Vancouver's best-kept restaurant secrets

Directly from the Araxi Restaurant Press Release:

ARAXI LONGTABLE SERIES Summer 2013

As summer approaches, we near another exciting season featuring Araxi’s famed Longtable Series. This year, we are pleased to announce a new location as part of the series – in addition to Lost Lake in Whistler and North Arm Farm in Pemberton, Araxi’s Longtable dinner is also coming to Stanley Park in Vancouver! The striking long table has a capacity of 300 people, and guests will have an opportunity to experience Araxi right in the heart of the city.

Award-winning Executive Chef James Walt will craft an exclusive four-course menu, showcasing his internationally recognized farm-to-table creations. Chef James celebrates locally sourced ingredients, and has built close relationships with the regional farming and ranching communities. As part of this year’s Longtable Series, an exclusive Farmers’ Market will be on site at the Vancouver and Whistler events, allowing guests to meet the producers and taste Chef James’ favourite ingredients in their raw form. Participating suppliers will include, amongst others, Root Down Organics and Pemberton Meadows Natural Beef. Guests attending the event at North Arm Farm can look forward to a guided farm tour with proprietor Jordan Sturdy.

Chef James says, “We are very excited about expanding our Longtable series into Vancouver, and offering three very special settings to choose from this summer. We look forward to introducing our guests to our valued producers and showcasing the vibrant flavours of BC’s harvest.”

Samantha Rahn, Araxi’s Wine Director and 2013 Sommelier of the Year, has invited some of the region’s top winemakers to partner for each dinner, giving guests an opportunity to meet and mingle with the industry’s finest talents. Each event will begin with a cocktail reception, followed by a magical family-style dinner thoughtfully paired with select BC wines.

A percentage of ticket sales will go to The Chef’s Table Society of BC, supporting regional chefs, producers and the local food industry.

DATES:
Saturday, July 27th – Prospect Point in Stanley Park, Vancouver
3pm cocktail reception.
Wines by Mission Hill + spirits by Pemberton Distillery.

Saturday, August 3rd – Lost Lake, Whistler
3pm cocktail reception.
Wines by Quails’ Gate + spirits by Pemberton Distillery.

Saturday, August 17th – North Arm Farm, Pemberton
3pm cocktail reception.
Wines by Le Vieux Pin + LaStella + spirits by Pemberton Distillery.

FOR TICKETS:
Neil Henderson, Restaurant Director, 604 932 4540 or longtable@araxi.com
$175.00 per person, per event (includes reception, wine, four-course menu, tax and gratuity)

Directly from the Donnelly Group Press Release:

DJ Edition Reggae Sunday at The Queen’s Republic

The Queen’s Republic presents the DJ Only Edition of Reggae Sundays.  Join The Free Up Crew DJs Arems, Rexx & Hoppa alongside resident DJ Rico Uno.
Sunday, May 26th
The Queen’s Republic
958 Granville Street

Popcaan at Bar None

Bar None presents Jamaican Reggae star Popcaan with special guests Jah-Fus, Arems & Kemo.
Sunday, June 9th
Bar None Nightclub
1222 Hamilton Street

Travis Porter at Bar None

The Mr. Porter Tour hits Bar None with a special performance by Fizal Stars and the Re-Up DJs Rico Uno & Genie.
Thursday, June 20th
Bar None Nightclub
1222 Hamilton Street

Directly from the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Press Release:

The VSO Celebrates the music of Igor Stravinsky in a dazzling two-weekend Season Finale celebration of the 100th Anniversary of The Rite of Spring

Vancouver, BC –  The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra’s 2012/2013 season will come to triumphant  end with StravinskyPlus, a two-weekend celebration of the music of Igor Stravinsky and his influences with Maestro Bramwell Tovey.

The first weekend sees the Russian School of music well represented with the music of Rimsky-Korsakov and Tchaikovsky, and Stravinsky’s astonishing Firebird ballet is presented in all its glory. Conducted by Bramwell Tovey, the performances feature sensational violinist Baiba Skride, who returns to the VSO to perform Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto. Saturday and Monday, June 8 and 10, 8pm, at the Orpheum.

