New Feature Article: Sun Peaks Wine and Culture Festival
Wednesday, March 31st, 2010GK Media Inc is pleased to present a new feature article:
Elegance Meets Adrenaline at the Sun Peaks Wine and Culture Festival
Archive for March, 2010
Provence Marinaside and Tinhorn Creek Vineyards News
Tuesday, March 30th, 2010Directly from the Provence Marinaside Press Release:
SOMETHING’S FISHY AT PROVENCE IN APRIL
(Vancouver, BC) — From April 1st through 30th, join Provence Marinaside in Yaletown for some finny fun and fine food at its second annual Poisson d’Avril. In France, ‘Poisson d’Avril’ (April’s Fish) is a one day affair corresponding to our April Fool’s Day. The good folks at Provence Marinaside believe you can never have too much of a good thing and have extended the fun to encompass a month-long celebration of all things fishy.
The celebration comes with its own ‘fish forward’ three-course menu offering a ‘school’ of choices for only $45. On it you’ll find fish of every description prepared in a myriad of ways. From sardines to salmon, confit to bouillabaisse there is something to please every fish lover on the extensive menu. For an additional $5 you can also order the Whole Fish of the Day, accompanied by seasonal vegetables and seven-grain rice. Then end on a sweet note with a choice of something decadent from Provence’s regular menu of hand-crafted desserts. Can you say ‘French lemon tarte?’
“As an inaugural member of Ocean Wise, we serve only fish that have been harvested in a sustainable and responsible manner. That still gives us plenty of choice,” states Provence’s Executive Chef and Owner, Jean-Francis Quaglia. “Poisson d’Avril is an opportunity to welcome spring with a bit of fun.” Everyone gets involved, including the children of staff who have created the hand-drawn fish what whimsically adorn the restaurant and menus during the promotion.
In France, Poisson d’Avril is an ‘excuse’ to poke a little fun and play a practical joke or two. People attach fish (usually paper cut-outs) to the back of their friends and family, who, unaware of the addition to their wardrobe, continue about the day with the new accessory until someone shouts ‘Poisson d’Avril!’ and the jinx is up. Patissiers and chocolatiers create special fish-shaped treats while at some restaurants, little chocolate fish are presented following the meal.
During April, some Provence patrons will find a lucky Poisson under their plate or pinned to their coat. These Poissons come with a prize – perhaps a complimentary appetizer, dessert or meal discount or a copy of New World Provence or even a chance to win a personal cooking demonstration class in their home with Chefs Alessandra and Jean-Francis Quaglia.
The restaurant will also offer a daily rosé feature by the glass, half litre or bottle.
While there is something very fishy happening at Provence Marinaside in April, diners will agree that the Poisson d’Avril menu is no joke!
Poisson d’Avril 2010 April 1 – 30, 2010
Menu $45 per person
Duo of Smoked Fish
albacore tuna and salmon pearl onions, gherkins, mixed greens
or
Mackerel Façon Bouillabaisse poached in fish soup saffron rouille, gruyère cheese
or
Halibut Cheek Confit snow pea sprouts, piquillo peppers, tapenade crostini Citrus Dusted Salmon asparagus, hollandaise, fingerling potatoes
or
Baked Sardine Fillets Mediterranean vinaigrette, farro, arugula, spinach
or
Halibut marinated oven dried plum tomato vinaigrette legumes vert, saffron new potatoes
or
Daily Whole Fish seasonal vegetables, seven grain rice
(please add $5 for this dish)
or
Sable Fish snow pea sprouts, piquillo peppers fennel, orange, black olive essence
Dessert
choice from our menu
Directly from the Tinhorn Creek Vineyards Press Release:
Breaking Ground with TLC
Oliver, BC… The time has come; Tinhorn Creek Vineyards has broken ground to begin construction on their newest venture, a restaurant venue that overlooks the South Okanagan. In conjunction with Manuel Ferreira of Le Gavroche Restaurant in Vancouver, winery partners Kenn Oldfield and Bob Shaunessy eagerly look forward to April 2011 and the opening of this highly anticipated addition to the Golden Mile. And continuing the partnership that Tinhorn Creek Vineyards established in 2004 with The Land Conservancy (TLC) Tinhorn Creek management and construction crew are making sure that the restaurant site is positioned to do little harm to indigenous plants and grasses.
