If you were watching cartoons in the ’80s (like I was), you may remember Hercules and his trusty (but odd) half-boy/half-horse sidekick, Newton.

Why I mention this is that every once in a while when ‘Herc’ was about to raise hell, he’d ask Newtown to ‘fetch his bow’. Putting aside what you’re probably thinking about for a second (because I don’t know the answer either), and like any good half-boy/half-horse assistant, Newtown would instantly gallop (if that’s what half-boy/half-horses do) to the nearest tree and ‘fetch his bow’.  With bow and arrow in hand, Herc was ready and able to ‘go all medieval’ on Daedalus’ ass.  I’d say that’s some crazy greek mythology timing and delivery!

If you’ve been reading timinganddelivery.com for a while, or for a bit, you’ll know that I love wine. I also think food is pretty cool, particularly at those establishments that dole out high-end service.

Enter Kitsilano Wine Cellar at 2235 West 4th Avenue in Kitsilano…the ‘Newtown’ to your ‘Herc’.  The only difference, aside from myth vs. reality, is that no one is kicking anyone’s ass.  Instead, Kitsilano Wine Cellar is all about getting you what you need for whatever reason you need it (i.e., cooking, collecting, drinking (now/later), celebrating, delivering, gifting, tasting, teaching, or whatever-ing).

Why I feel it necessary to make such a statement is based on two things: 1) the endless selection of wine that Kitsilano Wine Cellar has; and 2) the top quality service I’ve received on more than one occasion (I have been a ‘regular’ since they swung open their doors).  How could I not be?  They’re two blocks away from my house!

Focusing on service, two staff members come to mind in particular:

• Neil, who’s more-than-once helped me navigate through the various countries, varietals, and pairing suggestions with Gandalf-like precision; and

• Van Doren, who I only recently met but as a result of her advice on which wine glasses to purchase (and in the case of the higher end brands, ‘crystal’, just to be clear), I not only saved a great deal of money, but completely hit the mark once I got them home to serve that same evening.

Not only can I tell a story about where the wines I buy come from - my favourite by any stretch is Argentinean and (recently, thanks to Kitsilano Wine Cellar’s suggestion) French Malbecs – but I’ve become a smarter shopper (if you can use that term in reference to buying wine?) and a bigger ‘wine fan’.  I’m no sommelier, let’s not mix words here, but who cares?  It’s fun!

Whatever the need (see above for laundry list), I know that I’m two blocks away from becoming a more educated wine lover and looking like a rock star when I pair wines with food with such accuracy that Yoda would blush.

Olympia!

darren