The second weekend of this mini Stravinsky-fest, and season finale, features Stravinsky’s thrilling The Rite of Spring. 2013 marks the 100th anniversary of the infamous first performance of The Rite of Spring, a seminal moment in music history, and the debut of a work that forever changed classical music. Debuted in Paris on May 29th, 2013, the revolutionary music and choreography caused a riot in the audience. The piece still retains its power to shock and amaze, and it boldly echoes through a century of composition. Also on the program are Stravinsky’s Fireworks and Petrushka. Saturday and Monday, June 15 and 17, 8 pm, at the Orpheum.

Please see the complete June concert listing below, including the annual favourite, Last Night of the Proms.

CONCERT INFO

London Drugs VSO Pops

Mardi Gras: New Orleans Jazz

Friday and Saturday, May 31 and June 1, 8pm, Orpheum

Jeff Tyzik, conductor

Byron Stripling, vocals/trumpet

Bobby Floyd, piano/B3 organ

Bob Breithaupt, drums

Byron Stripling is back! A spectacular trumpet player and singer, and a show-stopping performer, there’s nobody like Byron Stripling live on stage. Stripling teams up with the VSO to turn the Orpheum into Mardi Gras central, with a sensational night of New Orleans jazz!

byronstripling.com

TICKET INFORMATION:

Tickets: $25 - $88 (senior, student and subscriber discounts available)

Tickets available online at www.vancouversymphony.ca or by calling VSO customer service at 604.876.3434

Series Sponsor: London Drugs

Spectra Energy Kids’ Koncerts

Mozart’s Magnificent Voyage

Sunday, June 2, 2pm, Orpheum

Gordon Gerrard, conductor

Classical Kids

The Dream Children are about to be written out of Mozart’s most famous opera! Hoping to change their fate, they enlist the help of the composer’s young son Karl, embarking on an incredible journey that teaches Karl much about the great composer and his legacy of timeless music.

TICKET INFORMATION:

Tickets: $28 (senior, student and subscriber discounts available)

Tickets available online at www.vancouversymphony.ca or by calling VSO customer service at 604.876.3434

Series Co-Sponsor: Spectra Energy

June 2 concert sponsor: Cassels Brock

Specials

Last Night of the Proms

Wednesday, June 5, 8pm, Orpheum

Bramwell Tovey, conductor

Vancouver Bach Choir

The long-standing tradition of the BBC Proms is championed by Bramwell Tovey, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and the Vancouver Bach Choir in this traditional Promenades-style concert, featuring the music of Elgar, Walton, Coates, Delius and more.

TICKET INFORMATION:

Tickets: $26.75 - $84 (senior, student and subscriber discounts available)

Tickets available online at www.vancouversymphony.ca or by calling VSO customer service at 604.876.3434

Concert Sponsor: British Consulate UK Trade & Investment

Air Canada Masterworks Diamond

StravinskyPlus: The Firebird

Saturday and Monday, June 8 and 10, 8pm, Orpheum

Bramwell Tovey, conductor

Baiba Skride, violin*

Rimsky-Korsakov             Le coq d’or (The Golden Cockerel): Introduction and Wedding March

Tchaikovsky                       Violin Concerto in D Major*

Stravinsky                           The Firebird

TICKET INFORMATION:

Tickets: $25 - $88 (senior, student and subscriber discounts available)

Tickets available online at www.vancouversymphony.ca or by calling VSO customer service at 604.876.3434

Series Sponsor: Air Canada

Goldcorp Masterworks Gold

StravinskyPlus: The Rite of Spring

Saturday and Monday, June 15 and 17, 8 pm, Orpheum

Bramwell Tovey, conductor

Stravinsky           Fireworks

Stravinsky           Petrushka (1947)

Stravinsky           The Rite of Spring

TICKET INFORMATION:

Tickets: $25 - $88 (senior, student and subscriber discounts available)

Tickets available online at www.vancouversymphony.ca or by calling VSO customer service at 604.876.3434

Series Sponsor: Goldcorp Inc.

