Vancouver's best-kept restaurant secrets

Directly from the Donnelly Group Press Release:

This Sunday, The Lamplighter Pub in historic Gastown goes for round two of our patio series.  If you missed the last one do yourself a favour and get down to this industry gong show.  The best patio in Gastown will be rocking with blended drinks throughout the day, Retrofit and an A-List line up of DJs featuring Dana D, Cherk and Demoe, El DjLoco and others.

Long Weekend parties a-plenty with The Academic and Lamplighter filling rooms and patios with Canada Day celebrations.

Remember when a beer only cost a nickel?  Well me neither.  But the Academic, Cinema, Lamplighter and Library Square are doing $2.90 domestic sleeves on Tuesdays and $3 wing Wednesdays.

PATIO PARTY - SUN, JULY 4TH

A VIP Patio Party Invite only from 12-2 open to public after

with Retrofit, Dana D, Sam Demoe, Cherk, El DJ Loco and guests dropping tracks til late

2:00PM - 1:00AM
Lamplighter - 92 Water Street

LONG WEEKEND PARTY - WEDS, JUNE 30TH

DJ Kenya dropping Party Rock & Hip Hop Cassics

9:00PM - 1:00AM
Academic Public House - 1619 W Broadway

BLACK LABEL - WEDS, JUNE 30TH

w/ Christian Flores, Ethnic Friends, Mike Dobbs & Dana D

Party Starts of on the patio at 7pm and goes till late. No cover before 9pm.

7:00PM - 2:00AM
Lamplighter - 92 Water Street

CHEAP BEER TUESDAYS

$2.90 Domestic Sleeves
$11.00 Burger & Beer
all prices plus applicable taxes

Ongoing
Cinema - 901 Granville Street
The Academic  - 1619 West Broadway
The Lamplighter - 92 Water Street
Library Square - 300 West Georgia Street
The Calling - 1780 Davie Street

WING WEDNESDAYS

25 cents Wing Wednesdays every Wednesday $4.25 sleeves $6.50 cocktails www.dhmbars.ca www.modernpubculture.ca

Ongoing
Cinema - 901 Granville Street
The Academic  - 1619 West Broadway
The Lamplighter - 92 Water Street
Library Square - 300 West Georgia Street

Directly from the Hamilton Street Grill Press Release:

Hamilton Street Grill fights back with the best steak deal in town!

A nice big juicy Certified Angus Beef “King of Steaks”, the New York Striploin,  served with a great selection of summer market vegetables & potatoes for just $19

July 1st to July 31st

Every day from 5 pm daily the flame grill is on for a New York steak dinner with summer market vegetables and potatoes

$19 per person excluding that tax

For reservations call 604-331-1511 or email hamiltonstreetgrill@telus.net

Directly from the Bistrot Bistro Press Release:

July Special

Many of you have been wondering if we  would consider offering our prix fixe 7 days a week, as we had done it last year. So following your suggestion and to celebrate the first month of summer vacation, we will have the $27 3 course prix fixe available all week long.  Yes you heard it right, Friday Saturday included. The windows are opened; we have some rose wine on ice. Come on in and celebrate summer with us.

This offer is only valid from the 2st of July to the 31st.

NEW MENU ITEMS

A couple of times a year we change a few items on the menu to reflect the temperature outside.  This spring we started to tweak the menu with lighter dishes: the scallop and shrimp flambee with pastis has been a success from day one. Our new vegetarian dishes had great feedback too.

Next week under the direction of Chigusa, our cold station chef, we will add a shrimp, fennel and orange salad . It will be available as an appy or main course. Long live the summer, long life to the salad!

Directly from The Refinery Press Release:

The Refinery, known for having one of the most innovative cocktail programs in Canada, is now proud to launch a six month interactive and educational  competition called “The Cocktail Kitchen Series”.
Due to launch on July 8th 2010, “The Cocktail Kitchen Series” aims to promote niche craft cocktail development, through the expertise of Vancouver’s best veteran and up and coming bartenders who have demonstrated creativity and leadership in their craft. Only
the true ambassadors to cocktail culture need to read further.

Here is the premise of the program:

Each month, a bartender is paired with a different spirit, and a different country - this will be repeated 4 times a month with a different bartender each Thursday. Guests are invited to come down and experience the interactive
teachings of the featured bartender, who will attempt to effectively pair the featured country’s menu, with a set of three cocktails using the featured base spirit. Plus, there’s another spin: the bartenders will shop at The Refinery -
it is mandatory that each cocktail include a Refinery house bitters. One week prior their Cocktail Kitchen, the bartender will be able to score 1 oz x 3 types of bitters/vermouths/tinctures available at the Refinery for cocktail testing.
The Refinery’s Bitters Program inventory currently sits at 19 types.

Concept & Rules:

With at least one week’s notice, the featured bartender will learn of the menu and spirit to use. The cocktails should showcase the ultimate talent the bartender possesses, and as we all know, each bartender has a different style
and niche. Their cocktails will be graded by each guest that participates, up to 30 people. The results are tallied at the end of the month, and the winning bartender will receive an additional money prize, and a chance to compete again
the following month. At the end of the 6 month period, the bartender with the most wins gets a trip. Simple as that. This is the longest running competition
this city’s ever seen!

