Matcha Sour
Matcha is known for its balance of mellow vegetal grassy notes, natural sweet nuttiness, a hint of bitterness and a savoury umami finish. This exquisite harmony is enhanced by the infusion of floral and spice elements of Saigon Baigur Gin and Yuzu.Ingredients
Serves 1
½ tsp (2.5 ml) matcha powder, plus more for garnish
1 tbsp (15 ml) hot water (175 F/79 C)
1 egg white
1½ oz (45 ml) Saigon Baigur Gin
¾ oz (22 ml) Nakano Obaachan’s Yuzu Shu
¾ oz (22 ml) fresh lemon juice
¾ oz (22 ml) Simple Syrup*
garnish with edible flowers, if desired
Instructions
- Place a coupe glass in freezer for 5 minutes. In a small bowl, whisk matcha powder and hot water to make matcha tea. In a cocktail shaker, combine egg white, matcha tea, gin, yuzu, lemon juice and Simple Syrup. Shake without ice (dry shake) to emulsify ingredients. Add ice and shake vigorously, then fine strain into chilled coupe. Garnish with edible flowers, if desired.
- * 1:1 ratio of granulated sugar dissolved in boiling water. Allow to cool before using.
Featuring
Dragon Eyes
Presenting a thoughtfully balanced combination of dragon fruit, rice vodka, green grape shoju, hibiscus, lemon and soda water. This Dragon Eyes cocktail pays tribute to the Year of the Dragon, reflecting qualities akin to those born under this sign – charismatic, intelligent, confident, powerful, naturally lucky and gifted. Featuring Haku Vodka and Jinro Chamisul Green Grape Soju.Ingredients
Serves 1
5 × ½-in (1.25 cm) cubes dragon fruit (save more for garnish)
1 oz (30 ml) Haku Vodka
1 oz (30 ml) Jinro Chamisul Green Grape Soju
½ oz (15 ml) Hibiscus Cordial*
¾ oz (22 ml) fresh lemon juice
2 oz (60 ml) soda water
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, muddle 5 pieces of dragon fruit, then add vodka, green grape soju, Hibiscus Cordial and lemon juice. Add cubed ice, shake vigorously and fine strain over new ice into a Collins glass. Top with soda water and garnish with cubes of dragon fruit on a cocktail pick.
- * To make Hibiscus Cordial, pour 10 oz (300 ml) boiling water over 2 hibiscus tea bags and steep for 5 minutes. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup (250 ml) steeped tea with 2 cups (500 ml) granulated sugar and simmer to dissolve. Transfer to a clean bottle and allow to cool, then seal and refrigerate for up to 4 weeks. Makes 2 cups (500 ml).
Featuring
Shibuya
Recognized as the hub of fashion and culture in Japan, Shibuya boasts the world’s busiest intersection. Bearing the same name, the Shibuya cocktail offers an oasis of serenity amidst the chaos through an elegant balance of Asian botanicals found in Roku Gin, Nakano plum wine, lychee nectar, jasmine green tea and lemon.Ingredients
Serves 1
1 oz (30 ml) Roku Gin
½ oz (15 ml) Nakano Umeshu Japanese Plum Wine
½ oz (15 ml) lychee nectar (from canned lychees)
½ oz (15 ml) Jasmine Green Tea Cordial*
¾ oz (22 ml) fresh lemon juice
garnish with edible flowers, if desired
Instructions
- Place a cocktail coupe in the freezer for 5 minutes. In a cocktail shaker with cubed ice, combine gin, plum wine, lychee nectar, Jasmine Green Tea Cordial and lemon juice. Shake vigorously and fine strain into chilled glass. Garnish with edible flowers, if desired.
- * To make Jasmine Green Tea Cordial, pour 10 oz (300 ml) boiling water over 1 tsp (5 ml) jasmine green tea leaves and steep for 5 minutes. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup (250 ml) steeped tea with 2 cups (500 ml) granulated sugar and simmer to dissolve. Transfer to a clean bottle and allow to cool, then seal and refrigerate for up to 4 weeks. Makes 2 cups (500 ml).
