The Ontario Wine Society Presents Toronto Chapter's Annual Dinner At 1055 Restaurant at 1055 Yonge St. Date: Tuesday, May 3, 2005; Reception 6:30pm, Dinner 7:00pm Members: $85    Non-Members: $65

1055 Restaurant

Brian Vallipuram was born in Sri Lanka, which prepared for him a base in taste and spice. Coupled with his acquired skills in the kitchens of Europe, he has created the unique flavours and skills of a European Master Chef.

In 1987, Brian joined Oliver's Bistro and quickly became Sous Chef, learning to recognize Canadian tastes and demands.

In 1990 a position became available at the prestigious North 44 Restaurant, which in 1995, led to him becoming Head Chef until he left to open Axcess Restaurant.

As Axcess' Proprietor and Executive Chef, Brian's culinary talents became legendary and attracted celebrities, politicians and many Torontonians and suburbanites. At his establishment, he treated them to such delights as Shrimp Bisque Soup, Rack of Lamb and his extraordinary desserts.

He is always seeking to enhance his skills and bring a greater repertoire of culinary delights to his audience.

The Wines - Kacaba Vineyards

Kacaba Vineyards, owned by Michael and Jo-Anne Kacaba, is located on prime grape growing acreage on the Niagara Escarpment Bench in Vineland.

"Our goal is to produce ultra-premium wines along with more moderately priced varieties necessary for the economic well being of a winery. Our wines are to be enjoyed at release and later. We strive to produce more fruit-driven wines with finesse and character.

"Our intention is to remain a small winery of 10,000 to 12,000 cases (about 5,000 at present). We strive to encourage sustainable agriculture, which involves not only good husbandry of our land but the proposition that agriculture is a valuable resource, and ought to be maintained and encouraged."

Kacaba's winemaker: Beth Mischuk

"My goal as a young winemaker in the Ontario Wine Industry is to produce wines that I can be proud of to call Canadian; wines that are enjoyable; wines that will not have to be compared to France or California or Australia in order to be deemed of high quality.

"Canadian Wine has always been a part in my life. As a small child I have fond memories of helping my dad harvest our small row of Concord grapes and then turning them into wine in our garage. I remember thoroughly enjoying the taste-testing portion! The days of 'garage winemaking' have since turned into a diploma from Niagara College in the Winery and Viticulture Technician program and a genuine enthusiasm for the Ontario Wine Industry.

"I have been at Kacaba Vineyards Winery since my co-op placement during the summer of 2002. I was then hired to assist winemaker, Rob Warren. Training with Rob enlisted the skills and the techniques to make wines of premium quality which Kacaba Vineyards is gaining recognition for more and more everyday."

Members and one guest - $85.00 each. Non-members - $95.00 each. Please note: We have room for only 110 at this event.

Location: 1055 Restaurant, 1055 Yonge St. 416 482 8485. Parking is available on Price St., which runs east off of Yonge St. just north of 1055. $3.00 flat rate after 6:00pm. The closest subway stop is Rosedale, which is just south of 1055. 1055 is between the Summerville and Rosedale subway stations.

Please mail the form below with a cheque, payable to the Ontario Wine Society, by Wednesday, April 27, 2005, to Stephen Stein, #311, 5444 Yonge St., Toronto, Ontario, M2N 6J4. Your cheque is your reservation. Unless you hear from an OWS representative, you are confirmed. Refunds will not be made for cancellations received on or after Wednesday, April 27, 2005. For information only, call the Wine Line at 416 921 9798. Reservations will not be taken over the phone.