Vancouver's best-kept restaurant secrets

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

Mother’s Day Martini from Hendrick’s Gin.

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

Directly from the Dish n’ Dazzle Press Release:

2012 Dish n’ Dazzle Participants Include Top Names in Food & Drink

April 26, 2012 (Vancouver, BC) – The British Columbia Hospitality Foundation (BCHF) is pleased to announce the names of the restaurants, wineries, liquor sponsors, and bartenders who will participate in its annual fundraising event.  On Wednesday, May 16, 2012 at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel will host the Dish n’ Dazzle gala, which is always one of the most talked-about nights of the year, as industry insiders gather to socialize, be entertained, and enjoy outstanding food and drink as they support this great cause.

Dish n’ Dazzle is truly a collaborative effort which could not happen without the support and participation of tremendous organizations and incredible individuals

Celebrated Vancouver restaurants will wow your taste buds with their culinary creations:

Bistro 101 at Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts
Cafe Pacifica - The Pan Pacific Hotel
Fleuri  at the Sutton Place Hotel
Heron’s West Coast Kitchen + Bar
House of Empanadas
Hy’s Encore Steakhouse
Kits daily Kitchen
MARKET by Jean-Georges
Oru at the Fairmont Pacific Rim
PIER 7 restaurant + bar
Rockford Wok|Bar|Grill
Sanafir of the THE GLOWBAL COLLECTION
The Granville Room
Chef Anne Kirsebom

Refreshments will be provided by the following wineries, all members of event sponsor Wines of Argentina:

Amalaya
Casa Bianchi
Casa Montes
Catena Zapata
Clos de los Siete
Dante Robino
Escorihuela 1884
Familia Schroeder
Familia Zuccardi
Finca Decero
Finca Flichman
Flechas de los Andes- Compagnie Vinicole Baron Edmund de Rothschild
Las Perdices
Michel Torino
Norton
Pascual Toso
Santa Ana
Santa Julia
Tapiz
Terrazas de los Andes
Trivento
Vistalba

Liquor sponsors will provide liquid inspiration for the “Shakedown” cocktail competition:

Belvedere Vodka

Cointreau
Glenmorangie Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Hennessey Cognac
Hornitos Tequila
Mount Gay Rum

And local Bartenders put their Cocktail creativity to the test for your delight:

Grant Sceney – Fairmont Pacific Rim
Justin Taylor – YEW, Four Seasons Hotel
Katie Sita – CinCin
Trixie Blumel – Shangri-La Hotel
Joey Donnelly – The Granville Room
Katie McDonald – Veneto Lounge, Hotel Rialto (Victoria)

A raffle prize put together by Fairmont Hotels and Resorts includes

2 nights on Fairmont Gold at the Fairmont Waterfront
A trip for 2 on the Sea to Climb on Rocky Mountaineer
2 nights on Fairmont Gold at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler
A trip for two via Harbour Air from Whistler to Victoria
2 nights on Fairmont Gold at the Fairmont Empress
A flight for two from Victoria to Vancouver on a Helijet Helicopter

The silent auction is MASSIVE and filled with everything hospitality….hotel stays, restaurant gift certificates, foodie gift baskets including:

Large format wine bottles from Okanagan wineries
Chef’s Table dinners at Q4 Centro, PIER 7 restaurant + bar
Luxury bedding from Northern Feather
Top of the line Natural Gas BBQ
Jewelry from Sugar Lime and Jeweliette
Luxury hotel stays

Legacy Liquor Store will be supplying a lounge atmosphere where patrons can relax in a sexy space, sip enticing cocktails and wine while listening to a fabulous DJ.  Reidel glassware will be showcased and will be available for ordering at a special show price.

All proceeds from the evening, which also includes live music and a silent auction, will go to the BCHF, which provides financial support for hospitality industry members who are facing extraordinary medical expenses and awards scholarships to future industry leaders .

The event is a perennial favourite, so avoid disappointment and reserve your tickets now by visiting www.dishndazzle.com.