Tinhorn Creek Vineyards has long awaited the construction of this restaurant. Plans were announced in the fall of 2008 to begin construction the following spring, and then the economic world changed. As we look toward the future, signs of recovery are promising and so time has come to move forward with the restaurant development. A new plan places the restaurant immediately adjacent to the outdoor amphitheatre. Guests will delight in the outstanding cuisine and service that has established Manuel Ferreira as one of Vancouver’s most respected restaurateurs. Breathtaking views of the South Okanagan Valley ensure that this restaurant will complement the high standards Tinhorn Creek has set for all visitors to the winery. With 65 seats both inside and out, the restaurant at Tinhorn Creek Vineyards will be open 10 months a year, providing both locals and visitors a spectacular experience.
The Conservation Partners Program is an initiative that aims to form a partnership between Conservation and Agriculture in BC, with mutually beneficial results. This initiative works to protect and enhance the natural habitat that live and thrive on Tinhorn Creek property. A site inspection with the TLC and Tinhorn Creek Vineyard’s Kenn and Sandra Oldfield resulted in the TLC preparing a plan detailing any native plants that may be in danger; how to remove and re-locate these plants, and advice as to which of the many native plants and trees might be added to the site.
On the hillside overlooking vineyard, sagebrush, and the old gold mining creek that gave the winery its name, Tinhorn Creek Vineyards is located just south of Oliver B.C., in the famed Golden Mile wine growing district. As the number one winery destination, evoking classic south Okanagan terroir, Tinhorn Creek Vineyards offers an unrivalled visitor experience and wines that rank among the best in the world. For more information about Tinhorn Creek Vineyards, call 1.888.484.6467 or visit the website at www.tinhorn.com.
Gnarly Head Burger Recipe Contest
Monday, March 29th, 2010Directly from the Gnarly Head Press Release:
GNARLY HEAD GNARLIEST BURGER CONTEST CELEBRATES WESTERN’S BURGER PASSION
Contestants to submit their own recipe between March 1st & May 31st, 2010
Vancouver, BC – Who will be the gnarliest of them all? It will remain a mystery until the two Gnarly Head Gnarliest Burger contest
finalists duke it out this coming July. The first ever Gnarliest Burger recipe contest kicks off in March 2010 when contestants
from all over British Columbia and Alberta will submit their own renditions of a superior burger recipe for their chance to
showcase their culinary fortitude at the Grand Finale in Vancouver, BC. Recipes will be judged by their overall gnarly factor: taste,
creativity of ingredients and visual appeal.
The judging panel will be comprised of renowned food & wine industry pros:
Tim Ellison, certified Chef de Cuisine, Sommelier and Instructor at the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts
Rob Feenie, Canada’s first Iron Chef and Cactus Club Food Concept Architect
Judith Lane, BC’s own independent Wine, Food and Travel Writer
Rhonda May, trend spotter and Western Canadian Food, Wine & Restaurants Publisher
Kasey Wilson, food and travel writer, and editor of Wine Access magazine and Best Places Vancouver
Werner Schonberger, Vice President of Select Wine Merchants, the Canadian importer of Gnarly Head Wines
“I am really looking forward to seeing the creativity of the recipes” said Werner. “Whether contestants will be reinventing their old
time favourite burger with some tasty new toppings, showing off their ethnic background or just trying something new, we look
forward to receiving all recipes.”
The Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts (PICA) in Vancouver will play host to the top 10 cook off, July 13th 2010. The students
of PICA will prepare the 10 burgers for the panel of judges who will then determine the final 2 contestants.
On Wednesday July 28th 2010, the two finalists will compete in a royal burger showdown. A public event, the finals will be
hosted by Gnarly Head and PICA at the “Cambie Kitchen” of the 39th & Cambie BC Liquor Store. The Gnarliest Burger winning
recipe will be tasted and be chosen live by the panel of judges. The winner will receive a Weber BBQ and their recipe will be
featured in TASTE Magazine and the contest website.
To enter the contest visit the official Gnarly Head website www.gnarlyhead.com/canada
About Gnarly Head
Gnarly Head was launched in 2005 and takes its name from the free standing “head trained” vines found in older California
vineyards that provide grapes for the flagship Gnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel. These 35-80 year old vines have twisted trunks
and branches that spread out in all directions sprouting leaves like unruly umbrellas – truly gnarly heads. Gnarly Head wines
available in BC are Old Vine Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon.www.gnarlyhead.com
About Select Wine Merchants
Select Wine Merchants is one of the leading privately owned wine and spirits import agencies in Canada. They represent key
wineries from most wine producing countries as well as spirits from the Remy Cointreau Group, with annual sales close to 1.4
million cases. The company employs 75 people covering Canada from coast to coast who sell and market the portfolio’s products
to the various provincial Liquor Boards, private retailers and licensed on-trade establishments. www.selectwines.ca
New Feature Recipe: Traditional Succotash
Sunday, March 28th, 2010GK Media Inc is pleased to present a new feature recipe:
Traditional Succotash from the Vegetarian Slow Cooker Cookbook by Judith Finlayson
To download all of the recipes please use the recipe iPod guide or go to the Recipes page.
