Vancouver's best-kept restaurant secrets

Seattle:

Directly from the Spinasse Press Release:

SPINASSE CELEBRATES FOUR YEARS ON THE HILL THIS AUGUST WITH A MONTH OF SPECIAL MENUS. GUESTS WILL REVISIT OLD FAVORITES AND EXPERIENCE WHAT’S NEXT

July 31, 2012 (Seattle, WA) - Spinasse is turning four this August and is celebrating this milestone with a month of special menus starting August 5, with new menus releasing on August 12, August 19 and August 26. The menus will reflect classic diner favorites from the past four years as well as new and exciting dishes on the restaurant’s horizon. Anniversary dinners are $65 per person for food with a wine pairing at $30 per person and a grand wine pairing $55 per person. Reservations here.

Please note that these menus are subject to change depending on availability of ingredients:

Week 1:
Cured salmon with ozette potatoes and dill pollen
Poached egg with zucchini and Toreggio cheese
Chanterelle and apricot lasagna
Roasted lamb with braised olive, basil and cherry tomato bread salad
Summer trifle with blackberries, caramelized white chocolate cake, rose cream and raspberry sorbetto

Week 2:
Scrambled egg with sea urchin
Crespelle with fresh cranberry beans and radicchio
Trenette with green beans, new potatoes and mint
Roasted quail with polenta, sweet corn, chanterelles and basil
Black pepper pannacotta with melon

Week 3:
Salted buttermilk panna cotta with heirloom tomato, salmon roe and poppy-seed
Eggplant in carpione with spot prawns and pine nut sauce
Melon and prosciutto risotto
Salmon with braised plum, prune, tremiti olive and basil
Sweet corn and goat cheese mousse with blueberries

Week 4:
Roasted peppers with anchovy, egg and buckwheat grissini
Eggplant flan with cherry tomatoes
Tajarin with braised geoduck and zucchini
Qualicum scallops “in umido” with sweet corn, verjus and arugula
Chocolate crespelle with nectarines

About Spinasse:
Opened in August of 2008, Cascina Spinasse captivated local and national attention for its authentic incorporation of Piedmontese dishes, including handmade pastas and use of local and Italian ingredients. Spinasse, with 36 seats and 10 at the counter, is open for dinner from 5:00 pm- 10:00 pm Sunday -Thursday and until 11 pm on Friday and Saturday. Spinasse is located at 1531 14th Avenue Seattle, Washington 98122.  The telephone number is 206.251.7673 and the website is located at spinasse.com.

South Okanagan:

Directly from the La Stella & Le Vieux Pin Press Release:

La Stella & Le Vieux Pin Celebrate Summer and the Passing of Bill C311. Two leading South Okanagan wineries offer free shipping for a limited time

Osoyoos/Oliver, BC (July 31, 2012): Following pivotal provincial law changes relevant to Canada’s wine industry, celebrate with two of the South Okanagan’s most forward-thinking wineries, as the wine community enters into a remarkable new chapter. Join LaStella and Le Vieux Pin this summer in raising a glass to the decision-makers, and enjoy a 10% saving and free shipping for online orders this August.

The landmark passing of Bill C311 allows the provincial governments of Canada the ability to establish rules permitting residents to order wine produced in another provinces online, and have it shipped directly to their homes. To mark this historic decision, visit either LaStella (www.LaStella.ca) or Le Vieux Pin (www.LeVieuxPin.ca) online and purchase a minimum of 12 bottles, receive 10% off, and the winery will ship it to your home or place of business free of charge. Cases can be mixed and matched from the white, rosé and red wines available, enter code “celebrate” at checkout to receive the discount.

The celebrations continue on August 17th and 18th when La Stella and Le Vieux Pin host oenophiles and foodies alike at two distinct dinners that epitomize la dolce vita and the bounty of locally sourced Okanagan Valley produce. These events will sell out and only very few spaces remain.

