Vancouver's best-kept restaurant secrets

Directly from the Players Chophouse Press Release:

Players Chophouse joins the global Slow Food movement, and commits to reducing its environmental impact, supporting local producers and continuing to provide guests with flavorful selections.

(Whistler, B.C., July 2nd, 2009) – “Foodies today know what they want: delicious food at attractive pricing that’s good for them and good for the planet”, asserts Executive Chef Jon Campbell. “Our new menus allow people to feel good because the food is clean and wholesome. The restaurant uses fresh, high quality ingredients sourced locally wherever possible. We also seek out sustainable foods in efforts to provide our guests with a healthy culinary experience.”

Rob Ward, President of Points West Hospitality Group says that the Slow Food philosophy is just common sense. “We have a lot of professional athletes as partners in our restaurants (i.e. Pittsburgh Steeler, Mitch Berger and Olympic Skeleton Racer, Jeff Pain). They demand food that is more than just calories – they insist it is healthy and nutritious.”

With initiatives like Green Table, Whistler 2020 and the Whistler Food Task Force, the local foodservice industry is adopting more sustainable business models. “As much as we sincerely believe in the Slow Food movement of good, clean, fair food; there is a financial incentive to going green.”, admits Director of Operations Travis Talbot. “We are examining all aspects of our business to institute practices that are
environmentally and financially sound. Less waste, less energy consumption and lessening our footprint is also about dollars,’ sense’ and economic vitality.”

With the Slow Food and Going Green concepts in mind, the Chophouse is extending the popular Dine-In program through the month of July. The menu is a bounty of seasonal seafood, produce picked from local fields and farmers markets, and of course - Prime beef.

Players Chophouse is located at 201-2075 Lake Placid Rd. in Creekside. Hours of operation are Sunday thru Wed from 11:30am to 10:00pm and Thursday thru Saturday from 11:30 am to 12:00 am. There are two patios, a casually smart dining room and an upstairs lounge with 5 HDTV’s and a 120 inch big screen.

For reservations call 604-938-1270

Directly from the Foodportunity Press Release

The inaugural “Foodportunity,” a networking event for Seattle food professionals, will take place July 22, 2009, from 6-9 pm at Palace Ballroom in downtown Seattle.

Tom Douglas, awarded National Restaurant of theYear by Bon Appetit magazine & James Beard-award nominee, will provide his Palace Ballroom facilities to host the event, organized by Seattle food blogger Keren Brown. It will feature appetizers from Seattle’s most talked about restaurants, the chance to network with food company representatives, a panel discussion on the topic of new media, as well as a “speed networking” event for the first 40 people to sign up.

The Q&A session on new media will be lead by editor Mina Williams (Northwest Stir) and will feature several of Seattle’s best-known writers and bloggers:  Nancy Leson (Seattle Times), Rebekeh Denn (formerly of the Seattle PI), Matthew Amster-Burton (Hungry Monkey) and Ronald Holden (Cornichon).

Appetizers will come from several sources, including Tom Douglas’ restaurants along with a line up of Seattle gems such as Rovers, Andaluca, Olivar, Art of the Table, Dinette, Maximus Minimus and Serafina. Columbia Crest and Vin Du Lac wineries will pour their wines and other beverages will be available for purchase. A range of food products will be on display.

Foodportunity is open to food journalists, bloggers, public relations professionals, restaurateurs, farmers and all food-passionate people. Admission is $25 which includes bites and two glasses of wine (plus tax and fees). Tickets are available at brownpapertickets.com. Space is limited.  Palace Ballroom is located at 2100 5th Avenue in downtown Seattle. More information at http://www.foodportunity.com.

Directly from the Sun Peaks Press Release

July 3, 2009 – Sun Peaks, BC – In a place where adrenaline meets elegance and alpine adventure mixes with urban sophistication, Wine and Culture Festival at Sun Peaks, July 17-19, is a perfect blend. Hike in the alpine as the natural and rugged peaks are filled with the sweet sounds of classical music from the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra. Head to the Sun Peaks Bike Park to hammer the single track and hit some features, then cruise into the village for an art show and wine tasting. After a successful day on the golf course, sample fresh, gourmet cuisine paired with a selection from one of BC’s boutique wineries. It’s all happening during Alpine Blossom Season at Sun Peaks.