Vancouver Symphony Spring Concerts and West Restaurant News
Saturday, March 27th, 2010Directly from the VSO Press Release:
Highlights of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra’s Spring Concerts
Vancouver, BC – Spring for the VSO features a strong line-up of guest artists, great classical repertoire, fun Symphony Pops, matinees, and a range of concerts for children and families. This second half of the 2009/2010 Season includes such prominent artists as jazz trumpeter Chris Botti, the amazing troupe of Cirque de la Symphonie, legendary violinist Itzhak Perlman, violinist Nicola Benedetti, pianist Barry Douglas, pianist Darrett Zusko, and violinist Vadim Gluzman.
We begin our Season Highlights with American jazz trumpeter Chris Botti, one of the world’s top instrumentalists, who will make his much-anticipated debut with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. Botti is a master artist and performer who has sold nearly three million albums worldwide. His breathtaking smooth jazz stylings will blend beautifully with the sumptuous sounds of a full Symphony Orchestra.
VSO Assistant Conductor Evan Mitchell leads the orchestra and the amazing acrobat troupe of Cirque de la Symphonie in a thrilling, high-wire production. Cirque de la Symphonie pairs veterans of the worldwide Cirque phenomenon with a mix of light classics and film music performed by the orchestra for an exhilarating – and unique – VSO Pops concert.
Undeniably the reigning classical music virtuoso, Itzhak Perlman is celebrated by critics and audiences worldwide—not only for the beauty and perfection of his playing, but the irrepressible joy of music which he communicates. Maestro Perlman will perform one of the greatest concertos ever written for any instrument, Mendelssohn’s beautiful and romantic Violin Concerto in E minor.
Nicola Benedetti is one of the brightest, most talented stars in the Classical world and she makes her welcome return to the VSO to perform a rarely heard but exciting violin concerto, the subject of her 2004 BBC Young Musician of the Year award. Maestro Kazuyoshi Akiyama will lead the orchestra in Bruckner’s romantic masterpiece Symphony No. 4.
Barry Douglas is truly an extraordinary musician, having studied piano, clarinet, cello and organ while growing up in Belfast. In 1986 he became the first non-Russian to win gold in the International Tchaikovsky Piano Competition since Van Cliburn in 1958. Douglas will conduct and perform in a concert that features Mozart’s thrilling little G minor symphony and Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No.1.
Deeper into the Spring, the VSO presents a thrilling Russian concert featuring two of the most exciting and popular works in all of the Russian repertoire: Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No.1 and Khachaturian’s Gayane and Sabre Dance. Raved about by critics and audiences alike, Canadian pianist Darrett Zusko is rapidly establishing himself as one of the leading artists of his generation. Please note that Darrett Zusko replaces Yevgeny Sudbin, originally scheduled to perfom in this concert.
Shostakovich’s Violin Concerto No. 1 in a live concert performance is a thrill ride of the highest order, especially in the hands of a master like Vadim Gluzman, whose skills and passion will astonish you. The second half of the concert features the extraordinary and emotional climax to Tchaikovsky’s career and life, Symphony No. 6 ‘Pathetique.’
FULL APRIL CONCERT LISTINGS FOLLOW:
CONCERT INFO
Musically Speaking
Saturday, April 10, 8pm, Orpheum Theatre
Piano Prodigy: Joyce Yang Plays Grieg
Bramwell Tovey, conductor
Joyce Yang, piano
Elgar Pomp & Circumstance March No. 1
Brahms Hungarian Dances 1, 5, 10
Grieg Piano Concerto
Elgar Enigma Variations
April 10th Video Screen Sponsor: TELUS
April 10th Special Video Screen Presentations Created and Produced by: Columbia Academy
April 10th Radio Sponsor: CHQM-FM
Tickets for April 10th: $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
Specials
Monday, April 12, 8pm, Orpheum Theatre
Chris Botti with the VSO!
Bramwell Tovey, conductor
Chris Botti, trumpet
Visit Chris Botti at: www.chrisbotti.com
Tickets: $25 - $65 (senior, student and subscriber discounts available)
Tickets available online at www.vancouversymphony.ca or by calling VSO customer service at 604.876.3434
Pacific Arbour Tea & Trumpets
Thursday, April 15, 2pm, Orpheum Theatre
An English Country Garden
Evan Mitchell, conductor
Christopher Gaze, host
Melanie Krueger, soprano
Beautiful, sentimental English classics, including the spine-tingling Nimrod from Elgar’s Enigma Variations, excerpts from Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Mikado, and more. Complimentary tea and cookies served in the lobby one hour before concert start time.
