Showing posts with label Play Food and Wine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Play Food and Wine. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Natalie MacLean's New Book - Unquenchable



I just saw this tweet this morning:
@Natalie MacLean: Ottawa's top wine bar Play is hosting the launch event for my new book Unquenchable, join us: http://t.co/Rkl3wqlx
I know many of you are Natalie fans. Subscribing to her wine reviews and using her Wine Picks & Pairings app. Totally trusting her with your party planning.

There is a bit more to Natalie though than the encyclopedic wine brain and palate. She also likes to write. Did you get a chance to read her first book Red, White, and Drunk All Over? A runaway success. Oh to be able to have that kind of response on a first book. I can only dream.

I thought you might be interested in knowing that Natalie is about to launch her new book - Unquenchable: A Tipsy Request for The World's Best Bargain Wines.

There is an event coming up here in Ottawa on October 25 at Play Food & Wine down in the Byward Market on York Street. Haven't been to Play yet? Chef Michael Moffatt is one of my favourite chefs in the city and is a regular Ottawa Gold Medal Plates contender, winning last year and in 2007. Their sommelier, Grayson McDiarmid, has also been receiving high praise. I am sure the canapés will be divine and the wines perfectly matched.

The ticket includes a signed copy of the book. Maybe you can convince Natalie to write something really sassy to make your book super unique! I love the idea that this is a smallish event. Suits me better. Maybe you too.

Notice that they are offering two time slots that night to fit your crazy schedule. 5:30 to 7:00 pm or 7:30 to 9:00 pm. Just click on the times to buy your tickets.

My advice to Natalie if she plans to do a reading: Do it before the drinks start flowing! Relaxed people can be loud.

If you have some wine loving friends or book readers on your Christmas list, you could be done shopping a full 61 days ahead of schedule. THAT has great appeal. I heard nothing about gift wrapping. For that you are on your own.

One Christmas I put Natalie's first book in a Secret Santa exchange and it was a real hit. Not hard to find friends that love wine AND a great read. [For the record, it was one of those sophisticated Secret Santa exchanges with all kinds of lovely things. Not the kind where you try to clean out your garage. I really struggle with those.]

I would love to hear if you decide to go. If I am not in Paris, I will be at Play.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Mother's Day 'Play'

How lucky to celebrate Mother's Day at Play Food & Wine at 1 York Street in the Byward Market. All 4 of us opted for their Two Plates for $20 special. It worked perfectly! Well, except for the fact that we had no room for dessert.

Our server was very attentive, always keeping us in coffee and water. Enough to fill a bathtub! I am going to be awake until Tuesday!


Great seat by the window. (There are many great seats by windows.)


Fun wall of wine bottles dividing the foyer from the dining room.


Yummy bread from a bakery in Gatineau.

SET #1:

digby scallops / avocado / pickled onions / chorizo

BC halibut / king eryngii / grilled scallion / fiddlehead pesto [picture missing]

Verdict: "They were both fantastic dishes. This was the best Mother's Day celebration ever!" High praise from someone who has been eating for 80 years.

***

SET #2:

lemon pasta / ramps / provolone / shiitakes


chicken pot pie / curry / filo / greens

Verdict: "Loved both dishes but the pasta edged out."

***

SET #3:

eggs benedict / herb biscuits / mornay / pork belly


grilled hanger steak / mushrooms / frites / aioli

Verdict: "So filling. Barely finished. Both were great. The winner was the benedict."

***

SET #4:

buttermilk pancakes / mulled maple / rhubarb compote

grilled hanger steak / mushrooms / frites / aioli [same as pictured above]

Verdict: "Loved the rhubarb compote. Mom, I like your pancakes better. The steak was my favourite."

***

Play Food & Wine
1 York Street
Ottawa, Ontario
613.667.9207

Mon: Noon - 2 pm; 5:30 - 10 pm
Tues - Thurs: Noon - 2 pm; 5:30 - 11 pm
Fri: Noon - 2 pm; 5:30 - 11:45 pm
Sat: Noon - 5:30 pm; 5:30 - 11:45 pm
Sun: Noon - 5:30 pm; 5:30 - 10 pm

Play on Urbanspoon
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