Vancouver's best-kept restaurant secrets

Directly from the Sun Peaks Resort Press Release:

The secret to award winning chili

A dash of cayenne or maybe some chocolate even? Local ingredients or an exotic pepper? The possibilities are endless for six Sun Peaks chefs competing for the People’s Choice Award in the 6th Annual Mountain of Beer & Chili Cook-off this month. Heat-seeking participants will make their way on foot to village restaurants in a pub-crawl style format, sampling house made chili paired with cold brews from Ontario, Alberta and B.C. As a newcomer to Sun Peaks, the Delta Sun Peaks Resort Hotel’s head chef Shelley Robinson is preparing to defend Morrisey’s Public House’s reining title. “Our winning secret, as always, is to wow people with authentic and unique taste sensations with a focus on locally sourced ingredients,” she says. With local bragging rights on the line, competition will be fierce. This annual sell out event takes place on Saturday, June 28 at 1:00 p.m. during Summer Kick-off Weekend, which celebrates the opening of the Sunburst chairlift for mountain biking and alpine hiking. Tickets are available online at www.SunPeaksResort.com/summer-kickoff.

Take a piece of the Thompson Okanagan home

As the sun crests over Morrisey Mountain on Sunday mornings, Sun Peaks’ village walkway comes alive. Tents pop up alongside coffee shops and restaurants. Vendors prepare their wares for sale, placing homemade and organic items out to be sampled, touched and smelled. A tune kicks up from a local performer and the Sun Peaks & Region Farmers’ Market is ready for business. Sharon Toews, owner of Shuswap Infusions Tea Company brings her organic tea blends from her family run, home based business near Shuswap Lake, B.C. “I love the Sun Peaks market,” she says. “There is always something happening in the village to add to the atmosphere and it gives me the opportunity to share my teas with people from all over the country and even all over the world.” Sharon and other interesting vendors and performers from the Thompson Okanagan region can be found at Sun Peaks every Sunday from June 30 to September 8 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Directly from the Donnelly Group Press Release:

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

Syd Tha Kyd at The Annex

The Annex presents Syd Tha Kyd of Odd Future & The Internet. Alongside DJs Lechance, Lexicon & Crew Love.

Wednesday, June 19th
The Annex
958 Granville 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

DJ Cassidy at Bar None - 4AM

The Elements Group presents DJ Cassidy; Obama’s & Jay-Z’s preferred DJ.  Alongside DJs Downlowe & Relik.
Friday, June 21st
Bar None Nightclub
1222 Hamilton Street

Directly from the Granville Island Press Release:

Canada Day on Granville Island Canada Celebrates 146 Years, Strong and Free

Vancouver, BC (June 14, 2013): With glowing hearts and community pride, Granville Island bursts at the seams with its culturally diverse Canada Day celebration. On July 1 enjoy free entertainment, food, music, and artwork. This family affair features a multicultural pavilion, bustling parade, and the soulful stylings of local jazz and blues artists. Wrap yourself in the flag or stamp one on your cheek and embrace the rich tapestry of our nation with every bite, sight, and sound.

For your Entertainment
From soaring stars to roving performers, Vancouver artists entertain the day away. Dancers on 15-foot tall poles bend and twirl across the sky and Mortal Coil’s spectacular stilt horses and daring disco queens are back with their brilliant act. Back on ground, one-of-a-kind local and international buskers juggle their way into spectator’s hearts. Feeling energetic? At 1:30pm, march alongside The Brotherhood of Brass Band for the 14th Annual Canada Day Parade starting at Ocean Construction and ending with the national anthem and birthday cake for the kids at Ron Basford Park.

For the Kids
From marketplace mecca to colourful Canadian carnival, Granville Island transforms its streets into a sea of red and white. Fun and full of energy, the Island impresses with an assortment of activities at every turn. Tiny Canadians go big before they go home. From glass blowing to bike decorating, yarn dying to sand sculpting; children inspire their inner artist throughout the day. Kids prove their pride with maple leaf tattoos and face paint. Suited up in national colours, pins and flags, young athletes team up with Duh Hockey Guys for a friendly game of road hockey. When the buzzer goes, it’s time to feast.

For the Food-Eh
Known as one of Canada’s culinary capitals, Vancouver is home to exceptional restaurants, markets, and food trucks; however, it is Granville Island’s farm fresh offerings that rival all. Take your taste buds on a culinary adventure, Island-style.

Lunch exceeds expectations with The Great Canadian BBQ from 11am – 7pm at Dockside Restaurant; fresh boiled Canadian lobsters and corn from 9am - 5pm from The Lobster Man; and an all day Lobster Festival at Bridges Restaurant. Don’t leave without a donut! Special Canada Day donuts are available at Lee’s Donuts in the Public Market. For those seeking something exotic, gather Under the Crane (east of Emily Carr University of Art and Design) for MELA! Festivals International Pavilion, a cultural celebration featuring a lively bazaar, music, dance, and mouth-watering food from around the world.

