Latest news with #Pinot
Montreal Gazette
21 hours ago
- Business
- Montreal Gazette
Opinion: Does today's tipping culture make you feel cheap?
I went to a chic Italian restaurant in Montreal's Golden Square Mile recently. The food was great, the service attentive. But when the bill came, I was met with a familiar dilemma. The payment terminal lit up with three options: 15, 18, or 20 per cent. Three numbers with unspoken pressure to prove my generosity with the tap of a finger. And on top of it all, menu prices have jumped — like everything else these days. Even a bottle of wine that once felt like a reasonable indulgence now comes with sticker shock. That top-tier tip is no longer based on the cost of a modest dinner, but a heavily inflated total. Should the server's tip automatically rise just because I splurged on a $75 bottle of Pinot? It starts to feel like the tip is rewarding the price, not the service. I've never considered myself cheap. In fact, I like to think I've always been a decent tipper. That reliable 15 per cent used to be the gold standard. But lately, every time I go to pay the bill, I feel like I'm being nudged — or shoved — into questioning whether 15 per cent is still enough. And worse, whether it makes me look like a cheapskate. Fifteen now sits there like the kid picked last in gym class — technically an option, but clearly not the one you're being encouraged to choose. And once you factor in that these percentages are often calculated after tax, that 'basic' 15 per cent starts to look even stingier. Things are at least a little more fair in Quebec. The Legault government recently passed Bill 72, requiring tipping suggestions to be based on the pre-tax subtotal. Quebec Justice Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette says the change is meant to cut through unnecessary 'irritants' and protect consumer budgets: 'Many families in Quebec are under pressure due to inflation, and we know that in this context, every dollar counts.' Servers aren't thrilled. They worry the change could reduce their earnings by around 12 to 15 per cent, since tips on post-tax totals often add up to more. Still, the guilt lingers. What used to feel generous now feels inadequate. Tipping, once a way to say thank you, has morphed into a performance. And if you dare choose 15 per cent, you start wondering whether your server's polite 'thank you' is laced with silent judgment. Was that a tight smile? Was that receipt yanked from the terminal a little too fast? Maybe it's just me. But I doubt I'm alone. I spend a lot of time in Mexico, where tipping norms are more modest. Ten per cent is standard, and 15 per cent is considered generous. When I tip that much there, I feel proud, even gracious. But at home, the same 15 per cent earns me ... self-doubt. And it's not just restaurants anymore. Tipping expectations are creeping into more and more corners of daily life — places where tips never used to exist. Coffee counters, take-out windows, food courts, even self-checkout kiosks. Every tap of the card seems to come with a tip screen — and a flash of pressure. According to a recent poll, most Canadians say they want to push back. They feel tipping is getting out of hand. High on the list of places where tipping requests are unwelcome? Take-out restaurants (19 per cent approval), grocery pickup (20 per cent), and fast food joints (21 per cent). It seems tipping is expected anywhere there's a service interaction — even if it's minimal or lasts just seconds. Maybe it's time consumers push back, too — not against tipping itself, but against the pressure. Generosity should be based on service, not guilt. Oh, don't get me wrong — I'll absolutely tip 20 per cent if it's warranted. Great service deserves great recognition. But when the pressure to tip that much is baked into the experience, whether it's earned or not, it starts to feel less like a thank-you and more like an expectation. And that's where I have a problem. So where does that leave those of us clinging to the old 15 per cent rule? Trying not to feel ashamed of being average? Or quietly upping our tips just to avoid the judgment? Maybe I need to get over it. Maybe I'm overthinking it. But if tipping makes good tippers feel bad, maybe it's the system — not the tipper — that needs rethinking. Because I'm not cheap. Or at least, I didn't think I was. Now I'm not so sure.