June 15th Concert Sponsor: Stantec

June 17th Concert Sponsor: Canadian Western Bank

Directly from the Quails’ Gate Winery Press Release:

Quails’ Gate Wines Win Big at International Competitions

May 22, 2013 (Vancouver, BC) – Quails’ Gate winery is again attracting global attention, as its wines have received numerous awards at international wine competitions.  Results from the Pacific Rim Wine Competition, Decanter World Wine Awards, and UK International Wine & Spirit Competition clearly show that Okanagan wines are among the world’s best.

Pacific Rim Competition - Based in California, the competition included 1200 wines from 11 countries.

Gold/Best in Class - 2010 Stewart Family Reserve Chardonnay (2010 Chardonnay category)

Gold - 2009 Stewart Family Reserve Pinot Noir (Pinot Noir 2009 category)

Silver - 2011 Quails’ Gate Chardonnay (Chardonnay 2011 category)

Silver - 2011 Stewart Family Reserve Chardonnay (Chardonnay 2011 category)

Silver - 2011 Quails’ Gate Pinot Noir (Pinot Noir 2011 category)

Decanter World Wine Awards - Evaluated a total of 14,362 international wines.

Gold Medal - Quails’ Gate 2010 Stewart Family Reserve Chardonnay - only 1.59% earned Gold.

Silver Medal - Quails’ Gate 2011 Chenin Blanc

International Wine & Spirit Competition - The prestigious competition in London, England.  Entries in the competition are blind tasted by a panel of expert judges as well as being subjected to chemical analysis in the lab.  The Northern Hemisphere results were just released, and three Quails’ Gate wines were awarded medals in this extremely competitive field.

Silver Outstanding – 2011 Quails’ Gate Chenin Blanc

Silver – 2010 Stewart Family Reserve Chardonnay

Silver – 2009 Stewart Family Reserve Pinot Noir

Directly from the Osoyoos’ LaStella Winery and 3Phase Adventures Press Release:

A new style of wine tasting in Osoyoos, British Columbia Osoyoos’ LaStella Winery and 3Phase Adventures partner for SUP n SIP package

Osoyoos, BC (May 22, 2013): Wine tasting just got a whole lot more adventurous with the launch of LaStella winery and 3Phase Adventures Stand Up Paddling SUP n SIP package. Try the summer’s hottest water sport on the waters of Canada’s warmest lake, before sampling a true taste of Tuscany from LaStella, the only winery perched right on the shores of Osoyoos Lake.

The two-hour adventure runs through the summer; guests meet at 3Phase Adventures’ new Cottonwood Beach location before heading to the LaStella’s shores, slightly north of Osoyoos. The one-hour paddle takes small groups of novice and intermediate paddlers out onto the lake, always in view of the Tuscan-inspired winery. Upon returning to shore, guests leave boards on the beach and walk through the tumbling hillside vines to enjoy a taste of La Dolce Vita during a VIP one-hour premium wine tasting on LaStella’s terrace.

Representing a perfect pairing of similar values in customer experience, Rasoul Salehi, general manager at LaStella winery recognized the potential immediately: “Its such a unique way to see both the valley and our winery,” shared Rasoul following the first few trips. “The 3Phase Adventures team offers first rate instruction and a true passion for our wine country, which translates into one of the best possible ways to taste wine in the South Okanagan.”

“We have enjoyed partnering with the LaStella winery team to create this truly unique experience for our guests. Nowhere else can you be soaking up the true serenity of standup paddling and moments later be sipping wine on a stunning Tuscan terrace surrounded by a vineyard – well except perhaps Italy!” said Jason Jennings, owner and adventure guide at 3 Phase Adventures.

SUP n SIP packages run Monday and Thursday until September 2nd, and cost $85 per person, which includes board rental, safety gear, instruction & premium wine tasting with your La Stella and 3 Phase Adventures hosts. For more information and to book, visit: www.3phaseadventures.com or call 250-498-9989.

Directly from the Donnelly Group Press Release:

May 23rd, 2013: Annual Don Julio Blanco Party at The Queens Republic

The Fourth AnnualDon Julio Blanco Party

Hyphy & The Queen’s Republic presents The Fourth Annual Don Julio Blanco Party Featuring Los Hermanos Libres DJs Flipout & Zak Santiago.  Hyphy DJs in The Annex ‘XXX Room’.