Series Sponsor: Pacific Arbour
Tea and cookies compliments of Tetley Tea and Peek Freans
Tickets: Adults $36, Seniors $30
Tickets available online at www.vancouversymphony.ca or by calling VSO customer service at 604.876.3434
London Drugs VSO Pops
Friday and Saturday, April 16 and 17, 8pm, Orpheum Theatre
Cirque de la Symphonie
Evan Mitchell, conductor
Cirque de la Symphonie, entertainers
Visit Cirque de la Symphonique at www.cirquedelasymphonie.com
Series Sponsor: London Drugs
April 16th Concert Sponsor: Scotiabank
April 17th Concert Sponsor: Craftsman Collision
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
Spectra Energy Kids’ Koncerts
Sunday, April 18, 2pm, Orpheum
Vivaldi’s Ring of Mystery
Evan Mitchell, conductor
Classical Kids, entertainers
Vivaldi, Venice and violins: all three are celebrated in a compelling mystery story by Classical Kids about an orphan girl in search of her roots. Instrument Fair at 1pm in the lobby: children get to play real orchestral instruments with the help of young musicians and members of the VSO. Instruments courtesy of Tom Lee Music.
Visit Classical Kids online at: www.classicsforkids.com
Series Sponsor: Spectra Energy
Tickets: Adults $26, Kids $18
Tickets available online at www.vancouversymphony.ca or by calling VSO customer service at 604.876.3434
Bach & Beyond
Friday & Saturday, April 23 & 24, 8pm, Chan Centre for the Performing Arts at UBC
Bach to the Future
Bramwell Tovey, conductor
Christie Reside, flute
Bach Suite No. 2 in B minor
Stravinsky Pulcinella: Suite
Mozart Masonic Funeral Music
Haydn Symphony No. 73 in D Major, La chasse
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.
Parking FREE to ticket holders
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
Vancouver Sun Symphony at the Roundhouse
Saturday, April 24, 8pm, Roundhouse Community Centre, Yaletown
Solos
Evan Mitchell, conductor
Alexander Dunn, guitar
Joan Blackman, violin
John Oliver La Abuela
Scott Good Anguished Grief
Piotr Grella-Mozejko Monumentum
Giacinto Scelsi Anahit
Series Sponsor: Vancouver Sun
Special Thanks: SOCAN Foundation
Tickets: $27 (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, April 26, Orpheum Theatre
The Legendary Itzhak Perlman
Bramwell Tovey, conductor
Itzhak Perlman, violin
Mozart The Marriage of Figaro, K.492: Overture
Elgar Enigma Variations
Mendelssohn A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Op. 61: Nocturne, Wedding March
Mendelssohn Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64
Tickets: $50 - $175 (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 West Restaurant Press Release:
WARREN GERAGHTY TO DEPART WEST
A message from Top Table proprietor, Jack Evrensel:
“It is with no small regret that I announce that Warren Geraghty, executive chef of West Restaurant, will be departing at a yet-to-be determined date.
Warren has made many valuable contributions in leading our culinary team since arriving from his native London, England in 2008. His conversant style with local ingredients continuously pushed West to the forefront of British Columbia’s fine dining landscape and his contributions to West: The Cookbook were invaluable in chronicling many of the restaurant’s signature recipes.
Our talented kitchen brigade will continue to develop and implement our seasonally-based culinary program, and to achieve the high standards that are synonymous with West.
We wish Warren all the very best in his future endeavours.”
Vancouver Playhouse Wine Festival, Elixir Bistro and Donnelly Hospitality Group News
Friday, March 26th, 2010Directly from the Playhouse Wine Festival Press Release:
PLAYHOUSE WINE FESTIVAL WILL BRING WORLD’S TOP WINE PRODUCERS & PERSONALITIES
Meet the industry’s international young guns and master vintners
Vancouver, BC, March 25, 2010 – The 2010 Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival will open its doors to some of the most progressive winemakers and winery principals in the world. These trailblazers will be at various Festival tastings and events, offering both wine neophytes and serious oenophiles alike the unique opportunity to meet and chat with them one-on-one.