Cost:

$30 per guest (Includes tax and gratuity)
28 seats available each week.

Time:

7:00p-9:00p each Thursday starting July 8.

Tickets are available through the Refinery by calling 604-687-8001

Directly from the Rocky Mountaineer Press Release:

ROCKY MOUNTAINEER CELEBRATES SUMMER’S ARRIVAL WITH ENDLESS IDEAS FOR SUMMER FUN
~ The Whistler Sea to Sky Climb Adventure Packages offer something for everyone ~

Vancouver, British Columbia (June 28, 2010) – Summer is finally here and Rocky Mountaineer is ready with endless ideas for an exciting summer of fun for the whole family. The popular Whistler Sea to Sky Climb route not only provides guests with an exclusive look at some of BC’s most spectacular scenery, it also offers limitless adventures to suit everyone’s tastes and timelines.

“Whistler Sea to Sky Climb Adventure packages offer an array of choices for those travelling in their own backyard or to add on to their summer vacation in BC,” says Hubert Wat, Vice President of Marketing of Rocky Mountaineer. “With Whistler recently in the global spotlight, travellers are checking out what they missed during the games and the best way to travel between Vancouver and Whistler is with a Rocky Mountaineer train trip.”

Here are the top five Adventure Packages that combine the Whistler Sea to Sky Climb with great options to explore Whistler and its surrounding regions:

Wondering what you missed during the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games?  With the Whistler Olympic Adventure, travellers can see where history was made with a three-hour tour of the competition venues of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. This package includes round-trip travel, a picnic lunch, overnight accommodations and tours of the Whistler Olympic Park, the site of the alpine downhill events and the Whistler Sliding Centre. Rates start at $378 CDN per person.

For those who have the right attitude for altitude the Whistler Air Adventure awaits. Travel one-way on the Whistler Sea to Sky Climb and then head back to Vancouver by floatplane to get a bird’s eye view of Howe Sound fjords, glaciers of Garibaldi Park, and Shannon Falls along the way. Rates start at $298 CDN per person.

If flying sans plane is more your speed then the Whistler Zipline Adventure is in order. This exciting eco adventure tour features ziplines, suspension bridges and canopy walks combined with a round-trip on the Whistler Sea to Sky Climb. Rates start at $393 CDN per person.

Walking on a 12,000 year-old glacier is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to having fun on the Whistler Glacier Adventure. This package is combined with round-trip travel, a helicopter sightseeing tour and one night’s accommodation in Whistler. Rates start at $533 CDN per person.

What happens in Whistler stays in Whistler…unless you have a Facebook account and want to share the memories with friends. For those who prefer to seek out their own adventure the Whistler Overnight Adventure is the best choice. Round-trip travel and an overnight stay are included. Rates start at $305 CDN per person.

Other great options for packages on the Whistler Sea to Sky Climb include the Peak of Whistler, A Guide To Whistler, the Pre-Cruise Escape and much more. For more detailed information, or to order a copy of the 2010 brochure, please contact your local travel professional, call Rocky Mountaineer directly at (800) 665-7245 or visit the website at www.rockymountaineer.com.

The Whistler Sea to Sky Climb is a three-hour train trip that travels along the Sea-to-Sky Corridor between Vancouver and Whistler, BC, host cities of the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. Operating northbound and southbound departures Thursday through Monday, this train experience offers a choice between two services. Whistler Dome Service has guests travelling in a single-level, custom-built dome coach, boasting panoramic views of the passing scenery, in a refined yet relaxed atmosphere. Travellers enjoy a hot breakfast or afternoon tea service at their seats. Whistler Classic Service offers a traditional rail coach environment with large picture windows and assigned seating. Access to the unique Heritage Observation Car gives all guests up-close views of the breathtaking scenery.

Directly from the Hotel Bellwether Press Release:

Hotel Bellwether’s BC Resident Bonus

No Sales Tax for residents of British Columbia who are seeking great value close to home.

Bellingham, WA: Hotel Bellwether, Western Washington’s intimate waterfront-destination hotel, is pleased to offer “No Sales Tax” to residents of British Columbia who are seeking great value close to home. The promotion, which knocks 8.5%* off the total cost of each room night booked, ties in nicely with Washington State’s recent announcement regarding tax exemption for non-residents.

“As the State’s tax savings do not apply to lodging, we wanted to offer our Northern neighbours extra incentive to come out and play,” said Michael Herzog, owner and managing director of Hotel Bellwether, “We hope this reduced rate will encourage BC-based travellers to experience not only Hotel Bellwether, but also Bellingham and all that the surrounding area has to offer.”

After a day spent snapping up shopping deals from nearby Bellis Fair and Trader Joe’s, guests can unwind at Hotel Bellwether in spacious guestrooms, replete with private patios offering spectacular Bay views. Imported Italian furniture, rich mahogany accents and unique artwork create a warm and inviting atmosphere; down pillows and comforters, European linens, and spa-inspired bathrooms with deep soaker tubs add to the overall experience.

Elegant in-house dining destination, Harbourside Restaurant and Lounge, serves up panoramic views of Bellingham Bay alongside fresh West Coast cuisine. The Sunset Lounge offers lighter fare and for special evenings, reserve the private wine cellar for an event to remember.