Dish N’ Dazzle
Wednesday, May 16 2012
6:30 – 9:30PM
Fairmont Waterfront Hotel
900 Canada Place Way, Vancouver
Tickets $75 per person

Directly from the Gruman and Nicoll Press Release:

35TH STREET KITCHEN + BAR SHAKES UP FREMONT’S BAR SCENE NEW SNACK, COCKTAIL MENU, EXPANDED BAR PROVIDE VIBRANT OPTIONS FOR SOCIALIZING

(Seattle, WA) April 17, 2012 - 35th Street Kitchen + Bar is upping the ante for Fremont’s bar scene with expansion of their bar and conversion of their private diningalcove to a lounge. With a new bar capacity for 25 guests in addition to the dining room, 35th Street Kitchen + Bar offers cocktails and compatible, French-inspired snacks starting at 2pm and available until 11pm during the week and until midnight on Friday and Saturday.

Chef de Cuisine Tyler Chamberlain and Pastry Chef/Owner, Michelle Citarello, have assembled a delicious collection of Bites: Dungeness Crab Croquettes-sweet chili aioli ($8); Smoked Onion Rings served with a house made porter dipping sauce ($6), Lollipop Lamb Chop grilled one bone chop with chimichurri sauce($6); Wellingtons ($7): Duck confit, balsamic onions, puff pastry, Mushroom-wild mushroom gruyere, fine herbes, truffle puff pastry; Sliders: ($3.50): Steak Slider Painted Hills grilled sirloin, Mamma Lil’s sweet pickled peppers, melted Swiss, brioche bun, BLT - Carlton Farms bacon, arugula, Roma tomato, Calamata olive aioli, brioche bun ($3) and Classics: Cassoulet - grilled garlicky bread ($13), Lounge Boards ($6/9/12) - marinated olives, local house pickled root veggies, house made crackers and choice of one to three meats and/or cheeses.

Cocktails crafted by bartendress Coventry Hinkle include Twisted Classics like a French “35” ($12) gin, prosecco, St. Germain Liqueur, lemon; Manhattan ($12) Maker’s Mark bourbon, Lillet Rouge, drunken dark cherry, Peychud’s Bitters, orange twist, or a Negroni ($11) Fresh grapefruit, gin, Lillet Blanc, Campari, sweet vermouth. A selection of French Champagnes, sparkling and red and white wines are available by the glass, along with domestic and imported beer.

Happy Hour offerings from 2pm-6:30pm and 9pm to close, include $3 bottle beer, $5 well cocktails and a $5 daily cocktail with fresh-muddled, fruit of-the-moment.

About 35th Street Kitchen + Bar
Located in Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood, 35th Street Kitchen + Bar offers lunch, Tuesday-Friday 11am to 3 pm, dinner Tuesday-Wednesday, Thursday-Sunday 5 pm - 11 pm and Friday and Saturday 5pm –midnight. 709 North 35th Street, Seattle, WA 98103. Telephone: (206) 547-9850. www.35bistro.com.

Directly from the UVA Wine Bar Press Release:

UVA CELEBRATES WELL KNOWN CIVIC ACTIVIST AND BELOVED PATRON WITH A SPECIALLY NAMED COCKTAIL  - THE JIM GREEN

APRIL 16, 2012 – VANCOUVER, BC : As we all know, Vancouver has lost of one its finest citizens lately with the passing of Jim Green from cancer.  And many of Vancouver’s dining establishments, clubs and bars lost one of their most cherished customers.  Jim had time for everyone and all those who served him knew the kindness of his heart – he always had a sage word of advice or a spot on observation of the world around us.  In his honor and in keeping with Jim’s philanthropic efforts, UVA bar manager Evelyn Chick created the Jim Green cocktail featuring Jim’s favorite tipple – bourbon mixed with fresh squeezed grapefruit juice, lemon, bitters, apricots and other fine embellishments.  As a social activist, politician social housing developer and avid supporter of arts and culture, Jim was always trying to make the world a better place.  In ongoing support of his efforts, UVA is proud to donate a portion of the proceeds for every Jim Green cocktail ordered to the Jim Green fund that benefits the Vancouver East Cultural Centre.