LEADING LADIES
Joining from theme region Argentina and representing Bodega Catena Zapata is Laura Catena, Winery President and daughter of iconic proprietor and Decanter’s Man of the Year 2009, Nicolas Catena. As the leader of the research and development initiatives for the winery, Laura focuses on Malbec-specific site selection and blending from different altitudes - a practice that is unique to Argentina. In addition to her trendsetting in Mendoza, Laura lives part-time in San Francisco, where she works both as an emergency room doctor as well as an educator in emergency medicine. At the Festival, Laura will lead an intimate tasting of two choice verticals including all three Super Malbecs at the Bodega Catena Zapata: Now and For All Time event held at the Terminal City Club, Ceperley-Walker Room, 837 West Hastings Street, on Thursday, April 22nd from 5:15 – 6:45 pm.
Recently crowned German Wine Queen Sonja Christ is a 25-year-old MBA graduate and winemaker’s daughter from the Mosel region. Sonja will be joining the Festival this year as an ambassador for German winegrowers. The Wine Queen is selected via a national competition that pits wine savvy women against each other for a title that bears the unique responsibility of educating the public domain on all things German wine. One of her 250 international appearances this year will include a celebration of Germans wines alongside bites by Chef Rob Belcham and beats from DJ Leanne at this year’s German Zest Fest being held at Campagnolo Restaurant, 1020 Main Street, Tuesday, April 20th from 9:00 – 11:00 pm.
MASTER MAKERS
From pioneering single-vineyard wines in California, to crafting unfiltered, unfined wines with native yeasts, Paul Hobbs has established a reputation that reaches far beyond the sunny regions of Napa and Sonoma. His love of old-world techniques and forging into unknown territory has seen him playing an integral role in determining the direction of the winemaking revolution in the Festival’s co-theme region, Argentina. Lecturing on worldwide regional variations in both viticulture and vinification, Global Winemaking with Paul Hobbs takes place at VCC West, meeting room 110, 1055 Canada Place on Thursday, April 22nd from 5:00 – 6:45 pm.
Venerated sommelier and Gerant of Rubicon Estate, Larry Stone will be in Vancouver to lead a boardroom tasting of hand selected vintages from the legendary winery. Mr. Stone is the only American to have earned the title of French Master Sommelier from the Union de la Sommelerie in France, is a two-time recipient of the James Beard Award for Outstanding Wine Service, and sits on the Board of Directors of the Court of Master Sommeliers. His fascination with the grape has led to becoming actively involved in winemaking, and Stone creates Napa Valley Cabernet, Cabernet Franc and Merlot for Rubicon under his own Sirita label, named for his daughter. The Rubicon Estate: Rutherford Dust & Larry Stone event will take place at the Terminal City Club’s Ceperley-Walker Room at 837 West Hastings Street on April 21st from 4:00 – 5:30pm but is SOLD OUT, however Larry Stone is also scheduled to attend Laura Catena’s Boardroom Tasting.
MOVERS AND SHAKERS
Known for his outstanding Syrahs and Cabernets, South African winemaker Marc Kent joins the Festival representing his winery Boekenhoutskloof. A former server who tasted his way through several vintages of all the first-growths including wines from DRC, Petrus, and the Mosel - by the age of 22 - Marc went on to produce wine for Boekenhoutskloof (the only SA winery to be rated “Outstanding” by Robert Parker) and the first and only winery at which he has ever worked, producing 500 cases in his first vintage in 1996. Marc is considered by his peers to be a rising star in the arena of young, energetic winemakers producing quality small lots out of South Africa. Mark will be speaking at the South Africa Treasure, North Shore Gem winemakers dinner at Moustache Cafe, 129 West 2nd Street, North Vancouver on April 20th from 6:30 – 9:30pm.
An outstanding group of international wine stars will gather for the Festival’s first Meet your Match: Speed Dating Meets Wine Tasting event. Guests will have a very unique opportunity to personally ask questions of each attending principal, including New Zealand’s Matua Valley winery founder, Bill Spence, the man responsible for the first plantings of sauvignon blanc and subsequently spearheading a country-wide movement. Also attending will be Kendall-Jackson Winemaster and Chief Operating Officer, Randy Ullom who is charged with the direction of vineyards in California and Argentina, and is one of the few winemakers in the world to work two harvests a year in two different hemispheres. Guests will also have a chance to chat with Okanagan wine aficionado and internationally recognized winemaker Anthony Von Mandl; the young and dynamic Chianti Classico estate man, Sergio Zingarelli; Trapiche trailblazer Daniel Pi; and Beaucastel’s Thomas Perrin to name a few. Each of these prolific personalities will be clad with wine and ready to answer questions about their lives, their love of wine, and more at VCC West, 1055 Canada Place on Saturday, April 24th from 5:00-6:45 pm.
