BITE SIZE ADVENTURES
Discover top eateries and hidden gems with insightful, tasty recommendations.
Exploring Culinary Delights & More
Welcome to Bite Size Adventures, your go-to source for discovering culinary wonders. I'm Andrea, a Sommelier, and I'm passionate about exploring the vibrant food and drink scene, from bustling city eateries to hidden rural gems. I provide honest, engaging reviews and insights that highlight the diverse flavors and unique experiences each destination offers. Join me on my journey as I delve into the heart of cuisine and uncover the stories behind each delicious bite. I don't write bad reviews but if I like it I'll tell everyone!
What To Do In The Oldest City in North America?
Alive with eclectic music, a vibrant culinary scene, fine art, and stunning architecture, St. John’s is a place not only city-lovers dream of, but also where nature lovers can find spaces of sanctuary as well! St. John’s is home to the most unique artists and art galleries. The Rooms houses the museum, art gallery and archives. If you are searching for genealogy Info, this is where to start. This city is in love with music of all kinds, Irish, Rock, Jazz and Blues, as well as music festivals and concerts of all kinds. Just get to George Street you’ll find it all there! Start your hike of the East Coast Trail right from the city. Visit Pippy Park in the middle of the city and feel like you are in the country. See the Botanical Gadens at Memorial University! Our local beaches are stunningly rugged and a perfect place to have a boil up and watch the sunset! You can even find a few sandy beaches nearby St. John’s. Our architecture is some of the oldest in the new world. Some landmarks you shouldn't miss are the Cabot Tower, The Colonial Bldg. and The Basillica if St. Beach, Quidi Vidi Village, Bowring Park, Bannerman Park (skating in winter) and don't forget to pay Newman's Wine Vaults a visit and find out the curious connection that Newman's Port Wine has with St. John's, NL, it's a facinating story! I offer guided tours of Newman's Wine Vaults in the tourism season when they are open to the public so if you are interested contact me at 1-709-689-3459 and I'll send you the details to arrange your tour of up to 8 people. I'm a certified Sommelier and was the Provincial Brand Manager for Taylor Fladgate Yeatman for a number of years, owners of Newman's Port. I've visited the vineyard where Newman's Port grapes grow in the Duoro Valley in northern Portugal. The story of this connection between the Portuguese people and Newfoundlanders is amazing, of course the other connection is the White Fleet which made seasonal voyages to Newfoundland to fish for cod. Sadly most people don't remember the special friendship Portugal and Newfoundland enjoyed in earlier years.
Top Ten Must Eat Restaurants
1. The Merchant Tavern
2. Mallard Cottage
3. Rabble
4. St. John's Fish Exchange
5. The Post Taphouse (Torbay)
6. Cajones Tacos & Tequila
7. The Barn Cafe (South Dildo)
8. North 48 Bar & Grill
9. Oliver's
10. Blue On Water
Contact Andrea Tarvin @ 689-3459 or email @ [email protected]
Bite Size Adventures Blog
Cliff’s Edge Retreat, Tors Cove
Oct 23, 2024
Bernard Stanley Gastropub CBS
Oct 04, 2024
The Post Taphouse
Sep 25, 2024
Dick’s Fish & Chips Bell Island)
Aug 27, 2024
The Barn Cafe & South Dildo Glamping Suites
Aug 22, 2024
Food Fibs & Fiddles
Aug 01, 2024
Rabble Restaurant Review
Jul 09, 2024
Exploring Culinary Excellence with Matt Evely Catering
May 30, 2024
North 48 Bar & Grill
May 18, 2024
Wine shopping at NLC
Discover comprehensive reviews and possible pairings of wines from our local NLC stores, learn about various wineries and find a great wine at a great price.
One of my all time favourite wines is Bersano Barbera d’Asti Costalunga
Bright garnet hue; sour cherry and floral notes are evident on the nose; light earthy, strawberry/cherry fruit flavours with light leather notes and good acidity.
I have visited this winery in Italy and can see the dedication and love that goes into crafting every bottle that Bersano makes. I always pair my Osso Buco recipe with this wine.
Price: $27.54
In Stock - 87 bottles at Howley Estates
My go to wine for gifting too. Bersano cultivates only traditional grapes, vines that have always occupied the sunniest positions of the bricchi, whose expression has become the very symbol of the Piedmontese style, today recognized as one of the richest expressions of the world wine scene.
Seasonal Dish Recipes
Classic Osso Buco Recipe - Comfort Food!
Ingredients
-4 pieces of veal shanks (about 1 1/2 to 2 inches thick)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
- 1 medium celery stalk, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 2 cups beef stock (or homemade broth)
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Zest of 1 lemon (for gremolata)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for gremolata)
- 1 garlic clove, minced (for gremolata) Instructions:
1. Season the veal shanks with salt and pepper. Dredge them lightly in flour, shaking off any excess.
2. In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the veal shanks and sear them on all sides until browned (about 4-5 minutes per side). Remove the shanks and set aside.
3. In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Pour in the white wine to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Allow it to simmer for about 2-3 minutes until the wine reduces slightly.
5. Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices) and beef stock. Return the veal shanks to the pot, nestling them into the liquid. Add the rosemary sprig and bay leaf.
6. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, until the meat is tender and begins to fall off the bone. Occasionally check to ensure it doesn’t dry out, adding more stock or water if needed.
7. In a small bowl, combine the lemon zest, chopped parsley, and minced garlic to make the gremolata.
8. Once the Osso Buco is tender, serve it hot, spooning the sauce over the meat. Garnish with gremolata for a fresh, zesty finish. It pairs beautifully with risotto, polenta, or crusty bread. Enjoy this rich and flavorful Osso Buco with a glass of Bersano Barbera d’Asti Costalunga!
My Services
1. Wine Pairing Consultations: I provide personalized recommendations for wine pairings with various cuisines, occasions, or specific dishes.
2. Online Wine Tastings: I host virtual wine tasting events, guiding participants through a selection of wines and sharing tasting notes and pairing suggestions.
3. Food and Wine Pairing Guides: I create downloadable guides or e-books that educate customers on how to pair food with wine effectively.
4. Wine and Dine Events: I organize exclusive events or pop-up dinners where attendees can experience curated food and wine pairings firsthand.
5. Private Sommelier Services: I offer private consultations for individuals or businesses, assisting with wine selection for events, dinners, or special occasions.
6. Recipe and Wine Pairing Blog Posts: I regularly publish posts that feature recipes with corresponding wine pairings, helping readers enhance their at-home dining experience.
7. Wine Reviews and Recommendations: I also publish comprehensive reviews of wines, helping readers discover new favorites based on their taste preferences.
8. Food and Beverage Industry Insights: I share expert analyses of trends and developments in the food and drink industry to keep your audience informed.
9. Wine Education Workshops: I conduct small workshops covering various topics, such as wine tasting techniques, terroir, or understanding wine labels.
10. Membership or Subscription Services: Soon I'll be offering a subscription model where members receive chances to win gift cards or special discounts on services.
About Bite Size Adventures
While visiting a wide variety of establishments, from take outs to high-end restaurants and events and great places to stay, giving you comprehensive and reliable information to make your journey more delicious. Join me on my journey as I experience. review, and share these experiences with you. I only share places that I would recommend to friends, family and anyone in general. There are so many great places to eat out there and if you are looking for the perfect get away complete with hot tub and cozy fireplace check our my Airbnb listing below.
Andrea Tarvin