The Province
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Province
Wine Guy: Three sips for Pinot Noir
On a warm evening, elegant and lithe Pinot Noir works wonders pairing with robust dishes. Here are three picks to try. Photo by Inside Creative House / Getty Images/iStockphoto Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. It's time to talk Pinot. Yes, in honour of International Pinot Noir Day celebrated annually on Aug. 18, but also to acknowledge its pairing prowess with summer cookouts and grill sessions. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Pinot Noir may not be the top-of-mind red wine choice for summer barbecues. However, on a warm evening, elegant and lithe Pinot Noir works wonders pairing with robust dishes — while keeping things refreshing thanks to engaging acidity. Any discussion of Pinot Noir should rightfully start in the Burgundy region of France. Without a doubt, Burgundy represents the traditional pinnacle of Pinot Noir, long providing inspiration for Pinot producers the world over. And while top-tier Grand Cru Burgundy costs a pretty penny, larger production Burgundy, or Bourgogne, is within reach and offers a fun look into this classic French region. The venerable Maison Louis Jadot produces a wide array of Pinot Noir, and their Burgundy-classed Couvent des Jacobins brings classic red fruit, cedar and floral aromas in a suave yet grippy style that finishes fresh and dry with lingering herbal notes. Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Bottom line: B+. Serve alongside grilled salmon. Undurraga 2023 Sibaris Gran Reserva Pinot Noir, Chile ($19.99, #761205) Pinot Noir has become a global grape star, though it does tend to fair best in cooler vineyard climates. But even in a country known for more warmer growing conditions, you'll find pockets of Pinot. Take Chile, for example. One of the country's oldest wineries, Undurraga, headed to the Pacific-influenced Leyda Valley to plant Pinot Noir vineyards. Morning fog and cool sea breezes help moderate temperatures, and the resulting ruby-hued Pinot Noir brings ample aromas of berries, herbs, and toasty oak. This lively, good value red is juicy and fruit-forward, with oak influence and a lick of spice building to a lengthy, lingering finish. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Bottom line: B+. Pair with grilled chicken or pork. SpearHead 2023 Cuvée Pinot Noir, British Columbia ($46.00, available through the winery) Given Pinot Noir's preference for cooler growing conditions, it shouldn't be surprising to hear that B.C. is also home to a growing number of tasty Pinots. One local winery that has really focused on Pinot Noir is Kelowna's SpearHead, which has devoted some 80 per cent of their 15 acres to the grape. Their Cuvée Pinot Noir is produced from a selection of grapes grown in the Jagged Ridge Vineyard and their East Kelowna estate. It's a robustly elegant red that is both silky and structured, with forest floor and spice notes intermingling with red fruits and floral tones before a satisfying finish. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Bottom line: A-. Great with steak tacos! The Swirl: GranVino Wine Walk Get ready for some wine tasting paired with boutique shopping during the inaugural GranVino Wine Walk. Presented by the South Granville BIA, the event takes place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Aug. 16 and sees participants wandering through 20 boutiques, galleries and showrooms from Granville Bridge to 16th Avenue. Each venue is pouring a unique wine selected by local experts, along with exclusive in-store promos and giveaways. Plus, the public plaza at Granville and 13th Avenue will be turned into a wine garden complete with DJ and games. Tickets are $75 (plus fees) and include a limited-edition GranVino tasting cup and tote bag. For complete details head to . Read More Local News Vancouver Whitecaps News Homes Vancouver Whitecaps
Vancouver Sun
02-08-2025
- Business
- Vancouver Sun
Anthony Gismondi: Pinot Noir is destined to take the lead in B.C. Here's why
We touched on the Pinot Noir grape results last week, but it is clear the Pinot Noir category at the WineAlign National Wine Awards established itself as the most admired category by the judges, who have been watching it evolve in leaps and bounds over the last decade. The famously demanding grape, which tends to develop any number of ailments when viewed from the wrong angle, seems to have found a foothold in Canada and is currently excelling from west to east. Could the turning point have been when winemakers began making Canadian Pinot Noir rather than slavishly trying to replicate French Burgundies? Discover the best of B.C.'s recipes, restaurants and wine. