Vancouver's best-kept restaurant secrets

Directly from the Hawksworth Restaurant Press Release:

New intimate patio and fresh menu features signal the start of the summer at Hawksworth Restaurant.  Enjoy award-winning al fresco dining in the heart of downtown Vancouver.

Vancouver, BC – Summer is just around the corner and to celebrate the start of the sunshine, Hawksworth Restaurant is excited to announce their new patio in downtown Vancouver. Stretching the length of the restaurant on Georgia Street, their newly opened patio features foliage, teak chairs paired with corian table tops and a glass partition that creates a chic street-side space ideal for al fresco fun in the sun.

Hawksworth Restaurant’s latest seasonal features include a new hamachi sashimi with white soy, exotic smoked passionfruit, thirst-quenching coconut sorbet and a touch of summer heat with the addition of jalapeno. “The dish is a cool and refreshing combination that showcases the freshest seasonal Pacific produce partnered with flavours that evoke sunshine and warmth,” says Chef David Hawksworth. “It’s the perfect plate to enjoy on the patio.”

Pair Hawksworth’s new outdoor dining experience with a chilled glass of wine or try one of the crisp, citrus-forward cocktails that will be featured on the Hawksworth Cocktail Bar’s newly-extended menu. Try a classic mint julep or pick a light and bright drink from the new menu, which features 18 new cocktails that showcase some of the new premium liquor that has been added to the bar. Selected from the world’s finest spirits, the extended bar offerings rival specialist bars for their scope and quality.

“The focus is on the ingredients and the integrity of the spirits,” says Hawksworth’s Head Bartender Cooper Tardivel. “The 43 new additions to our bottle collection give us the tools to work with the nuances of each drink and create a more versatile cocktail menu.”

Adding a fresh new flavour to the award-winning Hawksworth Restaurant, the new patio is the perfect place to sip a glass of wine in the sunshine and dine on contemporary Canadian cuisine from the bar, lunch or dinner menu. Hawksworth’s focus on fresh produce recently won Chef David Hawksworth the accolades Chef of the Year and Restaurant of the Year, for the second year running, at the Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards.

Contact Hawksworth Restaurant on 604.673.7000 or visit www.hawksworthrestaurant.com for more details and reservations.

Directly from the Donnelly Group Press Release:

DJ Big Syphe at Bar None

The Elements Group presents DJ Big Syphe (Pitbull’s Official DJ) alongside resident DJs Kidd & Downlowe.

Friday, June 7th
Bar None Nightclub
1222 Hamilton Street

Popcaan at Bar None

Bar None presents Jamaican Reggae star Popcaan with special guests Jah-Fus, Arems & Kemo.

Sunday, June 9th
Bar None Nightclub
1222 Hamilton Street

Vancouver Nightlife Awards After Party at The Queen’s Republic

The Queen’s Republic & Hollywood Promotions present the 2013 Vancouver Nightlife Awards After Party, featuring The Spazmatics alongside special guest DJ Sailor Gerry.
Monday, June 10th
The Queen’s Republic
958 Granville Street

4KORNERS at Bar None

The Elements Group presents 4KORNERS alongside DJs Kidd & Downlowe.
Friday, June 14th
Bar None Nightclub
1222 Hamilton Street

DJ Kim Fai at Bar None

Bar None presents DJ Kim Fai (UK) alongside DJ Zak Santiago.
Saturday, June 15th
Bar None Nightclub
1222 Hamilton Street

Travis Porter at Bar None
The Mr. Porter Tour hits Bar None with special performances by Fizal Stars & Dizzy, as well as the Re-Up DJs Rico Uno & Genie.
Thursday, June 20th
Bar None Nightclub
1222 Hamilton Street

Directly from the Hamilton Street Grill Press Release:

Hamilton Street Grill celebrates another year gone by with a great deal for you!

Hamilton Street Grill celebrates it’s annual Steak Month

Join us for the entire month of June for $12 Certified Angus Sirloin dinners!

No, that is not a typo..we have steak dinners for $12.00

Everyone loves a party and we have decided to have one all month long.

Neil, Steve and Darin and the entire crew at the Hamilton Street Grill are waiting to grill up a steak for you ( or two ).

Whiskey Tasting

In a departure from our normal Monthly Wine Tasting, our former manager and all round good guy, Ryan Cheverie,returns to do an amazing cocktail tasting called Whiskies of North America.

Chef Neil Wyles will be creating some interesting food pairings for this, but the star of the show will be Ryan and the fantastic cocktail he creates for you.

This is a perfect way to finish off your work day as it transitions into a great evening.

