Tag Archives: yummy wine and food

Convivia Bistro Cuisine

I know I have talked about this establishment recently, but never for a dinner sitting. On Friday night, four of us went to celebrate two birthdays. When we arrived it was almost full but there were a couple of tables out on the deck. Even though it was nice and warm, we sat inside and enjoyed a wonderful meal with ambience and a terrific server.

My girlfriend (birthday #1) ordered the Calamari with a Provencial Aioli, followed by the Pirate pasta dish consisting of shrimp, scallops, crabmeat, fresh cream and mozzarella cheese. She loved it. Her wine choice was the Pinot Gris.

Her beau ordered the French onion soup and a goat cheese pizza. His choice of beverage was a sour apple cider.

My husband (birthday #2) started with a Tropical Ceviche. This was seafood, lime and cilantro. No crumbs left here. Then he ordered the lasagna. Meat sauce, fresh cream, parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. He proclaimed it was the best lasagna he had ever eaten. Believe me, that is really saying something. His choice of beverage was O’Doul’s.

I ordered the seared scallops with saffron cream. Okay…if we had been at home, I would have licked the plate. Never have I had anything that was this good in a restaurant, ever. Then came my pasta of choice, Carbonara.  Spaghetti , fresh cream, bacon, ham, egg yolk and parmesan. The amount of bacon and ham was truly amazing. OMG this was delicious. The Pinot Gris was fabulous.

Three of us had the Crème Brulee. This, my friends, was like silk. They added sparklers in the two birthday servings.

The best part of this restaurant? They serve half portions and it is without a doubt the best size as it allows you to actually finish your meal. Oh yes, we will return. This is a wonderful establishment. From the Management, our server and the Chef – kudos. Job perfectly done.

If you are ever in this part of the Province, please go. You will not be disappointed, I promise.

 

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Oliver Festivals This Weekend

Well, this has to be the busiest  weekend in Oliver of the entire year. We have, for example, the Crush Club Wine Pick Up and Barbecue, The Garlic Festival at Hester Creek Winery, The Grape Festival in the Town of Oliver and various dinners at the wineries throughout the valley. All these events are for the Fall bounty we have.

People come from all over Canada and the USA. Others have visitors staying with them from Australia, and England. It is a lot of work – mostly at the hands of the volunteer. The weather was perfect and no one could ask for more.

We picked up our wine at the Tin Horn Creek Pick up  and finding we still had 1 1/2 hours to wait to get into the party area, we  then went to the Garlic Fesitval at Hester Creek Winery. Well, let me tell you it was so well attended – by the thousands. They had more volunteers and staff working the shuttles to drive from your vehicle to the venue and then on your return to your vehicle when you were done.

They sold wine, by the case, outside or by the  bottle inside. They had kiosks selling things and stuff made with garlic – pickles, tapenades, raw garlic heads, buns, breads and they also had three or four food trucks selling their wares. Medici selling their Gelato was a ‘cool’ hit. 

While all this was going on, they had live entertainment which was really good.

Kudos to Roger Gillespie, Sara, Mark, Jo Jo and all the staff for being so kind and generous and caring to one and all (especially us).

Keep up the good work…..you just can’t lose. You are totally awesome.

Yes, we are also volunteers this weekend and glad to do it.

 

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