Vancouver's best-kept restaurant secrets

Directly from the Vista D’oro Farms and Winery Press Release

Come in from the Cold & Go for the D’oro

Vancouver, BC…. This holiday season pickup a bottle of Vista D’oro’s “D’ oro – 2007”. D’oro means ‘gold’ for those of you without a little Italian in your life but at Vista D’oro The D’oro is an artisanally crafted, fortified port-style wine made with BC’s finest small lot vinifera. It is a blend of Marechal Foch, Merlot & Cabernet Franc married with the pressing off of Vista D’oro Green Walnuts from its macerating partner Okanagan Gamay Noir Brandy. What better way to welcome 2010? Sit by the fire, sip a little D’oro, watch the snow fall (if you are in Vancouver it could be hail, rain, sleet, sunshine…you get the idea).

Vista D’oro Farms & Winery offers holiday gift boxes and branded wood wine crates for personal and corporate gifting. The winery’s bestseller contains a 500ml bottle of the aforementioned 2007 D’oro, alongside a trio of Vista D’oro Artisanal Preserves for $90. With many other combinations and local holiday offerings available, it’s time to get out to the farm for a visit and a browse. For December only Vista D’oro will be open Sundays from 11am until 4pm, and regular hours Thursdays thru Friday 10am until 4pm.

The Farmgate Shop is now stocking Chef Belcham’s ‘The Cure’ ,  handcrafted charcuterie, alongside Farmhouse Natural Cheeses in the cooler. Thomas Haas creations, Terra Bread crisps & Fieldstone Bakery treats are among the many local offerings in the Farmgate Shop & Tasting Room. Spiced Cranberry & Ice Wine preserves and Turkish Fig with Walnut Wine are back in stock for the entertaining season, perfect on a cheese board. Vista D’oro Blend tea – blended by Lee Murphy and inspired by trips to Paris, a delicate blend of Pear, Rose, Hazelnut & Vanilla; is among the latest offerings by the farm.

Vista D’oro Farms & Winery showcases progressive products and ideas while promoting local, seasonal cuisine.  Proprietors Patrick and Lee Murphy are dedicated to the promotion of the farm-fresh, seasonal products found on their own and other Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island farms.  Nestled out in the valley, just beyond the urban sprawl in the comfort of the country, Vista D’oro, the farm with the golden view, is the perfect place to seek out local treats. Vista D’oro is located at 20856 4th Avenue in Langley, BC. Please call (604) 514-3539 for more information or visit www.vistadoro.com.

Directly from the Benton Brothers Cheese Press Release

The Store, The History, The Brother’s Bios and Rare & Amazing Holiday Cheeses

The Store

A throw back to the days of old, Benton Brothers Fine Cheese pays homage to living to eat, not eating to live. Before big box stores and one-stop-shopping, butcher shops, cheese mongers and bakeries were part of our every day shopping experience, where quality took precedent over quantity. In an attempt to bring back the joy of eating well, Benton Brothers Fine Cheese opened their doors in December 2007 aiming to bring Vancouver some of the best artisanal cheeses the world has to offer.

For brothers Andrew and Jonah Benton, their goal is to take the mystery and pretension out of what is now considered a luxury item, real cheese.  At their shop they aim to educate not intimidate.  Neither hoity-toity nor pretentious, the cheese experience here is about enjoyment, learning, asking questions and eating well.

The brothers promote local and small-scale cheese makers, not only because they believe in what the farmers do but also because they believe their cheese just tastes better. The cheeses are hand made by people that are passionate about their trade, not pumped off an assembly line in a factory, light years away from an actual cow!  Never vacuum-sealed and always fresh, every cheese in the store has been hand selected by one of the Benton’s. They know the history, flavour profile, wine pairing and story behind their cheese and offer samples of almost every cheese in the store, right off the wheel.

Firm supporters of small-scale production cheeses, both Andrew and Jonah Benton believe that making cheese is truly an art form. They aim to bring higher quality, natural products (without artificial preservatives, additives, colours etc.) to the Vancouver market.  Not only a retail location, Benton Brothers specialize in supplying artisanal Canadian cheeses to top cheese counters across the Vancouver area and their cheeses can be found on the menus of some of the best restaurants in the city such as: Lumiere, DB Bistro, Le Gavroche, Boneta, Raw Canvas and Gudrun among others.  They are also actively involved in the local food scene, promoting cheese culture at Taste BC, Toast to the Coast, Cornucopia, Hop Scotch Festival and many more.

