When it comes to your dining experience, have you ever considered this?
Getting my head wrapped around coffee with anything beyond a scone or biscotti is an interesting concept but I admit that I would have never have considered it …until now.
Why not? If James Chatto can do it, well, I am open to the idea! Mr. Chatto is an award winning author and is one of the most well-respected food critics in Canada. He is also currently a National Culinary Advisor and Head Judge for Gold Medal Plates. And he is the host to this intimate gathering of media types on a culinary journey with Van Houtte Coffee.
The six-course dining experience was over the lunch hours at Splendido. This favourite restaurant off the beaten path in downtown Toronto is well-known for sourcing the best locally produced family-farmed ingredients. Chef Victor Barry pushes the limits without making you go over the edge…you know what I mean? And it’s a perfect setting for this amazing “pairings” event.
First off, we took a quiz to determine our own coffee profile. Van Houtte’s coffee expert Marie-Claude Dessureault explained that it’s a matter of taste. What your food preferences are helps determine which roasts are best suited to your personal taste. The combination of the coffee’s intensity and flavour characteristics are matched to your profile. Hello! I’m velvety & woodsy..nice to meet you bold & fruity!
We were guided in identifying the tasting notes of the different coffee roasts by giving attention to our palates. The idea is much like a wine tasting but it’s called “cupping”. You’re encouraged to breathe in the aroma, sip and swish. You start to take note of the different characteristics like earthy, woodsy, fruity, caramely, and smokey. A few of us thought this tasting experience would be a great experience at our own dinner parties at home to inspire conversations!
Coffee has always been considered a “take a break” or dessert beverage. But when it comes to food, we’ve discovered that coffee is a pleasant alternative that compliments various dishes from smoked fish to a warm mushroom salad even stilton cheese and roasted pork belly!
James Chatto worked with, and challenged, Chef Victor Barry to create a menu that complimented 6 different coffee roasts. A spectacular menu for a Monday afternoon! Not only was this one of the most inspiring meals I’ve had in a while, I also feel so in-tune with the different characteristics of coffee. Now that I’m aware of coffee’s versatility I feel a whole new appreciation – I vow to never chug my coffee again!
You can discover your own Coffee Profile by taking the quiz at the Van Houtte Website at www.vanhoutte.com
I’ve attached the photos from the Van Houtte coffee & food pairing event as your “eye candy” and inspiration for your next dinner party!
Enjoy!