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of West Coast Table will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. It doesn't hurt sales when so few people — namely a small portion of the world's wealthiest individuals — can afford French Burgundy today. That said, prices are rising rapidly in the rest of the Pinot world, so assessments like the annual NWAC tastings are beneficial for buyers, primarily due to the large number of wines involved in the tastings. Offshore medals are always lovely to win, but they rarely face the competition of an NWAC category. This year, a record 160 Pinot Noir labels were entered. The top 69 were brought back for the final round tastings, which, together with the rest of the first-round wines, produced five platinum medals for wines scoring 93 points or higher, followed by 16 gold medals at 91 points or higher, 47 silver medals at 89 points or higher, and 46 high-level bronze medals. Over the years, B.C. Pinot plantings have expanded as growers continue to find suitable terroirs to cultivate the delicate grape. The latest figures from the B.C. Wine Grape Council Annual Crop Assessment show Pinot Noir just behind Merlot at 11.5 per cent of total tonnage. If Mother Nature co-operates with the new plantings in the near future, Pinot is destined to take the lead. NWAC Judge HJ Cha of Kaleden, B.C. says: 'Despite the common stereotype — B.C. producing riper, robust, more fruit-driven styles and Ontario leaning toward lighter, delicate, more restrained expressions — blind tasting showed that it's increasingly difficult to pinpoint a wine's provincial origin. Instead, stylistic choices by winemakers played a bigger role: clonal selection, tannin management, and maturation vessels all contribute to a wine's character. In many cases, the stylistic differences within a single valley were greater than those between provinces.' The platinum medals in order of scores went to: Meyer 2022 Old Block Pinot Noir McLean Creek Road Vineyard, $47.91; SpearHead 2022 Okanagan Valley Pinot Noir $41.40; Lightning Rock Winery 2022 Pinot Noir Canyonview Vineyard $40: 1 Mill Road 2022 Pinot Noir Home Block $65; and SpearHead 2022 Pommard Clone Pinot Noir $52.90. To be sure, Pinot Noir is expensive, but relative to French Red Burgundy, it is likely 10 times cheaper while closing the quality gap at breakneck speed. Your best bet for finding our best Pinot Noir is to visit the property and purchase it directly from the winery. Good hunting. Quails' Gate Pinot Noir 2022, Okanagan Valley $34.99 I 88/100 UPC: 778856121209 Quails' Gate was among the earliest pioneers to work with Pinot Noir, and they have been raising the bar ever since. Post-fermentation, this spends about 10 to 14 days on skins, gathering additional colour and depth, before aging for 10 months in French oak, a time well suited to delicate, cool-climate Pinot Noir. The '22 mixes cedar, sweet and sour black cherries, black tea, brown sugar, and gentle tannins. This year's style is slightly more approachable than in 2021. Unsworth Vineyards Pinot Noir 2022, Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island $39.90 I 91/100 UPC: 626990259008 The introductory Unsworth Pinot comes off its Cowichan estate hillside blocks. It is fermented in stainless steel before aging for 15 months in (15 per cent new) French oak. Look for classic perfumed island aromas, led by dark plums, ripe raspberries dusted with baking spices, and a green forest floor scrub with bright acidity. The lightness and ethereal nature of this 12.1 per cent Pinot seal the deal for aficionados. Complex and thought-provoking, it is the essence of Pinot Noir, which you can drink most nights with uncomplicated foods. Lightning Rock Reserve Pinot Noir Canyonview Vineyard 2022, Summerland Bench, Okanagan Valley $50 I 92/100 UPC: 626990364856 The Canyonview Reserve is one of several Pinot Noirs produced at Summerland's Lightning Rock Winery. Their reserve version of Canyonview Vineyard is marked by its distinctive black label. The vines, now 22 years old, are planted in sandy granite-streaked soils in Upper Summerland. Look for sweet black cherry notes, mixed with the scent of mossy forest floors and earth tones. The palate is silky smooth, with 12.5 per cent alcohol, ripe, dark plum and cherry notes, complemented by a hint of stems. Blue Mountain Pinot Noir Single Vineyard Block 14 Gravel Force 2022, Okanagan Falls $55 I 94/100 UPC: 626452571228 Block 14, named Gravel Force, is a nod to the numerous small, round stones mixed into light clay over an old, dry river bed. It faces west and south, receiving a substantial dose of Okanagan Falls sun each day, which contributes to the structure and power of the wine made from 35-year-old vines. The result is a more opulent, riper style, almost muscular, with hints of Bing cherries and plums, all blended with a round, cola-like savoury finish à la Central Otago. The tannins are polished and silky, making it a pleasure to sip. A hedonistic wine this year that will only attract more buyers. Big value. 1 Mill Road Pinot Noir Home Block 2023, Naramata Bench, Okanagan Valley $65 I 91/100 UPC: 628942298707 There is a fine core of fruit with depth that frames this Pinot, and early on it dominates the entry before graphite, black tea, and spice intervene to balance the wine right through the finish. Quiet, complex, and inviting, with some savoury notes underneath and a fine texture throughout. Bright and fresh upfront, but that fades into a more moody Pinot in the finish. It was aged in a mix of barrels and larger puncheons to enhance the balance. Minami (1118 Mainland St., Vancouver), Yaletown's home to contemporary Japanese cuisine, is hosting a one-night-only Winemaker's Dinner in partnership with the iconic Jermann Winery from Friuli, Italy, on August 13. Guests will be seated on Minami's hidden garden patio while enjoying a seasonal multi-course menu paired with Jermann's award-winning wines. Family member Felix Jermann is making the trip to Vancouver for dinner to share the story of three generations devoted to the land, innovation, and the heart of Friuli. Tickets are $170 per person. The five-course menu will feature a variety of unique Jermann vintages, paired with chef Lupe Villanueva's creations. Bookings