By Sebastien Centner
Elevate your next affair
Sebastien’s suggestions
Ditch the old wine and cheese party of yesterday and step-it-up a notch with these clever, on trend menu pairings.
• One of the best all time cheese pairings is pear & gorgonzola. Create tiny plates of red wine poached pear with a chunk of gorgonzola and drizzle of honey for a sweet & sharp combo. Wine pairing: Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling.
• Our lasagna is more deconstructed than your typical gooey layered version. Here we translate the dish into a verrine of grilled vegetables, burrata, cured tomato, micro greens and semolina crisps. Wine pairing: Sangiovese or Pinot Gris.
• Impress guests with your girolle! Tête de Moine is an Alpine 
cheese from Switzerland traditionally shaved across the top and sides rather than cut into slices. In case you don’t have one, a girolle is a cheese and chocolate tool that creates handsome ruffles. Wine Pairing: Burgundy or Rhône.
Be bold! Start the evening with a rose gin sparkler, a sexy twist on the original kir royale. This cocktail pairs well with soft-ripened cheeses such as brie and camembert.
Rose Gin Sparker: Add the following ingredients into a shaker:
• 1 oz Dillon’s Rose Gin
• 1/2 oz lemon juice
• 1/2 oz cassis
• Quick shake and pour into champagne flute.
• Add sparkling wine or champagne.
Cheese Dishes
Poached pear & gorgonzola • Lasagna verrine & burrata • Girolle & tete de koine with pickled veggies • Paprika & herb, pistachio & gold leaf chevre with beet and apple chips
Sebastien Centner is the director of Eatertainment Special Events & Catering, one of Canada’s leading event and catering companies. A regular contributor to Homefront, Sebastien can also be seen on The Marilyn Denis Show, The Loop and ET Canada offering entertaining ideas and inspiration to Canadians across the country. www.eatertainment.com. You can find complete recipes and instructions for Homefront Entertains at homefrontmagazine.ca. Simply click on Entertaining > Homefront Entertains.
Follow Sebastien on twitter @sebcentner. Follow Eatertainment on twitter @eatertainment or on instagram@eatertainment and instagram@sebcentner.
Food menu courtesy of Chef Christopher Matthews. Food styling courtesy of Suzanne Dunbar-Saunders.
Photos: Bruce Gibson