To book event tickets and accommodation, please call

1-800-807-3257 or email info@sunpeaksresort.com.

Symphony of Flavours - $55.00 plus tax
Friday, July 17, 6:30pm-8:30pm
A celebration of fine wine and exquisite food set to the rhythm of orchestral sounds from the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra (KSO) on the Delta Health Club Terrace. Guests will sample tapas, prepared with products from local farmers and ranchers located in the Thompson Valley, and spectacular wines from BC’s Boutique wineries including Misconduct Wine Co., Twisted Tree Vineyards and Mt. Boucherie Estate Winery.

Wine Seminar: BC Varietal Showdown - $30.00 plus tax
Saturday, July 18, 12:30pm-2:00pm
Compare and contrast varietals from BC’s Boutique wineries, exploring different wine making styles and understanding what makes each varietal distinct.

Art Walk - $39.00 plus tax
Saturday, July 18, 2:00pm-4:00pm
In partnership with Tree Line Studios and Lone Wolf Gallery, artists will have their work on display at various Sun Peaks restaurants. At each venue, guests sample wine from BC Boutique wineries and tapas from Sun Peaks’ chefs, while learning from the artist about their inspiration and techniques. Artists in attendance include Pavel Barta, Joanne Hastie, Kendra Smith and Bill Jeffrey.

Sunburst Salmon BBQ  – $49.00 plus tax
Saturday, July 18, 5:00pm-7:00pm
Sunday, July 19, 12:00pm-2:00pm
Ensembles from the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra will perform at both Sunburst Salmon Barbeques. A truly unique BC experience in the mountains, the evening begins with a chairlift ride up to the mid-mountain Sunburst Restaurant, where a mouth-watering meal awaits you. Highlighted by a Citrus Grilled Wild Salmon, dinner also includes local organic greens from Thistle Farm topped with edible flowers, roasted new potatoes and steamed asparagus with chervil butter. Finish off your evening with Cherries Jubilee served over Vanilla Bean Ice Cream.

Music in the Mountains
Saturday & Sunday
The natural and rugged mountains of Sun Peaks will be filled with the sounds of classical music throughout the weekend. Ensembles from the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra will be performing in the village, including a String Orchestra and the Vancouver Chamber Brass. During two of the musical sets on Saturday, artist David Oram will be painting a mural along with the melodies from the KSO ensembles.

Quilting in the Mountains
Quilt Class – Saturday & Sunday
Quilters can participate in a two-day class by Dianne Jansson of Diversity Quilting, using Mary Ellen Hopkins machine piecing Level II techniques.

Directly from the COAST Press Release:

On Friday, July 10, COAST Restaurant and O Lounge open at 1054 Alberni Street. Josh Wolfe is Executive Chef and Jan Erik Wichmann is General Manager.

“With a back-to-basics seafood menu, COAST will showcase the best quality seafood served with classic style,” says proprietor, Emad Yacoub. “This is a place where diners can slurp icy oysters, crack into a crab claw and savour a rich chowder, along with a crisp glass of wine or a nice, chilled beer.”

Executive Chef Josh Wolfe can capture his approach in one word: dramatic. “Guests will enjoy oysters still dripping with saltwater. Chowders are prepared in front of them. Our Sushi Chef creates something magical before their eyes.”

At the 24-seat ‘Oyster & Chowder Bar’, Atlantic and Pacific COAST oysters will be shucked along with signature dishes like Dungeness crab cakes, seafood platters, lobsters, chowders and sushi. Landlubbers may select juicy cuts of Triple A Canadian Prime beef. A well balanced wine list features 100 wines under $100, stocked full of Pacific Northwest gems.

Directly from the Eat BC! Press Release

June 29, 2009, Vancouver, British Columbia

The British Columbia Restaurant and Foodservices Association (BCRFA) announced today that its popular EAT BC! dining program will be re-branded as EAT & Drink BC!  to reflect the significant contribution of BC’s beverage industry to consumers dining experience.  Eat & Drink BC! is gearing up to be the biggest dining program ever staged in Canada.

Ian Tostenson, President and CEO of the BCRFA commented that “the restaurant industry requires a shot in the arm right now.  Year over year statistics show that some sectors of the industry are down by as much as 10%. Take the current state of the BC economy, and combine it with the upcoming 2010 Olympics, and you have the perfect storm to stage this enormous undertaking.  By promoting a province wide dine out program that’s priced to reflect value, restaurants will be able to provide patrons with the ideal opportunity to experience all that makes the food and beverage industry of B.C. truly unique and world class”.

