There have been a number of exciting new developments in the last few weeks. First, the annual Epicurean Awards presented each year at the Ottawa Wine and Food Show are undergoing some changes. Instead of using printed forms and e-mail to submit restaurant service evaluations, a new website has been developed to enable easy completion of evaluations on-line. This year the Guild is sponsoring a new award for the Best Wine Experience in association with the Epicureans. As in the past, Guild members are being asked to judge service at regional restaurants for both the Best Restaurant and Best Wine Experience awards. Participating as a service judge is an excellent reason for you to visit a new restaurant you have always wanted to try or to return to a favourite spot. There are many restaurants to be evaluated and the more judges there are, the better the results. A link to the web site containing the list of restaurants and access to the on-line judging sheet can be found below.
The Ottawa Wine and Food Show is also undergoing changes. Halina and Robert Player have sold the Wine and Food Show, after spending 12 years running the show—one of the most successful and popular events of its kind. Halina will continue with the show in an advisory capacity. The show will be held at the Ottawa Civic Centre in Landsdowne Park from November 7-9. New owner Joan Culliton brings a wealth of experience to the show and is enthusiastic at the opportunities it presents. The Guild Board met with Joan and planning is well underway for the Guild’s tutored tastings during the show. Mike Cowan’s is stepping down after many years of organizing the tastings and Director Bill Ellis is taking over. He will be calling for volunteers to help with the tastings in the near future.
The Guild will co-host an event with the Australian Wine Society this September. Grant Burge, owner of one of the top privately owned wineries in Australia, will be in Ottawa and will conduct a tasting of some of his best premium wines at Le Cordon Bleu Signatures Restaurant. A limited number of tickets are available to members of the Guild and the AWS, so book yours early. This will be one of the highlights of the year and I encourage as many of you as possible to attend. Full details can be found below.
The National Capital Sommelier Guild strongly supports moderate and responsible consumption of wine and spirits. Guild dinner events allow a designated driver to attend at a reduced price. The designated driver will not be served alcohol. Guild tasting events provide and encourage the use of spit buckets.
"Wine can of their wits the wise beguile, Make the sage frolic, and the serious smile." — Homer
The National Capital Sommelier Guild strongly supports moderate and responsible consumption of wine and spirits. Guild dinner events allow a designated driver to attend at a reduced price. The designated driver will not be served alcohol. Guild tasting events provide and encourage the use of spit buckets.