If you visit their store you’ll have access to an array of cheeses sourced from all around the world.  They also offer a wide selection of accompaniments to create the ultimate cheese tray such as toasted organic nuts, incredible olives, cornichons and organic dried fruits. You will also find a variety of terrines and locally cured meats along with crackers, oils, vinegars, chutneys and jellies to satisfy all of your cheese needs.  For corporate gift giving, cheese trays and special events, please visit their website or contact the Benton Brothers directly.  www.bentonscheese.com   or benton@bentonscheese.com

The History

In the fall of 2007 Andrew and Jonah Benton came to Vancouver to consult for the new owners of Forster’s Fine Cheese, 2104 West 41st Ave, a Kerrisdale institution.  Opportunity knocked and the boys found themselves in a position to take the space over.  Wanting to embrace the chance to bring their passion for real cheese to Vancouver, Andrew and Jonah made the move to the city.

Anything but a catchphrase, the Benton Brothers are not just the name on the sign, they are a part of the shop.  Painting the walls, cleaning the fridges, hanging the light fixtures and even sleeping in the store in preparation for opening, the shop is a reflection of their passion for cheese as well as for being in business together.

Hopefully in the years to come Benton Brothers will be synonymous with the best artisanal cheese Vancouver has to offer.

The Brother’s Cheese Bios

Hailing from Didsbury, Alberta these two small town prairie boys grew up on Kraft slices and parmesan in a shaker. They may be the next generation of cheese aficionados but they still believe that some of the best grilled cheeses have to be made the good old-fashioned way.  They know about everything from Velvita to Vacherin Mont D’Or and are passionate about what they do.

Jonah Benton

Jonah graduated from Queens University in Kingston, Ontario with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering in the spring of 2000.  After a short period of travel and reflection he quickly learned his true passion lay in the culinary world, more specifically in the realm of cheese.  During almost a decade of working with cheese in Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver, Jonah has had the opportunity to work with and learn from some of the most prominent figures in the Canadian cheese industry. He has held management and purchasing positions with Alex Farms in Toronto, Whole Foods Market in Yorkville and Janice Beaton Fine Cheese in Calgary. Most recently Jonah, along with his brother Andrew, founded Benton Brothers Fine Cheese in Vancouver. Jonah is also an avid wine lover and teaches various wine and cheese pairing classes throughout the city.

Andrew Benton

Like Jonah, in the spring of 2000, Andrew also fell prey to an engineering degree.  After working in the industry for several years, Andrew traded in his iron ring for an apron and headed off to cooking school in Calgary. Working with Jonah at Janice Beaton’s Fine Cheese, Andrew coincidentally found his true passion also lay with all things fermented.  After graduating from the culinary arts program, Andrew helped establish Provincial Fine Foods, one of Canada’s best artisanal cheese distributors. He also continued to pursue his interest of wine and cheese, by taking courses at the International Sommeliers Guild.  Andrew’s down to earth approach has earned him credit for pairing cheese with everything from colheita ports to Pilsner beers, and creating the best hockey night nachos this side of the Prairies.

Knowledgeable, friendly and down-to-earth the Benton Brother’s will help you with all your cheese needs.

Rare and Amazing Holiday Cheese!

Vacherin Mont D’Or – One of the world’s greatest cheeses!!!

The yearly arrival of Vacherin Mont D’Or is one of the special dates on the cheese calendar. Vacherin is a seasonal cheese produced during the winter months which we normally see from late November through to the end of January. It is made in the region of the Alps between France and Switzerland and is undoubtedly one of the world’s most delicious cheeses. Each cheese is banded with aromatic birch bark which is used to contain this beautifully creamy cheese.  When perfectly ripe the top rind can be peeled away revealing a rich and creamy almost fondue like interior. It is rich, buttery, woodsy, and nutty with a depth of flavor rarely found in the epicurean world.

Three to four people, a baguette, a nice bottle of wine and a wheel of Vacherin will make any holiday evening one to remember.

Clochette
France (Poitou-Charentes): Goat: Raw

Clochette derives its name from the bell shaped moulds which are used to make the cheese. It is made in the Poitou-Charentes region of the Loire Valley and is a Fermier cheese meaning that the rearing of the animals and the making of the cheese is done on the same farm. Although Clochette makes only rare appearances in our fridge, it is certainly one of our favorite Loire Valley goat cheeses. It has a dense, yet creamy texture with a wealth of nutty and tart citrusy flavors to go along with the damp and earthy flavors derived from its natural rind.

Great with toasted almonds and Sauvignon Blanc!

Beaufort D’Alpage
France (Haute-Savoie): Cow: Raw

This raw milk A.O.C. cheese made in the mountains of Haute-Savoie is without a doubt one of our favorites. As with many mountain cheeses Beaufort is made in mammoth 40kg wheels. Alpine cheeses are traditionally made in large wheels to allow for longer aging periods so the cheeses don’t need to be moved in the winter months when travel is difficult.  Any Beaufort carrying the label “D’Alpage” must be made with spring or summer milk which means the cows are grazing on summer flowers, grasses, and herbs in pastures at elevations over 6,000 ft which are only accessible after the winter thaw. This wheel is aged a little over 2 years and is simply outstanding. Due to its slightly higher butter-fat content it is rich and creamy on the palate with a strong nutty flavor.

