The Winewriters' Circle Of Canada's Annual Dinner Was Fun!

Sette Mezzo
Monday's are not the times that would normally be chosen for an annual dinner---especially for an illustrious group of professionals such as the Wine Writers Circle Of Canada. However, considering that just getting any number of these individuals together at any one time is considered as a massive feat, Monday's event was a huge success both in attendance and gastronomic delight.
Darlene and I showed up on time (a feat in itself considering the locale was in West End of Toronto on a Monday night!). Sette Mezzo proved to be a charming spot for a dinner. The atmosphere was warm, friendly and immediately pleasing. A pleasant aroma of the pleasures to come via the food whetted the appetite as quickly as we entered the spot.
Konrad Ejbich had already given us a greeting as we made our way to the entrance and it was nice to be further welcomed by the likes of Tony Aspler, Sheila Puritt, Michael Pinkus and Carolyn Evans-Hammond. Carolyn just released her new book "Good, Better, Best Wines" which I found excellent for both novice and advanced oenophile alike. I'll be reviewing it shortly in another blog.
My friend Zolton Szabo, who I envy not only for his amazing life around the globe but also for his vast knowledge introduced us to his lovely bride. Indeed he is blessed!
Later on my good pal Alex Eberspaecher with lovely wife Judy. With them was the person whom I have dubbed "Godfather of Canadian Wine": Chef Jacques Marie. Any who have read his books about the wine regions of the world will know what I am talking about!
Judy has also published a great book called "Totally Scallops---not just another cookbook" which I found absolutely super both for its photography---much by Judy but its background information. This also will be reviewed later on in another blog. The wine flowed freely and the food was excellent.
Dinner Menu
The dinner started with an excellent Antipasto plate. I especially liked the cacciatore sausage which went well with my Bernat Syrah.
First Course
Risotto with wild mushrooms and truffle oil, and Penne Gnocchi.
Main Course
Darlene had the Roast Chicken Supreme with rosemary red wine reduction veg and potato
I had the Rainbow Trout with tomato olive caper salsa, veg and potato.
We both enjoyed the meal with Sheila Puritt's Rizzardi Amarone (though steak Florentine would have been superb with this wine and vice versa.
Dessert
The Tirami su went especially well with some dessert wine that was brought by Alex Eberspaecher.
The event was a huge success and I would heartily recommend the Sette Mezzo for not only that intimate pleasure but also some phenomenal family fun and great gourmet food.