Vancouver's best-kept restaurant secrets

Directly from the Donnelly Group Club Press Release:

Grand New Year’s Eve 2012 at
Republic Nightclub
Featuring DJs P-Luv, OMG & Jay Swing

Saturday, December 31st, 8pm-4am
Republic Nightclub, 958 Granville Street, Vancouver

Eyes Wide Shut
New Year’s Eve 2012
at Bar None Nightclub
Featuring DJ Matty C, C-Stylez & Jesse Stiles

Saturday, December 31st, 9pm-4am
Bar None Nightclub, 1222 Hamilton Street, Vancouver

Disco New Year’s Eve 2012 at
Post Modern Dance Bar
DJs J-Fresh & Sailor Gerry
Hosted by Big Jay & New Era Promotions

Saturday, December 31st, 9:30pm-4am
Post Modern Dance Bar, 7 Alexander Street, Vancouver

Directly from the Donnelly Group Pub Press Release:

New Year’s Eve 2012 Cask Night at
The New Oxford Public House
Featuring Driftwood Brewery and
Red Racer Beer

Ring in 2012 at the New Oxford Public House craft beer style. This December 31 we have two fantastic craft ales to help celebrate the new year.

First, we have a special Christmas Cake Winter Ale cask made with dark unsweetened chocolate, cherries, plums and rum from Red Racer Brewing.

Next, we’ll be tapping the very last cask of 2011 with the Blackstone Porter from Driftwood Brewing; a London style dry porter with bitter-sweet chocolate, caramel & malts.

Saturday, December 31st, 9pm-4am
The New Oxford Public House
1144 Homer Street,

Smiley’s

New Year’s Eve 2012 Dinner at
Smiley’s Public House
Featuring a three-course prix-fixe dinner

STARTERS

Prosciutto Scallops
Three pan seared Qualicum Bay scallops, crisp prosciutto, sundried tomatoes, brown butter, balsamic glaze.

or

Spinach Gnocchi
Potato gnocchi with wilted spinach, arugula pesto, roasted cherry tomatoes and asiago cheese.

MAINS

Braised Canadian Short Rib
Braised beef short rib, Yukon gold and roasted garlic mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables, demi-glace, beet crisps.

or

Prosciutto-Wrapped Queen Charlotte Island Halibut
Pan roasted halibut, prosciutto, barley and vegetable risotto, tomato consommé, balsamic reduction, fried leek.

or

Mushroom Ravioli (Vegetarian)
Portabella mushroom ravioli, tomato consommé, Asiago cheese, basil, grilled baguette.

DESSERT

Trees Organic Cheesecake

or

Vanilla Gelato

or

Chocolate Brownie

Saturday, December 31st, 9pm-4am
Smiley’s Public House, 911 West Pender Street, Vancouver

Cinema

New Year’s Eve 2012 at
Cinema Public House
DJs Nimis & 9 North, hosted by Carissa

Ring in the new year in the heart of the entertainment district. DJs Nimis & 9 North playing dance, nu-disco & chart. Complimentary piccolo of champagne for all guests with the party going until 4am.

Saturday, December 31st, 9:30pm-4am
Cinema Public House, 901 Granville Street, Vancouver

Directly from the Quince Restaurant Press Release:

Come celebrate the New Year at Quince  We still have some spaces available

$55 / person

5:30 - 6:30

First Course

Beet & Burrata salad / mache marcona almonds

Wild Boar Terrine / sun choke relish, pickled mustard seeds

Onion Soup / Gruyere ravioli

Second Course

Braised Beef shortribs / sun chokes, carrots, horseradish cream
Bouillabaisse / rouille crouton

Grilled Veal tenderloin / braised artichokes, honey mushrooms, caper berry, fingerling

Third Course

Grand Marnier semi fredo / blood orange

Assorted Cheese plate / house made chutney, crackers

Chocolate espresso budino / amaretto cookies, salted caramel, bacon candy

$78 / person

7pm onwards

First Course

Beet & Burrata salad / mache marcona almonds

Wild Boar Terrine / sun choke relish, pickled mustard seeds

Tuna Crudo / salt cod fritter, aioli, olives

Second Course
Onion Soup / Gruyere ravioli
Crispy Sweetbreads / fregola, mushrooms, onion puree

Grilled shrimp sausage / tomato, tamarind, sesame, herbs

Third Course

Braised Beef shortribs / sun chokes, carrots, horseradish cream
Bouillabaisse / rouille crouton

Grilled Veal tenderloin / braised artichokes, honey mushrooms, caper berry, fingerling

Fourth Course

Grand Marnier semi fredo / blood orange

Assorted Cheese plate / house made chutney, crackers

Chocolate espresso budino / amaretto cookies, salted caramel, bacon candy

Proseco at Midnight

For more information please call us  416 488-2110 or visit www.quincetoronto.com

Winterlicious 2012

Winterlicious 2012: The premiere winter dining event for Toronto will be held from January 27th to February 9th, 2012. The 2012 event will have over 100 participating Toronto Restaurants that will dazzle visitors with their 3 course culinary creations.

