Introducing Dare to Pair
Creative pairings of music with food & wine

Eat, drink and hear music! Join us on Saturdays throughout the summer season to explore innovative pairings of food & drink specially prepared in connection with the concerts. Meet and mingle with an eclectic array of sommeliers, chefs, musicians and other visitors all coming together to create uniquely intriguing musical stories, Westben-style. Always a new experience! (Reservations required at least 1 week in advance. Please check times as schedules differ). Saturdays: June 30, July 7, 14, 21, 28 & August 4 2018 at The Barn (July 7 at Elmhirst’s Resort).

before Tafelmusik Table Feast: Wine tasting, lunch & meet the artists

Saturday, June 30, 2018
11:30 am to 1:15 pm

What wines go best with Bach? Sommelier Christopher Waters, editor of VINES, has a few suggestions! Join him for a special pre-concert wine-tasting, then choose your favourite and stay on for a delicious lunch prepared by Chef Tina Moorey from On The Side Gourmet.

MENU:

- Crostini topped with Basil Pesto Bocconcini & Fresh Tomato
- Italian inspired Radicchio & Romaine Salad with Shaved Parmesan tossed with Lemon Garlic Dressing
- Grilled Chicken topped with Sundried Tomato Feta Tapenade on top of a bed of Penne drizzled with Olive Oil tossed with Arugula & Heirloom Tomatoes
- Decadent Chocolate Truffle Cake served with Chantilly Cream

after Don Giovanni Dine with the Don: Wine tasting & gourmet evening dinner with the Don & Cast Members

Saturday, July 7, 2018 at 6:00 pm following the performance
Located at Elmhirst's Resort, 1045 Settlers Line, Keene, K0L 2G0

Join the Don himself (Alexander Dobson) and other members of the cast for a delicious four course gourmet supper with wine tasting at Elmhirst’s Resort in Keene. Meet the Don, Chef Jay Nutt from Elmhirst’s and Sommelier Brian Hanna from County Winery, Huff Estates as they introduce food and wines fit for “the Don”!

An accredited Quebec-based sommelier Brian has worked for various hotels and inns in Montreal and surrounding Eastern Townships. Brian "retired" to the county in 2006 where he has kept up his activity and passion in the wine industry and has been "wowing" people with his guided tastes and tours since he joined Huff in 2007.

MENU:

Prelude: Greetings and salutations ….Red fife bread, whipped butters, Pristine Gourmet cold press sunflower oil, chutney
Aria: Amuse bouche Duet; House-smoked rainbow trout with horseradish cream, Elmhirst’s Turkey Bratwurst, tomato and new potato rosemary skewers
Interlude: Vichysoisse -chilled leek and potato soup with garden herb oil, crème fraiche, Farmhouse honey
Finale: Elmhirst’s Own beef tenderloin, grilled polenta, summer vegetables, charred tomato coulis
Curtain Call: Warm olive oil cake, local berries in basil syrup, ricotta ice cream

before Vancouver Chamber Choir Blending Grapes, Blending Voices – wine tasting, lunch & meet the artists

Saturday, July 14, 2018
1:30 am to 1:15 pm

In perfect harmony with the 20 voices of the Vancouver Chamber Choir, sample favourite blends of BC win s with Mark Taylor, Vice President of the Canadian Alliance of Professional Sommeliers, BC, along with delicious cuisine by Chef Ron Csenar from I Am Custom Catering.

MENU:

- Salt and vinegar crusted salmon with mango chipotle dip
- Smoked rice pilaf with locally sourced roasted vegetables
- Dessert: homemade blueberry custard tart

before Taste ‘o Scotland Taste o’ Scotland: Scotch tasting, lunch & meet the artists

Saturday, July 21, 2018
12 noon to 1:30 pm

Scotch Tasting & Lunch & Meet the Artists. Local scotch expert Gord Reid describes (and shares) a few of his favourite drams (12 noon). Lunch to follow (12:30-1:15) courtesy of Chef Ravi Anandappa of Antonia’s Bistro.

MENU: Curry-licious

Appetizers: Vegetable Samosa, Papadum
Thali: Lamb Rogan Gosh, Butter Chicken, Tumeric Basmati Rice, Aloo Gobhi (cauliflower, chickpeas and potato), Dhal and Spinach, South Indian Eggplant Salad, Onion Paratha

before Danel String Quartet & Marc-André Hamelin French Connections – Wine tasting, chocolate (chacutiere) & meet the artists

Saturday, July 28, 2018
12 noon to 1 pm

Explore the French Connection as we pair French wines (chosen by LCBO Product Consultant, Jennifer Bennett,) with delicious dark Belgian chocolate created by chocolate maker, Claude Hardenne from Harden & Huyse Chocolates. 

Jennifer Bennett is a product consultant with the LCBO and has been with the board for 13 years. She has a Level 2 in Wine and Spirits from the Independent Wine Education Guild and have recently completed their Ontario Brave New Wines course to become an Ontario wine specialist.. Jennifer has a Masters of Science in Education, is a wine enthusiast and feels extremely fortunate that her job allows her to pursue my passion for wine.

Claude Hardenne is managing director of Harden & Huyse. Harden & Huyse Chocolates’ family-owned-and-operated manufacturing plant follows the old methods of chocolate making, as developed over generations in Belgium. This time-consuming hand-making process utilizes European equipment, and is still followed by premier Belgian firms today. Only the best ingredients are used. Most supplies, from the raw chocolate products to the fruit purees, are frequently imported from Belgium, France and other regions of Europe.  Harden & Huyse chocolates are made in Saskatoon but have an outlet in Cobourg, Ontario.

before Michael Kaeshammer Blues & Browns – beer tasting, sliders & meet the artist

Saturday, August 4, 2018
12 noon to 1:15 pm

What goes best with boogie-woogie blues? Browns of course! Join John Graham, owner and founder of Church-Key Brewing Company as he presents a selection sliders and beer tastings from his award-winning stock. See how three decades as a brewer, entrepreneur and beer enthusiast can convince anyone that craft beer can be the perfect