Tasting Together (Andre Proulx and Miroki Tong)

Miroki Tong and André Proulx are back after a week off - no longer restrained by terrestrial broadcast in their first episode of the Tasting Together Podcast.

André and Miroki love diving into culture through cuisine and it's the Mid Autumn Festival on September 29th. Nothing like kicking off our first episode with the inspirational story of Baker Joe from Wai Tack Kee - https://www.waitackkee.com/ - Let's hear the story of how one chef has worked to bring delicious Chinese baking to Canada.

We're heading into fall which means many people start reaching for more hearty red wines. We are joined by Expert and Journalist Joaquin Hidalgo to school us on the history of Argentinian wine and whether or not André will ever fulfil his dream of eating an entire cow at an Asado. Learn more about these amazing wines at https://www.winesofargentina.org/en

**With thanks to Wines of Argentina for the sponsorship**

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Miroki and André are legally obligated to acknowledge fall by discussing all things Pumpkin Spice. André has an idea on a rebrand for Pumpkin Spice that may allow it to bring people joy year round.

We are once again joined by Joaquin Hidalgo to dive deeper into Argentinian Wines. There are some fantastic Limited Time Offers available at the LCBO for the month of October 2023. Learn more about these amazing wines at https://www.winesofargentina.org/en

Let's take a look at some of the great fall events taking place in the GTA and beyond!

- Oktoberfest in KW - second largest in the world next to Munich https://www.oktoberfest.ca/event-calendar/

- Taste event on NOTL https://wineriesofniagaraonthelake.com/experiences/detail/dig-our-roots

- Riverale Farm Boo Barn - Oct 21-22 - free, suggested donation $5 and non perishable food item https://riverdalefarmtoronto.ca/

**With thanks to Wines of Argentina for the sponsorship**

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Miroki Tong and André Proulx unpack wine and candy pairings as we head to the final stretch before Halloween.

André had a chance to visit Alto Adige in early September. What did he learn about this wine region where Italy and Austria meet?

You can learn more about Alto Adige at: https://www.altoadigewines.com/

They speak with Chef Nathan Hornidge about seal meat. Chef Nathan focuses on using local and sustainable ingredients in his cuisine. You can learn more about Seal products at: www.canadiansealproducts.com

You can follow Miroki on Instagram @9ouncesplease

You can follow André at instagram @andrewinereview

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André and Miroki are joined by Maya Gallus of Red Queen Productions to talk about her newest documentary Crush: Message In A Bottle

Featuring winemakers and grape growers in Niagara including Thomas Bachelder, Kelly Mason, Shiraz Mottiar, and Anne Marie Saunders.

André is gearing up for his annual Grey Cup party - it's time to talk about what eats to enjoy over four quarters (even if the Riders didn't make the cut this year)

Miroki stepped off the plane and visited a few wineries in Nova Scotia to dig deeper into the courageous winemaking taking place on the East Coast. She spoke with

Ryan Isnor of Benjamin Bridge

Wendy Collins of Planters Ridge

Rachel Lightfoot of Lightfood and Wolfville

You can follow Miroki on Instagram @9ouncesplease

You can follow André at instagram @andrewinereview

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Miroki is visiting Hong Kong to spend time with her family. Her parents grew up there! When André said he wanted to live viacriously through her on this trip he didn't expect her to visit all of the top rated spots in the city.

Miroki had a chance to visit Bo Innovation and the Demon Celebrity, where she had the opportunity to sit down with Celebrity Chef Alvin Leung.

If you're in Hong Kong you can check out Alvin's food at

https://www.boinnovation.com/

http://thedemoncelebrity.com/

If you're in Toronto - Alvin has recently opened up R&D in the heart of Chinatown

https://www.rdspadina.com/

You can follow Miroki on Instagram @9ouncesplease

You can follow André at instagram @andrewinereview

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Miroki got off the plane and sat down with André to do a final wrap up fo the incredible eats that can be found in Hong Kong and Taiwan.

A clear highlight was the creative - but also affordable - food at Bo Innovation - https://www.boinnovation.com/

Earlier this fall they also sat down with Artur Gama - owner of two wineries in Portugal - Quinta da Boa Esperanca and Quinta do Cardo

https://quintadaboaesperanca.com/

https://www.quintadocardo.pt/

You can follow Miroki on Instagram @9ouncesplease

You can follow André at instagram @andrewinereview

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Miroki and André catch up with 640 Toronto's Danny Longo - What will they all be drinking over the holidays?