Date : June 24th and 25th at 5:30

Call 604-331-1511 to make reservations

Directly from the Donnelly Group Press Release:

May 23rd, 2013: Annual Don Julio Blanco Party at The Queens Republic

The Fourth AnnualDon Julio Blanco Party

Hyphy & The Queen’s Republic presents The Fourth Annual Don Julio Blanco Party Featuring Los Hermanos Libres DJs Flipout & Zak Santiago.  Hyphy DJs in The Annex ‘XXX Room’.

Complimentary Don Julio cocktails before 11pm and enter for a chance to win a $500 Flight Centre gift certificate.

Dress Code: Blanco

For more information: http://donnellygroup.ca/locations/pubs/the-queens-republic/

Directly from the La Pentola della Quercia Press Release:

May 26th, 2013 Famiglia Supper Series

On Sunday, May 26 La Pentola’s Famiglia Supper Series continues with a Frutti di Mare dinner hosted by chef Lucais Syme. Join us at 6pm to dine alla famiglia style at a communal table with your friends and neighbours. This month we’ll feature local, line caught, ocean wise seafood. Plus, local spot prawns, Dungeness crab, oysters, halibut and salmon.

$55 per person / 10 + Courses *Seating is limited

RESERVE TODAY
T: 604-642-0557
E: info@lapentola.ca

Directly from the Nicli Pizzeria Press Release:

MARGHERITA MONTH A ROYAL CELEBRATION AT NICLI ANTICA PIZZERIA

(Vancouver, BC) — June 1889 is a significant month in the history of Italian cuisine. That’s when a humble Neapolitan tavern owner named Raffaele Esposito, won the praise of Margherita of Savoy, Queen of Italy, by serving her a local peasant specialty – a flatbread, which he designed in the colours of the Italian flag in honor of her visit to Naples. To create the red, green and white of the Italian flag, he topped the flatbread with simple, local ingredients - tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese and fresh basil leaves – the first time cheese had been melted on the traditional flatbread. He named the new dish after the queen.  Legend has it that she was so delighted by it, she insisted that a wood-fired ‘flat-bread oven’ be installed in the palace. Thus was born the first Pizza Margherita which set the standard for all future pizzas for generations to come.

In the intervening century and a half, pizza has spread around the globe - with versions and variations as diverse as the people who make it. There is, however, still one universal standard for pizza excellence based on that very first Margherita pizza. That standard was created, and is maintained, by the AVPN (Associazione Vera Pizza Napoletana) in Naples, Italy.  In 2009, the European Union protected Neapolitan pizza with its designation as a Specialty Guaranteed Dish.  Nicli Antica Pizzeria is the first pizzeria in Vancouver, and amongst the first in Canada, to receive the official AVPN designation. To celebrate June’s significant place in food history, Nicli and AVPN North American President, Peppe Miele, are declaring June Official Margherita Month.

From May 28 – June 30, Gastown’s Nicli Antica Pizzeria will be producing and/or hosting a number of fun events and special promotions bound to appeal to pizza lovers – Pizza with Peppe, Margherita Lunch, La Stella Wine Dinner, Dine Like an Italian, Margherita Cocktail and PINQ Presents a Royal Affair.

May 28 - Pizza with Peppe: for one this evening only, from 6 p.m. to closing, drop by Nicli for a pizza and meet Peppe Miele, AVPN North America President.  Mr. Miele is coming to Vancouver specifically for this event. He is the owner of Antica Pizzeria in Marina Del Rey and the first person to have a pizzeria outside of Italy certified by the AVPN back in 1997. Regular menu is in effect.

June 25 - La Stella Wine Dinner:  four different pizzas paired with four different wines from the South Okanagan’s  award-winning La Stella Winery. The evening ends with a special dessert to complement Moscato d’Osoyoos. Price $60 per person,includes taxes and gratuity.  Special winery guest TBA.

All month - Margherita Lunch:  Nicli is offering a special three-course lunch at $40 for two people. Ten percent of the proceeds from each lunch will go to support the Strathcona Community Centre.  Menu - Insalata (choice of Green or Arugula & Fennel), Margherita Pizza and Dolci (Panna Cotta with Blackberry Lavender Compote).

All month – Dine Like an Italian: How do you tell a tourist in Italy? They’re the people having dinner before 9 p.m. In Italy dinner, like lunch, is a leisurely affair. First you take a stroll (the passeggiata), then, sometime between 9 and 10 p.m. you sit down to supper. From June 1 – 30, any Sunday to Thursday evening from 9 p.m. to closing, Nicli will give you a 50 percent discount on your order of Margherita pizza. Not only do you dine in the manner of the sophisticated Italians, but you also save on your bill. If you arrive a little early, you can always stroll through historic Gastown to work up an appetite, or sit down at the bar and start the evening with an aperitivo.

All month – Margherita Cocktail, Her Royal Majesty:  a delicious concoction of Campari, star anise, simple syrup and fresh grapefruit juice topped with prosecco. Specially priced at $12.

