When a wine-and-dine event as rare and exquisite as the one being hosted by the renowned French estate winery Château Margaux at Mott 32 restaurant happens, we have to write about it. The dinner, being held on March 12th, 2018, is billed as "an evening of food and wine with Aurelien Valance, deputy general manager of Château Margaux" and will include a 6 p.m. reception followed by a mouthwatering six-course menu created by chef Lai of Mott 32. Dinner, of course, will be paired with wines specially selected from the cellar of Château Margaux to complement the Hong Kong-influenced menu. Tickets are $1,000 each and can reserved by phone (604-979-8886) or email. Meantime, we asked Mott 32 wine director Robert Stelmachuk to tell us a bit more about the event and its significance—not to mention, tell us why he thinks everyone should attend (though space is limited). Enjoy! —Noa Nichol
Hello Robert! Tell us about this upcoming event—what can attendees expect throughout the course of the evening?
Well, if you have not experienced the ambiance at Mott 32, you simply have to! There is no Chinese restaurant with our décor and atmosphere. Guests will have a rare chance to spend an evening with deputy general manager of Château Margaux Aurelien Valance and discover how well world-class Chinese food can pair with the winery’s exquisite vintages.
What will some of the key food and wine pairings consist of?
Chinese food brings so much umami character to a dish. This means unlimited opportunities. I love taking guests outside the box and showcasing different versatility in wines that show more unconventional attitudes in them. I think guests are going to be very surprised by the first course (Pavillon Blanc du Château Margaux 2004) pairing and the fourth course in particular will catch them off guard (Château Margaux 1999 from magnum). So many people are too focused on ratings, i.e., how many "points" a wine received. My advice is to put that aside and enjoy with anticipation of true food and wine pairings.
What makes this event so rare?
First, there has not been a representative of this stature here in Vancouver for a dinner in quite a few years. It is always amazing to spend time with someone in this position. Also, the wines came right from the Château. Provenience is monumental in today’s climate. We also have not seen a Chinese fine-dining restaurant in Vancouver with a world-class wine program. It really sets us apart.
What are you most looking forward to?
The reactions of the guests from the pairings.
Importantly: what is the dress code for this incredible event?!
Being Vancouver … let’s say smart sophisticated! It’s an epic event. Fine-dining attire required.
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