This is the time of year when people tend to socialize more, attend parties etc. The art of entertaining takes organization, planning and execution skills. The event or party could be a formal dinner party, a casual backyard barbecue, a birthday party or a wedding reception. Entertaining is about having a good time and should be very gratifying knowing you are creating something special that others can enjoy. The thought of entertaining can be intimidating for both the novice and the experienced. Generate a plan, cook ahead, stay within your limits and remember it is only a party, a time to have fun. Entertaining is also about trying new things, new ideas and new techniques. Everybody loves a party where they can reconnect, celebrate and get away from the stresses of daily life.
And who doesn’t enjoy good conversation? Parties are a great way to interact with others and get a better understanding on almost any topic. Friends and good conversation make for an enjoyable time. The art of conversation means awareness and a genuine interest in other people. What better way to help kick off a brilliant evening with friends than to host a casual dinner party to include wine tastings from your favorite Sommelier. I had the pleasure the other day to speak with Mark DeWolf from By The Glass.
By the Glass is a wine event and tour company, born out of the purpose to bring the fun back to the study of food and wine. In 2002, Mark passed the rigorous International Sommelier Guild’s final exam with the second highest mark in Canada. After graduation Mark took a position as an editor of one North America’s largest on-line wine publications, Appellation America. Mark eventually attained the position of Senior Editor of Appellation America, working with some of North America’s most recognized wine scribes.
Since leaving Appellation America Mark became the Publications Editor of Occasions Magazine, which is one of Canada’s largest food and drink publications, started instructing the sommelier course in Nova Scotia and operates By the Glass which offers food and wine tours in Tuscany, Piedmont, Chile, Argentina, Provence and Burgundy.
The Culinary Chase’s Note: The knowledge a sommelier brings to your table makes for an enjoyable, fun and interesting evening with your friends. My husband and I went to friends of ours who hosted a wine and cheese evening with their favorite wine steward. The evening was a lot of fun, many laughs and sampled some great wines. I highly recommend it!