“It would be fantastic if other bars that Jim loved (you all know who you are) would also create a Jim Green cocktail and donate the proceeds to the Jim Green fund.  I think it’s a fitting tribute to a man who helped many of us make a living while imparting an amazing sense of wisdom,” stated Chick.  “It would also be great fun to visit all the bars and taste the different versions of the Jim Green – of course we all know the main ingredient will be bourbon – but each bartender could take variations on Jim’s personality and create their own special offering,” continued Chick.

Establishments wishing to participate can make their contribution to Jim’s memory care of The Cultch – The Jim Green Fund at 1895 Venables, Vancouver, V5L2H6.

Directly from the Rosewood Hotel Georgia Press Release

Ring in the spring at Rosewood Hotel Georgia’s Reflections Charming, alfresco venue offers classically-inspired cocktails and bites.

Vancouver, BC. (April 11, 2012): With warmer weather on the way, Rosewood Hotel Georgia is delighted to announce the re-opening of Reflections, an elegant alfresco rooftop bar and lounge, in the heart of downtown Vancouver. Located on the hotel’s fourth floor and surrounded by the storied walls of the 85 year-old historic building, Reflections embodies Rosewood Hotels & Resort’s guiding principle, A Sense of Place® with locally-sourced menu ingredients, classically-inspired cocktails, sleek teak furniture and a striking peek-through of the Vancouver skyline.

Rosewood Hotel Georgia_ReflectionsVibrant and effortlessly stylish, surrounded by soothing infinity water features and flowing art installations, the space is reminiscent of Miami or Las Vegas, yet inherently west coast in tone. On one side, six exclusive cabanas face a roaring stone fire pit, complete with plush cushions and warming heaters for cooler nights; on the other, oversized teak couches and polished tables are flanked by a gleaming chrome cocktail bar and grill, home to an exceptional team of bartenders and talented cooks.

Leading the culinary program at both Reflections and all hotel dining venues, Chef Ken Nakano has created a classically-inspired, locally sourced light-bite menu. Signature items include: scallop ceviche with endive salad, tomato aioli and lime vinaigrette; striped shrimp terrine with red pepper romesco sauce; smoked sablefish & salmon croquetas; and grilled chorizo sausage with honey mussels and saffron vinaigrette. Vintage and original cocktails to complement include the Cosmopolitan Daisy (Tanqueray 10 gin, Cointreau, lime and house-made raspberry syrup), Penicillin (blended Islay scotch, lemon juice and candied ginger) as well as the ever popular Hotel Georgia, recently noted by enRoute magazine as Cocktail of the Year. A well chosen wine list offers global selections with an emphasis on boutique BC wines, quality and value.

With a robust canvas drop-down curtain trimmed in sunshine yellow, illuminating lanterns and upbeat music, the stylish and inviting space delivers a laid-back vibe in a year-round, sophisticated and modern setting.

Reflections is open daily from noon until late. For reservations please telephone 604.673.7043 and for menus and more information visit www.rosewoodhotelgeorgia.com

Directly from the Evado PR Press Release:

Dine During Seattle Restaurant Week April 8th-12th, 15th-19th, 2012

Good news travels fast and good reservations go even faster! Grab your reservations for the quickly approaching Seattle Restaurant Week, April 8-19, featuring over 150 restaurants offering three-course dinners for $28; some with three-course lunches for $15. Our bellies are hungering to eat at ethnically diverse restaurants, Northwest mainstays, James Beard winners and new favorites waiting to be discovered. Keep your eyes peeled for the Eat & Seek QR code contest for great prizes during the 10 day celebration!