Wonderful with wines from the Jura, and also with simple rustic Cotes-du-Rhone or Bordeaux.

Fleur De Maquis
France (Corsica): Sheep, Unpasteurised

Easily one of our favorite French sheep’s milk cheeses, Fleur De Maquis comes to us from the French island of Corsica. These delicate 300g wheels of nutty, olivey sheep’s milk have been covered in a dense mixture of herbs from the Maquis (the rugged shrub-land that covers the Corsican high ground). The flavor is sweet and gentle, rich and creamy, but extremely herby. The rosemary and juniper are not just for show, their earthy, woodsy flavours penetrate right to the center of this glorious cheese.

You can contact the Benton Brothers at:

Benton Brothers Fine Cheese

Andrew Benton and Jonah Benton
2104 West 41st Ave
Vancouver BC, V6M 1Z1
Ph: (604) 261-5813
Fax: (604) 261-5804
benton@bentonscheese.com
www.bentonscheese.com

Hours:
Monday – Friday ~ 10:00am – 7:00pm
Saturday - 10:00am – 6:00pm
Sunday - 12:00pm – 5:00pm

GK Media Inc is pleased to present a new feature article:

Toronto Cavalcade Highlights

Directly from the Elixir Bistro Press Release:

(Vancouver, BC) November 27, 2009 - This holiday season, treat your loved ones to a new tradition with OPUS Vancouver or Elixir Bistro. Whether you’re dining out, or want the celebration brought to you, OPUS and Elixir will make your gathering chic, decadent and memorable.

At Elixir Bistro, Executive Chef Don Letendre uses his expertise and passion to craft the finest traditional holiday ingredients into luxuriously festive meals. Letendre’s Christmas Eve and Christmas Day menus include dishes such as sunchoke and winter mushroom soup with Pierre Robert and goats cheese croquette; roasted free range turkey with Hennessey, red currant and orange stuffing, silky mash and roasted root vegetables; and bittersweet chocolate praline tart with mandarin ice cream. The Christmas Eve and Christmas Day menus are $80 per person and $40 for children 12 and under, plus gratuity and applicable taxes.

When hosting Christmas Eve and Christmas Day feasts at home, let Chef Letendre and his brigade take care of kitchen duty. Elixir’s to-go menu includes a custom two-day brined deboned turkey breast stuffed with red currant, orange and pork stuffing, served with roasted root vegetables, pommes purée and gravy. The meal is capped off with a decadent pumpkin tart with Chantilly cream and toffee pecans. The Elixir Turkey To-Go Christmas Eve & Day menu is $40.00 per person (plus applicable taxes) and must be ordered by 4:00 pm on Monday, December 21st.

Whether you’re treating clients to a festive lunch or feasting with friends in the evening, Elixir Bistro will make it glam. Lunch and dinner group holiday menus offer five choices of five-course meals, including a vegetarian and buffet menu ($45-$70 per person). Savoury and sweet treats include roasted beet salad with toasted walnuts, arugula and blue cheese; butter roasted sable fish with smoked pommes purée and spiced lentils; lobster thermidor with roasted salsify and potato gnocchi; and eggnog and rum parfait with winter fruit compote and toasted muesli.

Always intent on providing the best service, Elixir Bistro is open during the following hours on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day:
Breakfast 6:30 am - 11:00 am
Brunch 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Dinner 5:00 – 11:00 pm

The ideal locale for holiday gatherings, OPUS and Elixir Bistro offer options to match the mood of any group: the bustling bistro, elegant private rooms, dramatic lounge or second floor board rooms. After the festivities, the first instinct is often to simply sit back and continue to savour the evening. Many guests love to stay overnight in a chic OPUS guestroom and avoid having to go back into the wintery night.

In the mood for a magical holiday event at your location? The team at OPUS and Elixir has become Vancouver’s most sought after event caterers. Tailoring their events to any theme, they’re creative, versatile and service-oriented. Clients including Holt Renfrew, Tiffany & Co., BMW, Ralph Lauren, Dolce & Gabbana and Michael Kors have all asked OPUS Catering to cater their exclusive events. OPUS is pleased to announce that they were awarded the catering contract for the Province of Ontario Pavilion during Vancouver 2010 Winter Games. OPUS Catering will supply themed food, beverage and staff, as the prestigious pavilion plays host to VIP events and nightly concerts.

Directly from Aqua Riva, Horizons and The Salmon House:

For Every $100 in gift certificates purchased, you will receive a $25 BONUS gift certificate!

