Vancouver's best-kept restaurant secrets

GK Media Inc is pleased to present a New Years resolution feature cookbook recipe:

Carrot Zucchini Muffins from The Clean Start Cookbook.

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

Directly from the Mt Seymour Press Release:

FAMILY FIRST NIGHT AT MT SEYMOUR

Looking for a fun place to spend New Year’s Eve this year? We have the perfect place for you! Mt Seymour is excited to be bringing back Family First Night, an event for the  whole family.

Taking place on December 31 in the SnowPlay Park from 6:00pm to 9:00pm, join us in the new Enquist Lodge for fun activities for the whole family.  With big band music playing in the air, a fire pit will be set up by the Lodge where everyone can sit and enjoy the atmosphere, enjoy some s’mores, and warm up with a hot apple cider. Snowtubing and tobogganing will be open an extra hour for extra fun on lit terrain.

Want to ring in the New Year in a unique style? Family First Night will have a Yule Log where everyone can write down their resolutions and send them up to the sky as the countdown to the New Year begins. An early countdown will begin at 9:00pm.

Make sure to dress warm and get ready for some fun. Sparklers, hats, and noise makers will be provided to help everyone ring in the New Year!

RING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH A CHOCOLATE FONDUE SNOWSHOE TOUR

Set your resolution in snow with Mt Seymour’s unique New Year’s Eve themed chocolate fondue snowshoe tour. This 2.5 hour tour will lead you through the snowy forest to a candle lit chocolate indulgence set amongst the trees. Enjoy a sparkling fruit beverage for an early toast to bring in the New Year.

This is truly a unique experience not to be missed. The tour begins at 7:00pm on New Year’s Eve. Pre-booking required by 3:00pm the day prior by calling 604-986-2261.

Directly from Central Bistro:

Only 2 days left!!!! Start your evening off with a three course dinner including your selection of appetizer, entrée and dessert from Chef Robert Erickson’s new winter menu for only $40! Finish the night listening to some amazing live jazz from local favorite Jackée Guillou and celebrate with complimentary champagne and party favours at midnight. Come for the dinner… or just come late for the party!

Directly from The Edge Social Grille and Lounge:

Tell your friends about our “Exclusive Trips and Tickets” promotion!
For the week of December 27th - January 3rd we will be drawing two Adult Day Passes for skiing at Whistler/Blackcomb for the 2010/2011 Season.

Directly from the Hamilton Street Grill Press Release:

New Years Eve in Yaletown At Hamilton Street Grill

$85 per per person includes wine ($60 without wine for designated drivers*)

Celebrate the entrance of 2011 and raise a glass to the year that was among good friends and family at Hamilton Street Grill,

Vancouver’s favourite neighbourhood restaurant for the past 14 years!

Dress up, or dress down and enjoy a big, flavourful multi course dinner with wine.

Dine at a cozy table for two or join a group. Sit at the bar with the locals, or book the private room (max 25 ppl)

*The designated driver from each party will receive a gift certificate to return for lunch on us in the new year.

Directly from the 100 Days Press Release:

The One and Only NYE Celebration at 100 Days

Early Seating: 5 – 6:30pm three course dinner and NYE Cocktail for $35 plus taxes and service per person
High Roller tickets: 9pm – 12am OPEN BAR for $150 plus taxes and service
Open Bar includes: Vodka, Rye, Rum, Tequlia, Gin and Scotch
Champagne Bar | Canapés | Candy & Dessert Bar | DJs

For tickets contact Kristin Pavich at kpavich@opushotel.com or call 604 694 2121
*Limit 2 beverages at a time. Premium alcohol and shooters are available by cash bar.

Post 12am: $20 tickets at the door

Directly from the Brix Restaurant Press Release:

A Dinner as Smooth as Great Jazz.  At Brix Restaurant with Master Bourbon Distiller Harlen Wheatley Thursday, January 20th, 2011

December 28th, 2011 Vancouver, BC - Brix Restaurant and Wine Bar Executive Chef Chris Bisaro and his team had the enjoyable task this year of exploring the complex tastes of some of Kentucky’s finest whiskeys in preparation for a Buffalo Trace Distillery tasting dinner this January.

