the last of it

2004 Château de L'Estang | AC Côtes de Castillon

I try not to be overly sentimental about wine. But feelings are feelings, and when you come to the last bottle of a wine from your impressionable, naive youth, you have so many feels. The 2004 L'Estang was one of the first bottles of Bordeaux I bought for the cellar - 5 in total. At the time, I was blown away how an $18 wine could be so complex, so interesting, so delicious. So, many years later, and steadily sampling a bottle every year, I finally got to the last one.

The last one.

Tighter than the one I opened last year, more angular in structure. Those classic cabernet notes, matured fruit and underbrush. Autumnal. A subtle, graceful wine. 

How things have changed in a year. We go on, we try to improve ourselves, and if we're lucky, we have someone to grow alongside with, to build something together. But clearly, at this stage, I'm in no position to ask that of anybody. Not nobody. So we go on as best as we can, with what we have. I went to church with my parents yesterday. They asked me to come, to say goodbye to everyone, because I don't go. It was nice seeing some familiar faces, getting everyone's best wishes. We had lunch with a couple afterwards as well, which was very kind of them. Lots of good advice being shared, but above all, to be brave, to find your own path, and if one doesn't exist - to create your own. Much appreciation.

With the last bottle, there isn't a feeling of sadness. There's rather a lightness of spirit, that all the prior experiences have contributed to develop you into the person you are today. I'm ready to get this started.

DF

Saying goodbye to old friends

Top: 1996 Baron-Fuenté Grand Millésimé Brut Champagne
Middle: 1993 Château Lafite Rothschild | AC Pauillac
Bottom: 2005 Domaine Du Petit Métris 'Les Tetuères' | AC Chaume 

He was kindhearted, in a way. You know the sort of kind heart: it made him uncomfortable more often than it made him do anything; and even when he did anything, it did not prevent him from grumbling, losing his temper and swearing (mostly to himself).

― J.R.R. Tolkien, Leaf by Niggle

I think of myself as a sincere, kind, and well-intentioned person. And lately, I've been failing at it. Not by design, mind you - it's just that nothing I do seems to be right. I desperately want to do the right thing, the honourable thing, the things that will let me sleep soundly at night. Why do I do this to myself? Self-loathing? Shades of masochism? Self-destructive tendencies?

It's my last week at home before I make the big move. The big move. So I'm allowed to be a little emo, to sob a bit. This is probably (like yesterday) a terrible idea, but they do say that it's therapeutic to get things down in writing, so here we go. I try not to have any regrets, but I'm struggling with (at least) one major regret. My friends have been great and supportive, but when the table is cleared, the dishes are washed and put away, and everyone has gone home, I get what they call the post-performance blues. It sucks. I love my friends, and they're the most important people in my life, but we still need a partner - someone who takes on that different role that friendships can't fill. When you feel like you've had that with someone, and it's suddenly no more, that's the worst. Because you've had a taste of how amazing things are when you're with someone who gets you, who you want to be with even if you're not doing anything, who just feels comfortable to be around.

Utterly, utterly alone. Maybe I'm being a child, maybe (as my buddy says) I need to do everyone a favour and stop with the emails/messages/texts. But how do you control your feelings? I don't know how. Time? Booze? Other distractions? My mind fell into the rabbit-hole and for the life of me, I have no idea which way is up.

We had dinner recently with old friends. Sort of my last chance to cook and drink with everyone at home. We drank some interesting things. Started with a Champagne that was just starting to mature - the 1996's are certainly a powerhouse. Moving onto a bottle that these friends gave me a few years ago ... it was only proper that we waited for the Lafite to turn 20, and drink together. No decant, a masterclass in how these estates still produce wine of great elegance and charm in difficult vintages. And ending with something sweet, a Chaume that was powerful, rich, and complex.

This is becoming very difficult for me, as my time in Toronto is ending. Very difficult. I try to do the right thing, but I never seem to be able to vocalize what I really want to say, never seem to be able to express what I'm really feeling - in the moment. And so I go home and sit and stew over it, beating myself up. Physical trauma, I can deal with. But the heart? I don't know how to handle this anymore. I just don't.

DF

El Catrin Restaurant at the Distillery District

Four events in the span of a week for #TeamLCF, culminating with the pre-launch of El Catrin Restaurant in Toronto's Distillery District. Where Boiler House used to be, this is a large, open space with patio and indoor dining area. Beautifully set up, El Catrin is hoping that it's authentic, fine Mexican cuisine will make a splash.

You have to see the painted murals on the massive wall inside to believe it. Gorgeous.

And of course, the wall of tequila.

The food was great - delicate flavours, great texture. The oyster ceviche is a stunner. We were also served margaritas ... by far, the best I ever had. Strong, well balanced between the acid and sugar, great aromatics from the tequila. Only quibble? Not the choice of glassware, but rather the clumped salt on the rim, and the straw. Because salting a rim means that you want your drinkers to drink from the glass, not a straw. Just like how you wouldn't wear a belt and suspenders together. Now officially opened, would very much like to go back, for a bite and a good cocktail. 

DF

Azure Restaurant at the InterContinental Hotel

This year, we were invited to dinner during Toronto's Summerlicious event, where participating restaurants offer a prix-fixe menu. This is a great opportunity to sample some of the finest restaurants in the city - some people take it very seriously. #TeamLCF was fortunate enough to be invited to a dinner at the InterContinental Hotel's Azure Restaurant, #ICTorontoCentre. We got dressed up, and sadly, this was to be my last time with Eugene. I don't want to talk about it; the pain is still too fresh, too raw.