Friday, August 17th: Le Vieux Pin and Joy Road Catering create a Western Style BBQ Dinner Locally sourced organic ingredients are the focus of this family style meal. This cuisine de terroir is a perfect match to Le Vieux Pin’s sustainable farming philosophies.

Saturday, August 18th: La Stella and La Quercia create a five course al fresco sit down dinner Lucais Syme of La Quercia (Vancouver Magazine Restaurant of the Year 2011) has worked closely with talented La Stella winemaker Severine Pinte for a no-holds-barred summer fiesta that marries the Italian styles of both restaurant and winery.

Next up, this September the release of Le Vieux Pin’s highly anticipated new vintage of sought after limited production Equinoxe Syrah and Equinoxe Chardonnay.

To order wine and sign up for notification of future winery events and exciting new vintage releases, visit: www.lastella.ca or www.levieuxpin.ca.

Don’t miss the August 2nd, 2012 newsletter.  There will be one giveaway prize:

One lucky winner will receive a copy of the new Smoking Meat Cookbook.

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

Directly from the Beerlesque II Press Release:

Beerlesque II at The Roundhouse, September 21

Celebrate burlesque and BC craft beer in support of the community arts and recreation centre.

Vancouver, BC: The Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre in Yaletown is gearing up for the second annual Beerlesque event on Friday, September 21. The fundraiser is in partnership with Vancouver Craft Beer Week (VCBW). All proceeds will support Roundhouse Community Programs.

Beerlesque is a feast for the eyes and the palate; a carnival for the senses. Guests will have ample opportunity to sample some of BC’s best craft beer - from more than 15 different craft breweries - while delighting in bold and sassy performances by some of Vancouver’s most talented (and gorgeous) burlesque dancers, including Burgundy Brixx, Melody Mangler, Nicky Ninedoors, Jenny Magenta, Rebel Valentine and Diamond Minx.

In addition to beer and burlesque, guests will be privy to plentiful entertainment, including: foot-stompin’ tunes from local band Blackberry Wood;  an adult clown troupe;  a sexy fashion show;  a thrilling vaudeville sideshow by The Danger Thrill Show; and “The Comic Strippers: A male stripper parody and improv comedy show.” The evening will be emceed by quick-witted improv comedian and actor Ken Lawson.

Dressing up is encouraged and a prize will be awarded for Best Costume. Rounding out the Beerlesque fun are raffle draws, a carnival/circus-themed photo booth with Michael Barrick of GothicBC, and some of the city’s favourite food carts.

The tassels will twirl, the sparkles will shine, the hips will shake and the beer will flow. The public is invited to come out for this special evening to support the Roundhouse.

Special thanks to Beerlesque sponsors: New Oxford Public House and Hooker’s Green Public House, along with media sponsor, Yelp.

Beerlesque II
Friday, September 21
6pm - 11pm
The Roundhouse Exhibition Hall

Tickets: $55 Adults (19+) (inclusive of all entertainment and beer)
Online: Eventbrite http://beerlesque.eventbrite.com/

In-person pick-up: Roundhouse Front Desk
181 Roundhouse Mews (Davie & Pacific)

More information is available online at www.roundhouse.ca or by phone 604.713.1800.

Directly from the Harbourfront Centre Press Release:

TELUS TAIWANfest (August 24-26) co-produced by Asian-Canadian Special Events Association

Journey through art, music, food and discover a Taiwan you never knew existed

TORONTO, ON – Discover the culture and vibrancy of contemporary Taiwan at Harbourfront Centre’s TELUS TAIWANfest, from Aug. 24–26, 2012, co-produced by Asian-Canadian Special Events Association.

The festival presents a multi-generational and multidisciplinary journey through Taiwanese art, music, food and film, designed to stimulate conversation and promote cross-cultural understanding.

TELUS TAIWANfest highlights include:

Award-winning a cappella superstars, O-Kai Singers and Mandarin pop star Pin Kuan;
Tap dancing extravaganza Dance Works embraces the sounds of traditional Taiwanese music and dance, while Tijimur Dance Theatre present Kurakuraw –a dance Inspired by Paiwan traditions;
Taiwanese Chef Tim Teng reveals secrets to the delicate art of Taiwanese stewing;
LunarFest 2013: Children’s lantern making for the Year of the Snake;…And more!