are now available online at . Volume 3 of the Riesling Project continues whether you find yourself up the mountain at Mekong in Whistler, near the sea at Vancouver's westside Maenam restaurant, or at Chef An's latest creation, Sainam, in the West End on Davie. The newest blend originates from two B.C. wineries, whose Rieslings were carefully blended to achieve the gastronomic goal of the project. This year, the bright acidity, coupled with the complexity of skin contact, comes from Rhy's Pender's work with Little Farm Winery's Similkameen Riesling, which seems to have perfectly matched the pristine, slightly off-dry North Naramata Riesling, courtesy of Synchromesh Wines in Okanagan Falls. Riesling Project Volume 3 is available on all wine lists until it's not. Road 13 Honest John's Rosé 2024, Washington $20.99 I 89/100 UPC: 776545502407 Expect a pale colour with some bright florals and candied strawberry on the nose. The palate is fresh, light, lacking intensity, but otherwise delicate, showing red fruits, peaches, watermelon, and a touch of sherbet. Dry, ready to drink, and quite a bargain. The blend consists of 45 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon, 22 per cent Merlot, 19 per cent Cabernet Franc, 10 per cent Syrah, and 4 per cent Grenache. Tightrope Winery Chardonnay 2023, Okanagan Valley $30 I 89/100 UPC: 626990244493 From the Naramata Bench, this is a whole-cluster pressed Chardonnay that is barrel-fermented in French oak. Fifty per cent of the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation, and all of it ages on its lees for nine months. In the end, this is a lean, tightly wound mid-valley Chardonnay that combines floral notes and lemon with bright acidity and green apple flavours. Simplicity in a sophisticated package. Halibut, anyone?
The Herald Scotland
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Political nut serves up the poshest comedy show I've ever seen
The Stand Comedy Club, Edinburgh With his Radio Five Live afternoon show off for a fortnight for Wimbledon, presenter Matt Chorley is taking advantage of the break to serve up some comedy on a UK tour. In Making A Meal Of It, he focuses on his two favourite subjects, food and politics. With wit honed after years in the Westminster trenches, he takes a look at parliament's feuding food factions and how politicians really are what they eat. Those with a nut allergy should probably tread carefully. The venue's packed. It's an older, more sophisticated crowd. Many admit to visiting a comedy club for the first time. Pints have been replaced by bottles of Pinot. As Matt says scanning the room, there're definitely people in here who've used a whole can of capers and haven't left it festering in the back of the fridge like the rest of us. There's a Westminster-style voting procedure for warm up. All 'ayes' are on the bloke who mentions his love of fennel sausage. It's a chef's kiss from Matt. He re-heats the posh sausage gag throughout the set. It's his diss of the day. Read More: Ever wondered about Angela Rayner's favourite cocktail or Donald Trump's McDonald's order? If so, this is the show for you. The Keir Starmer, fish and cheese routine is rhythmic and silly and reminiscent of an Alexei Sayle rant. Matt is engaging and likeable but many of the gags he dishes out are cheesier than a subsidised mac and cheese in the House of Commons café. A few stories, like the milk swigging and the train tragedy fall flat. There's more voting. We're asked to spend the interval online, choosing our favour three course menu. Then it's, 'here's some I prepared earlier,' as we watch Matt cooking them up onscreen. Margaret Thatcher's consommé, cream cheese and curry powder combo looked every bit as disgusting as it sounds The lady IS for (stomach)-turning! There's a funny Tony Blair and Gordon Brown Edinburgh anecdote and a genius throwaway line about Sunday Brunch that really amused this bouche. At more than two hours however, it all feels too long. Taking some of the audience participation off the table would definitely help. This is a show full of well-sourced and often spicy ingredients. It's a cohesive and well-planned menu. All that's required is a little more work on the presentation.
Time Out
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Explore Stellenbosch with Wine Town 2025
Mark your diaries: it's almost time to swirl, sip, and snack your way through South Africa's wine capital. Wine Town Stellenbosch returns to the Eikestad from 26 July to 3 August 2025, and it's offering more than just excellent wine. This year, Wine Town Stellenbosch offers nine days of tastings, tours, dinners, and workshops leading up to the main event: the Stellenbosch Wine Festival on 1 and 2 August. And if you don't have time for a bit of Winelands road-tripping, the Wine Festival provides a one-stop shop and all-access pass to over 200 wines from more than 50 producers. Held at the City Hall of this charming university town, you can look forward to first-time attendees including Raats Family Wines, Hidden Valley and De Meye, joining top-tier brands such as Simonsig, Rust en Vrede, Spier and Blaauwklippen. Also making a comeback is the popular Graze Table; an endless spread of seasonal, local bites curated by Bertus Basson Restaurants Group Chef Adel Grewar. Extra points for creating your own wine pairings! Prefer your Pinot with a side of music? Expect live entertainment throughout, plus plenty of opportunities to chat directly with winemakers and cellar hands.
