Category Archives: Leisure

Off to Wine Country in a Mercedes sport coupe

I contributed this article to the summer issue of Mercedes-Benz Club Canada‘s magazine. This is a reprint. I’m dreaming! Dreaming of hopping into a gleaming white sport Coupe, with a few ponies under the hood, tooling through south of France wine country. In my fantasy, I’m negotiating winding roads through the dazzling countryside along theContinue reading “Off to Wine Country in a Mercedes sport coupe”

The good life at Windermere House on Lake Rosseau, #Muskoka – Craft beer of course

Want to feel peaceful, away from it all, and in the lap of luxury? This spot does the trick. Lake Rosseau is one of the gems of cottage country north of Toronto. Windermere House does it right. I’m dining here at the resort and enjoying a lager from @muskokabrewery . Refreshing and pure. Ahhhhh, theContinue reading “The good life at Windermere House on Lake Rosseau, #Muskoka – Craft beer of course”

Astronomy is an awe-inspiring subject, highly recommended with a sparkling wine!

Enjoying the beauty of the heavens This is about the biggest stretch for a wine writer, but bear with me. It’s a leisure activity just like wine (sort of). But do let me bring wine into the picture. Enjoy a glass of sparkling wine as you peer into the heavens with binoculars, telescope or viaContinue reading “Astronomy is an awe-inspiring subject, highly recommended with a sparkling wine!”

Super @citybites launch event @lozingaros w an enthusiastic group of supporters this past Monday

It’s nice to see the talented group at CityBites are getting back into the launch party tradition to celebrate new-issues. A civilized way to do business and live a little. Good stuff. I went with our editor, Ashley, and painter Chris Bacon. Chef Michael Pataran co-hosted the event with Lo Zingaro, a cozy ristorante thatContinue reading “Super @citybites launch event @lozingaros w an enthusiastic group of supporters this past Monday”

The fare moves effortlessly from spetacular to decadent at Plank Restobar, Bronte Village, Oakville.

The baroness and I are lunching at Plank Restobar. The location is beautifully set on Lake Ontario at Fishernan’s Warf. Stephanie serves us efficienty and with a genuine smile. The seafood chowder and smoked turkey sandwich with brie are perfect. The beer choices are not the usual uninaginative stuff found elsewhere (today it’s 2 StieglContinue reading “The fare moves effortlessly from spetacular to decadent at Plank Restobar, Bronte Village, Oakville.”

Here Comes The Boom, with Kevin James and Salma Hayek, is actually quite a good movie.

Here Comes the Boom, co-written and produced by it’s leading actor Kevin James, is a winner. It’s a story about fighting for a cause, and it tells it with feeling. It’s entertaining, inspiring, and offers feel-good satisfaction. Nicely cast with Salma Hayek and Henry Winkler. Newcomer Bas Rutten provides excellent humour as Niko, a retiredContinue reading “Here Comes The Boom, with Kevin James and Salma Hayek, is actually quite a good movie.”

“Civilized Lunch,” blockbuster wines at Devil’s Pulpit Golf Association…

Photos (L to R) Millesimato Contrato sparkling, entire wine selection lined up, scallops   WELCOME BEVERAGE:  – Millesimato Contratto 2007 sparkling Metodo Classico, Italy   SECOND WINE: Viewpointe Sauvignon Blanc, Pointe Blanc 2010, EPIC Ontario FOOD PAIRING: Scallops, mango cole slaw with passion fruit.    See the full gallery on Posterous Photos (L to R)Continue reading ““Civilized Lunch,” blockbuster wines at Devil’s Pulpit Golf Association…”

The elegance of Irish Whiskey

I was invited to Allen’s in Toronto to learn about Irish Whiskey.  Proprietor John Maxwell is passionate on the subject, so I felt I was in good hands. Onward! I will accept responsibility for the “beginner” level notes.  Any literary sophistication that may have crept in are John’s influence.  Following is the lineup of ourContinue reading “The elegance of Irish Whiskey”