Featuring
Roasted Leek & Kale Galette
If you're lucky enough to find wild ramps in early spring, be sure to keep that secret close to your chest. If not, don't despair; young, tender spring leeks will gladly take the spotlight in this rich and decadent Roasted Leek and Kale Galette.Ingredients
Serves Makes one 10-in (25 cm) galette
PASTRY
230 g (about 1½ cups/375 ml, spooned) all-purpose flour
¼ tsp (1 ml) salt
60 g (about ⅓ cup/80 ml) cold shortening, cut into ½-in (1.25 cm) cubes
80 g (about ⅓ cup/80 ml) cold butter, cut into ½-in (1.25 cm) cubes
⅓ to ½ cup (80 to 125 ml) ice-cold water
ROASTED LEEKS
2 leeks or ramps (wild leeks)
1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
¼ tsp (1 ml) each salt and pepper
3 sprigs fresh thyme
2 tbsp (30 ml) cold butter, cubed
LEEK & KALE MIXTURE
2 tbsp (30 ml) butter
1 cup (250 ml) chopped leeks or ramps (wild leeks), white parts only
1 tsp (5 ml) chopped fresh thyme
1 tsp (5 ml) each salt and pepper
1 tbsp (15 ml) minced garlic
1 bunch kale, chopped with stems removed
8 oz (225 g) mascarpone
1 lemon, zest only
2 eggs, each lightly beaten in own bowl
Instructions
- To make Pastry, in a medium mixing bowl, sift flour and salt. Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut in shortening and butter until they are pea-sized pieces. Gently mix in cold water a little at a time until dough comes together to form a ball. You may not need full amount of water. Shape into a slightly flattened disc, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- To make Roasted Leeks, preheat oven to 375 F (190 C). Remove root ends and green tops from leeks and wash well to remove any dirt. Cut into ¾-in (2 cm) rounds, place in a bowl and gently toss with olive oil, salt and pepper. Transfer to a baking dish, tuck in thyme sprigs and cubed butter and add a splash of water. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until leeks have softened and bottoms are nicely caramelized. Set aside.
- To make Leek & Kale Mixture, in a large non-stick pan over medium heat, melt butter and add leeks, thyme, salt and pepper. When leeks have softened, 6 to 8 minutes, add garlic and chopped kale and continue to cook until kale has cooked down and reduced in volume. Remove from heat and mix in mascarpone, lemon zest and 1 beaten egg. Cool slightly before assembling galette.
- Raise oven temperature to 400 F (200 C).
- On a piece of parchment cut to a 12‑in (30 cm) circle, sprinkle a bit of flour and roll out pastry to a 14-in (35 cm) circle. There will be a slight overhang.
- Evenly spread leek and kale mixture in centre of dough, leaving a 2-in (5 cm) space around edge. Gently press roasted leeks into mixture, caramelized-side down.
- Brush outer edge of dough with about half of second beaten egg, then begin to fold outside edges inwards, gently pinching dough together every couple of inches where pastry overlaps. Brush outer rim of dough with remaining beaten egg. Carefully slide parchment onto a baking sheet and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until pastry is golden and crisp.
- Let sit for a few minutes before slicing and serving warm.