Complete event listings are attached. 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 Hapa Izakaya Press Release:

Vancouver, BC – Bring Your Own Wine (BYOW) to Hapa Izakaya

In light of B.C.’s new liquor laws, Hapa is excited to announce that it will be participating in BYOW.

Guests are invited to bring along their favourite bottles of wine for a corkage fee of $20.00 per bottle.

Parties with up to four guests are welcome to bring in one bottle of wine and parties with five guests or more can bring in two. Simply present your bottle to a manager upon arrival.

About Hapa Izakaya

When Lea and Justin Ault introduced Hapa in 2003 they exploded the izakaya concept in Vancouver. 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 WiseTM seafood conservation program and one of only a handful of Japanese restaurant partners in the program to date. Today, Hapa continues to be a standout for its presentation of Japanese food in a city where Asian dining endures stiff competition. It remains the place to go when you’re in the mood for a unique blend of food, fun and culture.

For more information, please visit HapaIzakaya.com

Directly from the Sequoia Company of Restaurants Press Release:

Live Music 7 Nights a Week!

Feel like winding down a summer day with some live tunes in a relaxed atmosphere? Join us at The Sandbar or Cardero’s for live music with different, local, talent every night! The baby grand at The Sandbar always has a talented pianist that cover any song that will get your feet moving!

Sangria Sundays!

Every Sunday this summer we have $14 pitchers of Sangria with fresh fruit! Join us for brunch & pitchers on the patio! Monday - Saturday pitchers are $18 and glass for $6!

Celebration of Light 2012

Don’t miss out on the annual Celebration of Light sponsored by Honda this year! Kicking off July 28th, the skies will explode with Vietnam. Downtown will be crowded so make sure you leave your car at home and taxi or bike to the spectacular show! The Teahouse is affected by the road closure so be sure to check out our website for road closures if you’re joining us for dinner.

Ocean Breeze - Aquabus

Don’t forget about the Aquabus as a means of transportation available all summer long. Its a fun, efficient way to get from A to B with the Ocean Breeze in your hair! Check out the set schedule and stops from Science World to the Burrard St Bridge and many in between. The Granville Island stop drops you steps from our patio! $18 Pitchers of Sangria all summer long & $14 on Sundays!

Directly from the Donnelly Group Press Release:

Million Dollar Mano
Kanye West & Jay-Z’s Watch The Throne Tour DJ this Friday at Bar None Nightclub
Friday, July 27th
1222 Hamilton Street
Bar None Nightclub

Saturday at Republic with DJs P-LUV, OMG, Jay Swing & The Closer Johnny Omega goin till 4AM
Saturday, July 28th - Open till 4AM
958 Granville Street
Republic Nightclub

Reggae Sundays presents Serani (Kingston, Jamaica)
Live Performance
With DJ Arems & The Goodlife in Room 2
Sunday, July 29th
958 Granville Street
Republic Nightclub

Directly from the FarmFolk CityFolk Press Release:

Okanagan Feast of Fields Tickets selling quickly!

SUNDAY, AUGUST 12 AT CLAREMONT RANCH ORGANICS IN WINFIELD
Tickets still available for purchase online at www.feastoffields.com, Choices Market - Kelowna and The Penticton Wine & Country Tourism Centre.

Things to know for the Okanagan Feast of Fields 2012

Children are welcome - Free for under 6
No dogs, please
Hashtag is #okanaganfeast
No guest parking on site (Parking is at George Elliot Secondary 10241 Bottom Wood Lake Rd, Winfield).  A free shuttle will transport guests.
There will be a Feast Bus ($15 return) leaving from Oliver with stops along the way with the last stop in Kelowna. Tickets must be purchased in advance to ensure appropriate transportation arrangements for all guests.

