restaurant have recently been awarded the 1997 wine spectator award of excellence. The Wine Spectator, America's most widely read wine magazine, recognises and awards restaurants with outstanding wine lists. The judges not only look for a good selection, but also for balance and compatibility with the menus offered. La Coquille offers modern provencal cuisine in a waterside setting. The wine list has a wide French selection and also features top wines from the new world. Head sommelier Anthony Dodds also offers a reserve list featuring rare and distinguished wines such as Chateau Lafite-Rothschild 1961, Chateau Margaux 1945 and Chateau D'Yquem. Pierangelo Lanfranchi of the Harbourfront chose the wines to be put on his wine list, keeping in mind the restaurant's cuisine -- which is mainly fish and seafood with an emphasis on interesting Mediterranean dishes. The location situated overlooking Hamilton Harbour also boasts the city's only sushi bar. With such a fusion of cultures the selected international wines offer a good balance and extremely good quality at a fair price.

OUTSTANDING WINE LISTS -- Tony Dodds (left) of La Coquille and Pierangelo Lanfranchi of The Harbourfront.