For more information: http://www.toronto.ca/special_events/winterlicious/2012/index.htm

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

Hazelnut Ricotta Cake from the new Back to Basics Cookbook.

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

Dine Out Vancouver 2012

Dine Out Vancouver 2012 is a continuation of an annual event that allows thousands of local food enthusiasts and tourists to dine at some of Vancouver’s top restaurants at equally attractive prices. The 2012 version will be Dine Out Vancouver’s ten year anniversary. The event will be held on January 20th to February 5th, 2012. Reservations begin on January 9th, 2012.

For more information: http://www.tourismvancouver.com/dine/dine-out-vancouver-2012/

Winter Wine Festival

Wine Festival at Sun Peaks Resort, January 14-22, 2012.

The 14th annual festival includes close to 20 events over nine days, including culinary events, wine tastings, educational seminars and outdoor recreation. A total of 24 wineries are participating throughout the festival, such as Sumac Ridge Winery, St. Hubertus Winery, Rollingdale Winery and many more!

For full event details and package information, visit http://www.sunpeaksresort.com/events-and-festivals/winter-festival-of-wine

Playhouse International Wine Festival:

The 2012 edition of the Playhouse International Wine Festival will take place from February 27th to March 4th, 2012 at the Vancouver Convention Centre West, and at select restaurants and venues throughout the city.

For more information: http://www.playhousewinefest.com/

Directly from the CRU Restaurant Press Release:

CRU Showcases the Wines of Burrowing Owl Estate Winery

On Sunday January 15 2012, Burrowing Owl Estate Winery will be featured at a dinner hosted by CRU Restaurant.  Don’t miss this chance to enjoy top-quality homegrown wines paired with a four-course menu at one of Vancouver’s premier restaurants.

Guests at the CRU dinner will be able to experience Burrowing Owl’s commitment to quality for themselves as they enjoy the winery’s top bottles paired with a complementary menu designed by Executive Chef Alana Peckham. Burrowing Owl President, Chris Wyse, will be on hand at the event to talk about the advantages and challenges of this extraordinary location.

The four-course dinner plus wines is only $98 per person, including tax and gratuity. Tickets are available at www.cru.ca or by phone at 604-677-4111.

Directly from the Bistro Pastis Press Release:

Celebrate the Season at Bistro Pastis

The holiday season is a time for friends and family to gather in celebration and what’s a celebration without great food and wine? The French know a thing or two about how to celebrate - after all we did invent the ultimate celebratory drink - champagne. Whether it’s the real thing, or a decent bottle of fine local bubble, all are sure to go well with Chef Tobias Grignon’s elegant interpretations of French classics.

We are now accepting reservations for New Year’s Eve - two seatings with two very different menus.

6 p.m. - three-course dinner for those who want an early evening or have a party to attend $65.
9 p.m. - sumptuous five-course repas for those who want to ring in the New Year with us. $90 includes party favours. Optional wine pairing $45.

New Year’s Eve Menus: http://www.bistropastis.com/events/

Join us Boxing Day (Dec.26) and New Year’s Day (Jan.1) for Brunch and Dinner.
Brunch Special - all omelets and benedicts $9.95
Dinner Special - three-course prix-fixe menu $39. (regular menu also available)

Reservations on-line at www.bistropastis.com or call 604-731-5020.

Directly from the Wild Rice Press Release:

NEW YEAR’S EVE AT WILD RICE

Best of both worlds now double the fun

(Vancouver, BC) – The inventive folk at Wild Rice know a thing or two about celebrating New Year’s Eve. They should do, as they celebrate it twice every year beginning in January or February with the traditional Chinese Lunar New Year, and then again at the end of the calendar year with the western version we all know – bubbles, countdown to midnight and yummy food. This year, Wild Rice offers double the fun as it has added a second location in New Westminster’s River Market.

At Wild Rice Downtown (117 W. Pender St at Abbott) the fun kicks off at 9 p.m. and goes through to 2 a.m. with a ‘Rec-room style’ party featuring DJ Cubby (aka Nicole Alosinac) spinning the tunes starting at 11 p.m.. It’s an affordable evening with dim sum, highballs and draft beer all specially priced at $5. The regular menu will be available from 5:30 to 9 p.m.

Wild Rice New West (in the River Market) will be open all day from 11:30 a.m. through to 1 a.m. After 9 p.m. they will also be offering $5 specials on dim sum, highballs and draft beer. From 11:30 a.m. through to 9 p.m. the regular menu will be available.

For those with a foodie on their gift list, Wild Rice gift cards make an idea stocking stuffer. It’s the gift that also gives back. Gift cards are available through Wild Rice’s web site at www.wildricevancouver.com

Directly from the Boathouse Restaurants Press Release:

BOXING DAY BRUNCH

Before or after the Boxing Day sales, head to The Boathouse for a fabulous Brunch.  Bubbles & Bennies all around, then relax, refresh and reflect on the holidays overlooking a fabulous west coast waterfront view.

