Vancouver's best-kept restaurant secrets

Cibo Trattoria’s next Regional Dinner is August 10th with Sicily Italy being the region featured.

On August 11th, 2011 CRU Restaurant is having a charity dinner for the weekend to end breast cancers.

The Refinery Cocktail Kitchen Series for August is Morocco vs Cointreau

The Dockside Restaurant’s legendary Jazz and Blues Brunch is back.

White Spot Celebrate BC Menu is now on.

Cravings Restaurant and Lounge has live Jazz throughout August.

Hops Hidden Tuesdays is on the Hidden Tasting Bar and Social Lounge

Seasons in the Park is promoting Sangria on Sundays!

Directly from the Glowbal Group Press Release:

Loving Summer, Glowbal Style Dash to dine in the sunshine

Vancouver, BC (Thursday, July 28) Summer has finally arrived in Vancouver and there is nowhere hotter to get your dine on than with The GLOWBAL COLLECTION. With six restaurants - including glowbal grill, COAST, Sanafir, Italian Kitchen, Trattoria and SOCIETY - each offering a refreshingly different experience, summer-time entertaining is a breeze. Plus, with fun promos aplenty, such as movie nights at SOCIETY and belly dancing at Sanafir - guests can be sure there is always something on the go-go at these celebrated Vancouver eateries.

The Glowbal Collection + Union Gospel Mission, BBQ

On Saturday, July 16, The Glowbal Collection once again joined forces with the Union Gospel Mission (UGM) to organize a BBQ for residents of the downtown eastside. Offering all the fixins’ for a delicious meal, more than 6,000 people attended the event. This is the third collaboration from The GLOWBAL COLLECTION and UGM. Glowbal proprietors Shannon and Emad Yacoub extend their heartfelt gratitude to the many volunteers who assisted with the worthy cause. Check out photos from the BBQ on The GLOWBAL COLLECTION Blog. Stay tuned for news regarding the Christmas 2011 dinner.

Fashion Fix

Not sure what to wear when you hit the town? Check out the newly minted ‘Glowbal Style Watch’ on The GLOWBAL COLLECTION Blog, courtesy of Vancouver-based fashion maven Sandra O’Connell, for a detailed look at the season’s must-have clothing and accessories.

Recipe In-Box
Get the inside scoop on crowd-pleasing dishes with select recipes for signature items - such as Sanafir’s delicious roasted garlic hummus - now available for download on The GLOWBAL COLLECTION Blog.

The GLOWBAL COLLECTION + Mission Hill Family Estate: An Exclusive Wine Country Collaboration
On Saturday, August 27, The GLOWBAL COLLECTION and Mission Hill Family Estate present the ‘Three Chefs in the Vineyard’ dinner, at the West Kelowna winery. Matthew Batey (Executive Winery Chef at Terrace, Mission Hill) and Glowbal toques Dennis Peckham (Executive Chef, COAST Restaurant) and Ryan Gauthier (Corporate Chef, The GLOWBAL COLLECTION of Restaurants), will present a locally-inspired four-course menu, expertly paired with highlights from the winery cellar - all while being surrounded by the natural beauty of the Okanagan Valley. Seating is limited. Call 250.768.6483 to reserve seats.

About the GLOWBAL COLLECTION

The GLOWBAL COLLECTION is comprised of six restaurants: glowbal grill steaks & satay, COAST Restaurant, Sanafir, Italian Kitchen, Trattoria Italian Kitchen and SOCIETY Dining Lounge; two lounges: AFTERglow and O Lounge; and a catering company: Glowbal Catering. A seventh restaurant, Black & Blue, will open Fall 2011.

The energy, bustle, and allure of these celebrated Vancouver restaurants are what most people notice first. In addition, flawless service, exquisite wine lists, and some of the most inventive, celebrated cuisine in Vancouver define every restaurant in the collection.

Make your reservations online at glowbalgroup.com.

