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 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!

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.

Directly From the Fraser Valley Wineries Association Press Release:

Langley, BC… The Fraser Valley Wineries Association (FVWA) is thrilled to announce their 2nd Annual Wine & Culinary Extravaganza, coming to Langley’s Highpoint Equestrian Estate Community (2 Avenue at 200 Street, Langley) on June 27, 2009 from 2:00-5:00PM.  The wineries of the Fraser Valley are once again pairing up with the hottest local restaurants for a spectacular afternoon of food, wine and live entertainment. This year, participating restaurants include: Bacchus Bistro, Coza! Tuscan Grill, Memphis Blues, Restaurant 62, Sonoma Grill, The Seasonal Experience, and more.  Be sure to check the website for up to date information. Last year’s event was hugely successful, and this year we anticipate no less.  Tickets are $50 + tax and are available now at 1-800-663-1900 or www.fvwa.ca.

Once again, partial proceeds raised from the FVWA Wine & Culinary Extravaganza will go to Langley’s Pacific Riding for Developing Abilities. This organization was established in 1973 to provide therapeutic horseback riding to individuals with physical, cognitive and emotional disabilities. Equine assisted therapy has long been recognized as an excellent means of providing physical, psychological, social and recreational benefits to children and adults with disabilities. Pacific Riding for Developing Abilities is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people with a wide range of disabilities.  For more information on Pacific Riding for Developing Abilities, visit www.prda.ca.

The 12 wineries of the Fraser Valley Wineries Association are located just outside of Vancouver, making for a short drive to enjoy a taste of the Valley. With great local wines, food and farm-fresh ingredients, the FVWA Wine & Culinary Extravaganza is your opportunity to celebrate country life in BC. Formed in 2006, The Fraser Valley Wineries Association includes: Domaine de Chaberton Estate Winery, The Fort Wine Company, Lotusland, Lulu Island Winery, Mt. Lehman Winery, Pacific Breeze Winery, Real Estate Vineyards & Winery, River’s Bend Winery, Sanduz Estate Winery, St. Urban Winery Ltd., Wellbrook Winery, and Westham Island Estate Winery.  For more information, visit their website at www.fvwa.ca.

Directly from the VSO Press Release:

Bramwell Tovey and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra perform Carl Orff’s thrilling Carmina Burana in a sensational Season Finale concert!

Vancouver BC – The VSO’s Season Finale is a real barn-burner: Carl Orff’s extraordinary masterpiece Carmina Burana is a musical setting of medieval poetry, from the sacred to the profane, from devotional love and piety to drinking songs and debauchery! It also happens to be one of the wildest live concert experiences you can possibly have. Combined with Stravinsky’s Symphony of Psalms, this concert is a magnificent Season Finale for Lower Mainland audiences, and a prelude to the excitement of the 2009/2010 Season!

Maestro Bramwell Tovey wields the baton in this massive concert that features soprano Laura Whalen, tenor Colin Ainsworth, baritone Hugh Russell, the Vancouver Bach Choir, and the Vancouver Bach Children’s Chorus. Concerts take place on Saturday and Monday, June 13th and 15th, 8pm at the Orpheum Theatre.

Carmina Burana was German composer Carl Orff’s first and greatest success. It is a scenic cantata composed between 1935 and 1936 based on 24 of the poems found in the medieval collection of the same name. In 1803, at the monastery of Benediktbeuern in Upper Bavaria, musicologist J. A. Schmeller discovered a manuscript collection of lyrics, dating from the twelfth and thirteenth centuries and eventually published it in 1847. The polite side of the collection includes six plays based on the Christmas, Passion and Easter mysteries. The earthier part contains some 200 drinking songs, love lyrics and recruiting songs.

When Orff came across the manuscript in 1935, he saw in it the ideal vehicle to express the kind of basic, uncomplicated human emotions he had in mind. Choosing two dozen poems from the collection, with the assistance of Michel Hofmann, he matched them with equally direct music, featuring simple yet striking rhythms, melodies and harmonies. “It’s not sophisticated, not intellectual,” he wrote, “and the themes of my work are themes that everyone knows…There is a spiritual power behind my work, that’s why it is accepted throughout the world.” The premiere took place in Frankfurt on June 8, 1937.