Drink Pairings
Mezcal-Marinated Carne Asada served with Tomatillo Salsa
A carne asada makes the perfect centrepiece to a Cinco de Mayo celebration. Mezcal adds a smoky, earthy flavour to the meat that is perfectly complemented by the creamy tomatillo salsa. Feel free to adjust the salsa to the level of spice you enjoy. Most of a hot pepper’s heat is found in the seeds and inner white pith. Removing these will result in a milder, but still flavourful, salsa. To complement the carne asada, serve with warm tortillas, crema, pickled red onion, crumbled cotija and limes. Try pairing this recipe with Dos Equis Xx Especial Lager or Pacifico Clara Cerveza.Ingredients
Serves 6
¾ cup (180 ml) mezcal
½ cup (125 ml) fresh orange juice
¼ cup (60 ml) fresh lime juice
¼ cup + 1 tbsp (75 ml) grapeseed oil, divided, plus more for greasing grills
4 large cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 tbsp (30 ml) kosher salt, plus more as needed
1 tsp (5 ml) freshly ground black pepper
1 tbsp (15 ml) apple cider vinegar
2 tsp (10 ml) Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp (5 ml) smoked paprika
½ tsp (2.5 ml) ground cumin
16 green onions, divided
1 small white onion, thinly sliced
2 serrano peppers, stemmed and halved lengthwise
1 cup (250 ml) chopped fresh cilantro
1 flank steak, flap steak or skirt steak (about 2 lbs/900 g)
Tomatillo Salsa, make ahead, recipe follows
Tomatillo Salsa:
grapeseed oil, for greasing grills
8 oz (225 g) tomatillos (about 5 medium-sized), husks removed and rinsed under cold water
2 green onions, trimmed
1 serrano pepper
1 clove garlic
½ tsp (2.5 ml) kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
1 cup (250 ml) loosely packed fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems
1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh lime juice
2 avocados, peeled, pitted and roughly chopped
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk mezcal, orange juice, lime juice, ¼ cup (60 ml) oil, garlic, salt, black pepper, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, paprika and cumin until well combined. Set aside.
- Trim 4 green onions and cut in half lengthwise. Using palm of your hand, lightly smash green onion halves against a flat work surface until a little moisture is released.
- In a large glass or non-reactive baking pan that just fits steak, add smashed green onions, white onions, halved serrano peppers, cilantro, steak and mezcal mixture. Massage steak into marinade, flipping once or twice. Cover baking pan with plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours and up to 12 hours. For most flavourful results, flip steak once or twice while marinating.
- Remove steak from marinade and pat dry with paper towel. Discard marinade. Place steak on a rack set over a rimmed baking sheet. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, preheat grill or a grill pan over very high heat. Lightly oil grates or pan.
- Place steak on grill or pan. Grill, uncovered, until lightly charred in spots and a thermometer inserted in thickest portion of steak registers 125 F (52 C) for medium-rare, 3 to 5 minutes per side, or grill to desired doneness. Transfer steak to a cutting board and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, trim remaining 12 green onions. In a medium bowl, toss these onions with remaining 1 tbsp (15 ml) oil and a good pinch of salt. Place green onions on grill or grill pan and cook, uncovered and turning occasionally, until softened and lightly charred, 4 to 6 minutes. Transfer grilled green onions to a plate.
- To serve, slice steak against grain and place on a large platter. Serve with grilled green onions and Tomatillo Salsa.
- Tomatillo Salsa:
- Preheat grill or a grill pan over high heat. Grease grills.
- Place tomatillos, green onions and serrano pepper on oiled grates. Grill, uncovered and turning occasionally, until evenly charred, 8 to 10 minutes for tomatillos, 6 to 8 minutes for green onions and 3 to 4 minutes for serrano pepper. Transfer to a plate and set aside to cool at room temperature for 10 minutes.
- In bowl of a food processor fitted with steel blade attachment, combine tomatillos, green onions, serrano pepper, garlic, salt, cilantro and lime juice. Pulse until a smooth paste forms, about 25 pulses, scraping down sides of bowl as needed. Add avocados and pulse until mostly smooth, about 10 pulses. Season with salt to taste, and serve. Salsa can be made up to 3 hours in advance and refrigerated in an airtight container. Pressing a piece of plastic wrap directly on surface of salsa helps to prevent it from oxidizing.
- Makes about 1¼ cups (310 ml)
Drink Pairings
Passion Peach
This is a refreshing and delightful cocktail that combines the tropical floral notes of passionfruit with the sweet juiciness of peach and the delicate aroma of orange blossom. The bright accent of lemon and the effervescence of soda highlight the delightful medley of flavours.Ingredients
Serves 1
1½ oz (45 ml) Ketel One Botanical Peach & Orange Blossom Vodka
1½ oz (45 ml) passion fruit nectar*
½ oz (15 ml) Simple Syrup**
½ oz (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
3 oz (90 ml) soda water
peach slice, for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker with cubed ice, combine vodka, passion fruit nectar, Simple Syrup and lemon juice. Shake vigorously and fine strain over new ice into an old-fashioned glass. Top with soda and garnish with a peach slice.