Check out The GLOWBAL COLLECTION blog for the latest news on all the restaurants at blog.glowbalgroup.com/.

Directly from the Museum of Vancouver Press Release:

MOV LAUNCHES “CHOSEN FAMILY PORTRAITS” AS PART OF THE QUEER FILM FEST.

Wednesday August 3rd open to public.

There are the families we’re born with…..then there are the families we choose.

Queer Film Fest and Museum of Vancouver have teamed up to launch the photography exhibition

Chosen Family Portraits. MOV is the only place in town exhibiting all 28 images of the families and their stories (in bright pink elegant frames!) The  Portraits depict the less conventional families, part of a clever community photography project started in 2010.

The Youtube video about the project will also be displayed at the exhibition.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1qgizId8kM

For information of the Museum of Vancouver please see their website: www.museumofvancouver.ca

Directly from the BC Hospitality Foundation Press Release:

British Columbia Hospitality Foundation Golf Tournament Raises Over $100,000

July 28, 2011 (Vancouver, BC) – The British Columbia Hospitality Foundation’s 2011 Golf Tournament was a smashing success.  Held at the Westwood Plateau Golf and Country Club on Monday July 18, 2011, the event raised over $100,000 while giving participants an enjoyable day of activity and socializing on the greens.

Starting at 11AM, the event included a casual pre-golf lunch compliments of White Spot, Vancouver Community College, and [yellow tail], on-course food and beverages, skill competitions, a reception, and a buffet dinner.  All proceeds from the event will go to the British Columbia Hospitality Foundation (BCHF).

The BCHF wishes to thank all its sponsors for their generous support:

Major sponsors: Cart sponsor – Meridian Valet, Brunch sponsor – Avalon Dairy, BBQ sponsor – White Spot, Reception sponsor – ContainerWorld, Range sponsor – Morneau Shepell, Putting sponsor – Rona, Best Buy LG, Boston Pizza, Labatt, Coca Cola, Molson Coors, Shaw, Western Financial Group.

Food & Beverage sponsors: Canterbury Coffee, Nk’Mip Cellars, Ripple FX Water, Sandhill Winery, Segura Viudas, Vancouver Community College, [yellow tail].

Hole sponsors: American Express, Avalon Dairy, Best Buy LG, Boston Pizza, Coast Hotels and Resorts, EMC Publishing, Fortis BC, International Cellars, KPMG, Kraft Foods, Payworks, Shaw Cable, Serta, Western Financial Group, Western Hotelier.

On-course refreshments: Authentic Wine & Spirits – Bassano, Lucky Penny, Bacardi Canada, Bacchus Group – Dr. McGillicuddy’s, Labatt - Bud Light Lime, Charton Hobbs – Hennessy Black, Coca Cola – Simply Orange, Powerade, Diamond Estates – Hypnotiq, Patron, GFS, Granville Island Brewing, Hills Foods Ltd., Summit Marketing - Lamb Weston, Molson 67, Mr. Mikes, Oranfresh, Peller Estates, Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts, Ripple FX (Miller Springs Water), Rodney’s Oyster House, Sleeman Breweries Ltd., Sysco Fresh Point, Sysco Trimpac, Vincor – Growers.

About the British Columbia Hospitality Foundation: Formed in 2006, the BCHF is a charitable organization dedicated to providing financial support to individuals within the hospitality community who are coping with extraordinary costs arising from a serious health crisis.    Since its inception, the Foundation has expanded to also award scholarships and bursaries to students enrolled in hospitality programmes.  BCHF raises funds through donations, third party functions and by hosting events such as an annual golf tournament, Dish N ‘Dazzle and Tip Out To Help.  www.bchospitalityfoundation.com

Directly from the Harbourfront Centre Press Release:

Masala! Mehndi! Masti! (Aug. 19-21)