The October, 2009 Eat & Drink BC! restaurant promotion will feature prix fixe menus to reflect value  ($15, $25, $35).  All menus will be locally inspired; featuring foods grown, raised or majority processed in B.C. and will be combined with the best of B.C.’s wines, beers,and non-alcoholic beverages.  During the program, diners can expect great value and the best in fresh, local and tasty British Columbian cuisine. The upside for restaurants of course, is in the substantial infusion of dollars into B.C.’s food and beverage production and restaurant
sales.

Directly from the Take 5 Cafe Press Release

VANCOUVER, British Columbia—June 30, 2009—Take 5 Café™, a local award-winning European coffee house and homemade Italian foods eatery, is celebrating summer with an array of coffees, frappinis and all fruit smoothies that are refreshing and affordable.

Take 5 Café offers its customers 100% Specialty Grade Arabica Coffees that are exclusively selected and roasted in small batches for the company. This special “small batch” roasting process ensures a taste profile that is in line with a coffee’s true cup character.

Available at all seven Take 5 Café locations across Metro Vancouver, coffee aficionados will enjoy and arrangement of Italian inspired artisan and custom blend coffees ranging in price from $1.69 for a small drip coffee to $4.09 for a large latte. Coffees include:

The Mediterranean – a flavourful and satisfying medium roast coffee highlighted with exotic Kenya AA’s.

The Venetian – a full bodied, dark roast coffee with slightly sweet and volcanic overtones.

When in Rome – a custom espresso that exhibits a wonderful balance between its syrupy body, sweet profile and silky smooth finish.

Tuscan Sun – a decaffeinated espresso that is Certified Organic and Swiss Water Processed.

GK Media Inc is pleased to present a new feature video highlighting the Summer Night Market.

To watch the Summer Night Market Video please click here: Video

Directly from the Bastille Press Release:

OUT OF THE RECESSION COMES INNOVATIVE NEW GROWTH IN OLD BALLARD
Bastille Café & Bar at forefront of growing national trend of rooftop gardens

The New York Times recently reported on the trend to create rooftop gardens in urban areas where space is at a premium. Chefs, schools, community organizations and private citizens are greening their roofs and growing local produce for themselves and their communities, all above the hustle and bustle of city life.

Restaurateurs and business partners, James Weimann (Pesos, May Restaurant and Lounge, Talarico’s, Triangle Tavern, El Camino) and Deming Maclise (Caffè Fiorè), have installed Seattle’s first commercial rooftop garden on the roof of Bastille Café & Bar located at 5307 Ballard Avenue which opens on Monday, June 29, 2009.  The restaurant phone number is (206) 453-5014 and the website will be located at www.bastilleseattle.com.  Bastille Café & Bar will be open 7 days a week from 4:30 pm – 10:00 pm., with dinner service beginning at 5:30 pm.  Brunch will be served on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 am-3:00 pm, and late-night dining will be available until 1:00 am.

Bastille’s roof has been transformed and seriously reinforced to contain a 2,500 sq ft. working rooftop garden, 500-square foot of which is currently being used. A garden on the roof will provide the freshest, most local produce a restaurant could hope for, and sourcing local food helps keep food costs low, a necessity in today’s economic climate.

The inaugural harvest from Bastille’s 12 raised beds include two varieties of arugula, four to five varieties of lettuce, chives, dill, fennel, basil, tarragon, chervil, lovage, peppercress, rosemary and lavender.

With Bastille, Weimann and Maclise have combined their extensive expertise to create a restaurant that blends value-oriented, appetite-satisfying French comfort food, with sustainable, fresh and local produce - two things that Seattleites value in a dining experience.

The current garden at 12 beds and 500 square feet contains 15 yards of soil that weighs 15,000 pounds.

Bastille expects to triple the roof top garden space within the next year

The garden is maintained by Colin McCrate of Seattle Urban Farm Company (urbanfarmco.com)

Bastille’s menu includes Salade a Toit (Rooftop greens in hazelnut vinaigrette, $8) featuring exclusively rooftop garden-grown produce

Executive Chef Shannon Galusha has culinary experience from the French Laundry in Yountville, California, Campagne restaurant in the Pike Place Market, Michel Rostang’s Rue Balzac in Paris, France, and Seattle’s Veil restaurant.