Hotel Bellwether’s BC Resident Bonus
July - September 2010
Residents of British Columbia are privy to 8.5% savings (state and hotel tax) per night booked.
Guests may be asked to present photo identification upon check-in.

About Hotel Bellwether

Hotel Bellwether is a waterfront retreat located in Bellingham, Washington. Wrapped around the scenic Bellingham Bay, the hotel offers luxurious accommodations with panoramic views of the Cascade mountain range and Mount Baker to the east and the spectacular San Juan Islands to the west, providing a European-style getaway in a quintessential Pacific Northwest location. Each of Hotel Bellwether’s 65 spacious guestrooms feature fireplaces, imported Italian furniture, marble and granite countertops, down pillows and comforters, a spacious jetted bathtub, plush cotton bathrobes and other luxurious comforts. Hotel Bellwether is located at One Bellwether Way in Bellingham, Washington, just 90 minutes from both Seattle and Vancouver, BC. The hotel is also accessible by boat and float plane. For more information visit hotelbellwether.com or call 877.411.1200.

Directly from the St Regis Press Release:

St. Regis Hotel Launches Canada’s
First Guest iPad Program
Guests Can Access World’s Hottest Gadget
During Their Stay

Vancouver, BC: Complimentary high-speed Internet, in-room and throughout public spaces, is one of the St. Regis Hotel Vancouver’s most popular rate inclusions and it just got a lot more fun with the hotel’s innovative iPad program, the first of its kind in Canada. With this new program, St. Regis Hotel guests now have the opportunity to use an iPad during their stay.

Starting immediately, guests will be able to use one of the hotel’s Apple iPads to surf, search, read and even play games, whether in the hotel or out and about in the city. The iPad is a perfect, portable way for guests to access local knowledge and the staff of the St. Regis is going to give them a head start by preloading each iPad with links to their favourite local restaurants, cultural attractions and shopping.

“The versatility and portability of the iPad combines so well with our high-speed hotel wireless that it was a natural extension of our existing guest services,” said St. Regis Hotel General Manager Jeremy Roncoroni. “Plus, the iPad really is the coolest gadget in the world and we’re just as excited as our guests to use them.”

Complimentary broadband Internet is just one of the standard rate inclusions that make the St. Regis Vancouver’s best hotel value. Along with the freedom to surf for free, guests also receive full breakfast for two, bottled water, 800 and local calls, business centre access and local faxes at no charge every time they stay at the St. Regis.

iPads will be available to guests at the front desk on a first-come, first-served basis. Full details of the program are available by contacting the hotel directly at info@stregishotel.com

Don’t miss the July 22nd, 2010 newsletter.  There will be 1 giveaway prize:

The winner will receive a copy of the: For the Love of Salad Cookbook.

In order to have a chance to win you have to sign up. Sign up here.

Directly from the Sun Peaks Resort Press Release:

Sun Peaks, BC – It’s a perfect opportunity to purchase local, sustainable food for your family’s dinner table, while enjoying a gorgeous alpine setting. The Sun Peaks & Region Farmers’ Market returns to the village square this Sunday, June 27, for the first market of the summer!

Local farmers, ranchers and artisans will be in the village selling fruits, veggies, local meats, seafood, arts, crafts, beauty products, and more! And while you’re shopping enjoy live musical entertainment, or watch ‘Chef in Market’ cooking demonstrations on select weekends, as Sun Peaks Chefs show guests how to use local ingredients in yummy, unique dishes.

There are two new programs in the Sun Peaks Market this summer, the VIP Program and the Loyalty Card. Purchase a V.I.P. card from the Market Manager for only $10 and enjoy VIP specials at every vendor booth all summer! To participate in the Loyalty Program, pick up your FREE card from any vendor this summer and collect 10 stamps (one per purchase) and enter in a draw to win an end-of-season gift basket!

Come up for the market and stay for the day in the natural mountain environment surrounding Sun Peaks. Ride the chairlift and hike in the alpine, go mountain biking, horseback riding or canoe at McGillivray Lake.

The Sun Peaks & Region Farmers’ Market will take place every Sunday this summer from 10:00am to 2:00pm.

For a full list of vendors attending each week, as well as upcoming musical performances, head online to www.sunpeaksresort.com/farmers-market.

Upcoming Summer Events

July 10        5 Peaks Trail Running Series
July 16-18     3rd Annual Wine and Culture Festival
July 24-25     “Seek the Peaks” – Geocaching Weekend

For a full events calendar, visit www.sunpeaksresort.com.

Directly from the Morning Bay Vineyards Press Release: 

Morning Bay Vineyard is now five years old!

They want you to help them celebrate with barrel and tank-tasting, new releases, barbecue, food and music.

Come on up to help us celebrate.  Enter to win a free case of our medal-winning Reserve Merlot ($432 value)

Where: 6621 Harbour Hill Drive

More details at www.morningbay.ca

Canadian Iron Chef Competition
Greenbelt Tasting Hall

July 3, 1-6pm & July 4, 1-6pm (Brigantine Tent)

Harbourfront Centre and the Greenbelt Foundation present a tasting from farmers whose livelihood is integrally connected to the earth. Modeled after the international Terra Madre conference which takes place in Italy every two years, this tasting hall opens the dialogue between farmers and the general public. Join the conversation about the work farmers do and the wide range of foods that are available right here in Ontario.

