Column: Introducing Cochrane's Tasting Pleasures

Sure, Cochrane is not Tuscany. Tuscany has glamour and well-trodden culinary traditions. But we have more. Way more. We have jaw-dropping world-class landscapes, exquisite food sources, diversity and exceptional culinary experiences. 

Tasting Pleasures is pleased to offer you a new monthly section celebrating our epicurean experiences through stories all our own. Stories that exemplify our quality of life through simple yet sophisticated everyday pleasures unique to Albertans.

We will discover our epicurean roots - the producers of quality vegetables, grain, meat, honey, fruits and venison, as well as mead, beer, and spirits. We will learn how our unique products and terroirs distinguish us from the crowd and satisfy the most demanding foodies.  

I will introduce you to our local restaurants, bars, and eateries lead by talented chefs proud to serve food made with local ingredients. 

And then there is me. I will indulge in sommelier stories, suggesting ways to pair our local food offerings with what the world offers us. I will also demystify some related alcohol mysteries for the fun of it. 

Expect stories such as: 

1. Global culinary influences go local in restaurants near you.

2. How to find killer values in your favourite wine stores.

3. Five wild plants delicacies grow in your backyard.

4. What distinguishes our local meat producers from the herd.

5. Four qualities that distinguish Canadian Wines from the rest.

Southern Alberta, with its big city, prairies and mountains, embodies "Epicurean living." Tasting Pleasures' mission is to uncover our stories and make us the envy of the world.

I do private, community and corporate tastings online, in people's homes, or other locations of their choice.

I'm an accredited Sommelier by the International Sommelier Guild, The Wine and Spirit Education Trust, and Fine Vintage. I divide my time among many professional activities related to the wine industry, continually expanding my knowledge.

I've shared wine and sommelier stories as a contributor to the CBC Radio-Canada and wrote several publications and online communities.

Invitation to food artisans, growers, producers and restaurateurs; 

Interested in being profiled? Please email me at [email protected]