Pulled 'La Petite Paille' 2010 Cuvée Noir out of bale of wines at Swirl, a Yaletown store dedicated to selling British Columbia wines only and educating palates. Owner Jeff Wong was conducting a small in-store tasting while I was there. Wine is produced by Little Straw Vineyards in West Kelowna, owned by 6 people including Susan Ursuliak. This is an interesting blend of Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir and Blau Frankish from BC VQUA...

Beet the heat with Summer Borscht from Samarkand, Recipes & Stories from Central Asia & the Caucasus (Kyle Books, June 2016) by Caroline Eden and Eleanor Ford. Summer Borscht with Sour Cream and Chives Serves 4 4 beets, peeled and coarsely chopped 3 carrots, coarsely chopped 2 celery stalks, chopped 1 small onion, coarsely chopped 1 (14-ounce) can chopped tomatoes 1 garlic clove, chopped 1 bay leaf 4 black peppercorns 2 cloves 1 teaspoon sugar...