Complimentary Don Julio cocktails before 11pm and enter for a chance to win a $500 Flight Centre gift certificate.

Dress Code: Blanco

For more information: http://donnellygroup.ca/locations/pubs/the-queens-republic/

Directly from the La Pentola della Quercia Press Release:

May 26th, 2013 Famiglia Supper Series

On Sunday, May 26 La Pentola’s Famiglia Supper Series continues with a Frutti di Mare dinner hosted by chef Lucais Syme. Join us at 6pm to dine alla famiglia style at a communal table with your friends and neighbours. This month we’ll feature local, line caught, ocean wise seafood. Plus, local spot prawns, Dungeness crab, oysters, halibut and salmon.

$55 per person / 10 + Courses *Seating is limited

RESERVE TODAY
T: 604-642-0557
E: info@lapentola.ca

Directly from the Nicli Pizzeria Press Release:

MARGHERITA MONTH A ROYAL CELEBRATION AT NICLI ANTICA PIZZERIA

(Vancouver, BC) — June 1889 is a significant month in the history of Italian cuisine. That’s when a humble Neapolitan tavern owner named Raffaele Esposito, won the praise of Margherita of Savoy, Queen of Italy, by serving her a local peasant specialty – a flatbread, which he designed in the colours of the Italian flag in honor of her visit to Naples. To create the red, green and white of the Italian flag, he topped the flatbread with simple, local ingredients - tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese and fresh basil leaves – the first time cheese had been melted on the traditional flatbread. He named the new dish after the queen.  Legend has it that she was so delighted by it, she insisted that a wood-fired ‘flat-bread oven’ be installed in the palace. Thus was born the first Pizza Margherita which set the standard for all future pizzas for generations to come.

In the intervening century and a half, pizza has spread around the globe - with versions and variations as diverse as the people who make it. There is, however, still one universal standard for pizza excellence based on that very first Margherita pizza. That standard was created, and is maintained, by the AVPN (Associazione Vera Pizza Napoletana) in Naples, Italy.  In 2009, the European Union protected Neapolitan pizza with its designation as a Specialty Guaranteed Dish.  Nicli Antica Pizzeria is the first pizzeria in Vancouver, and amongst the first in Canada, to receive the official AVPN designation. To celebrate June’s significant place in food history, Nicli and AVPN North American President, Peppe Miele, are declaring June Official Margherita Month.

From May 28 – June 30, Gastown’s Nicli Antica Pizzeria will be producing and/or hosting a number of fun events and special promotions bound to appeal to pizza lovers – Pizza with Peppe, Margherita Lunch, La Stella Wine Dinner, Dine Like an Italian, Margherita Cocktail and PINQ Presents a Royal Affair.

May 28 - Pizza with Peppe: for one this evening only, from 6 p.m. to closing, drop by Nicli for a pizza and meet Peppe Miele, AVPN North America President.  Mr. Miele is coming to Vancouver specifically for this event. He is the owner of Antica Pizzeria in Marina Del Rey and the first person to have a pizzeria outside of Italy certified by the AVPN back in 1997. Regular menu is in effect.

June 25 - La Stella Wine Dinner:  four different pizzas paired with four different wines from the South Okanagan’s  award-winning La Stella Winery. The evening ends with a special dessert to complement Moscato d’Osoyoos. Price $60 per person,includes taxes and gratuity.  Special winery guest TBA.

All month - Margherita Lunch:  Nicli is offering a special three-course lunch at $40 for two people. Ten percent of the proceeds from each lunch will go to support the Strathcona Community Centre.  Menu - Insalata (choice of Green or Arugula & Fennel), Margherita Pizza and Dolci (Panna Cotta with Blackberry Lavender Compote).

All month – Dine Like an Italian: How do you tell a tourist in Italy? They’re the people having dinner before 9 p.m. In Italy dinner, like lunch, is a leisurely affair. First you take a stroll (the passeggiata), then, sometime between 9 and 10 p.m. you sit down to supper. From June 1 – 30, any Sunday to Thursday evening from 9 p.m. to closing, Nicli will give you a 50 percent discount on your order of Margherita pizza. Not only do you dine in the manner of the sophisticated Italians, but you also save on your bill. If you arrive a little early, you can always stroll through historic Gastown to work up an appetite, or sit down at the bar and start the evening with an aperitivo.