The building that houses Bastille is 85 years old and was a Machinist shop for 50 years. It has been re-imagined as a French café and bar replete with reclaimed found object décor sourced from Paris, Chicago and the Pacific Northwest.

Bastille Café & Bar will provide nearly 60 new jobs to the community ranging from hourly dishwashers to management level salaried positions.

Directly from the Pressure Cooker Press Release

I’m writing to let you know about the opening of an excellent documentary at the Northwest Film Forum on July 10th. PRESSURE COOKER, directed by Jennifer Grausman and Mark Becker is the story of Three seniors at Philadelphia’s Frankford High, who find an unlikely champion in Culinary Arts teacher Wilma Stephenson. A legend in the school system, Mrs. Stephenson’s hilariously blunt boot-camp method is validated by years of scholarship success that’s taken countless students from the city’s working-class neighborhoods to the top culinary schools in the country. And under her fierce direction, the usual distractions of high school are swept aside as Erica, Dudley and Fatoumata prepare to achieve beyond what anyone else expects from them.

Directly from the Morning Bay Press Release

Legends of West Coast Rock Headline Morning Bay’s 4th Annual Winestock

Labour Day Music Festival at Canada’s Only Oceanfront Vineyard

Pender Island, BC (June 23, 2009)–Like fine wine, Morning Bay Vineyard’s Winestock Music Festival on Pender Island just gets better with age. Now in its fourth year, this year’s show on Labour Day Saturday, September 5 promises a rockin’ good time in Canada’s only oceanfront vineyard.

This year’s headliners are The Odds, a legendary Canadian alternative rock bands from the 1990s. They toured with Warren Zevon, The Tragically Hip and Doug and the Slugs. Now they’re rockin’ the vineyard.

Western Canada’s first punk band, The Furies, joins the bill for the first time. Back in 1977 when punk first came to Vancouver, The Furies were it. Now they bring their primitive style to Winestock. Wear your spikes (and we don’t mean golf).

Vancouver’s Coco Love Alcorn brings her jazz-inspired folk music to Winestock for the first time. The Antigonish-born singer has worked with the likes of Burton Cummings, Ani DiFranco, 54-40 and Jesse Cook. Now touring out of both Toronto and Vancouver, Coco’s voice has been compared to Aretha Franklin and Ella Fitzgerald. Don’t miss her!

Perennial Winestock favorite Wyckham Porteous  is back with a new act featuring his fabulous songwriting and a harder-edged sound.

Morning Bay’s favourite punker, Dave Rave of New York City,  promises to “rock the party” with his faithful bassman, Bill Culp  who does the best Carl Perkins this side of Memphis.

And back for more is Leslie Alexander with her husband, legendary music producer Johnnie Ellis. Leslie brings her country-influenced roots music that pleased Winestock fans two years ago.

All backed by the fabulous Morning Bay City Rollers, our inimitable house band featuring musicians from many of the west coast’s all-time top bands (Doug and the Slugs, Colin James and others).

All this in the little vineyard by the sea, drinking the wines made from those vines, enjoying music from Noon ’til Dusk, when everyone comes on stage for a monster jam. Only 300 tickets available. That’s Winestock, Labour Day Saturday, September 5, 2009. Morning Bay Vineyard & Estate Winery, 6621 Harbour Hill Drive, Pender Island, BC V0N 2M1 250-629-8351

Tickets $35 pp available on the website at www.morningbay.ca/winestock-music-festival.php.
In Vancouver at Dr. Vigari’s Gallery www.doctorvigarigallery.com (604) 255-9513 at 1312 Commercial Dr, BC
In Victoria at Classic Guitars on Fort, www.classicguitars.com, 250-389-6029, 828 Fort Street.
On Pender Island at Talisman Books and Gallery, www.talismanbooks.ca, 250-629-6944, Driftwood Centre, Pender Island, BC; and at Medicine Beach Fine Wines www.medicinebeach.com, 250-629-2024, Medicine Beach Store, Pender Island, BC.

To see video of last year’s Winestock, check out this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXOKPQ-GhgI

For further information, contact winestock-music-festival@morningbay.ca.