A three-day festival connecting the diverse elements of South Asian culture

TORONTO, ON – Harbourfront Centre, along with its lead summer partner The Toronto Port Authority, presents Masala! Mehndi! Masti! created and co-produced by Satya Arts Association, Aug. 19-21. The Masala! Mehndi! Masti! Festival, part of ‘Hot Spot Summer’ on downtown Toronto’s waterfront, is a celebration of incredibly diverse South Asian and South Asian-inspired culture. As a “Dor/Dhaga/Thread”, Masala! Mehndi! Masti! ties and binds diverse parts of the culture together, connecting and creating continuity, while not compromising the uniqueness of each part. It pulls and draws each element closer to the other or creates a link between them all. Sacred Threads abound in the day-to-day life of South Asians, and this festival weaves cultural threads that are just as powerful and important in many ways.

The film segment, MMMovies! features an exciting personality this year: the new face of Indian cinema and one of Bollywood’s 10 most desirable actors, Abhay Deol. His just-released film, “Zindagi Milegi Na Dobara (You Only Live Once)” has taken the planet by storm.

Winners of the reality TV show “India’s Got Talent”, the 17-member Shillong Chamber Choir from Meghalaya (a tiny north-eastern state of India) perform a repertoire of classical, jazz and musica sacra on the WestJet Stage. Sri Lanka’s biggest hip-hop stars, Bathiya and Santhush, fly in as festival closing headliners, and classical artist Snehasish Mozumder also performs with his double-necked mandolin, fusing gorgeous music with his unique voice. Part traditional and part contemporary, Bhanging by the Lake presents the best in Bhangra dance and music.

Dance takes over the Redpath Stage as some of the best choreographers come to Masala! Mehndi! Masti! to showcase the traditional and non-traditional dances of South Asia. Promising to excite the audience with fast-paced dance, Swar Sadhana is a group known for their traditional music; they present Dandiya Raas, inviting one and all to participate in this Gujarati community dance. GhuMMMo! is an hour-filled production of exceptional dance performances that highlights a range of dance techniques that include jazz, classical and ballet.

Actors take audiences on a journey through South Asian customs and culture in Sacrifice, by Nobel Prize winner Rabindranath Tagore, a tale about a king and queen in conflict with each other when religion dominates politics. Dirty Pakistani Lingerie has Pakistani-American women airing their dirty lingerie while trying to find their place among two very different cultures.

Join us this summer as we explore “Hot Spots” of intensity, artistic brilliance, connectivity, and regions of conflict that shape the impressions we have of ourselves and our world. This theme is programmed into each weekend festival to bring together rich artistic traditions from our own backyard and around the globe! It also presents a unique opportunity to experience top Canadian and international artists in a fun, family-friendly environment without ever leaving the city!

Hot spots may not always be comfortable, but they are conduits of change. Embrace change or defy it – it is ultimately up to you. This summer, Harbourfront Centre presents programming that asks: What’s your hot spot?

For additional information and complete event listings, the public may visit harbourfrontcentre.com/summer or call the Information Hotline at 416-973-4000. Harbourfront Centre is located at 235 Queens Quay West in the heart of downtown Toronto’s waterfront.

Directly from the Mission Hill Family Estate Press Release:

Pairing Passions with Art + Wine Tour at Mission Hill Family Estate

More than 50 important sculptural works by globally acclaimed French artist Nathalie Decoster are presented in the vineyards against a backdrop of mountainous beauty.  New Sommelier-led tour divulges — over Mission Hill wines — the meaning behind the art.

A total of 53 sculptures by Parisian artist Nathalie Decoster are newly installed in the Okanagan Valley, on full display at Mission Hill Family Estate. The large-scale sculptures, made from bronze, stainless steel and concrete, convey philosophical messages about universal human conditions. The Mission Hill exhibition marks the first public installation in Canada by Decoster.

Through October, the renowned winery is offering an Art + Wine Tour to guide guests through the exhibit and expand on the meaning behind each piece. Offered Friday through Sunday, the sommelier-led tour is narrated to a selection of Mission Hill flagship wines. Each inspired tasting tour can accommodate up to 12 guests.

