I’ve lived in Cornwall Ontario now for a little over six years. Tuesday evening I attended the Monthly Wine Tasting Event at Moustache Joe’s and was blown away.
(Our host Joe Aiello with Sylvie Lizotte of the Cornwall Regional Art Gallery)
There is a growing dining scene in Cornwall as it’s becoming a destination location for people from Montreal, Ottawa, and the area looking for a short hop break from the usual, and Moustache Joe’s is on the radar.
(Roze Fitch of Upper Canada Mortgage)
You can only attend by reserving your spot as space is limited and the demand for a seat is great; after Tuesday night I can see why.
The food is simple yet elegant. It’s true fine dining at it’s simplest. The common denominator of good food prepared well with amazing service, and served with a fine wine.
(Tasting plates which included 5 Year old Balderson Cheddar & Havarti cheese, Soppressata Salami, Cherizo Sausage, and some amazing Black Pepper Paté)
The evening started out with a wine tasting. There were five selections available and Scott Drennan of Dionysus Wines & Spirits presented them sharing about their origins and natures.
We had a Pinot Noir from France; (2007 Albert Bichot Bourgogne) A Chianti from Italy (2004 Fassati la Gaggiole); My favorite and a popular one at our table; Ziccardo Q Tempranillo (2006) which had fruit flavours which seemed to ripple out in waves.
(The scallops were utterly perfect!)
There was also some Australian Elderton Ode to Lorraine which at $42.95 per bottle was the most expensive wine we tasted on the evening, and Peter Lehmann, The Futures Shiraz (2006).
( Christian Barque of Knox Fine Dining in Moose Creek who’s hard at work turning the old Snetzinger’s Hardware store into Cornwall’s new Steak & Seafood restaurant & Martini Bar)
The wine served with the main course was Ménage a Trois (2008) from California. The reasonably priced wine ($17.95) is a mix of Zinfandel, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvingnon and also was very popular. It had fruit flavours with a very nice flow.
The main course was a simple plate of Beef Short Ribs braised to perfection with a filling Garlic mashed potato. The ribs delicately fell off the bone and melted in your mouth and the gravy didn’t overcome the natural flavors of the meat. The plate was garnished by carrots for a splash of colour.
The desert was a rich Creme Caramel!
Moustache Joe’s hosts their Wine Tastings the third Tuesday of each month with a different theme and presentation. As much as a lunch destination as it is in the Downtown core; their evening fare on the weekends is also in demand and reservations are always suggested to avoid disappointment.
They also do some amazing catering. Check out their website to learn more about this jewel in the crown of fine dining in Cornwall Ontario! Moustache Joe’s is located at 109 Pitt Street. You can reach them at 613.937.0700
Joe’s is the best !!!