Kelowna, BC: FarmFolk CityFolk is pleased to announce further exciting details of their 2012 Okanagan Feast of Fields event. On Sunday, August 12, Claremont Ranch Organics will host the Okanagan’s fourth annual multi-course celebration of farming, food and wine in Winfield, BC. Okanagan Feast of Fields celebrates the relationships between local chefs and local farmers, fishers, producers and small foods processors. Set amongst the orchards and meadow of a working organic farm, local wineries, breweries, cideries and distillers are paired with individual culinary delights to provide guests with a truly memorable gastronomic experience.  This year almost 60 participants are involved, showcasing their food, drink and skills.  All the pairings can be seen here.

A few menu revelations:

Chef Jeff Van Geest at Miradoro Restaurant is serving “Okanagan’s Finest Angus Beef Bresaola on a Hazelnut Crisp with Forbes’ Farm Peach Marmalata” paired with Tinhorn Creek wine
Chef Stuart Klassen (Delta Grand Okanagan Resort) is creating “Braised Apple Pork BBQ” which will feature ingredients from Function Junction Apple Juice, Cross Orhcards, Okanagan Game Meats and Bread on Wheels. It will be paired with the brand new Double Cross Cider. Afke Zonderland of Afke’s Foods Alive, specializing in raw foods, will offer “Carrot Crisps with Cashew Dill Pate” featuring West Enderby Farm and Roots & Green Farm. The dish will be paired with Kalala Organic Estate Winery.  Claremont Ranch Organics, the host farm for this year’s Feast, is celebrating 100 years of farming the land.  Matt and Molly Thurston, who bought the property in late 2011, are excited to continue such a history of agriculture.  The farm produces Certified Organic pears, apples, plums, peaches, vegetables and salad greens for market.  Guests at this year’s Feast of Fields will be able to join in on a Farm Tour with the Thurstons, one at 2pm and the second at 4pm.

Music

Musical entertainment ranging from sublime to foot-stomping will be provided by several local performers, including Chloe, Kyle and Company, Sarah Mainland, Alexandria Colter, Jennifer Boal, Scratchpony and Becca Mabbett. A marketplace will feature local food artisans and vendors, complemented by a selection of information booths held by community and food security-related organizations.

Event details

The event starts at 1pm and ends at 5pm and there is no parking onsite.  Guests will be shuttled from the parking lot at George Elliot Secondary in Winfield to the host farm.

Directly from the Glowbal Group Press Release:

UGM + Glowbal Restaurant Group to serve 5,000 meals at annual summer BBQ in Oppenheimer Park

Vancouver, BC (July 26, 2012): Union Gospel Mission and the Glowbal Restaurant Group are working together once again to provide more than 5,000 meals at the Annual BBQ Picnic in Oppenheimer Park on Saturday, August 11, for the Downtown Eastside community.

“This will be our third year partnering with UGM,” says Emad Yacoub and Shannon Bosa Yacoub, owners of Glowbal, “and every year we have hundreds of restaurant staff, business colleagues and friends volunteer their time. They always come back raving about the experience and how it wasn’t just fun, it was enriching. We are grateful for the amazing response from our recent volunteer call-out to assist with next month’s BBQ and look forward to welcoming members of the Vancouver community who are aligned in our passion to promote positive change.”

Karen Fleming, a volunteer with UGM since 2007, agrees that the experience can be profound.

Fleming says that throughout her volunteer experience, she has witnessed hope, unconditional love and support being delivered to the guests. While she has participated in nearly every major meal at UGM, Fleming emphasizes the uniqueness of the Summer BBQ.

“The summer barbecue is especially fun-like a large family event, with a diverse group of people of all ages, ethnicities and backgrounds,” she says. “It is a great chance for us to step outside of our doors and be present in a safe place within the community.”

In addition to enjoying a scrumptious meal, families are invited to bring their kids who can enjoy games, cotton candy, arts and crafts, and even a large bouncy castle in a part of the park just for them.

“When a meal is among friends and family, it is never just about food,” says Bruce Curtiss, UGM’s Senior Chaplain. “Community in this context communicates a sense of belonging. This restores feelings of hope and safety, making it possible for vulnerable people to open up and trust others again.”