A nice, airy dining room ...

... and started with the market greens and blue Benedictine cheese ...

... and the East Coast crab cake.

For entrées, we had the Pacific organic salmon ...

... and the Canadian farmed beef striploin.

To finish, the Bailey's chocolate torte ...

... and the icewine strawberry panna cotta.

Dinner was enjoyable. Indeed, sometimes it's not about the food - it's about the company too. My buddy is leaving the country, far, far away. Who knows when I'll be able to see her again. We went to a friend's gathering at the Spoke Club later that night - yet another pair that's going away for school. So we treasure these moments when we have them. Until we eat and drink together again, my friend!

DF

Drawing the curtains, readying the brooms

It's all coming to an end - lights dimming, stage hands ready to draw the curtains, night crew ready to clean up. I'm so sad. My buddy left for Beijing and I don't think I'll see her again for a long, long time. Trying to meet up with my friends as much as I can in the few days I have remaining in Toronto, yet trying to balance that out with family. I finally got my student visa yesterday from the Spanish consulate. Spent the day wandering downtown. An old family friend kindly gave me a gift card from Harry Rosen, and so did a bit of shopping. There were a pair of pink(ish) Versace pants I eyed, but those were some serious sausage casings. Could barely twitch without being seen, if you know what I mean. So, left empty-handed. Wanted to eat lunch at La Palette - they looked like they were doing some remodelling and wouldn't be open until Thursday. Had to eat KFC, Toonie Tuesday special. Felt so disgusted with myself afterwards.

It's all ending soon. My life here, life as I know it. As we were crossing the street today, we ran into a line of what looked like junior high school aged kids. We had to bisect them, and as I was walking through, one kid actually 'oh, excuse me sir'. SIR. We make a fuss about not being treated like children, about wanting to be my own man, but in many ways, I still see myself as immature, as in need of growing up. But in the eyes of a 14 year old, I'm a sir now. Shit.

Heading out to Yorkdale today. Need to pick up a phone, and check out the HR there, because I'm pretty determined to spend this gift card before I leave. I'm sure I'll find something to waste the money on. Now that I've got the visa in hand, can finally relax and enjoy my remaining Toronto time. Just please, no more KFC.

DF

The Harbord Room

At the Bombay Sapphire Cocktail Hour event, we met Cory Vitielli of The Harbord Room. We won the cocktail creation with my take on the Gimlet, so Cory invited us to the restaurant, for his tasting menu. Wonderfully cozy inside, great setup in an old Victorian house, on Harbord/Spadina. There were many, many courses, each paired with a wine. Great wine and cocktail menu offered, lots of interesting things.

From the ceviche to the soup, to the fish taco and the fresh pasta, ending with roast and fried chicken - a symphony of texture and tastes. Fabulously seasoned, and in Cory's words "the last bite as good as the first", the dinner was certainly an adventure. Lots of surprises in every course, lots of passion and heart evident on the plate. A team cooking here who takes risks and makes it work. Highly recommended.

DF

Bombay Sapphire - Cocktail Hour

In June, #TeamLCF was invited to an event hosted by Bombay Sapphire at Toronto's Osteria dei Ganzi, to celebrate cocktail hour, 1920's style.

Risky move, going to Church Street in white pants.

Right off the bat, we were greeted with a tall glass of Tom Collins.

Raj Nagra, brand ambassador for Bombay Sapphire, and Cory Vitielli of The Harbord Room were presenting.

There were many, many bites to sample ...

... each with a paired cocktail (this, fresh raspberry and gin, shaken with egg white)

When the bar gear is Japanese, you know things are on another level.

And after another drink ...

... it was our turn to 'create' a cocktail to match a fennel and pastry dish.

We were given everything we would need - all the equipment and fresh ingredients.

And DF got to work ...

... we lined the bar with our creations ...

... and #TeamLCF won with 'The Bush', a take on the Gimlet. You play to your strengths, and to your audience, in this case, our judges, Raj and Cory. Classic guys all around, so of course, we stick with tradition and try not to mess up the balance. 2 ounces gin, 1 ounce lime juice, 3/4 ounce sugar syrup, and a few coriander seeds. Shaken hard, and garnished with a sprig of fennel, to bridge with the dish.

Back inside, Raj prepared a last drink for us, a true classic, the Martini.

Using lavender and apple bitters, as well as bianco vermouth.

Complex, powerful, and elegant as the man himself. A wonderful end to the evening. All photos courtesy of ROKChoi Photography.

DF

LCF introduces #TheRMBTeam

It's been a busy few weeks for La Cave de Fang lately. Been getting many events this summer, which is always very exciting. And I'm very grateful. So I think it's a good time to introduce #TeamLCF and #TheRMBTeam. Food and drink, we make it happen, in whatever media format's your pleasure.

Photo courtesy of ROKChoi Photography.

In June, we started the season with a brand event for Bombay Sapphire, hosted at Toronto's Osteria dei Ganzi.

Photo courtesy of ROKChoi Photography.

At the event, we met Cory Vitielli of The Harbord Room, who invited us to dinner.

The following evening, we were on Bloor's La Société, for the media preview of Ben Sherman's Fall/Winter 2013 collection.

Our Friday ended at the Intercontinental Hotel's Azure Restaurant & Bar, with an invite to experience their Summerlicious menu.

And most likely the last event for me (in Toronto), a launch event for El Catrin Restaurant, Mexican cuisine in Toronto's Distillery District. #TeamLCF working hard this summer - detailed event info to follow.

DF