French wine dinner
Once again XIX Nineteen is organizing a lavish five-course wine dinner. This time, it takes advantage of the autumn harvest with a five-star selection of dishes.Chef Rino Lam stimulates the appetite with caviar on blini pancakes followed by a smoked tomato bisque soup embellished with several lush cheeses.
Grazed quail on braised lentils further stokes the palate while the main dish – crispy short ribs in a red wine mushroom reduction and seasonal vegetables – is the centrepiece. The grand finale is a delectable chocolate molten cake with poached pears.
Five wines are paired with the courses: a bubbly, a white wine and three reds.
Dwayne Bayda of British Columbia's Mark Anthony Wines carries an international portfolio and was instrumental in the wine selections.
The dinner is Wednesday, Oct. 17. Cocktails are at 6 p.m. and the formal dinner begins at 6:30 p.m.
Tickets are $125. It includes GST and gratuities. To reserve, call manager Molly Flahavan at 780-569-1819 or email [email protected].
Venetian carnival
Step back in time as Visionary Entertainment hosts its second Venetian Carnival.Conceived last year as an office party with flair, it also doubles as a fundraiser for mental health.
The carnival brings to life the 18th century’s baroque extravagance complete with complimentary masks, velvet pouches filled with florins, and themed decor including a life-size gondola.
Carnival games inspire the night’s enigma and elegance while some of Edmonton’s top tier performers delight and surprise.
Central to the event is a three-course chef-prepared dinner followed by the rollicking sounds of dance band Uptown.
“Mental health touches all of us at some point in our lives. This will be a brilliant event to celebrate Christmas while giving back to a worthy cause,” said Lynda Holden, corporate liaison with Visionary Entertainment.
The carnival takes place Saturday, Dec. 8, at Edmonton Expo Centre. Tickets are $135 at Visionary Entertainment. Call Donna at 780-807-8300 or Lynda at 780-802-9720.
Canada’s top chef dinner
The Shaw Conference Centre’s executive chef, Serge Blair, and his award-winning team of 11 Red Seal chefs present an exclusive seven-course dinner for 50 guests.This edition of Dinner with Canada’s Top Chefs offers masterfully balanced seasonal flavours and perfectly paired wines. Creativity and innovation is fused with locally grown fresh ingredients.
This edition focuses on partnerships with Strathcona Spirits, The Old School Cheesery and Vegreville's Liquor Den.
The dinner is Friday, Nov. 2. Reception at 6 p.m. Dinner at 7 p.m. Tickets are $150 plus GST and service charges. Visit www.eventbrite.ca.
