Amazing dinner at Mission Hill Family Estate last night. It was laid out in the Chagall Room, a vaulted space like the great hall of a castle with the massive Chagall Tapestry (two years in the weaving) commanding one wall above an autographed David Foster grand piano. The Spring Epicurean Dinner (part of the Okanagan Spring Wine Festival) featured chef Matthew Batey hosting the dynamic team from Calgary’s Charcut, Connie DeSousa and John Jackson. Ate rabbit – and loved it! Also their in-house-made bison heart kielbasa. I know where I’m eating next time I’m in Calgary.

Batey brought on lamb with Mission Hill’s legendary Oculus and finished off with vanilla pear parfait that had us all guessing about the complementary flavour bits. Brilliant.

Did I mention the full winelist? Mission Hill’s 2008 Select Lot Collection Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon, 2009 Perptua, 2010 Reserve Pinot Noir, 2008 Oculus and 2010 Reserve Riesling Icewine. I’m telling you, it was an excellent evening!

Even more interesting because I shared a table with the other partners in Charcut, John Jackson’s wife Carrie and their utterly charming month-old daughter Frances, and Connie DeSousa’s husband Jean Francois, who hails from Maurtitius.

Batey also introduced the new chef for the Terrace restaurant, which opens next week. My fav spot for summer lunch. Wonderful food in an outdoor setting with Okanagan views that just won’t quit.