Date TBA – PINQ Presents a Royal Affair: a benefit evening for Friends for Life starring Vancouver’s reigning queen – Joan E. Get your glam on at this bejeweled evening of Margherita pizza, cocktails and good fun. Date and ticket details to be confirmed soon, watch for them on PINQ and Friends for Life.

Join us this June as Nicli celebrates the tasteful art of the Neapolitan pizzaiolo.

For more information: 604-669-6985

Directly from the Donnelly Group Press Release:

Dru Hill at Bar None
Slow Jam Sundays Concert Series presents Dru Hill with DJs Marlon J English & P-LUV.
Wednesday, May 15th
Bar None Nightclub
1222 Hamilton Street

DaM-FunK at Killjoy Barbers
Killjoy Barbers & Red Bull presents DaM-FunK alongside The Freshest DJs Marvel & Seko.
Thursday, May 16th
Killjoy Barbers
1120 Hamilton Street

May Long Weekend Reggae Sunday at The Queen’s Republic
The Queen’s Republic presents May Long Weekend Reggae Sunday with DJ Rico Uno, Retrofit, & The GoodLife in The Annex featuring DJs Marvel & Seko.
Sunday, May 19th
The Queen’s Republic
958 Granville Street

DJ Rhiannon at The Annex
Hollywood Promotions presents DJ Rhiannon at Liquor & Love Mondays alongside resident DJs Johnny Omega, Giglianni, Reign, Nikky & MTraxx.
Monday, May 20th
The Annex
958 Granville Street

DJ Edition Reggae Sunday at The Queen’s Republic
The Queen’s Republic presents a DJ Edition Reggae Sunday with DJ Rico Uno & special guests The Free Up Crew DJs Arems, Rexx & Hoppa.
Sunday, May 26th
The Queen’s Republic
958 Granville Street

Starting From Scratch
The Elements Group presents DJ Starting From Scratch alongside DJs Kidd & Downlowe
Friday, May 31st
Bar None Nightclub
1222 Hamilton Street

Directly from the Seasons in the Park Press Release:

Wonderful World of Vodka

6:00pm - 7:30pm

What better way to ring in the Spring then with some exciting seasonal cocktails from Absolut  Join ABSOLUT Ambassador, Jacob Sweetapple, for a tasting of some of the ABSOLUT Naturals along with the new super-premium vodka from ABSOLUT, ABSOLUT ELYX. You’ll also have a chance to enjoy some great spring cocktails created by Jacob and the team at Seasons In The Park!

Absolut Mandrin

Absolut Citron

Absolut Raspberri

Absolut Elyx

Tickets are $30 per person (not including tax & gratuity)

Seasons Tasting Events

March through September, we host a variety of tasting events in our Winebar every other Tuesday night. Week to week, our themes reflect some of the best products that we and our partners have to offer.  So join us for an unique, enjoyable and memorable experience in the Seasons Winebar!

For more information or to purchase tickets, please feel free to contact us! 604.874.8008 or seasonsevents@vancouverdine.com

Directly from the Donnelly Group Press Release:

Bar None presents Talib Kweli (Brooklyn NY) with SonReal & DJ Hedspin.

Sunday, March 31st
Bar None Nightclub
1222 Hamilton Street

Concert after party with A$AP Rocky’s Official DJ  J. Scott (A$AP Snacks).

Monday, April 1st
The Queen’s Republic
958 Granville Street

Reggae Sunday presents Konshens (Jamaica) alongside DJs Arems & Rico Uno.

Sunday, April 7th
The Queen’s Republic
958 Granville Street

Bar None presents “Mecca & The Soul Brother 20th Anniversary Tour”.  Pete Rock & CL Smooth, performing ‘Mecca & The Soul Brother’ in its entirety. Special guests the Killawatt Crew, Ill Tone, DJ Marvel & Jay Swing.

Thursday, April 11th
Bar None Nightclub
1222 Hamilton Street

Bar None & Red Bull Music Academy presents
?uestLove at Bar None alongside DJs Marvel & Flipout

Thursday, April 18th
Bar None Nightclub
1222 Hamilton Street

Directly from the Cibo Trattoria Newsletter:

Spring into Lamb

Cibo Trattoria, Two Rivers Bar M Lamb & Nk’Mip Wine Cellars partner up to create an extraordinary month long menu with wine pairings!

The tradition of using local and seasonal ingredients continues! Chef Kassam and his brigade offer roast leg of lamb, lamb loin carpaccio, anolini with Tuscan lamb braise and crispy lamb belly as the highlights of this spring menu. A special evening of 6 delectable courses with speakers Jason Pleym from Two Rivers Meats and Randy Picton from Nk’Mip Cellars takes place on April 4th at 6pm, tickets are only $99 and include all of your food and wine! The menu will be available as a tasting menu or a la carte for the remainder of the month!