The illuminated pictures that accompanied the original poems intrigued Orff virtually as much as the words. The cover showed luck as a revolving wheel, blindly governing people’s destinies. Orff begins his Carmina Burana with a grandiose hymn, Fortuna Imperatrix Mundi (Luck, Empress of the World), saluting this inscrutable, unpredictable concept. O Fortuna is one of the grandest statements in all of music, and has become famous world-wide. This extraordinary music from the beginning of Carmina Burana has been used in movies, commercials, and in sports arenas around the world as a trigger for creating feelings of drama and thrilling anticipation. Primo vere (In Springtime), follows. It deals, mostly in quiet, mysterious fashion, with the anticipated arrival of that season. Joy eventually breaks forth as Spring itself appears. It is celebrated in the section entitled Uf dem anger (On the Green).

The next segment, In Taberna (In the Tavern) salutes the juice of the grape in riotous fashion. The tenor soloist, singing in falsetto, takes the role of a swan roasting slowly and sadly on a spit. The baritone is an Abbot who launches the men of the choir into a rollicking ode to drink.

Cour d’amours (Court of Love) brings several of Orff’s loveliest, most lyrical moments. The soprano solo In trutina (In the Balance) a glowing anticipation of fulfillment, is a particular highlight. After the ecstatic fervor of Blanziflor et Helena (Blanchefleur and Helen, the principal characters in a medieval romance), Orff’s ode to luck returns, to close Carmina Burana as majestically as it began.

Igor Stravinsky’s Symphony of Psalms was commissioned in 1929 by conductor Serge Koussevitzky, for the fiftieth anniversary of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. He used this opportunity to realize a project he had been considering for some time: a setting of selected Biblical Psalms for chorus and orchestra.

“I began with Psalm 150,” Stravinsky wrote. “After finishing the fast-tempo sections, I went back to compose the first and second movements…The first movement, Hear my prayer, O Lord, (Psalm 39) was composed in a state of religious and musical symbolism in any of my music before The Flood. It consists of an upside-down pyramid of fugues.

“The Allegro in Psalm 150 (Finale of the Symphony) was inspired by a vision of Elijah’s chariot climbing to the heavens; never before had I written anything quite so literal as the triplets for horns and piano to suggest the horses and chariot. In setting the words of this final hymn, I cared above all for the sounds of the syllables, and I have indulged my besetting pleasure of regulating prosody in my own way.”

Stravinsky, who had become a regular communicant of the Russian Orthodox Church in 1926, inscribed the score of Symphony of Psalms “To the Glory of God.” The orchestration includes enlarged wind and brass sections, but excludes violins and violas.

Directly from the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts Press Release:

(VANCOUVER, BC) – Feeling Crabby? Indulge your crabbiness with a three-course menu built around our fresh and local BC Dungeness Crab. For three weeks only, starting Tuesday, June 9th, Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts’ soon-to-be graduating class will be cracking, shelling and cooking in the kitchen for their BC Dungeness Excrabagannza Menu.

The excrabaganza is available for lunch and dinner in the marina-view restaurant at Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts. For $38 per person (excluding taxes and gratuities) crab lovers can choose from a number of dishes on our three-course menu including crab bisque, crab cakes, wild sockeye salmon with crab hollandaise …A detailed menu is attached.

This limited time menu is only offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays along side our regular weekly restaurant menu currently featuring BC Spot Prawns (so crabby people can still bring along their not-so-crabby dining companions)

Reservations are highly recommended and available by telephone at 604.734.4488 or online at www.picachef.com. Special discount and promotional coupons not accepted.

Directly from the Wild Rice Press Release:

(Vancouver, BC) – “Summertime and the living is easy” or so the song goes. When the warmer days finally arrive, we feel less inclined to spend time cooking over a hot stove. Summer fare tends to be easier and lighter in keeping with our lighter appetites.

At Wild Rice, celebrating the lightness of summer is as easy as one, two, three. Each month from June through September, Wild Rice will present a special Summer Light Menu. Lighter seasonal ingredients, lighter flavours and light on your pocket book.

Each menu comes with three different food courses. You pick any two for only $22 or enjoy all three for $27.

June’s menu includes Caramelized Qualicum Bay Scallop on a Salad of Pea and Bamboo Shoots, Seared Orange-spiced BC Albacore Tuna served with a Coconut Ginger Rice Cake with a cooling Mango Cucumber Emulsion and Coconut Beignets with Star Anise Caramel and Spiced Pineapple Sorbet.

Owner Andrew Wong has also suggested an optional wine pairing for each course representing some of BC’s finest summer sippers - Joie Noble Blend, Wild Goose Gewürztraminer and Mt. Boucherie Late Harvest Chardonnay. Same light pricing – any two for $10 or get all three for $15.