All month – Margherita Cocktail, Her Royal Majesty:  a delicious concoction of Campari, star anise, simple syrup and fresh grapefruit juice topped with prosecco. Specially priced at $12.

Date TBA – PINQ Presents a Royal Affair: a benefit evening for Friends for Life starring Vancouver’s reigning queen – Joan E. Get your glam on at this bejeweled evening of Margherita pizza, cocktails and good fun. Date and ticket details to be confirmed soon, watch for them on PINQ and Friends for Life.

Join us this June as Nicli celebrates the tasteful art of the Neapolitan pizzaiolo.

For more information: 604-669-6985

May 24th to 26th Eat! Vancouver Food and Cooking Festival

June 5th Chef Meets Grape

June 15th BC Shellfish Festival

June 21st to July 1st  Vancouver International Jazz Festival

Directly from the Donnelly Group Press Release:

May Long Weekend Reggae Sunday at The Queen’s Republic

The Queen’s Republic presents May Long Weekend Reggae Sunday with DJ Rico Uno, Retrofit & The GoodLife in The Annex featuring DJs Marvel & Seko.

Sunday, May 19th
The Queen’s Republic
958 Granville Street

Don Julio Blanco at The Queen’s Republic

The Fourth Annual Don Julio Blanco Party with Los Hermanos Libres DJs Flipout & Zak Santiago.  XXX Room in The Annex with Hyphy DJs. Complimentary Don Julio cocktails before 11pm and enter for a chance to win a $500 Flight Centre gift certificate.

Thursday, May 23rd
The Queen’s Republic
958 Granville Street

Starting From Scratch - 4AM

The Elements Group presents DJ Starting From Scratch alongside DJs Kidd & Downlowe.

Friday, May 31st
Bar None Nightclub
1222 Hamilton Street

Travis Porter at Bar None

The Mr. Porter Tour hits Bar None with a special performance by Fizal Stars and the Re-Up DJs Rico Uno & Genie.

Thursday, June 20th
Bar None Nightclub
1222 Hamilton Street

White Spot: Viva Italia is on now

Boathouse Restaurants: Taste of Spring Promotion

Hamilton Street Grill: June is Steak Month

Athene’s Greek Restaurant: May Coupon

Central Bistro: Sunday Jazz Night

Joe Fortes: Jennifer’s Pick of the Week

The Fish House in Stanley Park: Salmon Festival is now on

Directly from the Seasons in the Park Press Release:

May 21 TASTING EVENT 6:00pm - 7:30pm

For five generations, the Wagner family has lived and loved the Napa Valley. Peter Lindenlaub representing the Wagner Family will be presenting a line-up of 4 spectacular wines from this 100% family-owned vineyard. Highlighting wines from Caymus Vineyards, Belle Glos and Conundrum, this tasting is a must-come-must-taste event!

“Our grandfather settled here in the 1800s and from that moment forward, we’ve grown to understand there is simply no substitute for an intimate knowledge of the land that only comes by “living” in the vineyard. Working the land with our own hands has given us insights into California winemaking that can’t be found in any book or corporate farm manual.” - Chuck Wagner, Caymus Vineyards

Conundrum White

Belle Glos ‘Meiomi’ Pinot Noir

Bell Glos ‘Clark & Telephone’ Pinot Noir

Caymus Zinfandel

Tickets are $30 per person (not including tax & gratuity)

Seasons Tasting Events
March through September, we host a variety of tasting events in our Winebar every other Tuesday night. Week to week, our themes reflect some of the best products that we and our partners have to offer.  So join us for an unqiue, enjoyable and memorable experience in the Seasons Winebar!

For more information or to purchase tickets, please feel free to contact us! 604.874.8008 or seasonsevents@vancouverdine.com

Please note: There are no physical tickets for our tasting events. Once your purchase is completed, you will be added to our guest list. Please check in at the front desk upon arrival.

Seasons in the Park / W. 33rd Avenue at Cambie St. / 604.874.8008 / vancouverdine.com