Directly from the Elixir Bistro Press Release:
The Ride to Conquer Cancer — Fundraising Brunch at Elixir Conquering Cancer One Mile at a Time
(Vancouver, BC) March 25, 2010 - Elixir Bistro Executive Chef Don Letendre has once again embarked on a history-making opportunity to make an epic crusade against cancer. On June 19 and 20, 2010, Letendre will cycle for two days from Vancouver to Seattle in the Ride to Conquer Cancer, which brings together athletes, cycling enthusiasts, and anyone looking for an extreme challenge and a great cause.
On Sunday May 2, Elixir Bistro at OPUS Hotel Vancouver hosts a fundraiser brunch and silent auction, benefitting Team Merckx. Letendre is honoured to once again join this team, which was started by former pro cyclist and Tour de France participant Axel Merckx and wife Jody Merckx of Kelowna. The goal of Team Merckx is to raise $100,000.00 for the Ride to Conquer Cancer. Proceeds from the brunch will go toward the team’s ambitious target. For more information, or to make a donation visit: www.conquercancer.ca.
In the spirit of the cycling event, Executive Chef Don Letendre has partnered up with Team Merckx captain Olivier Lebeau to develop a custom menu featuring specialty items including: The After Burn (scallion and bacon waffle, poached eggs, grilled asparagus tomato jam and sauce béarnaise) and Licking the Front Tire (Pavlova, lemon curd and fresh berries). The three-course set brunch will be served on Sunday, May 2 from 10:00am – 3:30pm at $40.00 per person. $30.00 will cover the cost of food and $10.00 will go directly to the cause. There is also a children’s menu available for $30.00. For more information or to make a reservation call 604.642.0557.
Directly from the Donnelly Hospitality Group Press Release:
DJ QUIK - THURSDAY, APRIL 1ST
Known best for the singles “Tonight” and “Born and Raised In Compton” from the album “Quik Is The Name”, this West Coast legend is a cornerstone of rap music, helping define the LA scene in the early 90s. As influential behind the mixing board as the turntables, QUIK helped produce pivotal albums for 2Pac and Snoop - don’t miss a very special STRAIGHT GOODS as we kick Vancity’s realest hiphop night into full gear!
10:00 PM - 3:00 AM
Bar None - 1222 Hamilton Street
PULSE - SUNDAY, APRIL 4TH
Pulse is the newest and only Yaletown premier
long weekend party destination.
pulse [ pulss ] - a throb of life, emotion.
10:00 PM - 3:00 AM
Bar None - 1222 Hamilton Street
BARLETTA - FRIDAY, MARCH 27TH
BLKOUT with
[ [ [ BARLETTA] ] ] (Toronto)
http://myspace.com/djbarletta
[ [ [ KISSED WITH A NOISE ] ] ] (Paranoiak)
http://myspace.com/kissedwithanoise
Trevor Risk (ice cream social, AOC)
Aki
9:00 PM - 3:00 AM
The Modern - 7 Alexander Street
GOOD LIFE LONG WEEKEND - SUNDAY, APRIL 4TH
Curtis, Richie, Seko, Kutcorners, hip hop, r & b, classics material. ‘Nuff said.
10:00 PM - 3:00 AM
The Modern - 7 Alexander Street
ROOM SERVICE - EVERY FRIDAY
Featuring Vancouver’s top resident Djs with rotating special guests setting the Friday night vibe with hip hop, RnB and dance music for Vancouver heads to get down.
With resident DJs Jay Swing, Flipout, Kutcorners and Hustle dropping the best tunes to start your weekend off right!
Watch clubZone.com for special guest DJ announcements.
10:00 PM - 3:00 AM
Pop Opera - 686 West Hastings
RELAPSE - SUNDAY, APRIL 4TH
Vancouver’s most advanced clubbing environment and hottest night club in town! Big things poppin’ on Easter Day Long Weekend with Vancity’s 4 Biggest Promotional teams joining forces again! Come celebrate with us as we`re ready to rock dance floor once again!! The last long weekend was jammed pack and we expect the same for this one! Get on the guestlist with your favorite promoter.
9:30PM - 3:00AM
Pop Opera - 686 West Hastings
THE BLEND - WEDNESDAYS
Each and every Wednesday, with resident DJ Supafly - Vancouver’s most bangin mid-week clubnight featuring the best party-rock, hip-hop and dance anthems - check it! Up on the patio The Boyscouts mix old school hip hop, funk and classic party jams on 4 turntables.
9:00PM - 3:00AM
Republic - 958 Granville Street
THE GRADUATE - THURSDAYS
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!