Directly from the Opus Bar Press Release

Canada Day at OPUS
High Speed Bike Racing, a Beer Garden and an After Party

OPUS Beer Garden
1pm-7pm

OPUS BAR & Zegna Sport After Party
7pm-late
Be a part of the Grand Prix action from our beer garden. Located at the corner of Davie and Hamilton.

After the medal ceremonies, join us in Opus Bar for the Zegna Sport after party. Prizes to be won!

Directly from the VanDusen Press Release:

Registration Information can be found under the Children and Families Section of VanDusen’s web site (www.vandusengarden.org ) or by calling 604-718-5898 or emailing summercamps@vandusen.org

July: three Saturdays - July 4,11 & 18  10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Over the Rainbow
A fusion of food, cooking art and nature - put the fun back into fruits and the verve back into veggies with a hands-on program that will encourage children to enjoy healthy snacks made with local, seasonal produce. Kids will create salads, sushi, sorbets, smoothies and more. Time will also be spent out in the Garden discovering the Heirloom Vegetable Garden, exploring nature and creating artwork inspired by their explorations.  This three-session program is for children 6 - 11 years of age. Children attend unaccompanied by an adult. Program fee covers admission to the Garden, the cost of food and art supplies. Cost: $ 110 per participant

August: Saturday, August 15 one-day camp 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
En Plein Air
Art ‘en plein air’ epitomized the techniques of Impressionist artists Monet, Renoir, Seurat and Cezanne. Looking at the artists of the period, participants will try their hand at Impressionistic painting styles out in the Garden. At the same time, they will experience fresh new flavours as they prepare and share a picnic lunch using local, seasonal ingredients.  This one-day program is for children ages 6 - 11 years of age. Children attend unaccompanied by an adult. Program fee covers admission to the Garden as well as food and art supplies. Cost: $45 per participant

Instructor for both courses - Karen Myskiw
Ms. Myskiw’s background combines experience in landscape design and home economics. Karen engages the potential of children through hands-on learning. Her passions fuse areas of cooking, art-making, gardening, writing and travel.

Directly from the Tourism Whistler Press Release:

Food Events:

Outstanding in the Field July 18, 2009

Join Araxi’s executive chef James Walt and North Arm Farm’s Jordan Sturdy for Outstanding in the Field’s first event in Pemberton, 35 kilometres north of Whistler. A long, linen-draped table beckons adventurous diners to celebrate food at the source. Beginning with a tour of North Arm Farm, guests will enjoy a five-course dinner and wine pairings set between the soil and the sky. To make a reservation visit www.outstandinginthefield.com .

Whistler Farmers’ Market June 21 - October 11, 2009

The Whistler Farmers’ Market takes over the pedestrian streets of the Upper Village (near The Fairmont Chateau Whistler) every Sunday during summer, featuring local produce from the Pemberton Valley and beyond, tasty artisan foods, live cooking demos by Whistler chefs and live music. Choose from a selection of crafts, organic and local produce, jams, honey, baked goods, jewellery and much more on offer. The market runs every Sunday from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. until October 11, 2009. www.whistlerfarmersmarket.org

Mountain Top Dining June 27 - September 7, 2009

Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening, from June 27 until September 7, Whistler Blackcomb hosts an incredible alpine dining experience at the Roundhouse Lodge on Whistler Mountain. Simply ride up on the Gondola and enjoy mouth-watering food while taking in famous Whistler views at 4,000 feet above the Village. Choose from Whole Hog Friday, the Saturday Night BBQ or the Sunday Salmon Bake. Live music plays on all nights. Tickets are available by calling 1.800.766.0449 or to find our more information visit www.whistlerblackcomb.com/todo/summer/dine.

Directly from the Taste of Victoria Press Release:

Victoria’s first annual Taste festival opens on July 16 with The Main Event, an evening devoted to BC wines and Island cuisine.  More than 150 BC wines will be featured and paired with delicious nibbles from Vancouver Island’s top chefs. Meet the characters from the kitchens and vineyards while you swirl, sniff, sip and savour to the tunes of jazz vocalist Emily Braden and the funky vibe of Greenlaw.

Taste Festival’s The Main Event is from 6:30pm to 9:30pm, July 16, at the Victoria Conference Centre’s Crystal Garden, Douglas Street, Victoria.  A limited number of $75 Early-Bird Tickets are available.  Contact the McPherson Box Office, 250-386-6121 or www.rmts.bc.ca, or visit the festival website at www.VictoriaTaste.com.  As of July 1, tickets are $100 and available through the same outlets.

