Restaurant Profile: Cin Cin

Location: Vancouver, BC
Executive Chef: Andrew Richardson
Chef Patissier: Lewis Birch
Restaurant Director: Richard Luxton
Wine Director: Shane Taylor
Bar Manager: Adaina Smyth

'Cin Cin', which means ‘cheers’ in Italian, is not exactly the type of place “where everybody knows your name” but you will be treated like a VIP by an attentive and professional staff. Located on Robson Street, the hub of all things chic in down town Vancouver, the restaurant has long been one of the city’s top venues for experiencing both authentic and modern Italian fare.

The restaurant offers Tuscan-inspired décor with warm, romantic lighting and a sophisticated atmosphere. The setting is posh, in a happy-to-spoil-myself way. The food is exquisitely prepared with careful attention to presentation and creative dishware. The staff will happily split various dishes up for you and your party to share or for a professionally scripted meal try one of the group menus for $58-99 per person depending on your selection.

The wine list boasts over 800 labels to choose from and was recognized with the Wine Enthusiast Award of Ultimate Distinction in 2008 along with many Wine Spectator 'Best of' Awards of Excellence. The wine director, Shane Taylor, and the serving staff will help guide you through the massive wine list that specializes in Italian wines but also offers BC & world favourites.

We recommend:

• Share an oven-baked Pizette starter: Wild and cultivated mushroom with fennel salami and tomato $18.50
• Arrive hungry to enjoy a traditional pasta or risotto course: casarecce pasta with spicy sausage $17.50• A fine Italian restaurant means excellent fish dishes: Haida Gwaii halibut $34.50
• Leave your car at home or at your hotel. Parking on Robson Street (or right off Robson Street) is terrible. A taxi will be your best bet if it’s raining, otherwise, enjoy a nice walk and check-out the high-end fashion shops.

Go to http://www.cincin.net/ to make your reservation and view the full menu. Address: 1154 Robson Street, Vancouver, B.C. Canada V6E 1B2. Tel: 604 688 7338
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

BC Wine Deal: November 1st, 2013

The following VQA wines have been reduced in price at your local participating VQA and BCLDB stores.

Calliope Figure Eight was $17.95 is now $15.90
Calona Cabernet/Merlot Artist Series was $14.99 is now $12.99
Calona Sandhill Pinot Gris was $18.99 is now $16.99
Cedar Creek Merlot/Cabernet was $19.95 is now $18.95
Cedar Creek Riesling was $17.95 is now $16.95
Church & State Meritage was $26.90 is now $24.90
Church & State Merlot Coyote Bowl was $26.90 is now $24.90
Church Mouse Chardonnay was $16.90 is now $14.90
Church Mouse Gewurztraminer was $15.90 is now $14.90
Church & State Pinot Gris was $20.90 is now $19.90
Church & State Trebella was $20.90 is now $19.90
Church & State Viognier was $20.90 is now $19.90
Gray Monk Latitude 50 Red was $12.99 is now $11.99
Hillside Merlot was $18.99 is now $16.99
Jackson Triggs Chardonnay Private Reserve was $12.99 is now $10.99
Kalala 3 Cru Wanderlust Organic was $16.90 is now $14.90
Perseus Merlot was $21.99 is now $19.99
Mission Hill Pinot Blanc Five Vineyards was $14.99 is now $13.99
Mission Hill Chardonnay Reserve was $19.99 is now $18.99
Prospect Regatta Red was $14.99 is now $13.99
Red Rooster Pinot Gris was $17.99 is now $15.99
See Ya Later Belle was $18.99 is now $16.99
See Ya Later Riesling was $16.99 is now $14.99
See Ya Later Rover was $24.99 is now $21.99
Stag's Hollow Sauvignon Blanc was $20.00 is now $14.99
Sumac Ridge Chardonnay Private Reserve was $13.99 is now $11.99
Sumac Ridge Merlot was $15.99 is now $13.99
Therapy Alter Ego was $19.99 is now $16.99

Painted Rock's New Digs

The parting sea entrance to Painted Rock's new tasting room.

Since it released its first wines to the public in 2009 (with reds from the fantastic 2007 vintage and a Chardonnay from 2008), Painted Rock has been a must-visit winery due to the extraordinary quality and collectability of the destined to be cult-collected wines. Prior to the opening of its new facility, a visit to Painted Rock consisted of cramming into a humble, small shack, originally procured as an employee break room, or by filing into the winery's cellar warehouse for a sip of the critically acclaimed portfolio. Now, the Penticton winery, situated beautifully along the Skaha Bench, can entertain patrons in a style better suited to match the prestige of the winery's building brand. They are promoting a high-quality, luxury product, with prices to match, yet, ultimately delivering on this marketing promise with exceptional wines, raising the bar of expectations for all Okanagan valley winery's looking to release ultra-premium wines. With the opening of their new tasting room and event facility, Painted Rock are also helping to raise the bar on the expectations of BC's wine tourists.

All photos by author.

Minimalist interior with a white wash affect drawing your attention to the branding.

Interior space effortlessly transitions to the exterior offering more seating and entertaining options.

Lower landing takes full advantage of the incredible view for weddings or similar formal events.

Walk the beautiful vineyard.

Ultra-modern styling on the building envelop.

- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca