Kanata Cuisine and Nk’Mip Cellars has teamed up to offer an Aboriginal Feast with Wine Pairings for 14 nights during the Olympics at the Native Education College’s Longhouse. The evening starts off with a traditional welcome song that greets people in the longhouses’ fire lit gathering hall. Musical entertainment is provided by Tzo’kam, an acclaimed family of performers from the L’il’wat Nation. Chef Ben Genaille has created a menu that is paired well with the wines and the pairing with the braised bison short ribs was my favourite.

The seven course menu is $245 per person (not including taxes or gratuity).

Here is the menu, starting with the 1st course:

“hot rock” Poached Spot Prawn with cattail heart cream, wild onion oil – paired with 2008 Rieslling

For the 2nd course:

Fire Roasted Corn Soup with oolighan oil – paired with 2007 Winemakers Chardonnay

For the 3rd course:

Salmon Duo candied & sausages with nass river seaweed bannock crackers – paired with 2007 Q2 Chardonnay

For the 4th course:

Crisp Duck Glazed Halibut with mushroom hazelnut ragout, potato and chives – paired with 2007 Q2 Pinot Noir

For the 5th course:

Rhubarb Ice

Rhubarb Ice

For the 6th course:

Braised Bison Short Ribs with watercress and parsnip mash – paired with 2006 Q2 Meritage

For the 7th course:

Cranberry Bannock Bread Pudding topped with “Indian Ice Cream” and maple sap ice wine reduction – paired with 2008 Q2 Riesling Ice Wine

Kudos to the team of volunteer servers for taking care of me and my dining companions with their gracious service!

Native Education College’s Longhouse is located at 285 East 5^th Avenue in Vancouver, minutes walking distance from Olympic Village.

Tickets for this event can be purchased online through www.ticketweb.ca or over the phone at 1-888-222-6608.

Visit soon as this feast will end on February 28^th.

By: Richard Wolak