Directly from the Sun Peaks Resort Press Release:

June 23, 2009 – Sustaining the local economy is even more important this summer and visitors and residents at Sun Peaks Resort will once again be supporting local farmers, ranchers and artisans. The award winning Sun Peaks & Region Farmers’ Market is returning for a 4th season and will be set up in the heart of the Sun Peaks Village on Sunday, June 28 from 10am to 2pm and will continue every Sunday all summer.

The Farmers’ Market at Sun Peaks had a record breaking season in 2008, with an average of 16 vendors each week and close to 20 during the BC150 Feastival Celebration during the August long weekend. The Sun Peaks Market was awarded the Best Small Market from the BC150 Farmers’ Market awards for its continued efforts to promote sustainable agriculture in the region.

Local vendors are extremely pleased with how the Sun Peaks Market has grown and say they are hoping people will continue to recognize the value of supporting local producers.

“The money you spend at my booth, I spend at the grocery store or the farmers market or the gas station,” says Kelsey Kashaluba of Fisherman’s Catch. “It’s a great big circle.”

The Sun Peaks Farmers’ Market will continue be an integral part of the community this summer. The Village will be alive with buskers and entertainment, creating a unique ambiance for customers while they shop for fresh fruits, organic vegetables, meats, seafood and crafts from local artisans.

Come up for the market and stay for the day in the natural mountain environment surrounding Sun Peaks. Ride the chairlift and hike in the alpine, go mountain biking, horseback riding or canoe at McGillivray Lake.

The Sun Peaks & Region Farmers’ Market will take place every Sunday this summer from 10am to 2pm.

Directly from the Yaletown Brewing Company Press Release:

Vancouver, BC – The Yaletown Brewing Company has reopened as a brew pub for the modern Yaletown, complete with renovations by Box Interior Designs and a new menu that showcases the combined efforts of executive chef Darren Watson and local comfort food authority Andrey Durbach.

The menu, which has been created by Durbach and is articulated by Watson, lends a fresh creative spin to comfort food while offering a nod to the classics. Long-time supporters of the neighbourhood fixture will be pleased to find familiar favorites such as Smoked Applewood Cheddar, Potato and Ale Soup, alongside new additions such as 5-hour Braised Short Ribs and Nagila Pale Ale infused BBQ Sauce, and Pizza topped with Tender Confit Duck Leg, Toasted Walnuts, Roquefort Blue Cheese and Fresh Arugula. In addition to the new menu items, guests will be pleased to learn that all pizza and pasta dough are now being made fresh in-house daily.

When it opened in 1994 as a forerunner in the emerging warehouse district of Yaletown, the YBC quickly earned a reputation as the neighborhood pub—celebrating fresh beer and a budget-friendly menu. As the area has continued to evolve, the Yaletown institution felt it was time to follow suit, enlisting the creative direction of Vancouver-based Box Interior Designs. The heritage brick and beam warehouse will continue to offer a variety of settings allowing guests to choose from the restaurant, pub, and wrap-around patio. Pony skin covered bar stools line the thirty-six seat elevated restaurant bar and lounge, featuring tables made from reconstituted butcher blocks.  In the surrounding dining room the refinished wood floors echo the warehouse feel of this heritage building. Modern accents such as Tiko Kerr paintings and recycled brew kegs act as chandeliers, while floor to ceiling glass sliding doors open onto the one hundred and thirty seat patio. In the adjacent Pub, blood-red upholstery saddles up to rich brown walls with a speakeasy taking centre stage. Flat screen TVs, pool tables and a lower lounge complete with vintage leather sofas and a fireplace make this the perfect place to have an after work drink with coworkers or watch the game with friends.

Directly from The Hart House Press Release:

June 22, 2009 (Vancouver, BC) – Lovers of Old World food and wine, unite!  Your passion for rustic Italian cuisine is satisfied this summer at Hart House’s Italian Garden Party.  Held on Wednesday, July 22 2009, the evening offers guests a feast for the senses with sumptuous food, outstanding Italian wines, and authentic live music.

Hart House’s annual Italian Garden Party starts in the estate’s elegant gardens with a casual tasting of wines selected from premium Italian regions by our Sommelier.