Limited time Christmas bonus offer.
Details and order form available at:
www.salmonhouse.com
www.horizonsrestaurant.com
www.aquariva.com

Directly from The Modern Press Release:

ALMOST FAMOUS! - FRIDAYS

www.thehungriest.com presents ALMOST FAMOUS! with DJs Sam Demoe, December Furcoat and guests.  Check Gastown’s best dance club for an eclectic mix of dance classics, hip hop and electro to kick your weekend off on the good foot.

BLKOUT NYE - THURSDAY DECEMBER 31
with DJ’s Sam Demoe, Ch3Rk and guests

Hosted by JON C & JP

$30 till Dec 1st
$40 after

Free Champagne & Party Favors & Tons for Free Giveaways.
(Details will come)

Directly from The Fish House Newsletter:

New: Surf’s up at The Fish House!

Starting Friday November 27th and throughout the winter months, The Fish House is introducing delicious homey deals to warm up your days and nights.  You can try Karen Barnaby’s delicious blue plate specials, Monday to Friday, or host the family on weekends with a perfect comfort meal of roast or seafood.

Our a la carte menu also boasts new menu items, like our Italian Seafood Cocktail with warm prawns, mussels & clams, or our delicious Salmon bake. And you can build your own feast, with the new mix and match selection of fresh fish and shellfish.  A monthly 3-course hook selection for $30 is also available daily until 6:15 pm.  Come and join us soon!

A perfect way to warm up your weekend nights

NEW! Blue plate special, Monday to Friday from 11:30am to 3:00pm for $9.99!

Monday     Salmon Bake: Pink salmon baked on a bed of potatoes, spinach & cheese, topped with sour cream & bacon
Tuesday     Hot Roast Beef Sandwich with Fries & Gravy
Wednesday     Crab Meat Poutine
Thursday     Prawn & avocado Caesar Salad
Friday     Curry Bowl: fresh fish, mussels, rice and pappadum

Directly from the Top Table Press Release:

Holiday Lunch

Along with West, which is open for lunch Monday through Saturday, CinCin and Blue Water Cafe will be open for lunch Monday through Friday during the holiday season. Exceptional quality, unparalleled service and inviting settings offer all the key ingredients for a memorable afternoon.

Blue Water Cafe    December 7 - 23                  604 688 8078
CinCin                  December 3 - 23                  604 688 7338
West                    Lunch Monday - Saturday      604 738 8938

Directly from the Library Square Grey Cup Press Release:

Hey CFL Football fans,

As you know, this Sunday is the Grey Cup and Library Square is again hosting its annual party.

Catch the Rough Riders vs Alouettes at 3:30pm on our 3 giant screens and HD TVs, so you won’t miss any of the action.

All our domestic sleeves are $3.90, $4 wings and our famous prime rib dinner is on special for only $12.00!

All our guests have a chance to win an authentic CFL jerseys and beer from Granville Island Brewery.

This party starts at noon with the big game kicks off at 3:30pm.

Arrive early to get a great seat.   See you there!

GK Media Inc is pleased to be presenting an ongoing collection of recipes from various cookbooks.
The recipe that will be featured today is Poached Salmon from the new Fresh Cookbook by Anna Olson.

To download all of the recipes please use the recipe iPod guide or go to the Recipes page.

To have a chance to win a copy of the Fresh Cookbook please enter our December 10th, 2009 newsletter draw.

Directly from the VSO Press Release:
DECEMBER CONCERT LISTINGS

VANCOUVER, BC – The Holiday Season is almost upon us and the VSO has many great concerts to choose from. The month begins with Russia Rocks!, the first Musically Speaking concert of the new Season, featuring cellist Julie Albers and the popular music of Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev. Musically Speaking is a 5-concert series that features popular classics, interesting and engaging dialogue from the conductor about the composers and their music, and a concert experience enhanced by video screens in the hall showing intimate and exciting close-ups of the orchestra, guest artists and conductor.

The VSO presents several children’s concerts in the month of December. Tiny Tots Holiday Hooray! stars children’s entertainers Let Your Music Shine with Lisa & Linda and the music of Tchaikovsky. Toddlers will move-along with the music of the Nutcracker and sing-along to frosty Holiday tunes! The Spectra Energy Kids’ Koncerts series features Vancouver favourite Al Simmons in his unique Festive Frivolity show – a non-stop Holiday romp of gags, jokes, spontaneous fun and audience interaction – you never know exactly what Al will do, but you know the kids will have the time of their lives!

And what December would be complete without the Traditional Christmas concerts, featuring VSO Assistant Conductor Evan Mitchell and narrated by our favourite “Bard” Christopher Gaze.  The VSO celebrates Christmas at venues in Surrey, Burnaby, North Vancouver, South Delta, West Vancouver, and at St. Andrew’s Wesley Church in Downtown Vancouver.  Come join us at one of the fourteen performances for carols, heart-warming music, and the perennial audience favourite sing-alongs!

