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COUNTERTOPS
Cuisine
BY BECKY MCGILLIGAN
Wondering what to serve at a dinner party? Look to your countertops for suggestions for wine and appetizers.
RUSTIC BUTCHER BLOCK & MALBEC
Rustic butcher block cries out for a rustic charcuterie platter with a variety of tastes and textures that complement the acidic tones and robust, full-bodied characteristics of Malbec wines. Think aged cheddar, sweet-and-sticky BBQ ribs, smoky cured beef, figs and grapes, roasted nuts, and crusty bread. And don’ t worry about perfect slicing or plating. Part of the rustic charm is that unpolished, back-to-basics feel.
DEKTON & BOURBON-BARREL CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Dekton is an innovative material new to the countertop scene, and a Bourbon-Barrel Cabernet Sauvignon is just as inventive. Pair the big, bold taste of this wine with something fatty or cheesy done in an unexpected way. Consider spinach-and-brie-topped artichoke hearts( think deconstructed spinach-and-artichoke dip) or mini lamb meatballs with mint foam.
ORGANIC MARBLE & PINOT GRIGIO
A light, crisp Pinot Grigio pairs perfectly with fresh seafood. To enhance the organic feel of the marble, look to a seafood dish with little fuss. Bake some mussels topped with garlic and breadcrumbs for an appetizer that is not only simple but also stunning.
ELEGANT CAMBRIA & CHAMPAGNE
Cambria is a quartz that is full of character and sparkle, quite reminiscent of beautiful, bubbly champagne. Play up the elegance of these two with a classic oysters Rockefeller or a flavourful berry-andbalsamic-topped baked brie.
SOPHISTICATED GRANITE & RIESLING
The sweet floral notes of a quality Riesling give off the same sophisticated air as naturally beautiful granite. When it comes to food, a bright Riesling works with a wide variety of flavours. Try a peppery arugula salad topped with salty ham, ripe peaches, and crunchy walnuts, or warm pear tarts with a buttery crust.
MODERN QUARTZ & PINOT NOIR
Quartz is often used in modern design, and it just so happens that the delicate, low acid, and sometimes spicy notes of a good Pinot Noir go well with foods that have a modern twist. Try something fun like spicy caramel bacon popcorn or boysenberry compote with goat cheese and basil on crispy pita wedges.
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