New Spring Menu At Cafe Flora

Spring has arrived and what better way to enjoy fresh, local bounty than with a visit to Cafe Flora for their spring menu. Featuring: Nettle Ravioli with citrus cashew sauce, petite radish and Jerusalem artichoke salad; Spring Wontons, Willie Greens Farm bok choy filled wontons, fried and served with goat cheese cream, rhubarb chutney and a black bean garlic sauce; Chocolate Brownie Coupe with salted peanut butter balsamic ice cream, hot fudge, chocolate crumble (gluten-free, vegan, soy-free). Don’t forget Cafe Flora is available for weddings, rehearsal dinners, showers and more! With custom vegetarian/vegan menus, gluten-free cakes and craft cocktails.

Celebrate Greek Easter April 15

You’re invited to celebrate Greek Easter on April 15 at Vios! In years past, chef-owner Thomas Soukakos invited friends and family for a private celebration and now you can get in on the festivities. We’ve heard it’s a can’t miss event with a nine-course menu featuring a traditional Whole Spit Roasted Lamb. Read about this private lunch turned public event, make your Easter reservation and see what other exciting news is happening at Vios.

Wine Yakima Valley Spring Barrel Tasting April 27-29

Get your bags packed and plan a trip to Washington Wine County for Wine Yakima Valley’s Spring Barrel getaway. Over 40 Yakima Valley wineries are celebrating spring with special tastings of their barrel wines, discounts, live music and special wine dinners. Grab your all-access Premier Pass online and then download the free Wine Yakima Valley mobile wine app on your smartphone to plan your Spring Barrel trip from April 27 to 29

Summer Is Just Around The Corner

April is upon us and many have let their New Year’s resolutions slide. But it’s not too late to try a workout that energizes, tones and will keep you coming back for more just in time to be swimsuit ready! Pure Barre is rooted in Pilates, weights and ballet and uses small movements to work muscles to fatigue, followed by stretches that lengthen. Your first class is free to try and new students receive their first month of unlimited classes for $99! Pure Barre is located in Bellevue and Seattle, across from the University Village.

Creative, Diverse New Cocktail Menu

The creative juices are flowing as Tini Bigs releases its new cocktail menu complete with new techniques, childhood-inspired fun and health trends. Beginning April 9, try the new menu including the Deep Freeze Classic (adult version of popsicle), Slow Ride (perfect for slow sippin’) and Good & Evil (with saffron tincture and fresh spinach juice). The new food menu is also raising the bar.

Maria Hines Does Vegetarian, Too

We devour our Lamb Kibbeh Meatballs, Yogurt Marinated Chicken Kebab, and Braised Duck Leg at Golden Beetle, but vegetarians are devouring their own set of dishes, too! From the Sautéed Lacinato Kale, Wood Fired Parsnips, Herbed Falafel and Savory Chickpea Stew, Maria Hines is giving vegetarians another dining option. These veggie dishes are so good we might turn vegetarian, too!

$3 Margaritas All Day, Every Day
That’s right! $3 margaritas all day, every day. Need we say more? Of course not, but pair these 100% agave tequila beauties with happy hour including $3.95 Taquitos, $4.95 Nachos and $4.95 Tacos and you won’t be able to stay away. Check out these options and more at the center of the thriving upper Fremont - Pecado Bueno! Get happy (hour) every day from 3-6 p.m. and 9 p.m.-close. You’ll be happy to “sin well” too!

$8 Lunch Boasts Quality + Flavor

Lucky 8s China House is giving every reason to grab a 30 minute lunch at a price that can’t be beat - $8! With everything made in-house, the three item menu featuring Happiness (starter), Fortune (entrée), and Luck (side) will have your taste buds driving you back to the 14th & Union hotspot. Options abound for a different combo every weekday, from Braised Pork Bao to Spicy Beef Noodles, Egg Rolls to Chinese Long Beans and more.

Find Estancia Lucia In Local Restaurants

Estancia Lucia products, imported from Argentina, are becoming a favorite of local restaurants and retailers. Their lineup includes buttery, green Arauco olives, Arauco Extra Virgin Olive Oil, savory chimichurri made with fresh herbs, and candied pumpkin in syrup that is excellent with goat cheese and crostini. Find their Arauco olives at the bar at Cafe Lago, marinated in herbs at The Walrus and The Carpenter or in your martini at Blackboard Bistro. Click here for more restaurants and retailers carrying Estancia Lucia in WA and OR!