- ** 1:1 ratio of granulated sugar dissolved in boiling water. Allow to cool before using.
Featuring
Lavender Sour
Offering a visually stunning and aromatic experience, the Lavender Sour is a refreshing yet sophisticated libation that intertwines the Empress 1908 Indigo Gin with the light accent of honey and the zing of fresh lemon. This cocktail is a refined expression of floral and citrus notes and epitomizes spring.Ingredients
Serves 1
1 egg white
2 oz (60 ml) Empress 1908 Indigo Gin
¾ oz (22 ml) Honey Cordial*
¾ oz (22 ml) fresh lemon juice
2 dashes lavender bitters
fresh or dry lavender flowers, for garnish
Instructions
- Place a coupe glass in freezer for 5 minutes. In a cocktail shaker, combine egg white, gin, Honey Cordial, lemon juice and lavender bitters. Shake without ice (dry shake) to emulsify ingredients. Add ice, shake vigorously and fine strain into chilled coupe. Garnish with lavender flowers.
- * To make Honey Cordial, in a small bowl, stir ⅓ cup (80 ml) boiling water and ⅔ cup (160 ml) honey. Transfer to a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Makes 1 cup (250 ml).
Featuring
Morel Mushroom Dumplings
Truly one of BC's greatest treasures is the morel mushroom. With its unique shape and delicate texture, it seems like a perfect match for one of our province's favourite snacks, the dumpling! These Morel Mushroom Dumplings are guaranteed to touch the heart (a literal translation of Dim sum). Try pairing this recipe with Osoyoos Larose Pétales D’osoyoos or Nk’mip Chardonnay.Ingredients
Serves 4 to 6 as a starter
DIPPING SAUCE
2 tbsp (30 ml) light soy sauce
3 tbsp (45 ml) Chinese (Chinkiang) black vinegar or unseasoned rice vinegar
1-in (2.5 cm) knob fresh ginger, peeled and cut into thin strips
1 tbsp (15 ml) water
½ tsp (2.5 ml) granulated sugar
MORELS
20 to 24 large dried or fresh morel mushrooms (1½- to 2-in/4 to 5 cm long)
9 oz (250 g) medium-firm tofu
¼ tsp (1 ml) freshly ground white pepper
½ tsp (2.5 ml) granulated sugar
1 tbsp (15 ml) dark soy sauce
2 tsp (10 ml) miso
2 tsp (10 ml) cornstarch
2 tsp (10 ml) sesame oil
1 tsp (5 ml) canola oil
2 green onions, thinly sliced, white and green parts separated
1 tbsp + 1 tsp (20 ml) minced fresh ginger
1 clove garlic, minced
½ cup (125 ml) carrot, diced into ⅛-in (0.3 cm) pieces
¾ cup (180 ml) smoked tofu, diced into ⅛-in (0.3 cm) pieces
1 egg white, lightly beaten
Instructions
- To make Dipping Sauce, in a small bowl, combine light soy sauce, vinegar, ginger, water and sugar. Stir until sugar is dissolved, then let sit for at least 30 minutes. If making ahead, omit ginger and store rest of combined ingredients in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to 10 days; when ready to use, stir in ginger about 30 minutes before serving.
- To make Morels, if using dried, place in a bowl, cover with boiling water and soak for 10 minutes, until soft and pliable. If using fresh, place in a bowl, cover with cool, lightly salted water and soak for 5 minutes to remove any residual dirt. Drain, trim any long stems down to ½-in (1.25 cm) and set aside.
- Drain medium-firm tofu and place on a clean, dry tea towel. Roll up and twist both ends to squeeze out excess liquid. Transfer to a bowl and mash with white pepper, sugar, dark soy sauce, miso and cornstarch.
- To a medium non-stick pan or wok over medium-high heat, add sesame and canola oils and stir-fry green onion whites, ginger and garlic for about 1 minute, taking care not to burn garlic. Add carrots and smoked tofu and continue to stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes longer. Add tofu mixture and cook for another 2 minutes, then transfer to a bowl. Add egg white and green onion tops and mix well until egg white is fully incorporated.