Local Beats
If Vancouver is the heart of the West Coast, then Granville Island is its soul. TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival presents Granville Island Jazz, a free outdoor concert where artists perform starting at 12:00pm. Visit stages at Performance Works, Railspur Alley, Ron Basford Park, and the Public Market Courtyard, to watch a series of artists throughout the day, including Ribcage Trio at 5:30pm and 6:40pm at Railspur District Stage; 4=4 at 12:00pm and 1:10pm at the Public Market Stage; Rafael Zaldivar Trio at 7:30pm at Performance Works; and Jared Burrows Sextet at 5:00 pm and 6:10pm at the Ron Basford Park Stage.

Getting to the Island
Whether by land or sea, it’s easy to get to Granville Island on Canada Day. Cyclists get the royal treatment with a bike valet service. From 9am – 8pm at Ocean Construction or 9am -9pm at False Creek Community Centre’s Tennis Courts; Parking is complimentary all day throughout the Island; hop aboard the Aquabus or False Creek Ferries; or, take Public Transit, the #50 bus stops at the entrance of the Island.

Granville Island Public Market and The Net Loft are open until 7 pm, seven days a week.

For more information about Canada Day activities and upcoming Granville Island events, visit granvilleisland.com.

Directly from the Firehall Market Press Release:

SUR-DEL FIREHALL FARMERS MARKET BEGINS JUNE 30TH

Surrey, BC…“At long last, a Sunday farmers market to serve both the Surrey and North Delta communities”, says Firehall Farmers Market producer Anne Janzen. Located at The Firehall Centre for the Arts at 11489 84th (84th and 114th) in North Delta, this brand spanking new farmers market truly offers something for everyone, from plenty of free parking at the North Delta Rec Centre to kid friendly activities, live entertainment and artisan crafts. Even the dog is welcome at the Firehall. Oh – and the food – featuring local growers, luscious baked goods, food trucks, regional restaurants and oh, so much more. Don’t miss out; June 30th  from 10am to 2pm is opening day. The market will run the following Sunday and then take place every second Sunday onwards throughout the summer.

“The Firehall Market aims to provide an atmosphere of community that supports the diverse cultures for which North Delta and Surrey have come to represent,” says Anne Janzen, Director of Farm Fresh Events, and advocate for shopping and eating local. She continues, “Seven months of planning, proposals, meetings, and tireless research has gone into the development of this market, and tremendous gratitude is owed to the Municipality of Delta, The North Delta Rec Centre, Fraser Health, and the Firehall Centre for the Arts, whose collective efforts and support were pivotal in making this possible for our community.”

Tricia Forrester, Recreation Complex Facility Manager of the North Delta Recreation Centre adds, “Delta Parks Recreation & Culture are thrilled to be offering this Farmers Market in North Delta at the Firehall Centre for the Arts.  This is a unique opportunity for our community in which residents can connect with local farm producers, & artisans in a fun family oriented atmosphere.  The Firehall Farmers Market will give local residents an opportunity to connect with their local art centre, while enjoying the outdoor venue.  We are hoping that this market will become a main stay of the summer months for the entire community of North Delta.”

The Market has original works by artists represented by both the Firehall Centre for the Arts and the Watershed Galleries, along with jewelry, crafts and gifts by top local artisans. Each week will also offer a rotating selection of seasonal food trucks and vendors with the best of their wares on offer.

About the Firehall Market;
Developed for the communities of Surrey and North Delta, this market is open to all Lower Mainland residents and offers something for the whole family, including the dog (on a leash of course.) The market is located at the Firehall Centre for the Arts at 11489 84th (84th and 114th) in North Delta. A sampling of vendors includes; Sweet Thea with their famous cookies, tarts and pies, Gesundheit Bakery, and A Bread Affair have freshly baked artisan breads, the Fat Cow & oyster bar, Rain City Soups with their fabulous soups, sauces and dressings, GD growers with some of the best berries around, Biscotti Joe will be serving their signature biscotti and brewing fresh pots of local Republica Roasters Coffee, Hearthstone Meats and their famous BBQ. Open from 10am to 2pm June 30th, July 7th, July 21st, August 4th, August 18th, Sept 1st, Sept 15th -  don’t miss this great addition to your local shopping opportunities.

Directly from the Glowbal Collection Press Release:

Vancouver, BC (June 13, 2013): The GLOWBAL COLLECTION is cooking up a sizzling summer calendar with special events, contests, chef appearances and more in-store for the coming months.

Patio season is in full swing. All of the GLOWBAL COLLECTION restaurants — glowbal grill, COAST, Italian Kitchen, Trattoria, SOCIETY, The Fish Shack, Black+Blue and The Roof at Black+Blue – offer al fresco dining areas, perfect for the warm weather and longer days.

