seemed to care less that we were there.  I began to realize that this restaurant was clearly self run and lost. Why else would there be no manager to finesse the room, explain the wine list, and its many missing bottles, or instill a passion and fierceness in sevice

If the Marriott would ever consider leasing the space, it is a gold mine ready to be harvested.  As it stands now, it is a room that lacks soul, passion for service, or any raison d’etre.  If you plan on visiting Ottawa, the only Merlot I reccommend you visiting, is one by the glass at another restaurant.

6:30 PM Cocktails
7:00 PM Dinner

Lake Erie Pickerel
Purple Potato Lobster Hash & Lobster Chive Beurre Blanc

Nichols Chardonnay Paragon Vineyard 2001, Edna Valley
≈

Sautéed Laughing Bird Shrimp
Israeli Couscous, Caper berries, Oven Dried Cherry Tomatoes, Fennel & Spicy Saffron Nage

Silver Fox Sauvignon Blanc 2006, San Miguel
≈

Wellington County Steak Tartare
Traditional Garnish, Toast Points & Potato Gaufrette

Nichols Edna Ranch Pinot Noir 2001, Edna Valley
≈
Roasted Ontario Lamb Rack
Lentil, Fresh Bean & Pea Ragout, Rosemary Jus & Goat yogurt

Nichols Vinas del Sol Merlot 2000, Paso Robles
≈

Bacon Wrapped Venison Loin
Heirloom Carrots, Brussel Sprout Leaves, Jerusalem Artichokes, Hazel Nuts & Cassis Jus

Nichols Vinas del Sol Cabernet Sauvignon 2000, Paso Robles
≈

Selection of Truffles

$125 per person exclusive of applicable taxes and gratuities

Seared Qualicum Bay Scallops

Potato & Chorizo Stew

Miguel Torres Santa Digna Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Curico, Chile

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Roasted Striped Bass

Oven Dried Tomatoes, Pine Nuts, Medjool Dates, & Arugula Purée

Miguel Torres Santa Digna Carmenere 2008 Curico, Chile 

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Serrano Ham & Arugula Salad

Orange, Spanish olives, Marcona Almonds, Piquillo Peppers,

Zamorano Cheese & Sherry Vinaigrette

Miguel Torres Santa Digna Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Curico, Chile

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Bacon Wrapped Venison Loin

Heirloom Carrots, Brussel Sprout Leaves, Jerusalem Artichokes, Hazel Nuts & Red Wine Reduction

Miguel Torres Manso De Velasco 2006

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A Selection of Cheese

$100 per person exclusive of applicable taxes and gratuities

Executive Chef: Michael Wilson

General Manager/Sommelier: Mark Moffatt

March 10^th event proceeds to be donated to Habitat for Humanity

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON February 24, 2010 – In response to the devastation caused by the recent earthquake in Haiti, Vintage Hotels is determined to make a difference in the rebuilding of the country. The Niagara-on-the-Lake based hotel company announces a major fundraising event being held Wednesday, March 10^th, 2010 in all 5 of its restaurants across Niagara-on-the-Lake, Caledon and Toronto, Ontario.

Vintage Hotels has committed to donating 100% of proceeds from this fundraising event to Habitat for Humanity Canada where the funds will be allocated to relief efforts in Haiti. All March 10th dinner sales from five restaurants will be donated. This fundraiser forges the bond between Vintage corporate, their clientele, and the community. Together, they are expected to contribute more than $10,000-$15,000 to Habitat for Humanity Canada.

“The Vintage Hotels fundraiser is unique in that it allows patrons the ultimate feel-good dining experience,” comments Vintage Hotels CEO Bob Jackson. “For one very important day, guests will enjoy four-diamond cuisine knowing that 100% of what they spend will go towards a very worthy cause. I think we all share a responsibility in supporting community whether it be in our backyard or in another country.” All monies raised will be used to support Habitat for Humanity Canada’s relief efforts in Haiti.

Charity-minded foodies throughout Southern Ontario can participate in the event at the following Vintage Hotels restaurants:

• Escabeche at Prince of Wales, 6 Picton St., Niagara-on-the-Lake (1-888-669-5566)
• Tiara at Queen’s Landing, 155 Byron St., Niagara-on-the-Lake (1-888-669-5566)
• Cannery at Pillar and Post, 48 John St. W., Niagara-on-the-Lake (1-888-669-5566)
• Millcroft Inn & Spa, 55 John St., Village of Alton in Caledon (1-800-383-3976)
• Crush Wine Bar, 455 King St. W., Toronto (416-977-1234)

Reservations are recommended, and can be made by calling the restaurant of choice. Guests who wish to made additional monetary donations to the Haiti Relief Effort through Habitat for Humanity Canada can do so at each restaurant, or online at www.habitat.ca.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY CANADA

Habitat for Humanity Canada is a national, non-profit, faith-based organization working for a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live. The mission of the organization is to mobilize volunteers and community partners in building affordable housing and promoting homeownership as a means to breaking the cycle of poverty.  Habitat for Humanity Canada was founded in 1985, consists of over 50,000 volunteers and 73 affiliate organizations from coast to coast, and is a member of Habitat for Humanity International which spans 93 countries, has built over 300,000 homes, and is now building a new home every 10 minutes.