Buck a shuck oysters in UVA are now extended an extra hour until 6pm Monday to Saturday- and as always ALL DAY on Sundays!

Whiks(e)y Wednesday! Featuring your favourites from around the world for $5 singles and $8 doubles. Also enjoy a Manhattan or Old Fashioned at $8. How very Don Draper.

Meatball lovers rejoice! Mondays enjoy a heaping portion of tagliatelle with meatballs, San Marzano tomatoes and parmesan with a glass of house red or white wine for $19.95. Available at both lunch and dinner.

Thursday’s buy any bottle of wine and receive a cheese plate for two!

Beer & Bread Tuesdays continue! $5 Peroni Beers and $2 Bruschetta’s all day in UVA. Great excuse to sneak away for a cheeky lunch!

Sunday Funday’s continue! Glasses of Prosecco are only $5 all day. That’s all the excuse you need. (…But remember buck a shuck oysters run all day too!)

Directly from the Diageo World Class Press Release:

Canadian Bartenders Prove They Are World Class

For the first time ever, Canada is participating in the search for the world’s best bartender shining the spotlight on Canada’s thriving cocktail culture

TORONTO, Feb. 21, 2013 /CNW/ - Fifty countries, 15,000 bartenders, 100,000 cocktails.  The quest for the world’s greatest bartender has begun and for the first time ever, Canada is being represented on the global cocktail stage.

Known as the Oscars of the Cocktail world, Diageo World Class is an international ground-breaking cocktail training program for bartenders that celebrates the craft of bartending including creativity, flair and skill.

The Canadian debut is generating international attention and attracting cocktail legends from across the globe to Canada, including world renowned experts and sought after speakers Steve Olsen and Tony Abou-Ganim.  Canada will also host internationally acclaimed Global Mixologists, previous Diageo World Class winners and Brand Icons who will impart their knowledge on Canada’s bartenders and support the country’s thriving cocktail culture.

According to Diageo World Class judge and American Cocktail Expert, Gary Regan, “from all that I’ve seen from Canada’s bartenders, there’s absolutely no doubt that Canada is not only ready, but also willing and able to join World Class.  You know it makes sense.”

“Now in its fourth year, we’re thrilled that Diageo Canada is participating in World Class, giving our Canadian bartenders the opportunity to showcase their talents in the world’s largest international cocktail event,” said Maggie Lapcewich, president of Diageo Canada.  “Fifty of the most elite bartenders will vie for the coveted title of Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year, and for the first time, we’re proud that a Canadian will be among them.”

Canadian bartenders have been anxiously anticipating Diageo World Class since the program’s inception.  According to Victoria bartender Shawn Soole, “Diageo World Class Canada gives us the opportunity to work with the greatest names in the business and attract a larger and more global clientele who want to be served by the best bartender in the world.”

Before a Canadian can become the best bartender in the world, they first have to prove they are Canada’s best!  To embark on this journey, bartenders must submit a video of themselves, explaining why they love being a bartender, then complete a series of three educational modules scoring a minimum of 80% on each.  Finally, they must create one cocktail using the finest spirits from Diageo’s Reserve brands which include: ZACAPA® rum, BULLEIT ® bourbon, JOHNNIE WALKER® Blended Scotch Whisky, KETEL ONE® vodka, TANQUERAY® No.TEN™ gin, tequila DON JULIO® , Classic Malts and GRAND MARNIER®.  Bartenders can complete these tasks by registering at www.diageoworldclasscanada.com.

From February 20th to April 30th 2013, the nationwide search for Canada’s best bartenders will be underway, with Global Ambassadors and Master Distillers meeting Canadian bartenders to share their wisdom in their quest to find the best.  Global World Class Mixologist Philip Duff from Ireland and Global Tanqueray Brand Ambassador Angus Winchester from England, will narrow the field of entries down to ten, and Canada’s top ten finalists will meet in to Toronto for the Diageo World Class Canada finals on June 10, 2013.

To win the title of Diageo Canada’s World Class Bartender of the Year, finalists must complete three challenges that require them to create six original cocktails.  The bartenders and their cocktails will be judged by an esteemed panel of judges including Cocktail Luminaries Steve Olsen and Tony Abou-Ganim, along with last year’s World Class USA winner Ricky Gomez and Canadian author and journalist, Jacob Richler.

The bartender with the highest score will be crowned Diageo Canada’s World Class Bartender of the Year and go on to represent Canada in the Global Final aboard the Azamara Club Cruise Ship Azamara Journey from July 4th - 9th setting sail along the French Riviera in Nice and Monte Carlo.  Only the 50 best bartenders in the world will be selected to compete to earn the coveted title of Diageo Reserve World Class Bartender of the Year.

Be World Class.  Always Mix Responsibly.