9:00PM - 3:00AM
Republic - 958 Granville Street
Vancouver Food and Wine News
Thursday, March 25th, 2010Directly from the Rocky Mountaineer Press Release:
ROCKY MOUNTAINEER INTRODUCES NEW GOLDLEAF THEMED EXPERIENCES WINE TASTING PACKAGE FOR 2010
Travellers can now enjoy an exclusive rail journey and explore Okanagan Wine Country
Vancouver, British Columbia (March 24, 2010) – Rocky Mountaineer is pleased to introduce one of its most luxurious packages ever, the new GoldLeaf Themed Experiences – Wine Tasting package. This unique package is geared towards wine enthusiasts and allows guests to spilt up their two-day rail journey between Vancouver, BC and Banff, Alberta and explore the Okanagan Valley with an exclusive wine tour experience. These eight-day, seven-night tours combine an enhanced GoldLeaf Service experience onboard the train with visits and tastings at some of BC’s award-winning wineries in the Okanagan region as well as unique excursions on either end.
“We are really excited to share with our guests a region of BC that is known around the world for its exceptional wineries,” says Hubert Wat, Vice President, Marketing of Rocky Mountaineer. “The exclusive tour allows guests to take in a stunning rail journey and gives them the opportunity to indulge and enjoy the Western Canadian provinces of BC and Alberta.”
Guest will enjoy an exclusive onboard experience designed specifically for this package which includes wine-paired meals designed by Rocky Mountaineer’s Corporate Executive Chef and prepared fresh onboard, highlighting the finest regional cuisine and renowned BC wines. Travel onboard a specially designed GoldLeaf Themed dome-coach, complete with a plush upper-lounge, perfect for taking in the stunning scenery passing by your windows. Guests overnight in deluxe accommodations along the trip, and upon disembarking the train in Banff, can also enjoy a breathtaking helicopter tour or a round of golf on a world-class course in the shadows of the Canadian Rockies.
The GoldLeaf Themed Experiences – Wine Tasting package is an eight-day, seven-night trip that operates between Vancouver, BC and Banff, Alberta. The package includes a guided tour of the region, visits to seven award-winning wineries, expertly prepared wine-paired meals and a two-day rail journey onboard Rocky Mountaineer’s exclusive GoldLeaf Themed Coach. This exclusive opportunity is only available on two dates in 2010 – June 17th and September 9th. Rates start at $7499 CDN per person, based on double occupancy. Some of the wineries visited along the tour include Gray Monk Estate Winery, Sumac Ridge Estate Winery, Hillside Estate Winery and Nk’Mip Winery.
For more information on the GoldLeaf Themed Experiences – Wine Tasting package or to receive a copy of the 2010 Rocky Mountaineer brochure, please contact your local travel professional or Rocky Mountaineer directly at (800) 665-7245, or visit www.rockymountaineer.com.
Directly from the Chocolate Arts Press Release:
Easter Chocolate Making Class
Make your own Easter Chocolates and gifts with Chocolate Arts Chef/Chocolatier Greg Hook
Make over 100 chocolates to take home & share for the Easter holiday. Chocolates include truffles, seasonal creations and a stand-up chocolate Easter centerpiece Limited to 12 people ensuring a hands-on experience with personal guidance including the chocolate enrobing machine.
Take home all of your creations. Course includes a 15% discount card on future bulk chocolate, gift packaging available
Saturday, March 27th 9am - 12:30pm (Afternoon session available upon demand)
$190 person - Register at 604 739 0475, or by e-mail at info@chocolatearts.com
Minimum of 8 participants will be required to hold this class
Classes held at Chocolate Arts Production Kitchen
1620 West 3rd Ave. between Fir & Pine streets, parking, entrance at back
Advanced registration & payment in full required upon registration.
Chocolate Arts Retail Shop
2037 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver BC Canada V6J 1N3
604-739-0475
www.chocolatearts.com info@chocolatearts.com
Directly from the Commercial Drive Business Society Press Release:
Down‐to‐Earth on The Drive! Earth Hour 2010
WHERE: Commercial Drive, Vancouver, BC
WHEN: MARCH 27th, 2010, 8:30 pm ‐ 9:30 pm
The Drive is down‐to‐earth! Commercial Drive merchants are showing support for Earth Hour 2010. On Saturday, March 27th from 8:30 pm ‐ 9:30 pm over 25 restaurants and cafes on Commercial Drive will turn down the lights and guests can dine and drink by candlelight! Join us in saving energy and enter to win a Commercial Drive candles and spa prize package!
Last year, over 10 million Canadians turned off their lights for Earth Hour in support of action on climate change. Local businesses in the Commercial Drive area are joining the coast‐to‐coast efforts to make a difference, and taking action to reduce their energy consumption.