CELEBRATE NEW YEAR’S EVE!

The Boathouse is putting on a party for YOU!  Gather together with friends and family and ring in the New Year in style with our special 3 Course Menu at all 7 waterfront locations.

NEW YEAR’S DAY BRUNCH!

Come down to the waterfront on New Year’s Day and take a stroll then join us for a special brunch.  Start off 2012 with our famous Seafood Buffet Brunch at select locations for just $29.99 - all you can eat or our a la carte Brunch menu.  For more information contact your favourite location.

LOBSTER FEST STARTS JANUARY 2nd!

Tis’ the season to eat Lobster!   With so many great deals on Lobster you’ll be celebrating the New Year with fresh Atlantic Lobster and 3 Course Dinners for under $25. NO COUPONS required.  Just everyday great prices on Lobster dishes starting at $19.99.

For more information please visit: http://www.boathouserestaurants.ca/

Directly from the Hamilton Street Grill Press Release:

Winter and Holiday Hours

Open Christmas Eve

Dinner 7 Nights a week from 5:00 pm / Lunch: Monday - Friday 11:30 am to 2:30 pm

Closed December 25th, 26th and January 1st There will be no lunch service on December 27th

New Years Eve at Hamilton Street Grill

Ring in 2012 at Yaletown’s favourite neighbourhood restaurant

Join your hosts Neil Wyles, Joan Harvie and staff
for a relaxed, dress up or dress down New Year’s Eve this year.
Enjoy Neil’s wonderful food and wine pairings, always generous portions and great wine choices

8:30 pm dinner
NYE Food and Wine Pairing Dinner
Six Course Dinner / Six Wines
$85 per person includes wine
exclusive of taxes & gratuity

By Reservation only 604-331-1511

A la carte menu available 5pm - 7pm, reservations suggested

Hamilton Street Grill - 1009 Hamilton Street
Vancouver, BC    604-331-1511
hamiltonstreetgrill@telus.net
www.hamiltonstreetgrill.com

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

Apple Cheddar Walnut Scones from the new Back to Basics Cookbook.

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

Directly from the Glowbal Group Press Release:

The Glowbal Collection + Union Gospel Mission Set to Host Third Annual ‘Table for 2000′ Christmas Meal, December 20, 2011.

The holiday season just got a little brighter for residents of the Downtown Eastside. On Tuesday, December 20, The Glowbal Collection and Union Gospel Mission will once again welcome those in need of a hot meal to the third annual ‘Table for 2000′ with Glowbal Collection chefs, staff and volunteers on-hand to serve a festive Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, prepared by Glowbal gourmet chefs, for up to 2000 Downtown Eastside residents.

DETAILS

WHAT: ‘Table for 2000′ Christmas Meal
WHO: The Glowbal Collection + Union Gospel Mission
WHERE: Union Gospel Mission, 601 East Hastings @ Princess Street. (Princess Street will be shut down to accommodate the heated tents in which the event takes place)
WHEN: Tuesday, December 20, 2011
TIME: 3:00 to 7:00 pm

Directly from the Mangia e Bevi Press Release:

Mangia e Bevi Fights Cancer with Month-Long Fundraiser

December 20, 2011 (Vancouver, BC) – Mangia e Bevi Ristorante’s 5th annual charity event, BACIO, will take place throughout January 2012.  The popular West Vancouver restaurant will offer a three-course dinner menu for $40 featuring traditional Italian cuisine.  $10 from each order will be donated directly to the Lions Gate Oncology Clinic and BC Children’s Hospital Oncology Research in support of important cancer research.

Restaurant owners Antonio Sauro, Robert Parrott, and Doug Grisdale started the BACIO (Because a Cure is Obtainable) event in 2008.  In the past four years they have raised a total of $109,000 for the Lions Gate Oncology Clinic and BC Children’s Hospital Oncology Research.

Mangia e Bevi will wind up the month with a special dinner and auction on January 31st.  The “Mangere, Bere, Vivere” (to eat, to drink, to live) dinner will include four courses paired with complementary wines as well as a silent auction.  Tickets for the evening are $100 plus taxes.

5th Annual BACIO Menu

Tuesday, January 3 – Monday, January 30, 2012

$40 for three courses

“Mangere, Bere, Vivere” Finale Dinner

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Reception 6:00 pm & Dinner 6:30 pm

$100 plus taxes

Mangia e Bevi Ristorante

2222 Marine Drive, West Vancouver

For more information, or to make your reservation, please call 604-922-8333.

Nando’s Flame-Grilled Chicken Restaurants have extended their coupon until December 31st, 2011

Boathouse Restaurants: Lobsterfest starts on January 2nd, 2012

Dine Out Vancouver reservations start on January 9th, 2012

Numerous restaurants are having New Year’s Eve events.

White Spot: Burger Guest Star Promotion is still on.