Dîner chez Marc

Join me the night before my birthday at the Vintage Conservatory for great wine, food, and stories.

Dîner chez Marc

6:30 pm April 9th, 2025

The Vintage Conservatory, King Street West

224 King Street West, Toronto ON M5H 1K4

Join me the night before my birthday. While I dream of dining al fresco in France, I’ll happily welcome you to the Napa Room for great company, exceptional vintages, and a celebration filled with friendship and shared memories.

$425.00 + TAX

In stock

Dîner chez Marc is always something special, but it’s even more so this time. The night before my birthday, I invite you to join me at the Vintage Conservatory on King Street West—my home away from home—for an intimate evening of great wine, food, and storytelling. While I wish we were all dining al fresco in the French countryside, sipping wine under a golden sunset, I’ll settle for the cozy elegance of the Napa Room, where the conversation will flow as easily as the vintages poured. Expect an evening of friendship, rich flavours, and carefully chosen bottles. Whether you’re a longtime friend or a new acquaintance, you’ll quickly feel at home in an atmosphere where wine appreciation meets warm hospitality. With every glass raised, every bite savoured, and every story shared, this dinner will be less about where we are and more about the people at the table. So join me in the ambience I love most—surrounded by good company, exceptional wine, and the moment’s joy.

Canapés

Crispy fried chicken topped with crème fraîche and chives offers a luxurious balance of crunch, creaminess, and freshness. The Huré Frères Pinot Meunier Champagne 4 Éléments is a brilliant match—its vibrant acidity and fine bubbles cleanse the palate, while the Pinot Meunier’s round fruitiness complements the richness of the dish.

First Course

  • Castelfranco Radicchio Salad – The gentle bitterness of radicchio, the earthiness of toasted walnuts, the tangy creaminess of goat cheese, and the aromatic lift of a lemon thyme vinaigrette create an elegant balance of flavors.

  • Sea Bream Crudo – Delicate sea bream, brightened by lemon juice, olive oil, passion fruit, and nasturtium leaves, is a refined and zesty dish.

Paired with:

  • Domaine Guiberteau Saumur Blanc Brézé 2018 – A structured, mineral-driven Chenin Blanc from the Loire, its acidity and stony depth accentuate the freshness of the crudo while harmonizing with the richness of the goat cheese.

  • Clendenen Family Vineyards Chardonnay Bien Nacido Vineyard 2017 – Sourced from the prestigious Bien Nacido Vineyard, this Chardonnay showcases a refined balance of citrus, stone fruit, and a mineral-driven backbone, with subtle oak integration. Its crisp acidity and elegant texture make it a seamless match for both the salad and crudo, enhancing their freshness while adding depth.

Second Course

  • Duck Confit & Striploin Steak – A decadent duo, with the rich, succulent duck confit offering deep umami flavors and the tender, flavorful striploin bringing robust, meaty intensity.

  • Sides:

    • Roasted Potatoes Tossed in Herbs – Crispy and aromatic, these provide a comforting contrast.

    • Roasted Eggplant and Red Pepper Romesco – Smoky, slightly sweet, and full of depth.

Paired with:

  • Clos Rougeard (Foucault) Saumur-Champigny 2016 – This legendary Cabernet Franc from the Loire is all about finesse, with silky tannins, fresh red fruit, and a hint of earthiness, making it a perfect partner for the duck.

  • Château Lynch-Bages Pauillac 2011 – A classic Bordeaux, this structured, cassis-driven Pauillac brings power and depth, standing up beautifully to the richness of both the duck and steak.

Cheese Course

  • Sao George cheese. A semi-hard cow’s milk cheese from the Azores.

Paired with:

  • Casa Ferreirinha Douro Barca Velha 1995 – One of Portugal’s most iconic wines, this mature, complex red from the Douro Valley offers layers of dark fruit, spice, and earthy elegance, creating a stunning pairing with the dark chocolate tart.

This menu is a masterclass in balance, from the crisp acidity of Champagne to the refined depth of mature Bordeaux and Douro wines. Each pairing elevates the dishes while allowing the wines to shine in their own right. A truly exceptional experience!

Upon Arrival

Reception

Huré Frères Pinot Meunier Champagne 4 éléments Champagne

Fried chicken
crème fraîche, chives

First Course

Domaine Guiberteau Saumur Blanc Brézé 2018

Clendenen Family Vineyards Chardonnay Bien Nacido Vineyard 2017

Castelfranco Radicchio Salad
Toasted walnuts, goat cheese, roasted garlic, lemon thyme vinaigrette
Sea Bream crudo
Lemon juice, olive oil, passion fruit, and nasturtium leaves

Second Course

Clos Rougeard (Foucault) Saumur-Champigny 2016

Château Lynch-Bages Pauillac 2011

Duck Confit
Striploin steak

 

Sides:
Roasted potatoes tossed in herbs
Roasted Eggplant and Red pepper romesco

Cheese Course

Casa Ferreirinha Douro Barca Velha 1995

Sao George cheese
A semi hard cow’s milk cheese from the Azores
a table with food and wine glasses on it