*During the Longo’s Canadian Iron Chef competition the competing chefs will choose produce from the Greenbelt Tasting Hall to be used in mouth watering creations.

Longo’s Canadian Iron Chef Competition

Semi Finals July 3, 2pm & 5pm & Finals July 4, 3pm (Brigantine Room)

Top chefs from across Canada (including Chef Scott Vivian from Wine Bar & Chef Joshna Maharaj of Stop Food) show their stuff using secret ingredients combined with masterful culinary creativity in an event that promises to satisfy even the most discerning appetite. This edition focuses on chefs who prefer local ingredients and fare. The winner of the competition goes on to compete in the Longo’s International Iron Chef Competition at the Hot & Spicy Food Festival presented by NOW magazine.

Expressions of Brazil

July 16-18

Part of World Routes Summer Festivals 2010 at Harbourfront Centre

TORONTO, ON (June 24, 2010) –The first-ever Expressions of Brazil Festival brings sizzling Brazilian flavours to Harbourfront Centre from June 16-18 2010. This FREE three-day festival celebrates Brazil’s rich cultural traditions and multiculturalism through contemporary Brazilian music, food, film and art.

International concert highlights include performances from Brazil’s 25-year music veteran Laura Finnociario who gracefully combines bossa-nova, samba, jazz and funk, followed by 17-year-old pop sensation Mallu Magalhães and a late-night party with Brazil’s DJ Raul Vax (with local DJ Branko) spinning the hottest progressive and electro house music. Local musical contributions are provided by Toronto’s own Sinal Alberto, an exciting new jazz quartet featuring Luanda Jones and Gordon Sheard, newcomer Bruno Capinan who croons his sensual and provocative Portuguese prose and the vibrant high-energy beats of Baque de Bamba, lead by Aline Moralis, Sambacana, Roda de Samba, Batacuda Carioca, Mulambo Groove and Escola de Samba

Expressions of Brazil also showcases international and Canadian visual artists at the Brazil: Many Eyes, Different Visions exhibition. Renowned Brazilian artists Emilio Boschilia, Ivana Panizzi, Renato Soares, Soraya Montaheiro and Gabriela Greeb join with local artists Avi Neto and Chris Harrison to present a survey of contemporary Brazilian art.

Of course no Brazilian festival is complete without traditional Capoeira, presented by Capoeira Camará and food programming. Chef Mario Cassini of Cajú Restaurant prepares delicious culinary offerings that represent the diverse tastes of Brazil. Families can also enjoy kid-friendly programming with special workshops including soccer by Brazilian Soccer Academy, pinhole photography by ImageMagica and drumming along with three days of film screenings in partnership with the Brazilian Film Festival of Toronto (BRAFFT).

The big idea behind all programming in this year’s World Routes summer festivals is “globalocal”, or global to local, a theme programmed into each festival to bring together rich artistic traditions from around the corner to around the globe!

For additional information and complete event listings, the public may visit harbourfrontcentre.com/worldroutes or call the Information Hotline at 416-973-4000. Harbourfront Centre is located at 235 Queens Quay W. Toronto, ON.

Le Clos Jordanne announces changes to the winemaking team

Sébastien Jacquey assumes the role of winemaker as Thomas Bachelder moves to set up his own consultancy business

In short:

Thomas Bachelder, the man who took Le Clos Jordanne from the conceptual stage to international acclaim has announced that he will step down in his role as winemaker to open his own winemaking consultancy business in conjunction with his wife, Mary Delaney. Sébastien Jacquey, who has been working with Thomas for the past three years as assistant winemaker, will assume the role of winemaker. Since its launch in 2006, Le Clos Jordanne, of Jordan Station on the Niagara Peninsula in Ontario, has quickly become a producer of a highly coveted, world-class wine. The winery is focused exclusively to the production of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grown from several coveted vineyard sites.

More detail:

Keith Brown, vice president of winemaking for Vincor Canada, announced today that Thomas Bachelder will be leaving Le Clos Jordanne to start own winemaking consultancy business in conjunction with his wife, Mary Delaney. Thomas, who took the winery from conceptual stage to international acclaim as Ontario’s top “garagiste winery”, has been a tireless champion of the Niagara Peninsula and specifically of its ability to produce world-class Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. One of the pinnacle events for Le Clos and Thomas was the Judgment of Montreal in 2009 for the 2005 Claystone Terrace Chardonnay. His beliefs in what the region could achieve were further substantiated when Le Clos Jordanne was named one of the world’s top 10 organic wines by The Independent in the UK; also in the UK, one of the most highly respected members of the international wine critics’ circle, Jancis Robinson, has called Le Clos Jordanne “the Ontario Pinot producer I have found to be most impressive”.

Working at Thomas’ side for the past three years, Sébastien Jacquey is now ready to assume the role of winemaker and continue the legacy that Thomas created. Thomas will remain as a consultant to Le Clos Jordanne and continue to provide vision and direction.