The flavours, as complex as the whiskey’s 200 year old history, were to be paired with five courses – Exploring barrel char, age, sugar levels of the corn, proprietary grain mix and the Kentucky terroir that adds limestone spring water and unique minerals to the bourbon, the chefs have created menu items bold enough to stand up to the rich flavours and subtle enough to bring out more delicate flavours created by Buffalo Trace Distillery’s style, philosophy and approach to production.

Vancouverites who appreciate the complex sensory delights of good bourbon, and those who want to know more about this smooth spirit, are invited to join Buffalo Trace Distillery’s Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley with Brix Restaurant and Wine Bar owners David Hannay and Patrick Mercer and Executive Chef Chris Bisaro in Vancouver for an exclusive tasting of five very special bourbons, and an outstanding meal, Thursday, January 20 2011.

Buffalo Trace Distillery’s Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley will be on hand to acquaint guests with the special qualities of these five exclusive bourbons, served over the course of the evening, along with the history of the distillery as he walks you through the special barrel making process, even the 1903 buildings the whiskey is stored in to age.

Guests will start the evening with a specialty cocktail made with Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.  The five-course dinner prepared by Brix Restaurant Executive Chef Chris Bisaro will allow guests to taste a range of bourbons with complementary cuisine. Each guest will take home a gift from the distillery.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

6:30pm Reception / 7:00 Dinner

Brix Restaurant & Wine Bar

1138 Homer Street, Yaletown

Vancouver, BC

$75 per person exclusive of taxes and gratuities

Valet Parking

Directly from the Big Lou’s Butcher Shop Press Release:

We have an update on the opening for Big Lou’s Butcher Shop and it’s more of the lump of coal than shiny present variety. There’s one last piece of paper needed from City Hall, and their permits department is closed until January 4th which means that we’ll be opening a couple of days later than our originally planned date of January 3rd, 2011.

The shop is complete and ready to open and as soon as the folks at City Hall open their doors, hopefully refreshed and ready to stamp some documents after a nearly 2-week break, we’ll be in there getting our final permit and running back to the butcher shop to get to business. We’ll keep you up to date as we’re able to confirm.

Upcoming Events:

Numerous restaurants are having New Years Eve Events on December 31st, 2010

Sun Peaks Resort Winter Festival of Wine is from January 15th to 23rd, 2011

Dine Out Vancouver is less than a month away: January 24 to February 6th, 2011

GK Media Inc is pleased to present a new feature cookbook recipe:

Faux Pho from the Chatelaine Modern Classics Cookbook.

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

Directly from the Bistro Pastis Press Release:

Ring in the Nouvelle Année with Bonhomie and Bon Goût at Bistro Pastis

The French know how to have a good time – after all they invented champagne!

What better way to celebrate the New Year than in a cosy French bistro, eating wonderful food and sipping on a glass or two… or even three… of French bubbles.

Bistro Pastis offers two seatings and two special prices:

6 p.m. for a three-course table d’hôte dinner, $65
9 p.m. for a four-course table d’hôte dinner, party favours and a glass of bubbly, $80

French champagne and sparkling wine available by the glass and bottle:

Glass: from $9
Bottle: from $35

Reservations are essential: 604-731-5020

Bistro Pastis will also be open Boxing Day for lunch and dinner and New Year’s Day for brunch and dinner.