Hamilton is a culinary destination - they sit down with Chief Oyster Shucker David Burns, and Chef Kat Ellis to talk about all things Oysters at Maisy's Pearl

https://www.maisyspearl.com/

You can follow Miroki on Instagram @9ouncesplease

You can follow André at instagram @andrewinereview

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Miroki and André sit down and reflect on what they enjoyed over the holidays. In spite of stressful family time it sounds like great food and drink was enjoyed by all. André may have discovered one of the GTA's best sushi restaurants in a strip mall in Burlington. Miroki continued her tour of Alvin Leung's restaurants.

They also reflect on Dry January - and food and health goals for 2024.

They also sit down with Trevor Gulliver CEO/Co-founder of St John Wines and Restaurant. Where they unpack the quality of Trevor's wines that carry his branding.

You can follow Miroki on Instagram @9ouncesplease

You can follow André at instagram @andrewinereview

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Recently Peter Pantry shut it doors in Toronto - This beloved bottle shop became a destination for coveted bottles during the pandemic. André and Miroki muse about whether or not bottle shops are a viable business model in 2024.

They unpack a recent article in Toronto Life that André felt was a glorification of bad chef behavriour in kitchens.

They also had the opportunity to check out the Niagra Icewine Festival and Gala that recently took place.

You can follow Miroki on Instagram @9ouncesplease

You can follow André at instagram @andrewinereview

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On this last day of Dry January André has some thougths about the LCBO and Non-Alcoholic beverages.

Tomorrow is the beginning of Black History Month - We speak with Sommelier Beverly Crandon a little bit about the history of Black people and wine. She is also hosting a fantastic event called Black Grapes later this month - You can get tickets here - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-history-month-black-grapes-tickets-518171192987

You can learn more about Beverly here - https://www.beverlycrandon.com/ and here https://www.springintospice.com/

We also take a look at Winterlicious by sitting down with Huy Tran from Aburi Group to talk about their menu and why Winterlicious is important to their prestigious restaurants. You can make a reservation at Miku by visiting their website - https://mikutoronto.com/

You can follow Miroki on Instagram @9ouncesplease

You can follow André at instagram @andrewinereview

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Miroki and André take a look at Lunar New Year and Valentine's Day. Do we really need another piece of wine content unpacking wine and chocolate?

They are also joined by Chef Eric Chong of R&D in Toronto - The conversation takes an unexpected turn when they discuss the market perception of Chinese food. What needs to be done to help elevate Chinese food in the eyes of Canadians.

You can visit R&D here - https://www.rdspadina.com/

You can follow Miroki on Instagram @9ouncesplease

You can follow André at instagram @andrewinereview

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Miroki and André visited a GTA institution Fishman Lobster Clubhouse. Coming to the end of Lunar New Year - André brought his daughter Spencer out to celebrate with good food - What does a 13 month old think of a mountain of Lobster?

Miroki also celebrated by visiting Hot Spicy Spicy in North York - We are joined by co-owner Simon Chen - the restaurant features recipes from his mother's cookbook (Mama Chen).

You can follow Miroki on Instagram @9ouncesplease

You can follow André at instagram @andrewinereview

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Today Miroki and André are joined by Gilian Handelman of Jackson Family Wines.

The discussion revolves around sustainability - and how a large wine company can contribute to the future of winemaking

Wines that were tasted:

Capensis Chardonnay - $120 / available periodically thru HALPERN

Freemark Abbey Cabernet Sauvignon - $130 / available continuously thru LIFFORD

Tenuta Di Arcenu Arcanum - $175 / available periodically thru LIFFORD

You can follow Miroki on Instagram @9ouncesplease

You can follow André at instagram @andrewinereview

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How do you deal with food allergies as a new parent? This got André thinking about how restaurants are forced to deal with people with made up allergies ...

What is going on with the wine industry in Nova Scotia and British Columbia? Are made in Canada wines going to include more foreign juice in the near future?

We sit down with Trevor Frankfort of https://trevents.ca/ to talk about wedding planning - which may or may not have something to do with the fact that Miroki is in the middle of planning hers. ..

You can follow Miroki on Instagram @9ouncesplease

You can follow André at instagram @andrewinereview

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André and Miroki had the opportunity to check out Cuvée in it's first post-pandemic broad celebration. What stood out for them at this event?

They are joined by Miroki's fiancé Eric Weiss to discuss passover traditions.

You can follow Miroki on Instagram @9ouncesplease

You can follow André at instagram @andrewinereview

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Today we are joined by Beverly Crandon, Sommelier and Organizer of Spring Into Spice. What can people expect this year? (Oh and André shamelessly plugs the 80x Wine Company who will be pouring wine at this years event)

We celebrate the end of Earth Month by chatting with Michelle Genttner of Unboxed Market.