Guests may then purchase the featured wines from the tasting to pair with the al fresco buffet dinner that follows. The menu features Italian inspired cuisine. Guests are welcome to stroll around the beautiful Hart House lawn and gardens, enjoy the live music and take in the incomparable view of Deer Lake.

Celebrate and experience Italy’s fine wines and culinary traditions that have conquered taste buds around the world!

Italian Garden Party

Wednesday, July 22 2009  6:00 pm

$45 per person plus taxes and gratuity

Hart House at Deer Lake

6664 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby

Reservations by phone only at 604-298-4278

The Vancouver International Jazz Festival starts June 26th and runs until July 5th, 2009.

The BC Lions home opener is Friday July 10th, 2009.

Taste of Asia is on July 4th and 5th, 2009 at the Summer Night Market.

City TV’s Taste of the City is on July 18th, 2009.

Sun Peaks Wine and Culture Festival is July 17th to 19th, 2009.

Living Gluten Free Community Meet Up is on July 14th, 2009.

Summer Light Wild Rice Menu

July 2009

Choose any two food courses for $22 pp

Enjoy all three food courses for $27 pp

1

oriental crab cake

lime, chili, cilantro meritage

*suggested wine pairing 3oz lake breeze pinot gris

2

steamed sablefish

hemp seed and soy roasted bc fingerling potatoes

marinated cucumber, ginger threads, miso tamarind summer glaze

*suggested wine pairing 3oz joie noble blend

3

dairyless raspberry tart

ginger lemon sorbet

*suggested wine pairing 2oz gray monk late harvest kerner

*optional wine pairings available: any two for $10 or three for $15

Directly from Elixir Bistro Press Release:

Sunday Jazz Brunch

Every Sunday, join us in Elixir Bistro for jazz brunch featuring two celebrated Vancouver artists Jillian Lebeck and Adam Thomas

Directly from the Dr Peter Centre Press Release:

Vancouver, BC… On Sunday, September 20th from 6:00-9:00PM, the Dr. Peter Centre West End (1110 Comox Street, Vancouver) will host the 6th  Annual Passions – A benefit for the Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation.  Emceed by Global TV’s Sophie Lui and consisting of 19 top Vancouver Chefs, a steady flow of wine and live and silent auction items to knock your socks off, Passions is the hottest event on the culinary calendar.  Tickets are $200 and available online at www.drpeter.org  or by calling 604.331.3452 starting July 15, 2009.

A small gala with tonnes of spirit, Passions tickles your taste buds and tempts your palate while opening your heart. This year’s participating restaurants include: Bin 941/942, C Restaurant, Chambar Belgian Restaurant, CinCin, Crave Restaurants, Diva at the Met, El Barrio, Elixir, Fraîche Restaurant, Hamilton Street Grill, La Terrazza Restaurant, Le Gavroche, MIX the Bakery, O’Doul’s Restaurant & Bar, Provence Restaurants, So.Cial at Le Magasin, The Observatory, Tojo’s and Zin.  Passions is generously sponsored by A&B Party Rentals, Ethical Bean Coffee Company, Precision Graphics, The Vancouver Courier, BC Housing, The Flower Factory, and Firestain.

Prize Box

“Passions is an extraordinary evening filled with fantastic food, great fun and wonderful people,” says Leah Solomon, Development Manager for the Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation. “We were thrilled that the support we received from the community last year helped to make it a record-breaking year. We’re hoping for even greater things for 2009.”

The Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation is a non-profit organization specializing in health care services and programs for people with HIV/AIDS. The Foundation established the Dr. Peter Centre West End as the province’s only HIV/AIDS Day Health Program and 24-hour nursing care Residence. The only program of its kind in Canada, the Centre’s innovative, comprehensive model of care is improving people’s health and inspiring health care providers around the world. For more information on the Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation, Dr. Peter Centre West End, and Passions visit the website at www.drpeter.org.

Directly from the PICA Press Release:

Name Our Restaurant Contest!

Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts is excited to announce some changes to our onsite student-operated restaurant.  Coming in July - a new look, a new menu and (with your help) a new name!

We are looking for your help in choosing a name for our restaurant.

Entrants should take into consideration some of things that are important us and make us unique - we are a culinary school, we support our local businesses and suppliers, we are located near Granville Island and Fisherman’s Wharf, our restaurant has a beautfiul marina view.