“I am very excited about the new opportunities that have been presented to me and also happy that Thomas will be by my side as I take the next steps in my winemaking career”, notes Sébastien. “The wines are being handed over to me with a pedigree that I will work tirelessly to uphold.”

Le Clos Jordanne is a remarkable collaboration between Vincor Canada and Boisset, La Famille des Grands Vins, in France. It symbolizes the extraordinary vision of fusing tradition and innovation with passion and expertise. Using traditional Burgundian methods, wines are crafted to exemplify the distinct Niagara terroir. Located in the town of Jordan Station on the Niagara Escarpment in Ontario, the winery owns four distinct vineyards: Le Clos Jordanne, Claystone, La Petit and Talon - totaling 56 hectares (138 acres). Exclusively planted to Burgundian varietals Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the vineyards are farmed using organic and biodynamic techniques.

Le Clos Jordanne wines are available at select retailers across Canada and may be purchased online at www.leclosjordanne.com.

MRS. BEETON’S GARDEN ADDRESSES A GROWING CONCERN

(Vancouver, BC) — In an era when global warming, monoculture agriculture and trans-national agri-businesses threaten food security and quality; the subjects of plant bio-diversity, growing and eating locally, organically and seasonally have become ‘hot button’ topics.  More people than ever are finding space in their own gardens (be it a yard, allotment plot, balcony container or window box) to grow a few herbs and vegetables. As a result, interest in heirloom varieties has grown by leaps and bounds. What makes a vegetable an heirloom vegetable? In the simplest terms, an heirloom variety has been in cultivation for more than 50 years with the same genetic makeup.

This summer, VanDusen Botanical Garden invites you to travel back in time to the Victorian Era, when people naturally ate fresh and seasonally as well as preserved the summer’s bounty for the leaner winter months. Planted in early June and hitting its peak in late August through September, the Garden’s ‘time machine’ takes the form of the Heirloom Vegetable Garden located in the Canadian Heritage Area, adjacent to the Maze. This year’s vegetable patch recreates a garden that might have been seen around the time of Mrs. Isabella Beeton (1836 – 1865) – an era when there were no supermarket chains and most families grew a majority of the produce that appeared on their table. It contains only heirloom vegetable varieties that are known to have been grown prior to the mid 1860’s.
Mrs. Beeton is most famously known for The Book of Household Management—Comprising information for the Mistress, Housekeeper, Cook, Kitchen-Maid, Butler, Footman, Coachman, Valet, Upper and Under House-Maids, Lady’s-Maid, Maid-of-all-Work, Laundry-Maid, Nurse and Nurse-Maid, Monthly Wet and Sick Nurses, etc. etc.— also Sanitary, Medical, & Legal Memoranda: With a History of the Origin, Properties, and Uses of all Things Connected with Home Life and Comfort, edited by Mrs. Isabella Beeton — a comprehensive collection of recipes, methodology and practical advice for the mistress of a Victorian household. There was not a subject on which Mrs. Beeton was not an expert; growing vegetables and their preparation being no exception.  Within the chapters on Vegetables and Vegetable Cookery, she offers practical advice on culture, harvest and seasonality as well as recipes for preparing and preserving.

The Book of Household Management sold an astounding 60,000 copies in its first year of print, selling nearly two million within its first seven years of publication. A journalist who wrote a weekly ‘how-to’ column, Mrs. Beeton was ahead of her time – a working mother with a career who found a niche imparting practical home management information to middle-class housewives. Contrary to popular perception, Mrs. Beeton was not some formidable Victorian matron; she was a young woman who died at the age of 28 following the birth of her fourth child. She was the precursor of all the women’s magazines and home ‘how-to’ books that followed. Without Mrs. Beeton – there would be no Martha Stewart today.
The public are invited to visit Mrs. Beeton’s Garden where they will find extensive educational interpretation that explains the Garden and its importance. We hope it imparts a sense of the time, offering a brief history lesson and why it is important to protect, preserve and use heirloom vegetable varieties.
For more information on the Heirloom Vegetable Garden, Mrs. Beeton herself and a list of the vegetable varieties being grown this year, please click on the Heirloom Vegetable Garden link at www.vandusengarden.org  VanDusen’s Heirloom Vegetable Garden, now through late September 2010 – it’s a very tasteful garden.

Culinaria Restaurant opens for evening dining with Foodie Tours

Culinaria Restaurant, at The Art Institute of Vancouver, will be opening for evening dining from Wednesday, July 7, 2010. The evening menu will be available on Wednesdays, Thursday and Fridays, from 5:30pm to 9:00pm.

The evening opening will be launched with the restaurant’s participation in the Foodie Tours of Vancouver, sponsored by the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association (DVBIA). The tours are a chance for the public to sample menu highlights as part of a tour of Vancouver’s restaurant scene; the tours at Culinaria take place between 4:30 and 6:00pm on the following Fridays: July 16, August 6, August 20, and September 3.

Chef Roland Pffaf, original owner of Val d’Isere restaurant in Whistler, will be leading the team in the kitchen and producing outstanding cuisine focusing on local, organic ingredients from the city’s finest suppliers, and BC’s finest growers. Donald Haddad, Food and Beverage Manager at The Art Institute of Vancouver, will be hosting and offering a warm welcome from his team, and will be featuring fine local BC wines alongside the dining.