You can follow Miroki on Instagram @9ouncesplease

You can follow André at instagram @andrewinereview

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We are joined by Joyce Leung - Food Blogger, and Cooking Class Instructor - https://www.joyceofcooking.com/

André took a dumpling making course from her earlier this year - and when she talked about navigating asian grocery stores felt we had to share this with the audience.

Miroki had the opportunity to check out Terroir in Prince Edward County - https://www.pecwines.com/featured-events/terroir

You can follow Miroki on Instagram @9ouncesplease

You can follow André at instagram @andrewinereview

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André took an April visit to lake Seneca - he visited Hillick and Hobbs, Hermann J Wiemer, and Fox Run. This was a return to the United States after his first visit to the Finger Lakes in 2017 when he heard that Paul Hobbs was opening a winery. Miroki and André take some time to unpack the trip and have a conversation about Riesling, Natural Wine, and the Geology and Geography of Lake Seneca.

Wineries visited -

https://www.hillickandhobbs.com/

https://www.wiemer.com/

https://foxrunvineyards.com/

You can follow Miroki on Instagram @9ouncesplease

You can follow André at instagram @andrewinereview

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There's been a lot of food and wine news going on!

Doug Ford recently announced that come hell or high water booze will be in corner stores! is this a win for the industry?

May is over - what did the Loblaws boycott accomplish?

Norman Hardie has been making appearances at a variety of wine events - what's up with that?

Additional Reading and Listening:

https://www.canadaland.com/podcast/845-commons-against-the-wind/

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-canadian-winemaker-norman-hardie-accused-of-sexual-misconduct/

https://www.beanfield.com/

You can follow Miroki on Instagram @9ouncesplease

You can follow André at instagram @andrewinereview

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Miroki and André sit down with the worlds most famous wine glass manufacturer - Maximilian Riedel. Does stemware make a big difference to the taste of your wine? Are the worlds biggest distillers in the middle of a showdown with the LCBO? Could this showdown lead to a boycott that might leave the shelves empty later this summer...

You can follow Miroki on Instagram @9ouncesplease

You can follow André at instagram @andrewinereview

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First and foremost - here is the link to the GoFundMe set up for the Lacey Family - https://www.gofundme.com/f/honouring-kimball-laceys-legacy

What is proper Bachelorette Etiquette if you decide to head to wine country? Is South Africa about to have its day? Why don't we drink more of these wines?

You can follow Miroki on Instagram @9ouncesplease

You can follow André at instagram @andrewinereview

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We sit down with Anna Warunkiewicz one of the owners of Chaton in Hamilton - www.chatonhamilton.com

We update the world on whether or not the world has ended for wine lovers in Ontario as the LCBO strike rages on.

You can follow Miroki on Instagram @9ouncesplease

You can follow André at instagram @andrewinereview

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Miroki and André record separately in this busy travel part of the summer.

Miroki shares her favourite places to eat in Halifax!

André brings an update to a story that we covered earlier this season with regard to spirits producers and the LCBO.

You can follow Miroki on Instagram @9ouncesplease

You can follow André at instagram @andrewinereview

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Miroki has been eating and drinking her way through the American Midwest - she recently was in Indianapolis for Gen Con.

How Long Is Too Long To Keep Something In Your Freezer? André has come to the realization that some of the stuff stored in his home might have passed it's expiry date.

Is Loblaws on the ropes? Their Q2 earnings were down - so they're trying to bribe consumers with trading cards?

You can follow Miroki on Instagram @9ouncesplease

You can follow André at instagram @andrewinereview

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André and Miroki were guests at the Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration (www.coolchardonnay.org). This led André to the question 'Is Chardonnay the most important grape in the world?'. We put this question to virtually everyone who attended the celebration... Are you surprised by the answer?

We spoke with a large number of people ...

Stefan Neumann who was the excellent keynote speaker at I4C

JL Groux of Stratus

Thomas Bachelder of Le Clos Jordanne (and his eponymous winery)

Ann Sperling and Peter Gamble of Dobbin Estates

Ilya Senchuk of Leaning Post Winery

Romain Bourgeois of Deux Roches

Alphonse Potel of Domaine Roche de Bellene

Jacques Viljoen of Boschendal

Anthony Hamilton Russell of his eponymous winery

Jimmy Smith of Wine with Jimmy

Yvonne Irvine of Maenad Winery

Vanessa McKean of Adamo Winery

Matthias Messner Managing Director of Kellerei Bozen

You can follow Miroki on Instagram @9ouncesplease

You can follow André at instagram @andrewinereview

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Miroki has been on the road recently and couldn't resist the siren's song of the vineyards of Indiana and Michigan. She visited -

Stranger Wine Co.