To be eligible, entries must be submitted no later than Tuesday, June 30th, 2009 at 12:00 NOON (Pacific Standard Time).

Contest is restricted to B.C. residents, 18 years of age or older.

In the event that multiple entries are received for the same restaurant name and the name is chosen for the restaurant, a draw will be held to determine the winner of the contest prize.

The winning entrant will receive a gift certificate for dinner in our restaurant for four people valued at up to $200.00

Send your entry, along with your name, telephone number and email address to contest@picachef.com or fax to 604.734.4408.

Good Luck!

Directly from The Crime Lab Press Release:

June 18 2009 (Vancouver, BC) – The Crime Lab Restaurant in Coal Harbour is notorious for its innovative Martini list and now every Monday our Martinis will be only $7 including taxes.

Our bartender takes special pride in our unique and deadly Martini list that includes specialties like the “Smoking Gun” (vodka, cacao, Baileys & espresso), the “Third Degree” (tequila, amaretto, sweet & sour), and the “Body Bag” (vodka, melon, sour apple & lime).

Monday Martini is the perfect way to beat both the summertime heat and the economic recession.  Kick back on our patio and enjoy the cool air coming off the water while you indulge in a transcendent cocktail.  We’re open late, giving you the chance to drop by with your friends after a show or to rendezvous with that intriguing brunette for a romantic interlude.  And our kitchen is serving up tasty gems until 12:30 pm, so no late-night craving need go unsatisfied!

Crime Lab Restaurant

100-550 Denman Street, Vancouver

Open Daily 4:00pm – 1:00am

Directly form the Bishop’s Press Release:

(Vancouver, BC) – When you think of dinner at Bishop’s, you don’t usually imagine it coming out of a box but that is literally what will happen this coming July and August. Bishop’s Executive Chef Andrea Carlson is a huge supporter of CSA’s – Community Supported Agriculture. For those who are not yet familiar, CSAs allow small-producer farmers to pre-sell their crops. For a fee, people ‘subscribe’ to share in the harvest. Each week during the season, ‘shareholders’ receive a box brimming with just-picked, organic produce straight from the farm.

The trick with this system is that you never know exactly what you are going to receive from week to week. You might have a fair idea based on what is in season but you never actually know until you lift the lid. “Every week is a special creative challenge,” says Chef Carlson. “It’s a bit like Christmas, every box is a surprise - it’s a lot of fun to work with.”

Currently Bishop’s is supplied by two CSAs – Glorious Organics Cooperative (Fraser Common Farm) and City Farm Boy.

More than 30 years ago, a group of like-minded people banded together to form Fraser Common Farm Cooperative which bought its first ten acres of farmland near Aldergrove. Eight years ago, they were able to purchase a neighbouring property thereby doubling their land base and production. Two co-ops - Fraser Common Farm Co-op, whose shareholders own the land, and Glorious Organics Co-op, who farm it - work together to run this ‘community farm.’ Members of the farming co-op are all shareholders in the land co-op. David Catzel, who heads up the CSA ‘division’ of the Fraser Common Farm, says they grow more than 30 varieties of salad greens along with peas, beans, squash, garlic, herbs, onions, leeks, beets, carrots, potatoes, fennel, Jerusalem artichokes and edible flowers.

City Farm Boy, the brainchild of Ward Teulon, is the ‘new kid’ on the CSA block. Mr. Teulon’s approach is unique, he farms plots of land within Vancouver – usually yard gardens in private homes or unused allotment spaces. This year he is selling only 30 ‘shares’ and has planted a wide range of produce: beans, broad beans, beets, carrots, rhubarb, sugar snap peas, cucumbers along with several varieties of lettuce, peppers and tomatoes to name only a small portion of the 2009 crop.

“From each box I create a menu that accommodates approximately 10 people as our fresh sheet and early bird menus. When it’s gone it’s gone. They send what they harvest - that’s the point - it’s sharing in a portion of the harvest - not customizing,” says Chef Carlson.

The three-course ‘Out of the Box’ early bird menu is available every evening in July and August (while supplies last) from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. The price of only $38 is certainly a pleasant surprise.

If you wish to add a wine pairing created by Maitre d’ Abel Jacinto, then that is an additional $20 for 3 oz. pours or $38 if you prefer larger 6 oz. pours.