Crush Jason Wilson Cigar Dinner, Wine Dinner

Ever wanted to have a James Beard Chef cook for you? April brings two opportunities for James Beard winner Chef Jason Wilson of Crush to arouse your senses. First up, experience how perfectly executed spring ingredients pair with Washington’s own Sleight of Hand Cellars on April 13 at Crush. If exclusive access is more your style, Jason will be doing a cigar dinner at the private Vertigo Club, which will open to the public for the dinner on April 21. Contact jason@chefjasonwilson.com to reserve your seat at his posh and indulgent table.

Tilth Named Best Breakfast

We’ve always been told that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Now you have no excuse not to fuel up, at least on the weekends, with brunch at Tilth. Recently named one of the best breakfasts by Seattle Met, be sure to save room for the notable Corned Beef Sandwich with mornay, choucroute, and duck egg. Maria Hines’ sister restaurant, Golden Beetle, also received Best Breakfast honors, too!

Directly from the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts Press Release:

A New Shaken & Stirred:  An Introduction to Craft Cocktails Course

Vancouver, BC (March 2012) . . . Shaking & Stirring her way onto Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts’ (PICA) already successful educational libation roster is Joanne Sasvari, author of Vancouver Sun’s ‘In Good Spirits’ column, who steps up to the bar with a new to the city eight-week, Shaken & Stirred:  An Introduction to Craft Cocktails Course starting Monday, April 16th.

Sasvari’s new Craft Cocktail Course joins PICA’s already well recognized three-tiered Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Certifications and Western Living’s newly minted ‘Top 40 Foodies Under 40’ as well as, Certified Cicerone Chester Carey’s Serious Beer Series completing PICA’s culinary centre’s educational journey to plate and glass.

Well acknowledged among Vancouver’s growing, passionate and committed cocktail scene, Sasvari brings a Craft Cocktail Course that will cover both theory and practical skills.  In addition, to the structured spirits tastings and hands-on preparations they are expertly paired with culinary tidbits both traditional and adventurous.

The course will also include influential Vancouver cocktail scene guest lecturers such as also, newly listed in Western Living’s ‘Top 40 Foodies Under 40’, Tyler Schramm, Master Distiller of ‘Pemberton Distillery’ as well as, craft mixologist Lauren Mote of ‘Kale & Nori Catering’ and the ‘Bittered Sling Bistro’.

Enter the world of a ‘behind the wood’ mixologist and levy quality ingredients, the science of distillation and the physiology of taste with hands-on preparations of classic and creative cocktails.  Course starts Monday, April 16th and is offered at an unbeatable $599.00 + HST (includes glassware, essential bar tools and manual). For more information or to enroll visit http://www.picachef.com/craft_cocktails.html.

Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts is one of Canada’s first highly accredited private culinary institutes providing Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry Arts Diploma programs. Core culinary curriculum include a mandatory Wine & Spirit Education Trust Foundation (WSET) Level Certification and because PICA is as a designated WSET provider students and the general public can carry on to attain WSET Intermediate and Advanced Wine Certifications.

Also, built into the curriculum is a Food & Beverage Operations Management Program where graduates are able to hone their skill sets in an extensively renovated and industry relevant student-run Bistro 101 and Bakery 101.  A top-notch Catering Department and alongside being Vancouver’s premiere hands-on cooking class provider affords PICA the prestige of being one of Canada’s premiere culinary centres dedicated to culinary excellence.

To contact us please call (604) 734-4488 or visit http://www.picachef.com/

Directly from the Hendrick’s Gin Press Release:

AN UNUSUAL BEVERAGE TO CELEBRATE ST PATRICK’S DAY

The good people of Ireland have been known to drink a little stout on St Patrick’s Day. While revered in Ireland, stout was first brewed in London in the 1730s, just as the city’s ‘gin craze’ was in full swing.  As such, Alex Kratena, Head Bartender of the Artesian bar at the Langham Hotel, London, has created a most unusual drink to commemorate the patron saint of Ireland on 17th March.  After all, had it not been for the stormy days of early eighteenth century London, the ‘black stuff’ may not have been the tipple of choice amongst Irish today.