The Menu
• 5,000 gourmet hamburgers
• 900 pounds of coleslaw
• 900 pounds of fruit salad
• 5,000 bags of chips
• 5,000 cans of ice tea

BBQ Details
Date: Saturday, August 11
Time: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location: Oppenheimer Park (Cordova Street between Dunlevy and Jackson)

Directly from the Hawksworth Restaurant Press Release:

Hawksworth Bar & Lounge receives Seal of the Sazerac. First location outside of the US, awarded during Tales of the Cocktail 2012

Vancouver, BC (July 26, 2012): Hawksworth Bar & Lounge is thrilled to announce receipt of the Seal of the Sazerac, during Tales of the Cocktail’s opener gathering yesterday. Presented by New Orleans Culinary and Cultural Preservation Society (NOCCPS), this marks the first occasion an establishment outside of the United States has been presented with this prestigious accolade.

Both Bar & Lounge Manager Brad Stanton and Head Bartender Cooper Tardivel were in New Orleans to receive the award, presented during Toast to Tales - the Tales of the Cocktail 2012 launch event held at the Hotel Monteleone. Other 2012 Sazerac recipients were Bellocq, The Columns Hotel, Iris and Superior Seafood, all voted for by NOCCPS’s expert team of “Sazerac Secret Sippers”; establishments “which consistently make the most expertly crafted Sazeracs the world has to offer,” according to the official announcement.

“The Sazerac lives as deep in any bartender’s soul as any cocktail could,” shares Cooper Tardivel. “At Hawksworth, we prepare and execute the Sazerac through one of the true senses of what it means to be a “bartender”; that is, to respect each ingredient and allow them to shine in the spotlight and speak to the drinker. We welcome our guests to settle into a seat at Hawksworth Bar, and allow us to stir them into the romantic depth of this historical cocktail.”

“This award is exceptionally exciting, not just for our Hawksworth team but for the entire bartending community in Vancouver,” adds Brad Stanton. “As a city, we are honoured to host Tales of the Cocktail Vancouver every spring and our residents and bartenders truly embrace the events and the people involved.

“Hawksworth may be a long way from the steps of the Hotel Monteleone, but there is a little New Orleans history stirred into every Sazerac that is made there. I congratulate our entire bar team for putting passion and care into every cocktail they make,” concludes Stanton.

For more information or to make a reservation, visit www.hawksworthrestaurant.com.

Directly from the Thai House Press Release:

THAI HOUSE RESTAURANT GROUP CELEBRATES NEW “BYOW” LIQUOR LAW WITH $12 CORKAGE FEE

(Vancouver, BC) July 26, 2012 – In response to the BC government’s recent approval of restaurant corkage fees, Desmond Chen, president of Thai House Restaurant Group is pleased to offer a $12 corkage cost to wine-toting guests joining any of his six restaurants: all four Thai House locations, Urban Thai Bistro and Pink Elephant Thai.

“As a wine lover and frequent diner, it’s exciting to see the BC hospitality industry move in this direction,” said Desmond. “As a restaurateur, it’s nice to offer another service that caters to our guests and further enhances their experience.”

Chen is pleased to be one of the first Asian restaurants to establish a stance on BC’s new bring-your-own-wine legislation. As such, the entire Thai House Restaurant Group brigade is looking forward to inviting diners into their chic rooms and onto their sun-soaked patios to raise a glass (of possibly their own wine) to an exciting step in a new direction for BC restaurants.

About Thai House Ventures Inc.

Thai House Restaurants will celebrate its 26th anniversary this fall. Since opening its first restaurant on Robson Street in 1986, the family run business has grown to encompass six successful restaurants: four award winning Thai House locations, Urban Thai Bistro in Yaletown, and Pink Elephant Thai which opened on Alberni Street in 2011.  The successful line of Thai House Curry Sauces is available at grocery stores across Canada. For more information and specific social media links visit www.thaihouse.com.