Directly from The Smoking Dog Press Release:

New Year’s Eve at The Dog $50 Set Menu

Amuse Bouche

Glass of Champagne & 2 pieces of cocktail snacks

Appetizer

Crab King & Citrus Fruits Salad
or
Morel and Chicken Vol-au-Vent

Starters

Roasted Jumbo Prawns & Aumonières de petit legumes
roasted jumbo prawns and thin crèpe, filled with seasonal vegetables, light paprika butter sauce
or
Filet de boeuf en croute,  Maderia wine and Foie Gras Sauce, Pomme Dauphine and Seasonal Vegetables
AAA Canadian beef tenderloin wrapped in puff pastry and baked served with potato croquettes, seasonal vegetables, Madeira wine and foie gras sauce

Dessert

Délice au chocolat
or
Cheese Plate
French cheese and fruits from “les Amis du fromage”

Mignardises

2 pieces of delicacies

Please contact 604-732-8811 to make reservations

Directly from The Boathouse Restaurants Press Release:

STUFF THEIR STOCKINGS WITH LOBSTER!

Give them a Lobster Dinner dripping in hot butter this Christmas. Purchase gift cards online and all purchases $50 or more receive free shipping. Order now in time for Christmas and Lobster Fest starting December 27th.

NEW YEARS EVE…. CELEBRATE WITH US!!

SAY GOOD BYE TO 2010 WITH A TOAST TO THE NEW YEAR!
The Boathouse is the best place for celebrations. Reserve now for your gathering of friends or family and enjoy the Best of the Westcoast New Years menu.

POLAR BEAR BRUNCH AT ENGLISH BAY BOATHOUSE

Swimmer or Spectator… come on down to the Bay on New Years Day to join in the fun. The Swim starts at 2:30 pm but we’ve got a fabulous Brunch Buffet starting at 11 am. All You Can Eat for just $25.

LOBSTER FEST IS COMING!

Our annual salute to our East Coast favourite starts December 27th. Menu includes the incredible 3 Course Lobster Menu for just $35.99.

Directly the Schokolade Artisan Chocolate and Cafe Press Release:

Our extended operational hours during the holidays:

25th Dec.: closed
26th Dec.: 10am - 3pm: Boxing Day Chocolate & Pastry Sales up to 50% discount
27th Dec.- 29th Dec.: closed
30th Dec.: 10am - 4pm, all drinks buy 1 get 2nd 50% off
31st Dec.: 10am - 4pm, all drinks buy 1 get 2nd 50% off
1st January: Happy New Year, closed
2nd January: open 1pm - 5pm
3rd January: open regular hours:
Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 6pm, closed: Sunday

Directly from the Gruman and Nicoll Press Release:

New Year’s Eve at Cafe Juanita

Ring in the New Year at Cafe Juanita with a masterfully prepared prix fixe meal from Chef Holly Smith.

Guests will sup on such delicacies as Barron Point Oyster on the half shell with Fennel Ver Jus Spuma, Yellowtail Cruda with Cured Salmon Roe, Passionfruit, Vanilla Salt and Crushed Pumpernickel Crostini and Seared Foie Gras with Green Apple Soup, Candied Ginger Crisps and Cacao Nib Brioche

Cleanse the palate with a Pomegranate Dolin Dry Vermouth Sorbetto then enjoy a Blackmore Wagyu Flat Iron with Smoked Bone Marrow, Brussels Sprouts and Carrot and Parsnip Cremas. End the meal (and the year) on a sweet note with a Frozen Chocolate Souffle with Almond Scented Madelines.

The cost of the dinner is $150 per person (+ tax and gratuity). For those who seek the perfect dinner experience, there will be two, paired wine flights available for $50 and $100. Limited seating is available from 5 to 10:30 p.m. Call 425-823-1505 for reservations.

Spend the evening with Spinasse

Spend the big night on the Hill at Spinasse’s New Year’s Eve dinner. Seating is available between 5 and 11 p.m. for a 5-course meal to remember.

For $70 per person (plus tax and gratuity), diners may choose to remember the past or look towards the future with their choice of a 2010 or 2011 menu.

The 2010 menu reflects traditional classics from Spinasse, including Sunchoke Ravioli with Sage, Crushed Amaretti and Pinenut, Anglotti del Plin with Rabbit, Veal and Cabbage and Roasted Pheasant with Porcini.

