by: Greg Elmhirst
The Culinary and Service team at the Resort presented a dramatic New Years Eve dinner event with Big Head Wines of Niagara on the Lake to a sold out room. The whole Lipinski family was in attendance and visited with the guests throughout the evening.
Festivities commenced with oysters and Elmhirst’s own charcuterie accompanied by “Big Bang Black”, Big Head’s traditional method Blanc de Noir. After a chilly but short walk the guests arrived at the Hearthside Room which was lit in red and white to wrap up the year long Canada 150 celebration at Elmhirst’s. As always Ron Goodacre was playing piano in the background.
Upon nestling into the dining room the guests were presented with Culinary Leader Jay Nutt’s menu of house made breads with a variety of Elmhirst’s Own accompaniments and a farmhouse leek and potato soup with pork belly lardons. Jakub Lipinski went deep into the Big Head library to pour their 2012 Chardonnay from magnums, a rare and special treat. This was followed by Elmhirst’s Own duck breast salad with confit squash, poached pears, toasted pumpkin seeds, arugula, apple coriander vinaigrette and duck fat croutons. Jakub’s wine choice was clear: Pinot Noir and it was a great choice at that.
The main event arrived next; an herb crusted venison rack chop with wild rice risotto, charred carrots and red wine jus. The venison paired perfectly with the Big Head Merlot, another wine pulled from the Big Head library. Profiteroles with orange zest pastry cream and strawberry compote were presented for dessert beside Riesling Ice Wine (a platinum award winner from Decanter magazine). Sublime!
The guests relaxed for the rest of the evening with a selection of artisanal Ontario cheeses.
This brief account doesn’t do justice to the wine and we heartily recommend you check out Big Head Wines at bigheadwines.ca. Better yet, pay them a visit. But please do yourself a favour and call ahead for a reservation, its not your average tasting bar experience!
“It was a real pleasure to be able to partner with Jakub and family from Big Head wines. Their wine selections were exceptionally well-matched with our menu and guests were thrilled with the results. Jakub’s presentations were clear, concise and delivered with a warmth that reflected his passion for the winery.”
Jay Nutt
Big Bang Sparkler, Blanc de Noir
Big Bang Merlot
Big Bang Pinot Noir
Big Bang Riesling Ice Wine
Elmhirst’s Own duck breast salad with with confit squash, poached pears, toasted pumpkin seeds, arugula, apple coriander vinaigrette and duck fat croutons
Herb encrusted venison chop
Profiteroles with orange zest pastry cream
