Méli-Mélo - January 2023
The New One %
When winemaker Tyler Harlton closed the doors of TH Winery before the pandemic, he wasn’t exactly sure what would be the next move. Then, with the birth of his son, he decided to give up drinking altogether. He quickly became disillusioned with the sugar-ladened options available to non-drinkers and yearned to taste the terroir of the Okanagan Valley.
“I’m not going to order something like a pop that has so much sugar,” Harlton says. “I thought surely there has to be better options out there.”
After trial and error, Harlton and his business partner, Chris Pagliocchini, landed on a wine with one per cent alcohol that hit the right notes, made from B.C. grapes without added sugar or chemicals. They called it simply Ones+ and have officially launched two varieties — a light-bodied sparkling Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauv and Merlot blend with bright fruit notes, and a sparkling rosé made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes with aromas of marzipan and citrus and a bright acidic palate.
Ones+ | drinkones.com | @enjoy.ones
Quebec is in the House
As the newly minted Michelin-star St. Lawrence enters its fifth year of serving a taste of Québec and France in Vancouver’s East Side, Chef J-C Poirier has released his first cookbook, Where the River Narrows. Poirier worked with Joie Alvaro Kent to bring 125 classic French and nostalgic Québecois recipes to the people. Featuring dishes such as tourtière and pot- au-feu, as well as bistro favourites — steak with peppercorn cream sauce and chocolate mousse, Poirier also included a few St. Lawrence fan favourites such as Pâté en Croûte and Coquilles St-Jacques à la Parisienne. Published by Penguin Random House, Where the River Narrows is on the shelves now, so it’s time to brush up on your French.
St. Lawrence Restaurant | 269 Powell St., Vancouver | stlawrencerestaurant.com | @stlawrencerestaurant
One Lucky Cake
Do you know what you’ll be doing this Lunar New Year? As the year of the rabbit ushers in, many will be chowing down on a warm, sweet and glutinous rice cake called Nian Gao. Loosely translated, Nian Gao means Year Cake, and its origins date back to pre-imperialist China (480 BC). It’s also the stuff of folklore. Legend has it that the cake was made as an offering to the Kitchen God who lives in each house. At the end of each year, the Kitchen God would report to the Jade Emperor. As a plot to prevent the god from badmouthing the house, its residents would offer Nian Gao to stick its mouth shut. Today, the cake is meant to bring luck and prosperity to all who enjoy it, and who doesn’t need a little luck these days?
A favourite spot for Nian Gao is Kam Do Bakery, based in Richmond, but make sure to get yours early as it is guaranteed to sell out fast.
Kam Do Bakery
6211 No. 3 Rd. | 4328 No. 3 Rd., Richmond
604.284.5611 | 604.370.6663 | @kamdobakery
Some Like it Hot
If you love a cozy cup of hot chocolate, then you don’t want to miss the 13th annual Hot Chocolate Festival taking place January 15 to February 14. Chocolatiers, pastry shops, bakeries, cafés and ice cream shops across Greater Vancouver showcase their take this perennial favourite. Last year’s highlights included the “Drove my Dulce to the Leche but the Leche was Chai” — a sweet combination of dulce de leche, masala chai and dark chocolate. Koko Monk offered a vegan cilantro dark hot chocolate with pineapple and chili caramel that they called “Chess and Tango” in honour of Miles Davis. The festival is a great way to support local businesses during their traditionally quiet months, and with more than 40 venues participating, there’s something for everyone.
Greater Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival
hotchocolatefest.com | @hotchocolatefest
Blessings in Chocolate
Want a new way to spread good fortune this Lunar New Year? Check out this chocolate bar collaboration by design studio I’ll Know it When I See It and award-winning chocolatier Kasama Chocolate. Wrapped in a beautiful red pocket, this orange, cardamom and dark chocolate bar is sure to spread love and luck.
I’ll Know It When I See It
shop.illknowitwheniseeit.com | @ikiwiscanada
Let's Do Brunch
Looking for a cozy new brunch spot? Sula Indian Restaurant has launched a new breakfast menu that’s full of savoury and sweet eats that will warm you up on a cold winter day. If you love a savoury brunch, don’t miss the Masala omelet or the Masala Keema Pav with ground lamb, fragrant spices and fresh tomato chutney that will make you forget about ketchup. If you’re more of a sweetie, try the Rasmalai crêpe with chopped figs and vanilla whip, topped with banana, cardamom and jaggery syrup.
Sula first opened its door on Commercial Drive in 2010 and more recently opened a second location on Main Street. It’s a staple for those looking for a warm atmosphere — replete with water fountains and a koi pond — classic Indian dishes with a modern twist and a vast array of naan bread. It’s a beautiful space for an intimate brunch with friends and family.
Sula Indian Restaurant
1128 Commercial Dr. | 604.337.0464
4172 Main St., Vancouver | 604.874.5375
sulaindianrestaurant.com | @sulaindianrestaurant