A veritable fine-art treasure hunt, guests will discover Decoster’s works at every turn, with pieces placed both indoors and out, making excellent use of the expansive space. Surprising, with a touch of playful whimsy, expect the unexpected from the exhibit: A swing set suspended from the walls of the Barrel Cellar; a fabric-covered box-spring studded with stainless steel figures in the Chagall Room; and, the piece currently greeting visitors under the keystone entrance to the winery, the striking ‘Air du Temps.’

“A uniquely Okanagan experience, the Art + Wine Tour will provide insight and inspiration as a tribute to Ms. Decoster’s work,” says Anthony von Mandl, Proprietor at Mission Hill Family Estate. “With our knowledgeable sommeliers at the ready, we invite guests to savour the fitting marriage of beautiful art and fine wine.”

For more information or to book the Art + Wine Tour online, visit missionhillwinery.com/guest_experience/publicTours.html.

To view the Nathalie Decoster sculpture exhibit at Mission Hill Family Estate, visit www.missionhillwinery.com/of_significance/NathalieDecoster.html.

Directly from the Horne Lake Caves Press Release:

Caving For All - Above and Below the Ground

New Interpretive Centre at Horne Lake Caves will feature Canada’s First Fully Wheelchair Accessible Cave Theatre

Horne Lake Caves, QUALICUM Beach, BC - - The notion that you have to go into a cave to learn about it is getting turned inside out. Now that Horne Lake Caves is opening an interpretive centre on site, you don’t have to be a cave dweller to appreciate the underground world on Vancouver Island.

“This is a much needed and much welcomed step forward for Horne Lake Caves and for the Parksville-Qualicum Beach region,” says Richard Varela, Director of Island Pacific Adventures, the company that manages operations at Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park.

“This will be Canada’s first fully wheelchair accessible cave theatre. We will be able to share the cave environment with so many people that would never have had the ability to go into a cave, or who have been slightly uncomfortable doing so, and they can now learn about our caves, see how magnificent they are and learn why they’re so important to protect.”

The interpretive centre will feature an educational centre, a cave museum and a cave theatre where visitors can watch a video of Horne Lake Caves that remain for the most part undeveloped and in their natural state. The caves have no permanent lighting or man-made walkways and were voted the Best Natural Outdoor Site in BC by Attractions Canada.

Varela estimates that of the 30,000 visitors that come to Horne Lake Provincial Park each year, a full two-thirds, or 20,000 people, never get to see the caves. He adds that the educational aspect of the interpretive centre will grow into a necessary part of the long term sustainability of the caves and the responsibility that each caver will need to take on.

“To minimize our impact on caves we need to treat them delicately to ensure their long term use and protection, and that means educating people how to use them,” says Varela.

Funding for the interpretive centre came by way of BC Parks Community Legacy Fund, aimed at supporting improvements to 27 parks across the province. The funds were applied for by the Canadian Cave Conservancy (CCC), sponsors of the cave theatre. Also involved were the Vancouver Island Cave Exploration Group and the BC Speleological Federation.

“We’re really pleased to be partnering with the CCC who really started it all - they really were a leader in this project,” says Varela. “They are the only national organization to protect and preserve cave resources and their sponsorship of the cave theatre is magnificent.”

In addition to the interpretive centre, there will also be upgrades to the park, including new signage and an improved trail system.

The public is welcome to attend an opening of the interpretive centre scheduled for August 9, 2011. A Grand Opening celebration is planned for the spring of 2012. www.hornelake.com

Directly from the Provence Restaurants Press Release:

YOU SAY TOMATO AND I SAY TOMAHTO,  BOTH ARE TASTY AT PROVENCE

(Vancouver, BC) – Moneymaker, Copia, Red Fig, Black Sea Man, Green Zebra – they may have odd names but there is nothing odd about the rich, sunshine-infused flavour of heirloom tomatoes. Tomatoes are a passion for many people, including Provence Chef/Proprietors Alessandra and Jean-Francis Quaglia. “There isn’t any flavour that says ‘summer’ more to me than tomato,” says Chef Alessandra. “We are fortunate to have local producers supplying us with heirloom varieties. The flavours are so intense; each variety is different and they are all so tasty.”