- Line a bamboo steamer with parchment or a Napa cabbage leaf. Fill a saucepan with about 3-in (7.5 cm) water and bring to a boil.
- Transfer cooked filling mixture to a piping bag with a piping tip just large enough to fit opening of morels. Pipe with enough filling to completely stuff each mushroom. Arrange stuffed morels in steamer and place over saucepan of boiling water. Steam for 10 minutes or until filling reaches 165 F (74 C).
- Serve warm with dipping sauce. Unused filling and sauce can be refrigerated in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Drink Pairings
Strawberry Rosé
The harmonious balance of this cocktail beautifully captures the essence of pastel pink. Delicate notes of rose and the elegance of strawberry effortlessly complement the citrus-forward profile of Malfy Gin Rosa and the effervescence of Stellar’s Jay sparkling rosé. Its subtlety and complexity captivate with every sip.Ingredients
Serves 1
1 tsp (5 ml) rosewater
1 strawberry
1 oz (30 ml) Malfy Gin Rosa
½ oz (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
½ oz (15 ml) Simple Syrup*
3 oz (90 ml) Steller’s Jay Sparkling Rosé
Instructions
- Measure rosewater into a flute, swirl it around to coat the inside and discard excess. In a cocktail shaker, muddle the strawberry, then add gin, lemon juice and Simple Syrup. Shake vigorously and fine strain into rosewater-rinsed flute. Top with sparkling rosé.
- * 1:1 ratio of granulated sugar dissolved in boiling water. Allow to cool before using.
Featuring
Nettle Soup with Leek Top Oil
If green were a flavour, it would taste like this soup– earthy and sweet with an herbaceous bite. Stinging nettles are the hero here, but any young and tender spring greens will be happy to take their place. To perfectly complement this soup, try pairing this recipe with Calliope Figure 8 White or Gray Monk Riesling.Ingredients
Serves 4 as a starter
LEEK OIL
7 oz (200 g) green leek tops, cut into 1-in (2.5 cm) chunks
1 cup (250 ml) mild-flavoured extra-virgin olive oil
1 tsp (5 ml) salt
NETTLE SOUP
2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
1 cup (250 ml) tightly packed sliced leek whites
1 stalk celery, thinly sliced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 medium Russet potato (about 10½ oz/300 g), peeled and cut into ½-in (1.25 cm) dice
leek pulp reserved from Leek Oil recipe
4 cups (1 L) chicken or vegetable stock
1 cup (250 ml) whipping cream
2 bay leaves
½ tsp (2.5 ml) each salt and freshly ground black pepper
10½ oz (300 g) trimmed nettles or any combination of young spring greens (such as kale, mizuna, spinach or arugula) if nettles are out of season or unavailable
¼ cup (60 ml) sour cream, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- To make Leek Oil, blanch leek tops in a saucepan of boiling, salted water for 60 seconds. Strain and pat dry, then transfer to a blender or food processor along with oil and salt. Pulse until mixture is almost smooth and turns a deeper green. Transfer to a fine-mesh strainer set over a bowl and allow to drain, undisturbed, for a few hours. For deepest leek flavour, refrigerate unstrained mixture overnight and strain the following day. Reserve pulp.
- To make Nettle Soup, place a medium saucepan over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté leek whites, celery and garlic for 3 to 4 minutes, until softened. Stir in potatoes and leek pulp and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. Pour in stock, cream, bay leaves, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, until potatoes are tender. Stir in nettles and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, until greens are wilted and vibrant.
- Remove from heat and blend with an immersion or high-speed blender. If using a high-speed blender, only fill bowl halfway and gently pulse a couple of times to release steam and avoid splashing hot liquid. Purée until smooth.
- Transfer to bowls and garnish with a drizzle of leek oil and sour cream, if desired.
- * Important: When handling raw nettles, always wear rubber or latex gloves and long sleeves. Nettles are safe to handle once they’ve been cooked or dried. When preparing nettles, discard lower portion and only use leaves from top 3-in (7.5 cm) of plant. When purchased online or at a farmer’s market, nettles are typically already prepared. It’s not recommended to forage for nettles yourself, as it’s easy to misidentify plants growing in the wild.