The Summer Light Menu is offered every day. Wild Rice is open every evening for dinner starting at 5 p.m. and on Fridays for lunch as well starting at 11:30 a.m. Reservations are now accepted at Wild Rice and can be made on line at
www.wildricevancouver.com or by calling 604.642.2882

Directly from The Smoking Dog Press Release:

THE SMOKING DOG FRENCH BISTRO CELEBRATES AN ANNIVERSARY

Wednesday, June 10th, 6:30 pm – Midnight

The Smoking Dog French Bistro invites you to celebrate

Jean and Jude’s four year anniversary as owners of “The Dog”,

a Kitsilano neighbourhood icon for  12 years.

Join us for an evening of great food, great drinks and great music

Ticket’s $25 per person

Included - Hors d’oeuvres will flow all night,

unlimited Pomme Frites and as a special one night feature,

all wines and feature cocktails at just $5 a glass

FEATURING SPECIAL GUEST

JUNO AWARD WINNER JIM BYRNES

Reserve by telephone with a credit card at 604-732-8811

or purchase in advance at the door

Directly from the Mink Chocolate Press Release:

May 25, 2009 (Vancouver, BC) –Mink A Chocolate Café is pleased to announce that it will be supporting the Canucks Autism Network (CAN) this June.

Every month, the staff at Mink A Chocolate Café donates 100% of their tips to a registered charity of their choice.  This June, CAN will be the beneficiary of their goodwill.  CAN makes a positive difference in the lives of children with autism and their families, offering a range of recreational, sports, social, and vocational development programs.  Some of their most popular programs include Zajac Ranch for Children, which provides a safe and fun summer camp experience; the opportunity to participate in a tour of GM Place; and a soccer program.  CAN will also shortly be introducing a martial arts program and a peer friendship program that will provide social and relationship building opportunities.

We hope that you will help us support this worthy organization the next time you stop by Mink A Chocolate Café to pick up one of our luxurious handmade chocolate bars or a cup of freshly-brewed coffee.

Directly from the Summerlicious Press Release:

Summerlicious presented by American Express returns July 3 to 19. A list of restaurants and their menus can now be found at www.toronto.ca/summerlicious and in brochures distributed to participating locations and civic centres throughout Toronto.

Now in its seventh year, Summerlicious features three-course prix fixe menus ($15, $20 or $30 for lunch and $25, $35 or $45 for dinner) at 150 of Toronto’s finest dining establishments across the city.

Restaurants will begin taking Summerlicious reservations on June 18 and American Express Cardmembers can go to the Front Of The Line® to book early reservations on June 16 and 17.

There are 12 new restaurants on this year’s line-up:  Café du Lac, Didier, Domani Restaurant and Wine Bar, Hot House Café, Kultura, Levack Block, Lucien, Madeline’s, MoRoCo Chocolat, Turf Lounge, Vibo and Vivah Festive Indian Cuisine.

Vincor Canada returns as the official wine sponsor of the event, featuring wine selections by Toasted Head and Kim Crawford paired up with select menus at participating restaurants. Other popular local and international brands are also available. The complete list is featured on the Vincor website www.vincorcanada.com.

New for this year is Pilsner Urquell, the official beer sponsor for Summerlicious. The original Pilsner’s long-standing commitment to tradition and authenticity, along with its full-flavoured and bittersweet but perfectly balanced taste, make it a refreshing complement to any Summerlicious meal.

Directly from the Okanagan Feast of Fields Press Release:

Kelowna, BC: FarmFolk/CityFolk  is pleased to announce the location and date for the Okanagan’s first Feast of Fields event. On Sunday, August 23, Summerland’s Valentine Farm will play host to the celebration of farmers, vintners, chefs, artisans and producers of all kinds.

“The event represents participants from across the entire Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys,” says Rhys Pender, local event coordinator. “Summerland’s central Okanagan location is an ideal spot to kick off the region’s first Feast of Fields and Valentine Farm offers everything we need to stage an exceptional culinary celebration.”

Early bird tickets for FarmFolk/CityFolk’s fundraising event will go on sale today, Friday, May 15 at www.feastoffields.com. Tickets start at $75 for adults and $15 for children and are available at this price until June 30 when the regular price comes into effect.

Feast of Fields showcases the strong connections between farmer and chef and highlights producers of Okanagan wine, beer and artisanal food products. The area’s food and agricultural communities unite to present a fantastic culinary showcase while raising awareness of the importance and enjoyment of eating locally. Stay tuned to see who is participating!