Modales Wines

Oliver Winery & Vineyards

This is the end of Season One of Tasting Together - stay tuned for Season Two coming up next week

You can follow Miroki on Instagram @9ouncesplease

You can follow André at instagram @andrewinereview

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In this episode André take a look at the origin of the famous Panino from the Italian Star Deli in Regina.

https://www.italianstardeli.com/

Here is the CBC story referenced in the podcast - https://www.cbc.ca/radio/asithappens/as-it-happens-wednesday-edition-1.4191090/regina-deli-owner-cuts-off-his-legendary-mullet-from-heck-1.4191095

Miroki visited Khoury's Fine Wine and Spirits on her recent visit to Las Vegas - What's it like slinging bottled in sin city?

https://www.khourysfinewine.com/

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Miroki and André take some time to go over the latest news they may have missed over the past few weeks ...

It turns out that Torontonians eat A LOT of hot dogs at Blue Jays games... How are things going for the 2024 harvest in Niagara... The newest Michelin Guide is out - and André might be warming up to it. Is Oktoberfest in Kitchener-Waterloo just for tourists - or is it worth going out of your to visit?

You can follow Miroki on Instagram @9ouncesplease

You can follow André at instagram @andrewinereview

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André enlists some help from his friends to keep the lights on while Miroki is off getting married.

They talk about Gilbert Proulx's appearance on Wall of Chefs, their love of the original Iron Chef, and Japanese cuisine.

They are joined by Guillaume Frénéhard to talk about how the french learn about food.

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While Miroki was busy getting married a French Canadian Startup was busy appropriating Asian culture by creating a ready to drink bubble tea. This came to light on CBC during a segment on Dragon's Den where Canadian/Chinese actor Simu Liu raised concerns to the founders of Bobba. Miroki spent countless hours planning her wedding - was the payoff worth it in the food department?

You can follow Miroki on Instagram @9ouncesplease

You can follow André at instagram @andrewinereview

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Miroki booked a last minute mini-moon with Eric, and chose to discover Cuba for the first time. While the beaches are nice, she learned of Cuba's notorious reputation for having bad food. But is it all it seems?

On one side, cigars, rum, and piña coladas galore! On the other, rolling power outages, hitchhiking doctors and collapsing buildings.

Despite booking at a resort, she chose to try walking in the steps of a local, spending days exploring and tasting in Varadero, Havana and Matanzas.

Voices of Cuban residents shared their stories from various perspectives:

Leonardo Bacallao from the Casa Particular (private rental home) Casa Colonial Abogados Leonardo y Angela

Osniel, a local tour guide of Cuban Compass Tours

David Venegas, General Manager of Iberostar Playa Alameda (Instagram @davidsevcab)

Filito Fujuyang, a street artist in Varadero

La Guarida is a fine restaurant in Havana, converted from a 20th century home shortly after it was used for the Academy Award Nominated film Strawberry & Chocolate.

Saint Elvira Church is a historic church in Varadero that accepts donations during weekdays between 9AM-12PM, and brings them to hard hit regions.

Cuba Libro is a used bookstore and cafe in Havana that focuses on social responsibility. They accept donations, and bring them to underserved locations.

You can follow Miroki on Instagram @9ouncesplease

You can follow André on Instagram @andrewinereview

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On a nice October day - during the week Miroki was due to be wed - André forced her to drop all her plans to attend the grand cru culinary wine festival in support of UHN programs hosted by Halpern. 2024 was the 20th incarnation of this festival and raised 38 million in support of the new surgical tower at Toronto Western Hospital.

That being said - Grand Cru is also a great place to taste some wines that may be out of reach for some...

We had the chance to taste and chat with

David Butterfield of his eponymous winery

Taste through the line up of Caduceus Cellars wines

Discover whether or not California can rival the wines of Burgundy by tasting the wines of Racines next to the wines for Domaine de Montille

Have a very laid back conversation with Alexandre Leger of the iconic Domaine Ponsot

We fought the mob to taste the Champagne of Pol Roger - but instead discovered the bubbles of Pierre Paillard

Thank you to Mika from Halpern for allowing us early access to the event to get some interview.