Another perennial favourite is Vivaldi’s classic Four Seasons led by Baroque conductor/violinist Elizabeth Wallfisch and featuring VSO Principal Oboist Roger Cole. These concerts take place at the Chan Centre for Performing Arts at UBC and Massey Theatre in New Westminster.

The month ends with a London Drugs VSO Pops concert featuring clarinetist Dave Bennett in A Tribute to Benny Goodman!  Bennett’s cool, smooth sound brings the Swing era back to life in dazzling style! The concert features many of the toe-tapping hits of the great master, Benny Goodman: Let’s Dance, Goodman Hits Medley, I Got Rhythm, Sing Sing Sing, and many more.

CONCERT INFO

Musically Speaking

Saturday, December 5, 8pm, Orpheum Theatre

Russia Rocks! The Music of Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev

Evan Mitchell, conductor

Julie Albers, cello

Prokofiev            Lt. Kije, Op. 60: Troika

Tchaikovsky       Rococo Variations

Tchaikovsky       Pezzo Capriccioso

Prokofiev            The Love for Three Oranges, Op. 33bis

Tchaikovsky       Sleeping  Beauty:  Suite

Beautiful Russian music kicks off the Musically Speaking series, with two of the greats: Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev. Rocco Variations is the most fun you can have with a cello in public, and the Love for Three Oranges is a joyful romp – followed up by some of the most beautiful and sublime music ever written for a ballet in Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty Suite.

Visit Julie Albers at: www.cellistjuliealbers.com

Video Screen Sponsor: TELUS

Special Video Screen Presentations Created and Produced by: Columbia Academy

Radio Sponsor: CHQM-FM

Tickets: $20 - $56 (senior, student and subscriber discounts available)

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

Spectra Energy Kids Koncerts

Sunday, December 6, 2pm, Orpheum Theatre

Festive Frivolity

Evan Mitchell, conductor

Al Simmons, entertainer

Al Simmons’ Festive Frivolity show is a non-stop Holiday romp of gags, jokes, spontaneous fun and audience interaction – you never know exactly what Al will do, but you know the kids will have the time of their lives!

Visit Al Simmons at: www.alsimmons.com

Series Sponsor: Spectra Energy

Premier Education Partner: TELUS

Tickets: $26 (senior, student and subscriber discounts available)

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

Surrey Nights

Monday, December 7, 8pm, Bell Performing Arts Centre

Russia Rocks! The Music of Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev

Evan Mitchell, conductor

Julie Albers, cello

Prokofiev            Lt. Kije, Op. 60: Troika

Tchaikovsky       Rococo Variations

Tchaikovsky       Pezzo Capriccioso

Prokofiev            The Love for Three Oranges, Op. 33bis

Tchaikovsky       Sleeping  Beauty:  Suite

Visit Julie Albers at: www.cellistjuliealbers.com

The VSO’s Surrey Nights Series has been endowed by a generous gift from Werner and Helga Höing

Tickets: $37 (senior, student and subscriber discounts available)

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

Tiny Tots

Friday, December 11, 10am, 11:30am, 1:30pm, Vancouver Playhouse Theatre

Saturday, December 12, 10am, 11:30am, Terry Fox Theatre

Holiday Hooray!

Let Your Music Shine with Lisa & Linda, children’s entertainers

Featuring the music of Tchaikovsky. Move-along with the Nutcracker and sing-a-long to frosty favourites!

Premier Education Partner: TELUS

Tickets: Adult $15, Child $7, Children under 6 months by donation

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

A Traditional Christmas

Evan Mitchell, conductor

Christopher Gaze, host

UBC Opera Ensemble

EnChor

St. Andrew’s Wesley, Vancouver

December 10, 7:30pm

December 11, 7:30pm

December 12, 4pm & 7:30pm

Michael J. Fox Theatre, Burnaby

December 13, 4pm & 7:30pm

South Delta Baptist Church, South Delta

December 16, 4pm & 7:30pm

Bell Performing Arts Centre, Surrey

December 17, 4pm & 7:30pm

Centennial Theatre, North Vancouver

December 18, 4pm & 7:30pm

Kay Meek Theatre, West Vancouver

December 19, 4pm & 7:30pm

Presenting Sponsor: YVR Vancouver Airport Authority

The VSO’s Traditional Christmas Concerts have been endowed by a generous gift from Sheahan and Gerald McGavin, C.M., O.B.C.