Damage from the January 12 earthquake in Haiti added yet another dimension to the already-crushing humanitarian crisis and poverty conditions faced by the Western hemisphere’s poorest country. Because of the great need, Habitat for Humanity is planning a multi-faceted response to help low-income families get into decent, secure housing as soon as possible. Given the scale of homes damaged and destroyed, a multi-year plan is in place for which funding assistance is needed in order to provide relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction. For more information visit www.habitat.ca.

VINTAGE HOTELS 

Vintage Hotels is a collection of CAA/AAA four-diamond hotels. Prince of Wales, Queen’s Landing and Pillar and Post in Niagara-on-the-Lake offer 374 guestrooms, 35,000 square feet of meeting space, three four-diamond restaurants, and two spas. 100 Fountain Spa and Secret Garden Spa are consistently ranked top spas by Spas of America. Vintage Hotels also owns the 24-guestroom Moffat Inn in Niagara-on-the-Lake. In 2008, the Vintage collection grew to include the Millcroft Inn & Spa located in the rolling hills of Alton-Caledon, 45 minutes northwest of Toronto. The Millcroft offers 52 guestrooms, 4,700 sq. ft. of meeting space, a four-diamond restaurant, and the renowned Millcroft Spa, Centre for Well-Being.

Offering classic style with modern sensibility, the hotel properties share a stellar reputation for delivering exceptional experiences in a unique destination. The elegant and refined Prince of Wales and the classic yet charming Pillar and Post were tops in Ontario on the Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2006, with Prince of Wales repeating in the No. 2 spot in 2007 and in 2009 named Best Hotel in Ontario on Travel + Leisure Magazine’s List of 500 World’s Best Hotels. Queen’s Landing, voted number one Hotel in Ontario in the Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Awards 2009, sets the stage for everything from high-level corporate gatherings to romantic getaways in a Georgian-style waterfront mansion. The Millcroft Inn & Spa earned the Fodor’s Choice Award of Distinction in 2008 and placed 2^nd in Ontario’s Finest Inns & Spas 2008 WOW awards as Top Spa, Destination & Dinner Experience. Vintage Hotels is a proud partner of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada. For more information: www.vintage-hotels.com.

Have you ever asked where a particular wine has come from when you are in a restaurant, or which farm the striploin you are savouring came from?  Do you assume it just arrives at the restaurant? 

Every day, the sales people from various companies are selling into restaurants, in order for the restaurants to sell it back to us, at a profit of course.  Do you know, that there are some restaurants that refuse to pay the suppliers after the product has been delivered, or worse, even after they have sold through all the product that they bought!!!  Where does the money go?  Imagine you or I going into a restaurant, having dinner, and then getting up and saying, ” I’ll pay you next week”.  You would not even make it to the front door without being accosted by a manager.

In my research, one of the worst offenders in Toronto is Michelles Brasserie in Yorkville.  A busy summer restaurant in the heart of Yorkville, where you can see the manager at some time or another having a drink on the patio, placing orders with purveyors, all the while knowing full well, there is no money to pay for these services.   Of course there are always circumstances when they may encounter cash flow problems, it happens to the best of us.  In the cases I am refferring to, there has not even been a gesture of good faith or return phone call to agents looking for payment, in these cases, I say, boycott them.  I have no problem watching a restaurant fail, when it has no regard for the people who are trying to support it by supplying them with great wine or fresh product.   While they continue to operate, they leave a trail of people forced to answer to their bosses as to why they are not getting paid, ulitimately leading to dismissals.

I am aware of five companies which are currently looking for payment from Michelles, and as of today they are on my boycott list until they make some effort to pay their bills.  I urge you to listen to what is happening in the city, and remember, every time we go for dinner, we are lining someones pockets.  Lets just make sure the people who provided those wares are having their pockets lined as well.

Valentine’s Weekend

Amuse Bouche

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Seared Foie Gras with Golden Raisin & Icewine Bavarois,

 Ginger Snap, Almond Foam

Inniskillin Vidal Icewine 2006 Niagara Peninsula, Canada

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Pommery & Herb Crusted Halibut with Leeks, Salsify,

Black Trumpets & Hollandaise

Sonoma-Cutrer Chardonnay Russian River Ranches 2007, California

Or

Bacon Wrapped Venison Loin with Heirloom Carrots,

Jerusalem Artichokes, Brussel Sprout Leaves, Hazel Nuts & Cassis Reduction

Laughing Stock Bordeaux Blend 2007 Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada

~

Chef’s Selection of Cheese

Grahams 10 Year Tawny Port (2 Oz)

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Chocolate Hazel Nut Pave with Passion Fruit Curd & White Chocolate Crisp

 Terre de Mistral, Vignerons d’Estezargues 2007 Rhône Valley, France

Executive Chef:  Michael Wilson

$ 95 per person

$65 per person without suggested wine pairings

 Excluding taxes and gratuities