The use of Irish stout in this cocktail highlights one of the eleven botanicals found in Hendrick’s Gin – the earthy, chocolatey tones of angelica root.  Each month, Hendrick’s releases a new cocktail inspired by one of the seeds, fruits, flowers or roots found in Hendrick’s Gin.  Botanical Imbibing Day falls on a day of particular note in that month and heralds a new recipe for mixing with Hendrick’s Gin.

‘London Stormy’
Created by Alex Kratena, Head Bartender at the Artesian bar at the Langham Hotel, London

Ingredients
50ml Hendrick’s Gin
15ml quinine cordial
15ml fresh lime
2 dashes of celery bitters
125ml Irish stout

Method
Stir all ingredients together and pour over ice into a highball glass. Garnish with a wheel of lime, rose bud and gherkin all on one cocktail stick.

Directly from the Bistrot Bistro Newsletter:

After just a few days to realize that we survived the holiday season, we have to think ahead. And for us the next big day is St. Valentine’s. For this day, we have design a special menu for this most popular event.

Lobster Bisque

Or

Seared albacore tuna, candy walnut on a bed of greens

Filet mignon lavender butter

Or

Organic Chicken in a thyme and red wine au jus

Or

Baked Halibut herb crust in leek sauce

All dishes will be accompanied by our fabulous mashed potatoes and vegetables

Share a voluptuous chocolate dessert

Served with a glass of bubbly

$55 per person plus taxes and 15% gratuity

(Credit card required for reservation; $ 25 no-show fee per person)

Directly from the West Restaurant + Bar Press Release:

West Announces Upcoming Wine and Cocktail Dinners

Spirited dinners abound with launch of Chef Dang’s new menus

Vancouver, B.C. (January 12, 2012) – The West Restaurant team is delighted to announce a series of upcoming wine and cocktail dinners. In conjunction with the launch of Executive Chef Quang Dang’s new single component, à la carte and tasting menus, these events are designed to both educate and uplift.

Hendrick’s Spirited Dinner
Tales of the Cocktail on Tour Vancouver

Monday, February 13 | 7:00 p.m. | $125, all inclusive

Join Hendrick’s Global Brand Ambassador Charlotte Voisey for a charming exploration of the alchemy of Hendrick’s Gin. West’s award-winning bar manager David Wolowidnyk will lead guests on a journey of extraordinary cocktails that focus on Hendrick’s key botanical elements—cucumber, citrus, coriander, juniper and rose—to accompany a reception and five-course menu created exclusively for this evening.

Tickets | 604-738-8938 |email:  info@westrestaurant.com

West Coast Montes
Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival

Wednesday, February 29 | 6:30 p.m. | $150, all inclusive

Chile’s iconic Montes Winery and West unite to present this exclusive evening offering the best that each region has to offer. Esteemed Chairman and Winemaker of Montes Winery, Aurelio Montes, will offer insight and commentary about their premium Chilean wines, paired with the impeccable, multi-course cuisine of Executive Chef Quang Dang.

Tickets | Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival

California Dreaming
Arts Club Spring Wine Dinner

Tuesday, April 17 | 6:30 p.m. | $195, all inclusive

It’s a stellar line-up from six of California’s most prestigious wineries as Vintage Corks and West join to present an intimate, epicurean adventure exclusively for this Arts Club fundraiser. Executive Chef Quang Dang will craft a compelling five-course menu from pristine local ingredients, paired with top vintages from Blackbird Vineyards, Dry Creek Vineyard, Duckhorn Wine Company, Dutcher Crossing Winery, Heitz Cellars, and Silver Oak Cellars. Senior representatives from each winery, including proprietors and winemakers, will introduce each wine.