The GLOWBAL COLLECTION + Brewery & The Beast, June 16

The GLOWBAL COLLECTION will be gamely represented at Vancouver’s 1st annual Brewery & The Beast (AKA Festival of Meat) by glowbal grill and Black+Blue. Happening at Concord Pacific Place on Father’s Day, the event will feature local chefs showcasing their talent for, what else, meat!

Look to glowbal grill to dish up a whole rotisserie lamb with toasted baguette and roasted pepper, topped with a fresh mint and fennel marmalade. While Black+Blue will serve its famous Hot Rocks (beef skewers seared on Himalayan rock salt bricks).

Sunday, June 16
1pm-4pm
Concord Pacific Place
For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit http://breweryandthebeast.com/Vancouver/Home.html.

Summer Party at The Fish Shack
In honour of the longest day of the year, the Fish Shack is planning a whale of a celebration. Shore up a great time, summer-style, Thursday, June 20. From 6pm onwards, guests can soak up stellar deals, including “Buck a Shuck” oysters all night and summery cocktails like the Shark Bite (on special for $5.50). New menu items – from creole chicken to linguine vongole — will also be showcased.

Plus – the Fish Shack’s very own oyster shucking champs, Ian Peck and Todd Atkinson, are planning an oyster shucking competition.
Thursday, June 20
6pm onwards
The Fish Shack
1026 Granville Street

Take on Trattoria at Khatsahlano! Music + Art Festival
For the second consecutive year, Trattoria will host a meatball eating contest during the Khatsahlano! Music + Art Festival, July 13. A 10-block street fair on West 4th Avenue, Khatsahlano! celebrates Vancouver’s music and arts scene.

Featuring the GLOWBAL COLLECTION’s famous beef meatballs, the eating contest will happen in various heats throughout the afternoon. Participants up to the challenge are invited to square off against the reigning champion. To the winner? Bragging rights and Trattoria’s spaghetti and meatballs for a year. To enter the contest, connect with Tara Armstrong at marketing@glowbalgroup.com.

Meatball Eating Contest at Trattoria
Saturday, July 13
Heat 1 – 1pm, Heat 2 – 1:30pm, Final Round – 4pm
1850 West 4th Avenue

About The GLOWBAL COLLECTION
The GLOWBAL COLLECTION is comprised of eight restaurants: glowbal grill steaks & satay, COAST Restaurant, Italian Kitchen, Trattoria Italian Kitchen, SOCIETY, Black+Blue, The Fish Shack, and The Roof; two IK2GO locations; and two lounges: AFTERglow and O Lounge. 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. glowbalgroup.com.

The Edge Social Grille and Lounge: Father’s Day Special

On Sunday, June 16th, treat the World’s Greatest Dad with a special dinner at The Edge Social Grille & Lounge!
Steak and Prawns with a glass of house red or white OR a glass of draught domestic beer.
$29 *Taxes and gratuities not included

Father’s Day at The Sequoia Group of Restaurants:

At the Teahouse: 10oz Grilled Pork Chop on herb crushed potatoes, apple apricot compote

At Seasons: Applewood Grilled Halibut with pesto watercress beet salad & balsamic reduction

At Cardero’s: Surf & Turf: 12oz New York Steak, 4 jumbo garlic prawns, Madagascar  peppercorn & bourbon demi-glace

At the Sandbar: Steak & Eggs: 7oz New York, 2 sunny side up eggs, housemade hash browns, mushroom tomato ragout, sauce bearnaise

Directly from the Seasons in the Park Press Release:

Tantalus Vineyards June 18  WINE TASTING EVENT 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Join Tantalus Vineyards General Manager Jane Hatch for a tasting of new vintage releases. Find out why they believe ‘less is more’ when it comes to making exceptional wines. All wines beautifully paired with canapes thoughtfully prepared by Sous Chef Christopher Tse!

2012 Riesling

2010 Old Vine Riesling

2012 Rose

2010 Pinot Noir

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

Hamilton Street Grill celebrates it’s annual Steak Month.

The Three Brits has just opened in the old The Calling spot.

Prime Rib Sundays at The Teahouse in Stanley Park and Seasons in the Park

Mussel Mania at Sandbar Restaurant

Live Music Nightly at Cardero’s Restaurant

June 15th: BC Shellfish Festival

June 21st to July 1st:  Vancouver International Jazz Festival

Ongoing through the summer: Summer Night Market

Starting June 21st: BC Lions Football

Directly from the Squamish Líl’wat Cultural Centre Press Release:

Tuesday Night Summer BBQ Program

Complete your trip to Whistler with a First Nations BBQ dinner and tour of the award-winning Squamish Líl’wat Cultural Centre for a truly authentic experience.
Tuesdays from 5pm - 8pm beginning in May through to September.

Please note: Sold out - July 16th & August 20th

To learn more about the BBQ and to book download the menu visit our website at www.slcc.ca