The 2011 menu has innovative and celebratory dishes for a brand new year with Warm Shaved Pig’s Trotter with Sea Urchin and Celeriac, Meyer Lemon and Rhum Bunet with Almond Milk and Local Duck ‘Bollito Misto’ with traditional accompaniments.

Call 206-251-7673 for reservations.

Head downtown to Lecosho

Lecōsho is one of Downtown’s hottest reservations and a great choice for New Year’s Eve this year. Just steps away from the Pike Place Market, revelers will be right where the action is.

Chef Mike Easton and his team have created a 5-course menu with several spectacular options including a terrine of Smoked Duck with Green Peppercorn, a first course of Grilled Octopus, Spicy Chickpeas and Mama Lil’s Vinaigrette, Arugula, a salad of Oven-Roasted Tomato, Burrata, Novela Olive Oil.

Grilled Elk Loin, Artichokes, Cured Lemon Cous Cous and Olives and Pan-Roasted Sablefish with Braised Leeks, Porcini Consommé, Black Trumpet Mushrooms are just a few of the enticing entree choices. Top it all off with a Chocolate Torte with a Riesling Poached Pear filled with Mascarpone.

The fixed price dinner is $75 per person, with by-the-course paired wines for an additional $45. All special menu items will be available a la carte in the bar. Call (206) 623-2101 for reservations.
Post Dinner, party at the W Seattle
After dinner, make your way to the party at W Seattle.

One of Seattle’s hippest spots is saying goodbye to 2010 and hello to 2011. $40 per person at the door (21 and older, cash only), party favors and midnight champagne toast. House soundman DjMB and friends will spin from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Earth & Ocean will be closed for dinner service, but guests are welcome to dine in the W Bar.

Other news from  Lecosho

In other  Lecosho news, starting Sunday, December 26, diners can bring in their ticket stub from the Picasso exhibit at the Seattle Art Museum, for a complimentary glass of Prosecco with the purchase of a starting plate, salad, sandwich or entrée. (Valid Sunday through Thursday, one per customer)

The museum is closed on Mondays, but starting December 26 through the end of the exhibit’s run on January 17, it will stay open until 9 p.m. (with the exception of New Year’s Eve).  Lecosho is open at 11 a.m. for lunch daily and stays open until 1 a.m. nightly with a late night happy hour making it the perfect spot for art lovers to start or finish their time at the museum.

Directly from the Donnelly Group Press Release:

BOUTIQUE DINING, COCKTAILS & CHAMPAGNE AT THE GRANVILLE ROOM

Dinner Package

3 Course Dinner 7-10pm
Complimentary champagne
$15 off entry to Republic, Bar None & Post Modern NYE parties
Classic tunes ’til 4am.

957 Granville Street | 7:00PM - 4:00AM

LOFT NEW YEARS EVE - FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31ST

DJ Jay Swing & Jesse Stiles

Complimentary champagne at midnight.
Extended hours until 4am.

10:00PM - 4:00AM
Bar None - 1222 Hamilton Street

THE ULTIMATE HANGOVER - SATURDAY, JANUARY 1ST

Win a trip for 2 to Las Vegas on New Year’s Day. Purchase a NYE ticket to either Bar None or Republic for your chance to win! Includes airfare and 2 nights accommodation from Jan 1-3. New Years tickets or more info at www.donnellygroup.ca

Bar None - 1222 Hamilton Street

METROPOLIS NEW YEARS EVE 2011- FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31ST

DJ Matty C & Guests

Complimentary champagne at midnight.

9:00PM - 4:00AM
Republic - 958 Granville Street

EMPIRE CITY NEW YEAR’S EVE - FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31ST

Featuring DJ P-Luv & Gerald
Complimentary champagne at midnight!