This August, Provence Restaurants celebrates all things tomato with its Second Annual Tomato Festival - special three-course table d’hôte menus that will satisfy even the most addicted tomato-holic. Menus differ slightly at each restaurant and are also priced differently – $45 at Mediterranean Grill in Point Grey and $48 at Marinaside in Yaletown.

Chef Alessandra’s favourite Provençal Heirloom Tomato Tart makes an appearance on both menus as a starter. Mediterranean Grill’s menu also includes the option of an Heirloom Tomato Salad with Buffalo Mozzarella and marjoram citronette. While Marinaside’s starters include a refreshing Chilled Yellow Campari Tomato Soup with poached BC spot prawns and cucumber relish. Marinaside also has a version of an Heirloom Tomato Salad. This one comes with shaved fennel, feta and olives

At Mediterranean Grill there are two choices of mains: Sun-dried Plum Tomato and Almond-Crusted Sablefish served with crushed sweet peas and yellow campari tomato coulis or Fraser Valley Duck Breast with vegetable tian, cherry tomato marmalade and lavender jus.

Marinaside’s menu offers three tempting mains: Grilled Halibut with lightly-spiced tomato salsa, Dungeness Crab and Heirloom Tomato Stew (brimming with mussels, clams and scallops in a fennel, white wine and garlic broth) and Wild Prawn Open Ravioli served with a roasted heirloom tomato and watercress salad.

Dessert at Mediterranean Grill is a Candied Grape Tomato Panna Cotta served with a mint and flower honey biscotti. While over at Marinaside, diners can choose a dessert from the regular menu or indulge in a Candied Cherry Tomato and Fresh Strawberry Sundae with crema di balsamico. Tomatoes for dessert? Technically, tomatoes are a fruit and not a vegetable, so ending your meal with tomatoes is not as strange as it may appear. Their summery sweetness adding just the right finishing touch.

Both restaurants will be offering daily specials on Rosés to accompany the special Tomato Festival menus. Marinaside’s sommelier Rod Morrison is also offering a special taster flight of Rosés from BC’s Joie Winery in Naramata. The flight includes the 2007, 2009 and 2010 vintages.

Whether you go balmy for Black Krims, gush about Green Zebra’s or just adore Aunt Ruby’s German Greens – you’ll find them all and more on the menu at Provence’s Second Annual Tomato Festival this August.
Provence Mediterranean Grill (Point Grey) 4473 West 10th Ave., 604.222.1980

Provence Marinaside (Yaletown) 1177 Marinaside Crescent at the foot of Davie St., 604.681.4144

http://www.provencevancouver.com

Directly from the Pourhouse Restaurant Press Release:

Pourhouse Lunch

New Featured Sandwiches starting July 27!

Sandwich, choice of side and a glass of beer for $14

Beef brisket, havarti cheese, rye bread

Tuna melt, celery, cheddar cheese

Pulled pork, bbq sauce, coleslaw

Meatloaf, mozzarella, basil

Portobello mushroom, asiago, garlic aioli

http://www.pourhousevancouver.com/

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

It’s time to Celebrate, at White Spot

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

Tangy Thai Crab Rollups from Simply West Coast Sauces.

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

Directly from the Araxi Restaurant Press Release:

araxi longtable @ north arm farm

2011 summer series

July 30   •  August 27   •  September 11

Whistler, B.C. (July 22, 2011) – The menu and wines have just been confirmed for the araxi longtable @ north arm farm event on July 30th, the first in a trifecta of outdoor dining experiences taking place this summer at Pemberton’s picturesque North Arm Farm.

