Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa had the distinct honour of hosting the launch event for Natalie MacLean's highly-anticipated new wine book. MacLean, a celebrated author and esteemed wine sommelier, added a touch of elegance to the event, which quickly sold out to a crowd eager to delve into the world of wine.

The event that was held on May 31st, 2023 boasted an immersive experience of food and wine pairing, coupled with engaging conversations, providing attendees an exclusive backstage pass to the glamorous, but surprising, universe of wine and those who are passionate about documenting it. The attendees found themselves engrossed in discussions with Le Cordon Bleu Chefs, Sommeliers, and students, while also exploring the subtleties of the exquisite art of pairing food and wine.

Yannick Anton, Executive Chef of Signatures Restaurant and Cuisine Instructor, along with his students from the Superior Cuisine Diploma Program, meticulously prepared a delectable menu. The evening was filled with creative canapés, each thoughtfully paired with handpicked wines from the Signatures Restaurant Wine Cellar by Natalie herself.

The evening kicked off with a glass of sparkling wine, swiftly followed by a selection of two white wines and two red wines. Each wine was expertly paired with beautiful culinary creations such as Smoked Guinea Fowl Breast, Red Tuna Tartar, Slowly Baked Trout Fillet, Rillette of Mackerel flavoured with Curry, Duck Pate en Croute, and Rabbit Loin stuffed with Figs and Swiss Chard.

No culinary journey is complete without a hint of sweetness. To satiate the sweet tooth of the guests, the menu concluded with mouth-watering desserts like Cremeux with Maple Caramel and Apple Cider Tatin, and a Vanilla Mango Cremeux complemented by a tangy Passion Fruit Gel.

To make the evening even more memorable, all attendees received a personally signed copy of Natalie's new book. The aptly titled "Wine Witch on Fire: Rising from the Ashes of Divorce, Depression, Defamation, and Drinking Too Much" not only showcases her expertise in the world of wine but also offers a glimpse into her personal journey, giving the event a unique, intimate touch.