Tickets: $34 (senior, student and subscriber discounts available)

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

Bach & Beyond

Friday and Saturday, December 18 and 19, 8pm, Chan Centre for the Performing Arts at UBC

Vivaldi’s Four Seasons

Elizabeth Wallfisch, conductor/violin

Roger Cole, oboe d’amore

Purcell                  Abdelazar, Z.570: Suite

Handel                                 Concerto Grosso, Op 6, No.  9, HWV 327, in F Major

JS Bach                 Concerto for Oboe d’amore in A major, BMV 1055

Vivaldi                  The Four Seasons

Wonderful violinist and Baroque conductor Elizabeth Wallfisch leads from the violin in a program that includes Bach’s deliciously beautiful Concerto for Oboe d’amore – with VSO Principal Oboist Roger Cole taking a solo turn – and Vivaldi’s timeless classic The Four Seasons, which has stayed on the top of the charts for over two hundred and eighty years.

The presentation of this series is made possible in part through the generous assistance of the Chan Centre for Performing Arts of the University of British Columbia.

Series Endowed By: The Chan Foundation of Canada

Radio Sponsor: CHQM-FM

Tickets: $35 - $62.50 (senior, student and subscriber discounts available)

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

Specials

Monday, December 21, 7:30pm, Massey Theatre

Vivaldi’s Four Seasons

Elizabeth Wallfisch, leader/violin

Roger Cole, oboe d’amore

Purcell                  Abdelazar, Z.570: Suite

Handel                                 Concerto Grosso, Op 6, No.  9, HWV 327, in F Major

JS Bach                 Concerto for Oboe d’amore in A major, BMV 1055

Vivaldi                  The Four Seasons

Wonderful violinist and Baroque conductor Elizabeth Wallfisch leads from the violin in a program that includes Bach’s deliciously beautiful Concerto for Oboe d’amore – with VSO Principal Oboist Roger Cole taking a solo turn – and Vivaldi’s timeless classic The Four Seasons, which has stayed on the top of the charts for over two hundred and eighty years.

London Drugs VSO Pops

Sunday and Monday, December 27 and 28, 8pm, Orpheum Theatre

A Tribute to Benny Goodman!

Jeff Tyzik, conductor

Dave Bennett, clarinet

Let’s Dance

Bugle Call Ray

Goodman Hits Medley

Why Don’t You Do Right (vocal)

These Foolish Things (vocal)

Airmail Special

I Got Rhythm

Slipped Disc

And The Angels Sing (vocal)

Blues in the Night (vocal)

Goody Goody (vocal)

Sing Sing Sing

Goodbye

“Dave Bennett is the next Eddie Daniels… If Benny had heard him, he would have had Dave over to play duets!” So says jazz master and Benny Goodman’s longtime guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli. Bennett’s cool, smooth sound brings the Swing era back to life in dazzling style! The concert features many of the toe-tapping hits of the great master, Benny Goodman: Let’s Dance, Goodman Hits Medley, I Got Rhythm, Sing Sing Sing, and many more.

NOTE: These concerts are performed on Sunday and Monday – Friday subscribers attend Sunday concert and Saturday subscribers attend Monday concert.

Visit Dave Bennett at: www.davebennett.com

Series Sponsor: London Drugs

Tickets: $25 - $78.50 (senior, student and subscriber discounts available)

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

Directly from the Sun Peaks Resort Press Release:

Sun Peaks, BC (November 23, 2009) – Globe Café and Tapas Bar opened it s doors in Kookaburra Lodge at Sun Peaks Resort this week, to fresh snow on the deck and a truly international flavour inside.

This is Globe’s second location following its success at Big White Ski Resort, and is again inspired by the owners’ travels and love of fabulous tastes from around the world. Paul from Ireland, Jude from England and Executive Chef Ross from Canada have developed an ambience, a menu and a style which is both casually upmarket but warm and welcoming with no fuss, no rush and no rules.

Whether you want to start your day with a rich smooth Italian Latte and an English Sausage Sandwich with HP, or relax after a day on the slopes with a beer or glass of BC wine and some great tasting international Tapas dishes, this new restaurant offers you something to delight your taste buds at any time of day. Originating in Spain, but influenced by their travels, Tapas Globe style is all about great fresh cooked food with flavours that wow, drinks that tantalize the taste buds and flowing conversation … all shared with friends, old and new. Truly globally inspired food, drinks and conversation.

The international influence continues through the fabulous black and white artwork on the walls by photographer Jesse Kalisher highlighting international locations around the world, most of which have been visited by one member of the Globe team or another! On the subject of the team, the Globe theme carries right through it with Canada, Australia, the UK, Ireland, Germany and France all represented.

So if you are looking for something different at Sun Peaks this season and relish the opportunity to share great  food, good wine, awesome cocktails and fun times with friends, family and even the kids, then go check out Globe at Kookaburra Lodge. Open daily from 8am til late. All menus available at www.globetapas.com or for reservations call 250-434-2380.