Araxi’s wine director, Samantha Rahn is thrilled to be showcasing a range of outstanding wines from Mission Hill Family Estate, which represent the very best of their current portfolio. Ingo Grady, Mission Hill’s Director of Wine Education and one of the province’s foremost wine authorities, will lead guests through the wine pairings that he has personally chosen to accompany Chef James Walt’s menu.

RECEPTION

Garden Back to Eden Tomato Gazpacho
Yarrow Meadows Duck Liver Parfait with Rosemary
Tofino Dungeness Crab Roll with Cucumber Pearls
Mission Hill Martin’s Lane Riesling, 2010
Schramm Vodka Cocktails (Pemberton Valley)

MENU

North Arm Zucchini Flowers
stuffed with Okanagan goat cheese, heirloom tomatoes
Root Down organic greens with red pepper vinaigrette

Mission Hill Perpetua, 2008

Cherry Wood Hot Smoked Barkley Sound Sockeye Salmon
roasted North Arm beets, english pea and green tomato salsa
arugula flowers with beet caviar
Mission Hill Quatrain, 2007 (magnum format)

Pemberton Meadows Natural Beef
crispy slow cooked beef cheek fritter, pepper and rosemary roasted sirloin
North Arm rainbow chard and baby carrots
Mission Hill Oculus, 2004 (magnum format)

North Arm Strawberry Ice Cream Bar
strawberry ice cream dipped in dark chocolate with chocolate crust
Agassiz hazelnut financier with Okanagan apricots
Mission Hill Late Harvest Riesling, 2005

August + September Events

We are also pleased to announce the incredible winery partners for our other two events: August 27th will feature Naramata’s Foxtrot Vineyards and Napa’s Trefethen Family Vineyards, while September 11th will welcome sister wineries Le Vieux Pin of Oliver and LaStella of Osoyoos.

To Purchase

Tickets for each of the three events are $160.00 per person, all inclusive of reception, four-course menu, wine, tax and gratuity.

Return executive transportation from Whistler Village is available for an additional $35.00 per person, including tax.

To reserve your place at the table, email: farmdinner@araxi.com.

The culinary cornerstone in the heart of Whistler Village, Araxi is recognized worldwide for its excellence in food, wine and hospitality. One of Canada’s leading chefs, James Walt crafts compelling regional cuisine based on local, sustainable ingredients. Restaurant 5:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. Bar + Raw Bar 5:00 p.m. - midnight. Lunch 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. Weekend brunch 10:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. For reservations, call 604-932-4540 or visit www.araxi.com.

Directly from the Boathouse Restaurants Press Release:

BEST OF THE WESTCOAST NOW ON!

Celebrate your passion for great food and wine with The Boathouse and Red Rooster Winery. Get the best of BC tonight with a Fresh Seafood & Wine dinner for 2, with a glass of Red Rooster’s award winning Chardonnay for just $29.99 per person. It’s the perfect mix of fresh local flavours from BC’s farms, oceans & wineries.

Or try our Killer Whale Ale Combo – 2 pieces of Pacific Cod in Killer Whale Ale batter, with fresh cut sea-salted fries and salad with a glass of Killer Whale Ale for just 18.99.

CELEBRATE THE 90 DAYS OF SUMMER!

Pick up your 90 Days Postcard for chances to win weekly prizes or 3 fabulous Grand Prizes.

Last week’s winner of the Rocky Mountaineer Trip for 2 is Vivian Oswald.

Enter now for a chance to win this week’s prize - Fireworks Dinner for 2 (value $300) at the English Bay Boathouse

Directly from the Goldfish Seafood & Chops Press Release:

Goldfish dives into its seafood roots Yaletown hot-spot now Goldfish Seafood & Chops

VANCOUVER, BC – Goldfish Seafood & Chops (formerly Goldfish Pacific Kitchen) unveils a brand new menu this month with a focus on fresh and authentic seafood from the Pacific Northwest region. Taking influences from notable predecessors such as The Cannery and The Fish House, as well as sister restaurant Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House, Goldfish will offer an array of new dishes including tuna steaks, halibut bone-in chops, and swordfish.

