On A Wine and Food Fest in Leamington

By Lloyd Brown-John

Ever since it was announced that I would be facilitating a course for Eldercollege titled: "An Introduction To The Wonderful World of Wines", I have been approached by numerous people asking for advice on wines, wine selection, food and wines and so forth.

The usual approach is, "well, you're an expert on wines so maybe you can help me…"

Now I am not in principle against helping or assisting people with suggestions and some modest advice if they choose. But, I am not now nor have I ever been a real "expert" on wines.

I shy away from such designations because there are so many others who are so much better able to offer informed comment on wines and foods. My claim is limited to one observation, "I do have a good deal of background in wines and food but it is largely inconsequence of travel and years of tasting wines in numerous countries and loving good food".

Being an expert is somewhat akin to being classified as the best gunslinger in town — just about the time you begin to feel comfortable with the description, sure as winter is coming, there will be somebody handy who has a more solid claim to expertise than you.

So when Ray, of Ray's Ribhouse approached me–"Hey, you're an expert on wines —how about matching some local wines with my menu?"–well, you see, I couldn't resist!

But, I added, "Ray old kid, I'll do my best to match your ribs and your chicken wings and your fish with local wines if you, in turn, will help support Eldercollege".

So, in return for an offer to support an Eldercollege course in Leamington (one titled" "Tropical Fruits and Strange Vegetables–or, Putting Something New on Your Plate" –Leamington Arts Centre, Tuesday, November 8, 1-4 p.m.), I sat down with Ray and we planned an extravagant evening of Ray's finest foods and some of our local finest, moderately priced, wines.

Of course, as Ray is helping out Eldercollege, this event will not be free. But, it will be such a deal as to whet the taste buds of most discerning diners.

On Tuesday, October 4, at 6:30 p.m. at Ray's Ribhouse on Robson Road in Leamington we will match 12 local, affordable, wines (both whites and reds) with various rib and chicken wing accents. Plus, we'll delve into a couple of wines which go well with perch and we'll top it all off with a surprisingly good wine that accentuates Ray's homemade jambalaya.

And, if it is of any interest, each wine will be accompanied by a modest discussion by an alleged wine expert — that's where I come in, as Ray's Ribhouse delicacies are savoured.  To read more go to www.leamingtonpostandshopper.com.