The Feast of Fields experience takes guests on a delicious journey through the area’s many faces and flavours. Upon arrival at the host farm they are handed a wine glass, a linen napkin and a program that outlines all that’s on offer to see, drink and eat. Wandering throughout the farm, guests meet chefs, farmers, vintners, brewers and food artisans, to taste their products, ask questions, and learn more about where their food comes from.

Directly from the Vancouver Feast of Fields Press Release:

15th Annual Feast of Fields Fundraiser

Prepare your taste buds!  FarmFolk/CityFolk’s annual foodie fundraiser will be returning to UBC Farm, Vancouver’s only working farmland, on September 13th 2009. This extravagant event highlights the many connections between farmers and chefs from across British Columbia. Savour a wide variety of delectable appetizers prepared by the best BC chefs, and quench your thirst with the finest wines from across the province, all the while increasing your awareness of local food.  BC’s restaurants, wineries, micro-breweries and food producers are getting ready to tempt your palate!  Don’t miss out on Feast of Fields–Vancouver’s gourmet picnic festival.

September 13th 2009     1pm-5pm
UBC Farm    6182 South Campus Road, Vancouver, BC

INFO: feastoffields.com or 604.730.0450
Early Bird tickets available on-line June 1st at feastoffields.com for $75
Regular priced tickets available August 1st at feastoffields.com and at all Choices Markets for $85.

Directly from the Tinhorn Creek Vineyards Press Release:

Oliver, BC… Outdoor concerts are an excellent way to spend your summer evenings, and Tinhorn Creek Vineyards is the best place to take it all in.  Plus, they have put together a summer line-up you just can’t miss.  Once a month, from May through September, Tinhorn Creek hosts a Canadian band or musician in their picturesque outdoor amphitheatre, helping you to sit back and soak up the summer all while supporting our local artists.

Kicking the season off on May 23rd, The Town Pants will take the stage, belting out their signature “West Coast Celtic” style - combining aspects of Irish traditional, acoustic pop, roots Americana, and even Australian and Mexican influences. Next up, on June 27th, is singer/songwriter Alex Cuba, bringing his trademark sugarcane-sweet melodies, pop-soul hooks and rock chords that subtly subvert commonly held notions of what Cuban music is.  Following Cuba is Hey Ocean!, a young band with an extraordinary talent for blending various musical styles into a brand of infectious pop that is uniquely their own, who will roll into town on July 25th. Then on August 22nd, Current Swell delivers their distinctive style of music, deeply rooted in folk and blues, reggae inspired, and rock driven. If that isn’t enough for you, to top it off on September 19th Juno Award winning Corb Lund and his band, the Hurtin’ Albertans, will put on a show to close the season.

Tickets for both the Canadian Concert Series (The Town Pants, Alex Cuba, Hey Ocean!, Current Swell) and Corb Lund and the Hurtin’ Albertans are still available by calling the winery at 1.888.484.6467.  Purchase a season’s pass (tickets to all 4 Canadian Concert Series shows) for $125, or go show-by-show for $35 each.  Tickets to Corb Lund are $200 and include a pre-concert barbeque and cowboy hat.

Directly from The Blue Water Cafe + Raw Bar Press Release:

Vancouver, B.C.  - Drawing from the canon of excellence that elevated Blue Water Cafe + Raw Bar to one  of the finest restaurants in the Pacific Northwest, executive chef Frank Pabst shares more than eighty easy-to-follow recipes in his new cookbook.

Pabst has helped lead the West Coast food community in promoting sustainability through his support of the Vancouver Aquarium’s Ocean Wise program and his creation of Blue Water Cafe’s “Unsung Heroes” menu, prominently featured within the book. Complementing Pabst’s French-inspired approach to food are the Japanese traditions of Chef Yoshi Tabo, head of the restaurant’s Raw Bar.

Chefs Pabst and Tabo unveil secrets for creating sustainable seafood delicacies in recipes such as Sablefish caramelized with Soy and Sake; Spot Prawns with Samphire and Miso-Yuzu Sauce; Red Sea Urchin in a Cucumber Vichyssoise with Kusshi Oysters and Lemon Cream; Albacore Tuna Goma-ae; and Hawaiian Yellowtail Sashimi.

Recently published by Douglas & McIntyre, also featured are 120 full-colour photographs as well as companion text by Jim Tobler, illustrating the essence of the place and the talented team that has built the restaurant’s international reputation.

Blue Water Cafe Cookbook Recipes:  Kusshi Oysters and Grilled Halibut Tail