Tickets | 604-687-5315 x248 |email: specialevents@artsclub.com

Directly from the Hamilton Street Grill Press Release:

Dine Out Vancouver

This year is the 10th year for this successful restaurant festival running from January 20th to February 5th, 2012 and once again Hamilton Street Grill is participating with $28 and $38 menus as well as the new Wine Country Luncheon in the Salt & Pepper Series. See below.

$28 Dine Out Vancouver Menu

Choice of Starters
Roasted Organic Squash Soup, coconut milk, red curry, Thai herb pistou
Or
Iceberg Wedge salad, grape tomato, chopped egg, maple bacon, blue cheese buttermilk dressing

Choice of Main Course
Grilled Certified Angus Beef Sirloin, horseradish demi, German butter potatoes and seasonal vegetables
Or
Wild Sockeye Salmon, pan seared yam gnocchi, scallions, asparagus with a brown butter citrus sauce

Choice of Dessert
Candy Bar Terrine, Chantilly Cream, burnt demerara sugar toffee
Or
Vanilla Creme Brulee

$38 Dine Out Vancouver Menu

Choice of Starters
Mini Shepherd’s Pie, chopped Steak, root vegetables, black truffle mash & organic green salad
Or
Prawn arancini with Romesco sauce & basil oil

Choice of Main Course
Certified Angus beef Striploin with peperonata, balsamic reduction, garlic mashed & seasonal vegetables
Or
Wild BC Halibut over organic beet risotto with vanilla hollandaise

Choice of Dessert
Our famous warm Gingerbread Pudding with warm caramel sauce, ginger and pumpkin gelato
Or
Raspberry and White Chocolate Cheesecake with dark chocolate sauce

WINE COUNTRY LUNCHEON (SALT & PEPPER SERIES)
Hamilton Street Grill and Township 7 Winery
February 2nd, 2012
1:30 pm (2 hours)
$45 with wine

Enjoy a leisurely wine country lunch (or better still, take the afternoon off) and join the affable Neil Wyles, chef and owner of Yaletown’s Hamilton Street Grill alongside long time friend Mike Raffan, owner of the award winning Township 7 Winery, for a multi-course, multi-wine pairing lunch.

This will include a four course (and more) lunch paired to wines. Gratuity and HST not included. Book by phone: 604-331-1511 or email hamiltonstreetgrill@telus.net

Directly from William Grant & Sons Distiller Press Release:

William Grant & Sons Crowned Distiller and International Distiller of the Year

Two titles, three trophies and over 50 medals at this year’s IWSC Awards

Independent, family-owned distiller William Grant & Sons has been named 2011’s “Distiller of the Year” and “International Spirits Producer of the Year” at the prestigious International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) Awards. The awards were announced this month and mark the second year running that William Grant & Sons has retained Distiller of the Year honours.

Since 1999 William Grant & Sons has been awarded this highly sought-after title four times received distiller accolades from the ISC and IWSC an unprecedented nine times in the last 12 years.

In total the company took home 56 awards; Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch lead with way with Gold awards in every one of its core brand variants from 12–40 Years Old.  The Balvenie, Aged 30 years picked up the coveted Trophy for “Single Malt Scotch Whisky Aged 15 Years and Over” as well as “Gold Best in Class”. Gibson’s Finest Canadian Whisky was the most awarded and highest rated Canadian Whisky with their flagship 12 Year Old variant earning Gold Award honours. Icelandic brand, Reyka Vodka also triumphed in its category winning the “Vodka Trophy” and Leyenda del Milagro Reposado Tequila took the trophy for tequila.

Brian Kinsman, William Grant & Sons’ Malt Master and Master Blender, commented on the win:

“We’re absolutely delighted to be named Distiller of the Year and International Spirits Producer of the Year. Having won the 2010 title of IWSC Distiller of the Year last year, it’s fantastic to have received this recognition again in 2011. It is truly a testament to the hard work the whole team puts in crafting our award winning portfolio of premium spirits.”