“We at Kanke Seafood Restaurants are excited to return to our roots, bringing back that legendary Cannery charm and cuisine and for our patrons to taste the new dishes ,” says Bud Kanke, Proprietor of Kanke Seafood Restaurants Ltd, which has founded 11 restaurants in its 40-year history. “This move was responsive to requests by Goldfish guests and signifies an evolution towards fresh regional Pacific Northwest, indigenous seafood. Although we will continue to keep our signature dishes with Pacific Rim flavours such as lobster tempura, ahi tuna poke and avocado tower, 6” California crab stack, our team looks forward to adding more variety to the menu.”

The new Goldfish Seafood & Chops menu will feature:

Simple and fresh grilled fish, as many as are seasonally available
A seafood tower similar to that made famous by Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House
Lobster & avocado flatbreads
High quality steaks and chops
Salmon Wellington, Smoked Alaska Black Cod, and other Cannery classics coming soon

“Bistro quality has moved up in presentation and performance, maintaining mid-priced accessibility but with the same service and quality as top ‘white tablecloth’ establishments. Our new menu features variety, variety, variety, all with classic North American style and polish,” explains Kanke.

General Manager/Partner Thomas Beetlestone together with Executive Chef Scott Pratico And Bud Kanke personally invite all patrons formerly of The Cannery, The Fish House in Stanley Park as well as all aficionados of Kanke Seafood Restaurants to join us at Goldfish Seafood & Chops, the newly transformed Yaletown seafood destination.

For more information, please visit www.goldfishkitchen.com.

Directly from Gord Martin’s Press Release

Vancouver’s Chef Gord Martin is THE DELINQUENT GOURMET

July 21, 2011 – Vancouver, BC - This Saturday on Food Network Canada, Vancouver’s Chef Gord Martin is in Dangriga, Belize to explore the country’s unique melting pot of African, Spanish and Caribbean cuisines.

Not for the faint of heart, or those easily offended by “colourful” language, the “Delinquent Gourmet” takes two chefs, one from the east coast and one from the west (Gord Martin) and follows each of them as they take an irreverent  tour of the food culture, underground and on the streets, of their favourite food cities.

This Saturday (July 23) Martin (Executive Chef, artist, cookbook author and owner of Bin 941, Bin 942 and Go Fish Ocean Emporium – Fishermen’s Wharf and West Broadway) is the feature chef taking to the streets of Belize tasting the wares of vendor after vendor — Johnnycakes, tamales, garnaches – Belize’s heavenly taco.

At the Dangriga market the Delinquent Gourmet discovers varieties of fish he’s never even heard of, visits the queen of hot sauce, Marie Sharp, and invites Devon, the fishmonger, to enjoy a ‘Gordo style’ kingfish barbecue.  Later on the food culture crammed show tortilla master Rosalie gives Martin a tour of her amazing bakery and Gord meets up with cassava bread queen Naomi for a challenging lesson in making her giant pancake-like crisp bread before heading to a beach hut kitchen for a traditional iguana stew from a master of Garifuna cuisine.

The Delinquent Gourmet airs Saturdays at 7:30 pm on Food Network Canada

Go Fish!

Go Fish is a popular waterfront kiosk on Vancouver’s False Creek Fishermen’s Wharf. Opened in 2004, the casual takeout, outdoor concession has received reviews from all over the world and from such publications as Gourmet!

Chef Gord Martin, will open a second GO FISH location this August at Broadway and Granville in the current Bin 942 space. Open from 11am until 10pm daily GO FISH West Broadway will offer the same menu items as its waterfront location as well as an expanded menu.

BIN 941

Martin led the charge to modestly priced, creative small plates with “the Bins” back in 1998, his “tapatisers” encouraging people to try several dishes. Today the West End’s Bin 941 remains as busy and popular as always with the dinner to the late night dining crowd as they continue to serve Vancouver’s best tapas.