Culinaria continues to be open for lunch from 11:30am – 1:30pm, Monday to Friday, and sells artisan breads made by students at The International Culinary School between these times.

For more information, email: culinaria@aii.edu to be included on the mailing list and be the first to see the inspired menus.

To make dining reservations, call 604-639-2055 or reserve online at http://www.opentable.com and find the restaurant under “Culinaria.“

Frosting Takes the Cupcake with Two of Three Awards in Vancouver’s 1st Cupcake Challenge

Vancouver’s 1st Cupcake Challenge, presented by Nicole Marie Events and Follow Me Foodie, hosted over 1100 guests in a sugar-infused day at the Yaletown Roundhouse and Community Centre. Through the incorporation of a three-part competition, a bake sale and a public social, this unique event infused a competitive atmosphere with personalized consultations. Frosting Cupcakery from Langley, BC, swept the awards by winning two of three.

Vancouver, BC. June 22, 2010 (NME and FMF). On Sunday, June 20th 2010, Vancouver’s 1st Cupcake Challenge, presented by Nicole Marie Events and Follow Me Foodie, drew over 1100 guests at the Yaletown Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre.

Cupcake vendors showcased their most delectable cupcakes, which were available for public sampling and judging. This event, exclusive to local cupcake business owners, brought the community and local businesses together under one roof.

There were three categories for judging: People’s Choice, Bloggers’ Choice and Judges’ Choice. Frosting Cupcakery from Langley, BC took hope both People’s Choice and Judges’ Choice, while the renowned Big City Cupcakes from Vancouver, BC took home Bloggers’ Choice.

“With the impressive turnout and resoundingly positive response, Vancouver’s Cupcake Challenge will certainly be made into an annual event. Bigger and better food challenges will be forthcoming!” stated Nicole from Nicole Marie Events and Pak from Follow Me Foodie.

Central Bistro: 

They have a new chef: Robert Erickson (Wild Rice, J-Lounge). He has just released his new summer menu and has been getting great feedback. They have tweaked their drink menu for the summer and we have started something new….Scotch Fridays! We are offering 3 half ounce tasters of scotch and comparing some very interesting and rare to some that are more common and well known.

GoldFish Pacific Kitchen:

GoldFish Happy Hour Specials

Join us for Happy Hour in our lounge from 4 to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday. Enjoy small bites, such as our Chilled Tiger Prawns and Mini Crab Cakes for under $5 a plate. Couple that with a glass of wine!

Vera’s Burger Shack:

World Cup Madness at Commercial, Main and Gastown locations.

June 11 - July 11, 2010

Main Street 
2922 Main St.
604-709-8372

Starting June 11th we’ll be showing all 11:30am games LIVE!
We’ll also show all the 4:30am games later in the day!
Burger & Beer Specials on all day everyday!

Commercial Drive
1438 Commercial Drive
604-254-8372

Commercial Drive Open at 7am on all game days!
Breakfast specials at Commercial Drive ONLY!

Gastown
213 Carrall Street
604-568-5850

Vera’s Classic plus 2 domestic pints for $9.99 on World Cup game days.

Nathan’s Grill:

Nathan’s Grill has brand new summer menu. Also a new Monday to Thursday after 6:00pm 2 for 1 Entree coupon:

Smoking Dog Bistro: 

The Smoking Dog Bistro proprietors’ Jean Séguin and Judith Andrews are delighted to be welcoming back Chef Pascal Georges to the stoves at Kitsilano’s favourite neighbourhood bistro, marking a return to the classic, casual French bistro food the restaurant is renowned for.

Chef Georges, now in his early 40’s, was the Executive Chef for Jean-Claude Ramond when the restaurant opened over 15 years ago. He remained with Jean-Claude for 5 years and returned for another 2 years, taking The Smoking Dog through the transition when it was sold to Jean and Jude. Pascal and his family recently returned to Vancouver from France and Asia, where he worked at some of those region’s top hotels and restaurants.

The Menu

French Bistro food is classic - A simple formula of impeccable ingredients and simple yet meticulous preparation. Even classics however have to move with the times, Canadian beef’s superior flavour deserves lighter sauces and guests now expect to taste the fish, not the butter sauce. The Smoking Dog, like any true bistro, offers good value and has kept prices at a level where neighbourhood guests can drop in a few times a week, not only once or twice a year.

Returning classics on The Smoking Dog menu include the signature Mimosa Salad, butter lettuce, garnished with tomatoes, diced egg and parsley, dressed with a Dijon sauce; Salade Niçoise, large enough for a light main course, uses a true recipe from Nice with local albacore tuna, roasted bell peppers, olives, quail eggs, green beans, anchovies, baby vine tomatoes, mini eggplant and squash. The menu offers three classic soups - a French Onion soup is gratinéed with Gruyere’s milder cousin Swiss, on a browned crouton, Lobster Bisque is rich with lobster stock and the Tomato and Gin soup is made from fresh tomatoes, still with the classic dollop of crème fraîche, but with a vegetable stock to keep it lighter. Grilled quail returns, now served with a generous topping of lightly tempura vegetables and new to the menu is a Potato Tarte with Smoked Salmon and Tuna Tartar.

