When I mentioned to someone I was going to Feast of Fields--FarmFolk CityFolk's primary fundraiser since 1993--they said, "Oh really, are they still doing those things? Isn't it getting a little tired?" It was, I thought, the perfect urban response.
Following an afternoon in the idyllic setting of Langley's Krause Berry Farm two Sunday' ago, the only ones tired were me and the numerous vintners, chefs, brewers and growers who had made the trek at the outdoor grazing event highlighting leading chefs working with the best of local ingredients, wines and beers.
There was no shortage of highlights, including Lolita's ceviche, O'Doul's cheesecake, Meat & Bread's beef roll, Seasonal 56's duck club sandwich, as well as Whistler Brewing's creamy Chestnut Ale and Driftwood Brewery's winning Fat Tug IPA.
In fact, this was one of the tastiest Feasts we've attended. Kudos to coordinator Dana Reinhardt for lassoing such a range of mouth-watering--and locally focused--purveyors.
Prize for the most ingenious booth goes to Terra Breads (opening this week in the Village at False Creek), which was baking pizzas at 900 F in its home-built wood burning oven. The pizzas exemplified the spirit of the occasion, made with Hazelemere Organic Farm greens, Agassiz wheat and--from a little farther afield--Stoney Paradise tomatoes.
Nor could you ask for a more welcoming host than Krause Berry Farm, which in addition to the bucolic setting, provided fresh corn on the cob from a mobile roaster and an endless supply of diet-defying berry cream cake.
In an era where the majority of the world's population is urban-based, celebrations such as Feast of Fields and the work that they enable FarmFolk CityFolk to continue becomes even more relevant.
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When Riesling finally lands in the ranks of everyday drinking wine, it will be thanks in part to Dr. Ernie Loosen, who breezed through Vancouver recently to remind us why Riesling is to be celebrated. Few varieties lend themselves to such a broad range of cuisines and ingredients as Germany's national grape.
The namesake Dr. L 2010 is a traditional "Qualitatswein" Mosel-grown, 100 per cent Riesling that usually tends towards more off-dry. But this vintage shows an appealing, drier style with generous green apple and mineral notes balanced by firm acidity that counters the natural sugars. $18.99 at B.C. Liquor Stores.
Up the ante for Dr. Loosen Wehlener Sonnenuhr Kabinett 2009, from the vineyard's blue slate soils, and you'll get a steely, mineral streak, lifted green apple, citrus and stone-fruit with a touch of clove spice. BCLS $25.99.
By contrast, Dr. Loosen Urziger Würzgarten Kabinett 2009 sports dominant tropical tones of peach and pineapple with spice notes in the finish, and a touch of clove in the end. BCLS $25.99.
The success of Dr. L has spawned a Dr. L Sparkler. This easy sipping bubbly in classic Sekt style offers one more excuse to drink Riesling, with its lively mousse, fresh apple notes and natural fresh fruit-forward style in a smart package. BCLS $18.99.
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Discover great wines and support East African famine relief at the Flavours of Fall Wine Tasting at the St. Regis Hotel, Sept. 29. Taste from the likes of Tinhorn Creek, Summerhill, Mission Hill, Howling Bluff Winery and Joie and pick up your favourites from the next door wine store. Admission is $19.
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