William Grant & Sons celebrates these accolades fresh from their victory at the International Spirits Challenge event, where The Balvenie Distillery’s PortWood, Aged 21 Years was named “Supreme Champion Spirit.”

About William Grant & Sons Ltd

William Grant & Sons is an independent family-owned distiller founded by William Grant in 1886 and today controlled by the fifth generation of his family. Named Distiller of the Year six times by the International Wine and Spirits Competition, William Grant & Sons distils some of the world’s leading brands of Scotch whisky, including the world’s favourite single malt Glenfiddich®, the handcrafted range of The Balvenie® single malts and one of the world’s best loved blended Scotches, Grant’s®, as well as selected other spirits, including Hendrick’s® Gin, Sailor Jerry® Spiced Rum and Tullamore Dew®. William Grants & Sons is represented in Canada by Peter Mielzynski Agencies Ltd.

William Grant & Sons 2011 International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) Awards:

Distiller of the Year

William Grant & Sons

International Spirits Producer of the Year

William Grant & Sons

Single Malt Scotch Whisky 15 Years and Over Trophy:

The Balvenie 30 Year Old

Vodka Trophy:

Reyka Vodka

Tequila Trophy:

Milagro Reposado

Gold Best in Class:

Glenfiddich 15 Year Old, Glenfiddich 40 Year Old, Sailor Jerry, Tullamore Dew 10 Year Old, The Balvenie Portwood Aged 21 Years, The Balvenie 30 Year Old

Gold:

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old, Glenfiddich 18 Year Old, Glenfiddich 21 Year Old, Glenfiddich 30 Year Old, The Balvenie Signature, Grant’s 25 Year Old, The Balvenie 40 Year Old, Gibson’s Finest 12 Year Old

Silver Best in Class:

Glenfiddich Snow Phoenix, Grant’s Ale Cask, Gibson’s Finest Rare 18 Year Old, Three Barrels VSOP, Three Barrels XO, Hudson Baby Bourbon

Silver:

Glenfiddich Age of Discovery, Tullamore Dew 12 Year Old, Tullamore Dew Single Malt 10 Year Old, Tullamore Dew Black 43, Monkey Shoulder, Grant’s 18 Year Old, The Balvenie Caribbean Cask, The Balvenie Single Barrel 15 Year Old, The Balvenie Golden Cask 14 Year Old, Grant’s 12 Year Old, Grants 18 Year Old, Gibsons Finest Sterling, Raynal VSOP, Raynal XO, Milagro Silver, Milagro Anejo, Milagro Select Barrel Silver, Milagro Select Barrel Reposado, Hudson Single Malt, Hudson Four Grain Bourbon, Hudson Manhattan Rye, Hudson NY Corn

Bronze:

Tullamore Dew Irish Whisky, Grant’s Sherry, Hendricks, Woods 100, Solerno

Directly from the Gibson’s Finest Canadian Whisky Press Release:

Score the perfect Grey Cup Party with The Kicker!

With the Grey Cup just days away, it’s time to transform the den into a football sanctuary for friends and fans alike. When planning your Grey Cup get together, make sure you are a prepared and responsible
host. Stock up on mixers, lemons and lime garnishes for your guests and plan your trip to the liquor store in advance. Make sure your celebration is equipped with lots of ice - dump the freezer burned cubes and make fresh ice or buy it. Also, Food, food, food – you should have at least one pound of food to snack on per person.

Our final tip that will make your party a success is to always serve your guests the Finest. To get your cocktail juices flowing, here’s a special treat from the Gibson’s Finest playbook.

Introducing The Kicker, a Grey Cup inspired cocktail that is sure to please the most biased beer drinker.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 oz. Gibson’s Finest Canadian Whisky
Juice of 1/4 fresh lime
4 oz. ginger beer

Method:

Fill glass with ice. Add Gibson’s Finest Canadian Whisky, the juice of fresh lime and top with ginger beer. Stir to mix. Garnish with a lime wedge and serve with beer nuts