Directly from the Listel Hotel Press Release:

Fallen Princesses @ Vancouver’s “most art-full hotel”
The Listel Hotel exhibits the work of Vancouver photographer Dina Goldstein

ROBSON STREET: “Cynical realism” seems to best describe Dina Goldstein’s series - Fallen Princesses - opening this week at The Listel Hotel. The exhibit looks at familiar fairy tales stripped of their “happily ever after” endings –

Snow White in a domestic nightmare surrounded by unkempt children and a lout of a prince
Rapunzel dealing with the aftermath of chemotherapy in a stark hospital room.
An overweight Red Riding Hood on her way to her grandma’s, carting fast food in her basket.

The project was inspired by Goldstein’s observation of three-year-old girl. As a new mother she has been able to get a close up look at the phenomenon of young girls fascinated with Disney princesses and their desire to emulate them. The stories almost always have a sad beginning, with an overbearing female villain, and the end is predictably a happy one. The Prince usually saves the day and makes the victimized young beauty into a Princess.

Goldstein’s Fallen Princesses however takes a cool, but humorous look at these fairy tale characters in modern day scenarios. In all of the images the princess is placed in an environment that articulates her conflict: “happily ever after” is replaced with a realistic outcome and addresses current issues.

As a young girl growing up abroad, Goldstein was not exposed to fairy tales. “These new discoveries lead to my fascination with the origins of fairy tales. I explored the original Brothers Grimm stories and found that they had very dark and sometimes gruesome aspects, many of which were changed by Disney. I began to imagine Disney’s perfect princesses juxtaposed with real issues that were affecting women around me, such as illness, addiction and self-image issues.”

The collection of photos was recently exhibited at Buschlen Mowatt Gallery and her work continues to be a controversial and exciting topic currently being published in numerous art publications across Europe, Asia and North America.  At The Listel Hotel until January 2010.

The Hotel/Gallery. The Listel Hotel has long been known as Vancouver’s “most art-full hotel” and “a cultural tourist’s dream” and for its strong ties and creative partnerships with some of the city’s most dynamic cultural organizations such as the Buschlen Mowatt Gallery. In 2008 the Hotel created a new gallery space - Buschlen Mowatt @ The Listel Hotel - where the works of painter Bernard Cathelin, photographer Pieter Hugo and sculptors John Henry and Betty Gold have all been recently exhibited.

“We are thrilled to have Dina’s work on display,” states hotel General Manager, Jim Mockford. “It somehow manages to be both provocative and entertaining and it is being really well received by guests and locals. We’re lucky to have such talented artists in our city.”

Directly from the Republic Night Club Press Release:

So the Megablend competition has been so heated the judges need to take another look at a few more DJs as they performed well enough to be in the finals - the new date for the championship round is Wednesday Dec 2nd. Next week as planned we’re flying up DJ Stonerokk (you know this cat by now – from L.A., we fly him up, he plays some records and gets traaaaaashed after. Good times). Next  week at Republic also sees our famous Sunday Reggae turn 2, gonna be quite a party.

Thursdays at Republic just got academic! Join DJs C-Stylez, Hoopsta, Jial-14 and guests spinning Top 40 party rockin mash-ups at the best student night in town. Do the math - $4 Hiballs and $4 shots plus Grade A music equals the best excuse to skip Friday class ever!

Directly from the Two Chefs Press Release:

Two Chefs Poplar Grove Wine Drinker Dinner set for December 2nd

Two Chefs and a Table is pleased to announce the next in its series of Wine Drinker Dinners to be held December 2nd in partnership with the award-winning Poplar Grove Winery.

Located on the slopes of the Naramata Bench, just outside Penticton, Poplar Grove Winery began as a quintessential garage winery in 1993. Over the last two years, Poplar Grove has entered an era of re-invention, moving from an artisan winery to a world-class winery with 150 acres of new vineyards under cultivation.

Paired with signature selections from Poplar Grove Winery and their second label Monster Vineyards, December’s menu will not only focus on fall flavours and local ingredients, such as Polderside Duck, but will include course which feature Poplar Grove Blue Cheese.

For this dinner in the Vancouver’s darkest, stormiest season, chefs Karl Gregg and Allan Bosomworth have created dishes that perfectly combine robust textures and traditional winter ingredients with subtle flavours and classic preparations to satisfy the soul and please the palate.

The Wine Drinker Dinner is $65 per person (tax and gratuity not included). As always, reservations are recommended. Email info@twochefsandatable.com or call 778-233-1303 to secure your table.