9:00PM - 4:00AM
Post Modern Dance Bar - 7 Alexander Street

LA DISCOTHEQUE - SATURDAYS

Saturdays -  LA DISCOTHEQUE, Gastown’s #1 dance party.  Each week resident DJs Trevor Risk, Group Hug, Ethnic Friends, Mike Lake, Slow DJs Paige Manzie and DJ Arroghanz take you there with the most upfront house electro and disco tunes to keep you moving til dawn.

10:00PM - 3:00AM
Post Modern Dance Bar - 7 Alexander Street

Directly from the Tales of the Cocktail Press Release:

TALES OF THE COCKTAIL ON TOUR VANCOUVER ANNOUNCES SEMINAR LINEUP Spirited ticket packages go on sale Saturday, January 15, 2011

NEW ORLEANS, LA (December 22, 2010) — For eight years, Tales of the Cocktail® has been bringing cocktail aficionados from around the world to New Orleans, for the most spirited event of the year. For the first time, this internationally acclaimed cocktail festival is taking its show on the road with Tales of the Cocktail on Tour Vancouver. Being held March 13-15, 2011 at Vancouver’s Fairmont Pacific Rim, Tales of the Cocktail on Tour will feature six seminars hosted by some of the biggest names in the cocktail industry, as well as, a series of events to keep the drinks flowing throughout the weekend.

The inaugural seminars at Tales of the Cocktail on Tour Vancouver include the following:

• Famous New Orleans Cocktails
o Led By Chris McMillan and Philip Greene

• Who’s Your Daddy? A Mai Tai Paternity Test
Led by Jeff Berry

• For the Love of Gin
Led by Desmond Payne and Dan Warner

• The Science of Cocktails: New Techniques Behind the Bar
Led by Dave Arnold and Eben Klemm

• The History and Importance of Ice in Cocktails
Led by Charlotte Voisey and Jon Santer

• The Birth, Death and Rebirth of Canadian Whisky
Led by Allen Katz and Drew Mayville with Neal McLennan and David Wolowidnyk

Ticket packages to Tales of the Cocktail on Tour Vancouver go on sale Saturday, January 15, 2011 online at www.TalesoftheCocktail.com for a cost of $155.00. With this comprehensive ticket package, you will feast on your choice of spirited seminars filled to the brim with cocktail history, techniques and tastings. By night, you will sample the handiwork of the city’s best mixologists with unfettered access to Tales of the Cocktail on Tour events.

Package Details:
• 1 Invitation to Canadian Professional Bartenders VIP Welcome Reception (CPBA members only)
• 1 Invitation to Gibson’s Finest Canadian Whisky Welcome Reception
• Your choice of three 90 minute Tales of the Cocktail on Tour Seminars
• 1 Invitation to the Tales of the Cocktail on Tour Closing Reception
• 1 Invitation to the BC Bar Crawl
• 1 Invitation to the Good Bye Vancouver, Hello New Orleans Cochon de Lait Lunch
• Complimentary Lunch Presented by Bols Liqueurs
• Official Tales of the Cocktail Recipe E-Book, Tales of the Cocktail on Tour Version
• Tales of the Cocktail on Tour Welcome Bag
• Access to Shots of Inspiration Book Signings with presenters
• $25.00 discount on Membership to the Canadian Professional Bartenders Association
• Merchandise and Product Discounts from partners including, but not limited to Trader Tiki, Cocktail Kingdom, Mr. Mojito, Chefwear and Tales of the Cocktail.

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

Dark Beer Turkey Dinner from Rickard’s Dark Beer.

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

Directly from the Hamilton Street Grill Press Release:

CHRISTMAS EVE AT HAMILTON STREET GRILL

Complimentary Canapés for the Weary Shoppers - At the bar from 6-7:30 pm and a special house made Tourtière on the dinner menu

December 24th lunch 11am - 2:30pm / dinner 5pm – 10pm

Hamilton Street Grill 1009 Hamilton Street, Yaletown, Vancouver

Reserve at 604-331-1511

Directly from the Enigma Restaurant Press Release:

Christmas Eve Dinner

We are open this Friday Evening the 24th for 5:00 pm to 10:30 pm for a traditional pre Christmas dinner with features such as Turkey with all the trimmings, Christmas mince pies etc. etc.