The Smoking Dog’s Pepper Steak, an 8 oz well-aged tenderloin served with French green beans and pommes puree, remains on the menu. Fresh halibut, roast duck, prawns, two pastas and a risotto round out the well priced $14 to $29 entrée menu.

In homage to true bistro food, and a nod to the original Jean-Claude menu, a small $15 menu offers Steak Frites, Roast Chicken Frites or Grilled Salmon Frites throughout the day and evening. Served as a simple meal with just pommes frites and sauce, sides of French green beans, market vegetables and salads can be added for an additional charge.

The lunch menu offers the same selection of appetizers and desserts, with lunch time favourites and smaller entrée’s. A quiche changes daily and the much loved Smoking Dog Bistro Burger, using hand chopped top sirloin, remains.

Desserts, all made in house, also include the classics with Crème Brûlée and Crème Caramel, Chocolate Fondant and Profiteroles. An Apple Tart Tatin, rustic and somewhat chunkier than its fine dining cousin, is served with vanilla gelato.

The wine list is value priced, matching the style set by the restaurant, offering many French selections as well as local & international wines.

GK Media Inc is pleased to present two new feature videos:

Summer Night Market

Tourism BC Food and Wine

GK Media Inc is pleased to present a new feature cookbook recipe:
Rumpot Conserve from the new 250 Home Preserves Cookbook.

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

Directly from the Amnesty International Press Release:
Promote justice on a full stomach

VANCOUVER (June 17, 2010) – Amnesty International has teamed up with restaurants across the country to raise funds for its ongoing global campaign to stop violence against women. The focus in Vancouver is on Thursday, June 24, when participating restaurants will donate a percentage of sales that day to Amnesty International.

“This is our sixth annual event, and we are pleased that several Vancouver restaurants are supporting our work to make the world a safer and more just world for women,” said Don Wright, a regional coordinator for Amnesty International. “Sadly around the world, 1 in 3 women and girls are the target of violence, and 70% of the people who live in poverty are women due to the inequality they face in every society.”

Participating restaurants include Bandidas Taquiera, Ethical Bean Xpress (Granville Skytrain station and Commercial Drive Skytrain station), Bambo Café, Gorilla Food, Tsuanami Sushi, and the Shakin’ Not Stirred Lounge. Additional restaurants will be announced on the event website: www.tasteforjustice.ca.

Patrons eating at a participating restaurant will also be able to enter a free draw for a number of gift baskets and gift certificates supplied by Whole Foods/Capers, Naam Restaurant, Ten Thousand Villages, Granville Island Tea, Avenue Grill Restaurant, Cactus Club, Olla Flowers, and Amnesty International.

Amnesty International is a worldwide movement of 2.8 million people who work together to protect individuals and communities around the world whose human rights are under attack. We appeal for the violations to stop and mobilize public pressure to prevent human rights abuses.

For more information contact Don Wright at dwright@amnesty.ca.

Directly from the Granville Island Brewing Press Release:

GRANVILLE ISLAND BREWING INVITES YOU TO ATTEND ‘BEST OF THE WEST COAST’, AT THE CAMBIE KITCHEN

What: Come enjoy an afternoon of beer and food pairings while listening to a live jazz band!
Date:  Sunday, June 20th, 2010
Time:   1:00 – 5:00 PM
Location:   Cambie Kitchen – 49th & Cambie St.

Description:
We’re delighted to kick-off our annual sponsorship of the Vancouver International Jazz Festival! Enjoy live jazz while sampling GIB’s ultimate Vancouver summer beers Brockton IPA and Robson Street Hefeweizen paired with delicious appetizers from our West Coast restaurant partner Milestones Restaurant.

About Granville Island Brewing (GIB)
Established in 1984, Granville Island Brewing (GIB) is Canada’s first microbrewery offering a variety of award-winning beers which are brewed and sold here in BC. GIB is dedicated to handcrafting only the finest premium beers that are 100 per cent all-natural and brewed in small batches to provide consumers with the ultimate tasting experience.  In celebration of their West Coast heritage GIB names each beer after iconic Vancouver locations that embody the local lifestyle. From the original Island Lager and English Bay Pale Ale, to Cypress Honey Lager, and now their latest innovation; Brockton IPA, GIB continues to produce a diverse portfolio of beers inspired by life on the West Coast. For more information, visit www.gib.ca.

Directly from the Hapa Yaletown Press Release:

LUNCH IS NOW BEING SERVED ON THE PATIO (OR INSIDE) AT HAPA IZAKAYA IN YALETOWN

(Vancouver, BC) June 16, 2010 – Hapa Izakaya Yaletown’s patio is now open and the restaurant is serving lunch, Monday through Friday, from 12 pm straight through until dinner at 4pm. Plus Hapa Yaletown will open for dinner on Saturdays and Sundays at 4:00 pm all summer long. Hapa Izakaya Yaletown is the newest of the three Hapa Izakaya restaurants and it is in the heart of the action at 1193 Hamilton Street near Davie Street.  For reservations, please contact Hapa Yaletown at 604.681.4272.