You can follow Miroki on Instagram @9ouncesplease

You can follow André on Instagram @andrewinereview

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Let's face it - André is old... and he has been doing the writing about wine thing for awhile... So this year he said he's not going to do the wine and holidays writing. Can Miroki make his heart grow three times bigger and change his grinchy ways?

You can follow Miroki on Instagram @9ouncesplease

You can follow André on Instagram @andrewinereview

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THIS IS NOT AN EPISODE OF TASTING TOGETHER - BUT TWO GUYS TALKING WINE - WE HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS EPISODE AND HAVE A GREAT 2025!

Why don't we see more Ontario wine on wine lists in Toronto? We put that question to the Sommelier at the Fairmont Royal York - Steven Karataglidis. Steven has made it his mission to add a diverse range of Ontario wines on the lists at this prestigious hotel.

You can follow Steven on social media at - @stevenkarataglidis

Make sure you help the two guys reach episode 700 - You can support Two Guys Talking Wine on Patreon at www.patreon.com/2guystalkingwine

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Miroki and André are big fans of Top Chef Canada - seeing great cooking coming from all corners of the country is inspiring. This season one chef stood out - and that is Indigenous Chef Shane Chartrand. Shane joins Tasting Together to talk about his time on the show - and to talk about his own origin story.

You can follow Miroki on Instagram @9ouncesplease

You can follow André on Instagram @andrewinereview

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It's Lunar New Year! - Miroki opens up about what it's like to connect with her roots, and how important it is for her to celebrate. Is this going to be the catalyst that makes her fall in love with cooking?

André is planning a trip to Champagne - with a two year old - so what better way to plan his trip than to speak to a couple that did just that.

Miroki and André are joined by Alina and Kyle of https://www.instagram.com/travelmilove/ or https://www.tiktok.com/@travelmilove

You can follow Miroki on Instagram @9ouncesplease

You can follow André on Instagram @andrewinereview

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André visited the city of Porto last November. While he was on vacation - he took the time to visit a handful of Port Houses to learn everything he could. His visits included Taylor-Fladgate, Niepoort, and Ramos Pinto. André and Miroki dive into all things Port on this episode of Tasting Together - What's the difference between tawny and ruby ports? How is port made vs. regular still wines. Which Port house does André believe he is the reincarnation of the founder of?

*The show photo is of the 'Piano' from Ramos Pinto - which contains all the components available for the port blenders to make their wines.

Learn more about

Taylor-Fladgate - https://www.taylor.pt/us - represented by Sylvstre

Ramos Pinto - https://www.ramospinto.pt/en/ - represented by Select Wines

Niepoort - https://www.niepoort.pt/en/ - represented by Le Sommelier

You can follow Miroki on Instagram @9ouncesplease

You can follow André on Instagram @andrewinereview

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David Adelsheim is the charismatic founder of his eponymous winery. He also makes amazing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Miroki and André sit down with David to get some stories about what it was like getting his winery started in the 70s - and where the Oregon wine industry is going.

You can learn more about Adelsheim Winery here - https://www.adelsheim.com/ and they are represented by Mark Anthony Wine and Spirits

You can follow Miroki on Instagram @9ouncesplease

You can follow André on Instagram @andrewinereview

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André and Miroki have been chatting about the concept of beer and terroir for quite some time on and off. So this week they set off on a mission to find brewmasters to help them dissect whether or not beer and terroir function in the same sentence. After all - You can import you ingredients - assemble it in any Canadian city - and say made in Canada on the can. They are joined by Mark Horsley of Barrel Heart Brewing - and Aaron Spinney of Merit Brewing - both located in Hamilton.

https://barrelheart.com/

https://www.meritbrewing.ca/

You can follow Miroki on Instagram @9ouncesplease

You can follow André on Instagram @andrewinereview

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Miroki recently visited Danico for her first One-Michelin star dining experience. André has been very critical of the Michelin Guide in Toronto ... Did Danico deliver the goods - or did Miroki leave disappointed?

https://www.danicotoronto.com/

https://guide.michelin.com/ca/en/ontario/toronto

You can follow Miroki on Instagram @9ouncesplease

You can follow André on Instagram @andrewinereview

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Miroki and André get caught up on some news of the day - and take a look at a couple of tastings they recently attended.

• They attended a tasting hosted by Wakefield Wines where the theme of the night was the importance of serving temperatures for wine.
• An opportunity to taste La Belle Epoque - the full lineup including a Blanc de Blancs, a Rosé, and Brut from Perrier Jouet
• André needs to get over himself - and he admitted to having a great time and meal at Medieval Times

You can follow Miroki on Instagram @9ouncesplease

You can follow André on Instagram @andrewinereview

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