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History in the Vineyard (at home) event

Chef Ryan Crawford of Ruffino’s, Paul Harber, owner of Ravine, and Chef David Watt of The Garrison House are working together to offer a three-course dinner for the History in the Vineyard fundraiser, to benefit the NOTL Museum and the Friends of For
Chef Ryan Crawford of Ruffino’s, Paul Harber, owner of Ravine, and Chef David Watt of The Garrison House are working together to offer a three-course dinner for the History in the Vineyard fundraiser, to benefit the NOTL Museum and the Friends of Fort George. (Photo supplied)

The Friends of Fort George, the Niagara Historical Society, Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery and Parks Canada are preparing for the second annual History in the Vineyard fundraiser.

The intention was to safely host diners at Ravine’s conference centre, as they did last year, but with a much-reduced number, and adding a takeout option for those more comfortable eating at home. But with changing restrictions, the decision was made last week to pivot to takeout only, says Mona Babin, one of the organizers of the fundraiser.

“We’re really focusing on supporting the community, and also having fun,” she says, while making the event “as simple as possible.”

This year’s event is also celebrating the 125th anniversary of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum.

There are two additional chefs involved with the dinner being prepared at Ravine, from Ruffinos Pasta Bar & Grill, and The Garrison House, providing food options for a gourmet three-course meal, says Babin. “You can order three courses from one restaurant, or one course from each of the three.”

 As a bonus, every two meals ordered will be accompanied by a free bottle of Ravine Sand and Gravel wine, says Babin. “If you order four dinners, you get two free bottles of wine.”

The food will be prepared and picked up in special containers that can go directly in the oven to be heated, she says, with the menu designed to offer innovative and popular choices.

Choices for the three-course meal include:

• Ember baked beet and smoked ricotta salad with black walnuts (Ruffino’s) or

• English onion soup with Lowrey Bros cider and aged cheddar (Garrison)

• Truffled winter squash tortellini in brown butter Parmesan sauce (Ruffino’s) or

• Coq au beer heritage chicken braised in Butler’s Best Bitter with Niagara mushrooms, shallots, heavy cream and tarragon (Garrison) or

• Braised beef short ribs with whipped potatoes, buttered rapini, veal jus (Ravine)

• Tiramisu coffee cocoa chocolate (Ruffino’s) or

• Crème brûlée vanilla bean (Ravine)

The date of Dec. 10 has been timed to launch the holiday spirit, without being too close to the busiest part of the season, says Babin.

The evening will also feature a YouTube presentation of stories about Christmases past, including how it was celebrated here in Niagara-on-the-Lake says Babin, available to those who have ordered dinner.

This will be special broadcast for those who have booked the takeout dinner. 

This event not only supports these local businesses but two important Niagara-
on-the-Lake charities, she says.

Tickets are $100 per person, and include a $40 tax receipt, the funds to be divided by the museum and the Friends of Fort George. 

Contact the Friends of Fort George at 905-468-6621 or email admin@friendsoffort
george.ca, the NOTL Museum at 905-468-3912, or [email protected], for more information.

Tickets are available online at:
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/niagara-historical-society/events/history-in-the-vineyard/




About the Author: Penny Coles

Penny Coles is editor of Niagara-on-the-Lake Local
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