The Don Stewart Trio will provide live music to enhance the festive feeling.

Reservations are recommended.

Our regular menu will also be available.

Directly from Kris Krug’s Press Release:

Vancouver Restaurant Industry Trio Make Food Bank Appeal

(Vancouver, BC)  Vancouver Magazine’s 2010 Chef, Sommelier and Bartender Of The Year have united in putting out an appeal to those in the city’s hospitality industry and their patrons to donate what they can to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank.

In response to this year’s increased demand for the charity’s services in the face of decreased donations, Frank Pabst, Kurtis Kolt and Shaun Layton are asking their industry colleagues and patrons to remember those in the city who are truly going hungry this Christmas. Their goal is to boost Food Bank donations in these last crucial days before Christmas.

“While we’re in the middle of this hectic time of year, it can be easy to forget that there are many Vancouverites in need.” says Kolt, Sommelier Of The Year, who is currently consulting and working with the Waldorf Hotel. “In our restaurants, hot food needs running, cocktails need shaking and wine needs to be poured, but for some people in our city, getting food on their family’s table is a much bigger challenge.”  Echoing the sentiment are Blue Water Cafe’s Pabst, Chef of the Year and L’Abattoir’s Layton, Bartender Of The Year.

There are many ways to donate to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank.  Information on non-perishable item drop-off locations and online monetary donations can be found at www.foodbank.bc.ca/

Directly from the Press Release:

TWO LOCAL CHEFS TALK TURKEY

Ooh La La Turkey! - Local Chef Ann Kirsebom’s Grand Marnier Sauce adds zing, and a touch of orange, making for a succulent Turkey and over in Ginny Love’s kitchen, she tells you how to prepare everything else for the big Christmas meal, in advance!

If you are looking or a delicious new recipe, something that gives a little more zing to your Christmas Turkey this year, look no further than local chef Ann Kirsebom and her newest gourmet sauce and marinade made with real with Grand Marnier. This Ooh La La sauce adds a hint of orange to the gravy, make for a beautifully moist stuffing and creates a stunning glaze on the bird. (Recipe attached)

Cooking a Turkey is relatively simple, it’s all the dishes that accompany it that isn’t so easy. In her cook book Simply Love, Vancouver author Ginny Love gives a step by step how-to on preparing that huge, daunting meal called Christmas dinner. Perfect for the first time holiday host, the busy work-right-up-until-December-24th-I-can-do-it-all-executive or even the “orphans dinner” potluck, this guide to preparing and hosting the holiday meal is a life saver.

Ginny starts you off as early as now, 2 weeks in advance, with make-ahead traditional dishes that can be prepared and frozen. Cranberry orange sauce can be refrigerated for 3-4 weeks; two weeks out she has you preparing steamed puddings and hard sauce as well as a make-ahead mashed potato that can also be frozen. Two days out she suggests you prepare stuffing and some of the vegetable dishes and the day before the big meal glazed carrots and shaved Brussels sprouts can be made as well as appetizers. The recipes also work well for an orphan’s dinner (a group of single people without family in the city) as you can assign many of these dishes to be prepared in advance and brought along on Christmas day. In her book Ginny gives instructions on roasting the turkey itself as well as needed equipment and supplies and of course a recipe for turkey soup. By Christmas day you are left with nothing but the turkey to cook!

Chef Ann Kirsebom sauces and other food products can be found throughout the Lower Mainland. Look for her at Stong’s in Dunbar, Gourmet Warehouse on East Hastings, all Whole Foods locations and at Urban Fair Yaletown, where Ann herself will be demonstrating and tasting her full line of sauces December 21 - 24 from noon until 7pm.

Simply Love; A Family Cookbook, is available through Hedgerow Press www.hedgerowpress.com