<\/p>\n
\nThis past week, the Hired Belly took in the HSBC Chinese restaurant \nIf there’s one minor deficiency \nAmong a \nAs Select VP \nWe’ve long been a fan
\nawards. It was quite the gala affair, held at the River Rock Casino in
\nRichmond — widely acknowledged as the epicentre of the great Chinese
\ndining scene that we all enjoy. <\/span>\n<\/p>\n
\nthat occasionally discourages heading out for Chinese food it can be a
\nlack of interesting wine selections. Although, to be fair, the notion
\nof food and wine is not indigenous to Chinese cuisine or culture.
\nHowever, this is changing — especially with the arrival on the scene
\nof edgy newcomers, such as Chinatown’s funky Bao Bei — picked as En
\nRoute magazine’s second best new restaurant in Canada. <\/span>\n<\/p>\n
\nveritable ocean of awards, the brasserie was the recipient of the award
\nfor service in food and wine — well deserved, and a great incentive
\nto others. The award is sponsored by long-established wine agent Select
\nWines; and the wines they chose to pour at the reception were
\nexcellent examples of flexible and affordable drops that makes sense
\nnot only for a "starter" Chinese restaurant wine list but are also
\nwelcome additions to any home wine rack or fridge. <\/span>\n<\/p>\n
\nWerner Schonberger likes to remind us, Dr. Loosen "Dr. L" Riesling ’09
\nis the biggest seller in its category in Western Canada, and with good
\nreason. This very fresh tasting, slightly off-dry, fruity and limey
\ncitrus toned wine makes for an appealing sipper, or obliging partner
\nwith gently spiced Asian plates or, say, lemon chicken or pork
\ndumplings. Think Edam and Gouda, too. A great "starter" Riesling if
\nyou’ve never tried one before. BCLS $18.99 <\/span>\n<\/p>\n
\nof the even more affordable Little Yering Pinot Noir ’08 (Yarra
\nValley). It’s still likely the best Pinot deal around: light to medium
\nbodied but quite mouth-filling, with appealing cherry, strawberry and
\nsavoury with a touch of oak. It’s also a slam dunk for the likes of
\nmushroom-filled tofu dumplings. BCLS $14.99 BCLS.<\/span>\n<\/p>\n