Menu

Amuse Bouche
Cold cured wild salmon w/radish, cucumber and micro greens, beet crème fraiche
Wine: Monster Vineyards Rose 08

First Course
Leek and Potato Soup: hand made with Yukon Gold potato, braised leeks, crisp prosciutto, chive oil
Wine: Monster Vineyards 08 Sauvignon Blanc

Second Course
Fall risotto w/caramelized onions, fresh sage, chickpeas
Wine: Poplar Grove Pinot Gris 08

Third Course
Poplar Blue Cheese Croquettes made w/Poplar blue cheese, basil aioli, fresh mustard micro greens
Wine: Poplar Grove Merlot 06

Entrée
Polderside duck breast:  pan seared, orange and bay leaf reduction, seasonal fall vegetables or Double Braised Short Ribs: long braised with fire-roasted tomato, rosemary, shallots, accompanied by yam puree, heirloom carrots

Wine: Poplar Grove Cab Franc

Directly from the Hart House Press Release:

DICKENS LUNCHEON BUFFET - December 7th to 24th, Monday to Friday only
Select from hearty winter favourites such as Roasted Turkey, Carved Country Ham, Root Vegetables, and Warm Bread Pudding.
$35 per person exclusive of taxes and gratuity

CHRISTMAS DINNER – December 25th, 2009
Join us for traditional Turkey Dinner with all the trimmings or Seared Sablefish or Braised Beef Shortribs.
All the pleasures of a Christmas feast with none of the culinary drudgery!
$55 per person exclusive of taxes and gratuity
Reservations required for both early and late seating.

NEW YEAR’S EVE DINNER – December 31st, 2009
Ring in the New Year with style.  The early seating offers three delectable courses, and the late seating is a decadent five-courses.
Early seatings (5:30 or 6:00pm) - $55 per person exclusive of taxes and gratuity
Late seatings (8:30 or 9:00pm) - $75 per person exclusive of taxes and gratuity
Reservations required

Directly from the West Coast Christmas Show Press Release:

Shop for the Holidays From Over 150 Companies Exhibiting at the West Coast Christmas Show + Marketplace

The ultimate Christmas shopping experience is only one week away at the West Coast Christmas Show + Marketplace at Tradex in Abbotsford, Nov 27-29, 2009.

The show will feature well over 150 exhibiting companies offering you a unique shopping opportunity for gifts including toys, ornaments, chocolates, jewelry, accessories, flowers, gift baskets, and everything Christmas!

Shop and explore products from exhibitors all across BC and beyond. Come see these exhibiting companies from the Greater Vancouver Area:

ACE CURRIES TO GO

BATTEN INDUSTRIES

GEOFFREY LANE

NAKED BODY CARE

P.S. DESIGNS

SPIRIT WORKS LIMITED

WARM BUDDY COMPANY

ASIAN FOODS

BC CANCER AGENCY PREVENTION PROGRAMS

BRITISH COLUMBIA MAGAZINE

CONTEXT SHOP

CRYSTAL FILES & GIFTS INC.

CUTCO CUTLERY

HAY + COMPANY ENTERPRISES INC

INANNA HERBAL REMEDIES LTD

J & P TRADING CO

LUMINUS CANDLES

MAD ABOUT FOOD INC

MAISON COTE VANCOUVER

OLEA EUROPAEA IMPORTS LTD

SCENTSY WICKLESS CANDLES

SISTERS SECRET GOURMET FOODS INC

TALIA DESIGNS

TEA SO DIVINE IMPORTS

VIANDER CANADA

ZEBA EMPORIUM INC

ZIMMERMANN GLOBAL TRADING

In addition to holiday shopping, the Home for the Holiday’s Stage features fabulous entertainment by Food Network Hosts Anna Olson, and Anthony Sedlak, and CTV Canada AM’s Karl Lohnes,

Anna Olson, Host of Food Network shows “Sugar” and “Fresh,” will be whipping up delicious treats and meals.

Host and Author of “The Main” on Food Network, Anthony Sedlak will be preparing mouthwatering dishes and offering countless tips for the holiday season.

Learn how to decorate with flair, as Designer Karl Lohnes, will demonstrate how to decorate your home in style. As the Style Editor for Style at Home Magazine, Karl will provide expert tips and simple tricks that everyone can use.

This year’s Christmas show will feature BC Hydro’s Power the Games Tour, complimentary cheese seminars by the Dairy Farmer’s of Canada, Photos with Santa, Festival of Trees and more.

The West Coast Christmas Show + Marketplace, the ultimate shopping experience, begins Nov 27.

West Coast Christmas Show + Marketplace

Friday November 27      12 Noon - 8 pm

Saturday November 28  10am - 8pm

Sunday November 29    10am - 5pm

Tradex Exhibition Centre

1190 Cornell Street

Abbotsford, BC

GK Media Inc is pleased to be presenting an ongoing collection of recipes from various cookbooks.
The recipe that will be featured today is Fruit Antipasti from the new Fresh Cookbook by Anna Olson.

To download all of the recipes please use the recipe iPod guide or go to the Recipes page.

To have a chance to win a copy of the Fresh Cookbook please enter our December 10th, 2009 newsletter draw.