The selection of lunch dishes range from the satisfying Ishi Yaki with ground pork, tomato, chive, lettuce and egg in a hot stone bowl, to delectably light and local grilled spot prawns. Rice and noodle dishes are served with miso soup and Japanese pickles, and mains including grilled striploin steak, Maple Hill organic chicken or wild salmon in Hapa’s house special jerk sauce come with rice and salad. Hapa’s lunch menu offers great value with most items priced at $10 or under, and nothing over $12.

Only Hapa Yaletown is open for lunch weekdays, Hapa Izakaya Robson and Kitsilano are open for dinner seven days a week from 5:30 pm until late.

To inquire about dinner reservations, please contact the restaurants directly.

Hapa Izakaya Yaletown    604.681.4272
1193 Hamilton Street

Hapa Izakaya Robson    604.689.4272
1479 Robson Street

Hapa Izakaya Kitsilano    604.738.4272
1516 Yew Street

About Hapa Izakaya

When Lea and Justin Ault introduced Hapa in 2003 they exploded the izakaya concept in Vancouver. Hapa Izakaya’s combination of a sexy room, well-priced portions of Japanese tapas, cocktails and premium sake took the city by storm; Hapa set the bar high for the host of contenders that followed. In 2010 Hapa was the first izakaya to join the Vancouver Aquarium’s Ocean Wise™ seafood conservation program and one of only a handful of Japanese restaurant partners in the program to-date. Hapa Yaletown is now open for lunch weekdays, and all three locations — Robson, Kitsilano and Yaletown — are open for dinner nightly. Reservations by phone are recommended. Visit www.hapaizakaya.com for information or follow @HapaIzakaya on Twitter.

Directly from les amis du FROMAGE & Au Petit Chavignol Press Release

Special deals from les amis du FROMAGE & Au Petit Chavignol

DADDY MAC!

20% OFF MAC N CHEESE

Jimmy Jack ridem smack funky hustlin DADDY MAC!

All our macaroni and cheese is on sale this fathers day (June 20, 2010) at all les amis du FROMAGE locations.

Classic four cheese
Jura mac with ham, comte, peas & scallions

Sale limited to stock on hand.  Sorry, no raincheques

DADDY MAC @ APC

20% OFF MAC N CHEESE

Celebrate Fathers Day at Au Petit Chavignol this Sunday, June 20, 2010.  All our mac n cheese is 20% OFF.

Classic 4 cheese

Alpine with double smoked bacon
Alpine with roasted portobello mushroom
Prosciutto & gorgonzola
“The 85″ with roastetd tomatoes, pesto & goat cheese

Beer on tap is $4.50

les amis du FROMAGE

Vancouver
1752 West 2nd Ave
604-732-4218

West Vancouver
#518 Park Royal S.
604-925-4218

East Vancouver
843 East Hastings St
604-253-4218

Au Petit Chavignol
Vancouver
843 East Hastings St
604-255-4218

Directly from the Goldfish Pacific Press Release:

Goldfish Pacific Kitchen makes a huge splash for the Vancouver Native Health Society.

Summer Splash raises more than $35,000 for the non-profit

Vancouver, BC – Goldfish Pacific Kitchen is synonymous with style, culinary excellence and memorable evenings. On Wednesday, June 17, Summer Splash 2010 provided all this and more for the 250 plus guests at the restaurantʼs second annual fundraiser for the Vancouver Native Health Society (VNHS). Preliminary numbers suggest over $35,000 was raised in just two and a half hours for the Downtown Eastside non-profit.  “We are absolutely thrilled with the turnout and grateful for the many generous donations,” says Dotty Kanke, Goldfish owner and philanthropist. “Summer Splash was a huge success and we thank everyone for their support.”

Highlights of the evening include a glamorous bikini fashion show with designs from Sports Illustrated favourite Anna Kosturova, a lively salsa dance performance by the Mambo Hustlers and the eveningʼs grand live auction item - a painting titled ʻBright Lights Over Only Seafoodsʼ donated by Tiko Kerr and valued at $6,500 – sold for an amazing $16,800.  Guests were treated throughout the night to cocktails, champagne and tasty small bites including the Pulled Short Ribs Sliders, fresh oysters, Pan Seared Hokkaido Scallops, Banana Spring Rolls, Kaffir Lime Infused Prawns, West Coast Mini Sushi Pizzas, and Miso Sake, Marinated Chicken Skewers. David Isaac, Deputy Executive Director of the VNHS commented: “The thousands raised at Goldfish Summer Splash will enable the Vancouver Native Health Society to expand our services to help more Downtown Eastside residents. In particular, we are extremely excited about developing a brand new kitchen to serve the more than 150 people we already see every single day.”

About Goldfish Pacific Kitchen (www.goldfishkitchen.com)

Goldfish Pacific Kitchen offers a fresh take on west coast contemporary cooking. Using only the best regional ingredients and drawing on influences from the Pacific Rim, executive chef William Tse creates fresh and modern dishes designed for sharing. Goldfish Pacific Kitchen presents guests with a unique dining experience in the heart of Yaletown (1118 Mainland Street). For reservations, please contact: 604.689.8318.

About Vancouver Native Health Society (www.vnhs.net)

The Vancouver Native Health Society (VNHS) delivers medical, counseling and social services, with an emphasis on providing care to the Aboriginal community. All programs are accessible
without fees to native and non-native individuals residing in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.