Please visit www.thedrive.ca for a list of participating Earth Hour 2010 merchants
Eat! Vancouver Show and Araxi Cookbook News
Wednesday, March 24th, 2010Directly from the Eat! Vancouver Show Press Release:
EAT! VANCOUVER FOOD + COOKING FESTIVAL
VANCOUVER CONVENTION CENTRE – WEST
MAY 28-30, 2010
EAT! Vancouver is gearing up for an all-star line-up on the Food Network Celebrity Stage including: Chuck Hughes, Rob Feenie, and Larry Thomas – The Soup Nazi.
Host of Food Network’s Chucks Day Off, Chuck Hughes will be showcasing his culinary talent the Food Network Celebrity Stage. Chuck and his two best friends opened their own restaurant in Montreal, Garde-Manger, where Chuck’s Day Off is currently taped. Chuck’s philosophy revolves around simple, well-made food, which will definitely be showcased on stage.
Vancouver’s own Iron Chef America and Food Concept Architect for Cactus Club Café Restaurants, Rob Feenie will be returning once again to the Food Network Stage to demonstrate quick and easy dishes. Feenie is often called upon to represent Canada, traveling as an Ambassador for Canadian and British Columbia food products and wines, and sharing Vancouver’s cuisine with the rest of the world.
EAT! Vancouver is very pleased to announce the appearance of Larry Thomas, The Soup Nazi, from the hit TV series Seinfeld. Larry Thomas has gained tremendous popularity for his portrayal of the soup kitchen chef in New York City and has appeared in TV shows, including Arrested Development and Scrubs.
In addition to the Food Network Celebrity Stage, EAT! Vancouver will feature the over 250 exhibit booths and numerous exciting pavilions, stages and cooking competitions including:
BITE of Vancouver Restaurant Pavilion
CityTV’s Master Chef Competition
Grapes and Hops Presentation Stage
Wine, Beer and Spirits Tasting Pavilion
Dairy Farmer’s of Canada Cheese Seminars
Culinary Secrets Stage
Wellness Pavilion
BC Chef’s Association Culinary Salon + Chocolate Competition
EAT! Vancouver is Canada’s largest food + cooking festival and will be a spectacular showcase for everything food, cooking and more.
Directly from the Araxi Restaurant Press Release:
NORTHERN STAR
Araxi: Seasonal Recipes from the Celebrated Whistler Restaurant
receives prestigious James Beard Award nomination
Whistler, B.C. - The warm afterglow of the Winter Olympics was further brightened when Araxi: Seasonal Recipes from the Celebrated Whistler Restaurant recently gained two international cookbook awards and high praise from chefs Gordon Ramsay and Heston Blumenthal.
Yesterday, things went truly stellar, with the nomination of Araxi for a James Beard Foundation Award.
Araxi by James Walt was nominated for the ‘Cooking from a Professional Point of View’ category, along with Momofuku by David Chang and Peter Meehan and The Fundamental Techniques of Classic Pastry Arts by The French Culinary Institute with Judith Choate.
“I’m absolutely delighted for our entire culinary team at Araxi, along with John Sherlock, Jim Tobler, and our publisher, Douglas & McIntyre, all of whom dedicated a great deal of time and expertise to this important project,” said Jack Evrensel, proprietor of Top Table Group.
One of only two Canadian nominations, this recognition continues Chef Walt’s ties with the James Beard Foundation, having performed three times at James Beard House (in 1998, 2002, and 2006) in New York City’s Greenwich Village.
“I’m proud to receive this nomination,” said Chef Walt. “It’s a pleasure to be recognized amongst those I admire and I wish David Chang, Peter Meehan, Judith Choate, and all of the other nominees the very best.”
The winners will be announced in New York City on Sunday, May 2, 2010 at an invitation-only event honouring the nation’s top cookbooks, food journalists and culinary broadcast programs.
Vancouver Restaurant Deals
Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010March 22nd to May 23rd, 2010: Shrimpfest is on at all Boathouse Restaurant locations
March 25th, 2010: Dining Out For Life Vancouver
March 26 to April 25th, 2010: 2 for 1 Hamilton Street Grill Brunch Special
April 4th, 2010: Easter Sunday Brunch at The Dockside Restaurant
March 29th, 2010: Cooking class with Chef Dale MacKay of Lumiere
Until May 31st, 2010: Try the 7 days of Love at Posh Restaurants
Thursday is date night at CRU Restaurant. $99 for two to dine with wine. Check the Events heading
Food Vancouver Select Guide: Sake a part of Japanese culture
Monday, March 22nd, 2010GK Media Inc is pleased to present a new feature article:
Food Vancouver Select Guide: Sake a part of Japanese culture
